A tearful Putin claims Russian election victory

[Ed Anger]

Putin on the Ritz.

[DGuller]

I wonder how a Putin type figure would do in the US.  It's not something pleasant to think of.

We may have had a number of Putins in our history as presidents.  The difference is that the level of power US president has in domestic politics is not enough to usurp power so nakedly and so obviously, and US populace, for all its faults, is way less likely to let him get away with it without destroying his legitimacy.

[11B4V]

Still dont like Russians. Probably never will. Just Euro-Hillbillies.

[Razgovory]

I wonder how a Putin type figure would do in the US.  It's not something pleasant to think of.

Going by what Putin did the first time around, he wouldn't last half his term.

Really?  What do you mean?

[DontSayBanana]

Putin on the Ritz.

Haven't we Putin huff puns on the page already?

[Tonitrus]

Hey DG, any idea what the average Russian thinks of Putin?  There are some positive things in his reign.  The economy has done much better and the Chechens have been suppressed.  Many of the hated Oligarchs have been destroyed (if only to be replaced by more loyal, lower profile ones).  All it cost was a bit of liberty.  I wonder how a Putin type figure would do in the US.  It's not something pleasant to think of.

I don't know what the average Russian thinks.  Internet and social media can only give you a glimpse into the mind of an above-average Russian.  My guess, given my knowledge of Russian psyche, is that the average Russian is happy to diss Putin in the kitchen from time to time with moderate annoyance, but doesn't think that Russia has an alternative.  The average Russian doesn't realize that having Putins in power is one way to ensure that there will never be an alternative to Putins.

Was at a speech here recently by a professor at the local grad school discussing the then upcoming election, and she was showing polling data (from what she considered probably the only independent, and somewhat anti-government polling organization)...most interesting was from the question "Who do think would best solve Russia's problems?"....Putin got about 14%, with the rest not more than 5%.  The big winner was "None of them" at 40%-ish.

I tend to think Putin is mostly considered among most Russians to be the "safe" choice for managing stability, something I tend to think Russians desire most these days.  The second-placing communist candidate, Zyuganov probably well represents mostly the older generation (and to a much lesser extent, young commies).

Also interesting to note...districts in the northern Caucuses were pulling in over 90% for Putin.  I guess terrorists and combatants don't vote, and those that do want Putin around to knock them around when necessary. 

But for the most part, I get the impression that the elections in Russia are not really rigged that much (for localized shenanigans, our suck pretty well too)....but then, I think Putin knows very well that they don't need to be, and is suave enough to know that unrealistically high numbers would just be stupid (like the Kazakhstani president's last results well over 90%, or Lukashenko's).

[Sheilbh]

Also interesting to note...districts in the northern Caucuses were pulling in over 90% for Putin.  I guess terrorists and combatants don't vote, and those that do want Putin around to knock them around when necessary. 

I think in Chechnya Putin got 99.57% of the vote with 95% turnout.  Outstanding.

[DGuller]

They're rigged, they're just rigged long before the voting ever starts.  When it comes time to vote, they are only rigged a little bit on the election day.

[Josquius]

What a surprise result

[fhdz]

Putin on the Ritz.

Yes.

[DontSayBanana]

Putin on the Ritz.

Yes.

Fashion sits in Putin's lap?

Because that picture is creepy as fuck.

[Sheilbh]

Fashion sits in Putin's lap?

Yes.

[Habbaku]

http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/27-reasons-why-putin-definitely-won-the-russian-pr

[DGuller]

Is he really cleaning the teeth in #8?  Looks like interrogation to me.  And  at #25.

[Sheilbh]

I love number 12.