Just 48 hours ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin shocked the world by saying Kamala Harris is his pick for the next U.S. president over his “buddy” Donald Trump. Appearing on national TV, Putin praised Harris, leaving many wondering what his true intentions are.
Donald Trump, the former president, responded to this surprising twist by saying, “I don’t know exactly what to say about that. I don’t know if I’m insulted or if he [Putin] did me a favor.” Trump's comments reflect his uncertainty over Putin's motives.
The Biden administration quickly fired back. John Kirby, the spokesperson for the National Security Council, stated, “Putin should stay out of American elections. The American people will decide their own leaders.”
Trump, on the other hand, dismissed concerns about Russian interference, calling them a “fake political witch hunt and a scam.” Many believe Putin's endorsement of Harris is more about causing chaos in the U.S. political landscape than genuine support. After all, Putin did smirk while speaking and even mentioned her "infectious" laugh.
Rebekah Koffler, a former Defense Intelligence Agency officer, suggested that Russia might view Harris as easier to manipulate than Trump, who has always been unpredictable. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin's remarks can be interpreted however people see fit.
Putin has a history of endorsing U.S. presidential candidates. In 2004, he supported George W. Bush, and in 2016, he praised Trump, sparking allegations of Russian interference in that election. He's also been openly critical of candidates he doesn’t like, such as Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Mitt Romney in 2012.
Trump has always talked about improving relations with Russia and took steps towards cooperation during his first term. He has even claimed that if he had been in office, Russia would never have invaded Ukraine. Recently, Trump promised to lift all sanctions on Russia if re-elected, arguing that they are hurting the dollar.
However, even if Trump returns to office and wants to ease sanctions, he will face significant resistance from Congress. Many lawmakers insist that Russia’s aggressive actions, like the annexation of Crimea, must be addressed before any changes in U.S. policy.
Kamala Harris, if elected, is expected to continue the Biden administration’s tough stance on Russia. She has been vocal about Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and has supported sanctions against Moscow.
Putin's surprising endorsement has certainly stirred the pot, but whether it will have any real impact on the upcoming elections remains to be seen.
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