There’s much outrage on the left and even on the right about President Donald J. “Donnie Two Scoops” Trumpet’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir “Vladdie the Laddie, Rootin’, Tootin’” Putin in Helsinki Monday, in which he threw U.S. intelligence under the bus and sided with his BFF. But really at this point why is any of this surprising? What else was he going to say?

It’s in Donnie’s interest to question American intelligence, which has concluded that the Russians interfered in the 2016 presidential election – a conclusion that has been supported by the recent indictment of a dozen Russian nationals by the Department of Justice – and to support Vladdie, who has denied any wrongdoing. This allows Donnie to preserve the illusion that he won the election fair and square and, more important, that he is greatly loved.

Trump is a narcissistic salesman who must be liked and loved. Remember, he supports Boris Johnson, his Brit counterpart, for prime minister, because Johnson has said good things about him. Johnson likes him – or at least pretends to.

Putin, a former KGB agent, understands the importance of getting under an adversary’s skin. So, what does he do? He withholds affection – leaning back as Trump leans in – drawing his subject deeper under his spell. And Trump, right on cue, swoons.

It’s disturbing, even frightening but as long as we’re on to Trump’s and Putin’s games, there’s little advantage to either of them. Just today Maria Butina, a Russian gun rights activist, was charged as an agent trying to infiltrate U.S. political groups.

Yes, Trump is acting against American interests, but the system still works. And it will continue to do so as long as we remain vigilant and active – and vote.