--- Wojtek Sokolowski <sokol at jhu.edu> wrote:
I do not think that US-ers are any different in that respect than any other nation cf. Italy or Israel electing Berlusconi and Sharon, tough-talking Putin gaining popularity in Russia and so on.
---
Putin is popular because of the economy, i.e., incomes in Russia are rising. State-service employees have seen their salaries double under Putin. Initially the tough-talking bit was true. He doesn't talk tough at all now -- he emphasizes moderation and ethnic harmony. His approval ratings are at an all-time low of 64%.
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