(09-29-2023, 11:57 AM)mikesez Wrote:

(09-29-2023, 11:41 AM)homebiscuit Wrote: They obviously didn't take the Russian method to heart. They exchanged an anthem-kneeling black lesbian for a king's ransom because they knew those attributes are what is most valued by this administration. We know this because they left Paul Whelan to rot. 

And what did his genuflection to Putin's demands get us? Another U.S. hostage taken in Evan Gershkovich. 

The ENTIRE world sees the Biden administration as total pushovers. Especially when it comes to catering to racial and sexual minorities.

Your interpretation is far from the simplest or most obvious.  Defense consultants and journalists pose much more of a threat to a guy like Putin than basketball players, regardless of race or sexuality.  

We know they negotiated over Whelan, and the negotiation didn't work out.
Takes two to tango. 
One interpretation is Biden wanted Griner more, for the reasons you list.  
Another interpretation is Putin valued Whelan more, and his price was more than any reasonable US President would ever pay.
Insisting on your interpretation is literally blaming America first.  You're in the blame America first crowd.  That's not good.