Putin Endorses Kalama Harris
The Washington Post – Douglas Whitman
Some Kamala Harris Supporters Might Be Ironically Cheering Putin’s Endorsement of Her, But Let’s Pause for a Second
In the strange world of global politics, it’s not every day that a foreign leader especially one as notorious as Russian President Vladimir Putin — endorses a candidate in the US presidential race. Yet, that’s exactly what happened when Putin, during a speech at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, threw out some cheeky remarks favouring Kamala Harris over Donald Trump. While some of her supporters might find this amusing, let’s take a moment to unpack what’s really happening.
First off, do you really want to celebrate an endorsement from a dictator?
Putin isn’t exactly known for championing democratic ideals, so getting his seal of approval comes with a fair share of irony. A leader who cracks down on opposition, controls media narratives, and extends his reign through questionable means might not be the best cheerleader for American democracy. While his endorsement might provoke a laugh, it raises an uncomfortable question: Should we really take this seriously?
Wait till you hear why he actually prefers her
So, why does Putin seem to prefer Kamala Harris? According to him, it’s because of her “infectious” laugh and what he described as “brat energy.” In typical Putin fashion, his reasoning doesn’t dive into her policies, experience, or leadership qualities but focuses on something as trivial as her laugh. Clearly, this isn’t an endorsement based on serious geopolitical analysis, but more of a jab at the nature of American political discourse.
Putin called President Biden the Acting President
If you thought Putin’s comments about Harris were light-hearted, he didn’t stop there. The Russian leader went on to refer to Joe Biden as the “Acting President,” suggesting Harris is running the show. This adds another layer of trolling, as Putin seizes every opportunity to highlight perceived weaknesses in US leadership. The fact that these remarks came shortly after two Russian media executives were charged with trying to influence the US election only adds fuel to the fire.
What does this all mean?
In the end, Putin’s playful endorsement of Kamala Harris is likely more about mocking the US election process than showing any genuine support. His comment serves as a reminder that foreign leaders, especially adversaries, often use satire and trolling to sow confusion or create division. While some may find it funny, it’s worth remembering that this type of rhetoric is part of a broader strategy to undermine confidence in democratic institutions.
So before cheering this so-called endorsement, it’s important to take a step back and consider the broader implications. When a dictator is backing a candidate — even in jest — it’s probably not something to celebrate.