Mr. Trump’s softer tone toward Russia enables him to prop up the Russian leader in the eyes of the world, and, perhaps more important, in the eyes of his own people. This may indeed make him a more reliable partner in resolving the thorny problems of Iran and Syria.

But in the end, what is this really about? It is long past time for the media and Eastern intelligentsia to accept the results of the November election, not blame it on Russian interference, and perhaps look to their own arrogance and snobbery.

ALEXANDER GOLDSTEIN, BROOKLYN

To the Editor:

President Trump has always lived his life on the edge. Since he won the presidency, his supporters have always cut him slack and turned a blind eye to his personality quirks and untoward remarks. The idea was to let Trump be Trump. But this time, he has crossed the Rubicon. He has passed the point of no return.

PHIL SERPICO

KEW GARDENS, QUEENS

To the Editor:

Re “Mr. Trump Parrots Russia’s Leader” (editorial, July 17):

I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone is surprised, much less gobsmacked, as your editorial puts it, at President Trump’s behavior in his press conference with Vladimir Putin. Mr. Trump is nothing if not consistent and predictable. His focus is winning and losing; his main goal is “Trump wins.”

With such a worldview, it is impossible for him to ever admit that he might have had Russia’s help in the biggest win of his life. Mr. Putin’s denial of Russian interference reassures the president that he is first and foremost a winner. Sadly, for Mr. Trump that matters more than anything or anyone else.

ANNE-MARIE HISLOP, CHICAGO

To the Editor:

Here’s something that doesn’t make sense. Let’s say we give President Trump the benefit of the doubt and accept that he sincerely doesn’t believe that the Russians interfered in our election. Why then has he not said something like the following?

“I really don’t believe that the Russians did this, but I encourage our intelligence people to continue looking into the matter and find out who did. Further, the most important thing is to make sure that no such meddling occurs in the future. I am therefore setting up a commission to see how we can ensure that all future elections are secure from criminal interference. After all, fair elections are the keystone of our democracy.”