© (Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures as he answers for a question during his annual call-in show in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, April 14, 2016. The Kremlin has been sifting through more than 1 million questions from across the country to get Putin ready for the television marathon.
MOSCOW — Sporting a natty tie, crisp white shirt and perched behind a desk like a friendly but serious news anchor, Russian President Vladimir Putin fielded questions for almost four hours Thursday in his annual marathon call-in show, discussing topics as far afield as illegal sports drugs, Ukraine, potholes, and Washington’s “imperial ambitions.”
Putin, looking relaxed and engaged, frequently made notes and waved a pen in his right hand for emphasis. Speaking before a live audience, the Russian leader sat in front of a blue screen swimming with the Kremlin email address, website and text number.
At one point, the moderator for the highly scripted reality show said they had received more than 3 million calls.
Scripted reality show…..hmmm, not sure what you mean by that. Do you mean “scripted” reality shows like this?
Or something entertaining and scripted like this?
Or this?
Can’t blame the guy who got elected from feeding bullshit to those who like bullshit so a script is crucial for their followers but anyway, carry on…
Vladimir Putin slams U.S. ‘imperial ambitions’ in call-in show
Now, do the average American, or for this case mainstream media anchors, writers and “journalists” know what “imperial ambitions” mean? Did they have a sit down with President Putin himself and ask what do he mean by that? Just curious.
The Russian leader uses the annual call-in show to project an image as a strong leader who protects Russia from foreign threats and cares about people’s needs. In some cases, the complaints seemed to get immediate action.
Well I would like to ask; from your experience or personal observation, is he a strong leader? Do you feel protected either as a Russian, or being in Russia from foreign threats?
Do Putin care about your needs? Just curious on that one too.
Just minutes after a resident of Sakhalin named Tatyana asked about wage arrears at the fishing cannery where she worked, regional prosecutors reported that they were investigating the company owner, according to Life News.
And just minutes after a woman complained to Putin of bad roads in her home city of Omsk via video chat, showing the president a dirty, uneven street in the center of town, local officials vowed to rebuild the road by May 1.
As often the case with his shows, Putin also used the occasion to give a rare peak into his personal life.
Asked if he ever swore off camera, the Russian president said, “Only at myself,” He then added, reluctantly, “Do I ever swear at subordinates? Yes, but again it’s because I’m angry at myself.”
He deflected a question about whether he was planning to remarry. “[Let’s hope the question you raised] doesn’t influence the currency exchange rate or oil prices,” he joked. “Seriously, people elect… the president to work.” Putin said he sees relations with his ex-wife, Lyudmila Putina, as even better since they got divorced in 2014 and that they see each other sometimes.
A number of questions came from children.
Varya Kuznetsova, 12, asked who Putin would save first if they were drowning: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko or Turkish President Recep Erdogan, two leaders with whom Putin has had a strained relationship.
“Varya, you’re putting me in a difficult situation. I don’t know what to say. If someone has decided to drown, it’s probably already impossible to save them anyway. Though of course we are ready to reach out a helping hand to any of our partners, if they want it.”
Can’t save anyone. They have to save themselves. Good answer.
On foreign policy, Putin appeared to send mixed messages on relations with Washington, saying the United States must abandon it’s “imperial ambitions” and treat Russia as an equal partner.
This is crucial to touch on. I’ll give you my definition on “imperial ambition”. It’s when a country violates its boundary restrained by the Constitution by sticking its nose into another country’s business, and sticking a bunch of bases in them by violating that country’s sovereign laws.
And yes, they should treat Russia as an equal partner–just like every country on this planet. How’s that for a “foreign policy”.
While noting that the two countries have been able to cooperate constructively on non-proliferation issues, terrorism, and the Iranian nuclear deal, he warned the U.S. against “speaking from the position of force, diktat and imperial ambitions.” If the U.S. treats Russia with respect, he added, “we will always be able to find solutions that will satisfy everyone.”
Tell the American people that. The “cowboy mentality” only goes so far. According to the founders, and the structure of the Constitution, the United States government is a direct reflection of its people. That means the President on down is reflecting those who put him/her in there. So the question will always be; how do the American people see the world? Let along Russia?
Based on what mainstream media above tells you?
Later, however, in response to a question about whether a woman might run for the Russian presidency as in the U.S., Putin used the opportunity to present a somewhat softer line.
“America is not the problem we face, we need to deal with domestic problems first, roads, education, economic development,” he said. “If we do that, America will not be the issue. Because we will feel strong enough and we will be proud of our country.
So America, here’s a lesson this election season. Allow me to translate the American version:
Russia, ISIS, terrorists, China, Iran, North Korea or any other “boogeyman” media screams at you is not the problem we face, we need to deal with domestic issues first, roads, education, economic development. If we do that, if we pay more attention to our infrastructure, simplify our tax code, mind our own business by eliminating foreign intervention and staying NEUTRAL on foreign affairs, and going back to the Constitution, Russia or China or North Korea or whatever you want to call them will not be the issue. Because we will feel strong enough and we will be proud of our country.
Asked about Russia’s strained ties with Turkey, Ukraine and some other nations, Putin said Russia was ready for friendly ties with all nations but would retaliate against any hostile moves. “We must respond, or otherwise they will sit on our neck and whip us up,” Putin said.
This goes back to America. Strategic foreign diplomacy through trade to maintain a smooth and co-operative relation is good for all friendly ties. However, the United States would defend its jurisdictions and borders against hostile INVASIONS and moves.
Now just imagine how much money could just go to that.
But if you don’t agree and rather maintain the current foreign policy of violating other countries in the name of the American people, let me know now so I know what defense and security stocks to invest my money in.
On other issues, Putin:
• Said meldonium, the banned substance for which Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova has tested positive, shouldn’t be considered a performance-enhancing drug. He said meldonium “doesn’t influence the result, that’s totally certain,” and instead “just keeps heart muscles in good condition.”
• Said Russia has shored up the Syrian army to the point where it can conduct offensive operations despite a Russian military drawdown. He also expressed hope that a Russian- and U.S.-brokered truce will help Syria peace talks in Geneva go forward, paving way for a new constitution and an early election.
• Noted that Russia’s agricultural production has risen even though its national economy has plunged into recession, and predicts that the economy will start growing next year.
Gotta give it to Russia; even though they’re facing a so-call sanction, they remain self sufficient.
thediary461 