Thread by @sam_vinograd

I spoke with @PoppyHarlowCNN @CNN @GovRichardson about the @realDonaldTrump bark vs. bite at #NATOSummit 1) @POTUS actions on @NATO don't match his rhetoric (in a good way) @DeptofDefense is making LT commitments to @NATO i.e. new command center in VA, more $$ in Europe and more

2) On the "Russian Captive" comment/ pot calling the Trumpian kettle black moment: Germany is dependent on Russian energy and is giving Russia $ for energy imports. We've seen how easily Russia turned off the heat and lights in Ukraine - Germany probably wont push the envelope

too far w/ Russia when they're getting this much energy from them. Our credibility on energy security is dicey tho, we are effectively giving Russia more $$ by taking Iranian energy offline if prices rise because of tighter supply

3) On the bilateral meeting press spray - @POTUS comments on Germany schitzophrenic today, but focusing on the positive post meeting readout -- underscores that the closest of "tremendous" friends can have differences which they address diplomatically, as friends

4) Notable that neither @POTUS or Merkel mentioned Russia as a topic they discussed during their bilateral -- major threat to the @NATO alliance, CW attack in UK, ongoing cyber attacks, Crimea, Syria, and more? Would have thought it would be a priority agenda item for both

5) thanks for having me @PoppyHarlowCNN snappytv.com/tc/8449498