Putin weaponizes BLM, Jan. 6 in exploiting US divisions: The Note

Russian President Vladimir Putin showed a keen understanding of U.S. domestic politics that will follow President Joe Biden back home.

The TAKE with Rick Klein It was a summit that might be remembered for its relative calm, with vague statements of optimism and a formal commitment to "stability," along with a joint affinity for quoting President Joe Biden's mom. But beyond Russian President Vladimir Putin's refusal to take responsibility for aggressive acts on the international stage, up to and including attempts to interfere with American elections, Putin showed a keen understanding of U.S. domestic politics that will follow Biden back home. Asked by ABC News congressional correspondent Rachel Scott about his efforts to silence political opponents, Putin responded with a pointed and false -- but still potent -- brand of what-aboutism. He attributed "destruction, violations of the law" to the Black Lives Matter movement -- and parroted misleading talking points in reference to Jan. 6.