FLASHBACK: When Russia Invaded Ukraine in 2014, NBC Whined That Trump Called Obama ‘Weak’

Things don’t really change when it comes to protecting Democratic presidents. Well, at least on NBC. This week saw Russia invade Ukraine just over a month after Joe Biden gave the green light by saying a “minor incursion” was no big deal. Russia invaded Crimea, and Matt Lauer (not-yet) chided Donald Trump about calling him weak.

On March 13, 2014, Trump appeared to promote the Miss USA pageant, but Lauer was agitated by Trump’s critique of Obama: “You’ve been critical of the President and his handling of the situation with Ukraine and Crimea.”

He continued, “I think you said, I’m paraphrasing here, but basically Putin was playing with or toying with Obama. It is sort of the common refrain from yours ….YYou always believe that Obama is weak.”

Lauer demanded, “What would you have done differently than he did in the days before Russian troops went into Crimea?”

Regarding Russia, media outlets in 2012 mocked then-Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney for calling the country “our number one geopolitical foe.” They cheered Obama for saying that “the 1980s are now calling to ask for their foreign policy back.”

You can find more FLASHBACK examples in our NewsBusters Time Machine. Go here.

This is the transcription of the March 13th, 2014 exchange. For more information, please click the “expand” button. 

8.35 am ET

(…)

MATT LAUER (Speaking of Russia).

DONNALD TRUMP:

LAUER: OK, so you have been critical about the President’s handling of Ukraine and Crimea. Although you may have misunderstood, Putin seemed to be playing or toying with Obama. It is something you seem to have a lot in common, so I will mention it. It is a common belief that you have.

DONALD TRUMP: Yes, along with a bunch of others.

LAUER : Obama seems to be weak. Would you rather have done something different than Obama did before the Russians invaded Crimea?

TRUMP: First of all it shouldn’t have happened.

LAUER: What would you do immediately?

TRUMP: No, no. This should never have happened. That doesn’t happen when you’re president and that’s no surprise. It should have been so.

Despite all that, the fact it’s their neighbor means they can come and stop us doing anything with Mexico. Ok, now you get it. You know who it is?

However, we must remain strong. Sanctions should be taken. Also, we must show strength. Putin has eaten Obama’s lunch and therefore, our lunches for a very long time. It’s hard to believe that Obama isn’t doing something foolish or stupid in order to prove his manhood. It’s my hope it doesn’t.

TAMRONHALL: OK, now let’s discuss your political career. You’ve been rumored to be running for New York Governor. I believe the announcement will be sometime in the next week. However, you are present now. The news was broke by you [the Miss USA Pageant being held in] Baton Rouge. Tell us now, if you are interested in running for Governor.

TRUMP: It’s just that I think about it.

HALL: You’ve thought about this for some time, don’t you?

TRUMP: No, no. I was visited by the Republican leaders. They are desperate for me to run, and I feel I could win, if you really want the truth.

HALL: Are you ready to let your heart run?

TRUMP: Very soon I will be able tell you that they must unify the party. New York’s Republican Party is in chaos. Since many years they’ve not been able to win an election against Democrats. Then I replied, “If we unify our party, I will do it.” But they are not capable of unifying the party. They could, however.

HALL: However, some think that unifying is a way for you to be the one and only option.

TRUMP: Do you want to know the truth? That’s true.

HALL: Okay.

TRUMP: Okay? It’s true. This is something I would not want to do. It will waste my effort and time. It is possible to win this election. New York faces many challenges, not least because it is the country with the highest tax rates in America. However, I believe it can still be won.

LAUER – Make your announcement quickly. Erin, I will vote for you, if possible.

HALL: Yes, Erin.

ERIN BRADY [MISS USA]: I’m grateful. It’s possible that this will happen in the future.

LAUER: Here you are.

HALL It’s my favorite thing.

LAUER – Donald Trump, Miss USA Erin Brady. Many thanks to all of you. Again, the 2014 Miss USA Competition can be viewed here, at 8/7 Central Time.