Scott Ritter says it like it is. The truth here overwhelms.

Politicians feed off the desires of the American people. The American
people are woefully ignorant about the reality of Russia.
Russophobia has seized control of American minds and there are no vaccines or antidotes available for
this disease. It will continue to infect the electoral process, guaranteeing that people running for
office will articulate policies uh that paint Putin in a bad light to paint Russia in a bad
light. Thus avoiding the opportunity for peace.
Politicians appease people to get sufficient votes to win. Putin will not be man of the year here anytime soon. The empire wants to keep its secrets. Russiaphobia fits the need.