(DailyVantage.com) – At a press conference on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a humorous remark expressing his support for U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris as the next U.S. president. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin appeared to mock the idea that Russia would interfere in U.S. elections or have a favored candidate, saying he supports Harris because “she laughs so expressively and infectiously.”
Putin also acknowledged that he preferred the Biden administration to continue, implying that Harris, as Biden’s running mate, would offer continuity. He jokingly noted that Biden had recommended Harris, so Russia would follow his lead.
Although Putin’s comments were lighthearted, he also made clear his disdain for Donald Trump, stating that Trump had imposed more restrictions and sanctions on Russia than any other U.S. president. He hinted that Harris might take a less aggressive approach toward Russia if she became president.
Putin’s remarks came just after the Biden administration announced that Russia-backed entities had engaged in election meddling efforts. While Putin’s comments were largely viewed as a form of political trolling, they also reflect the Kremlin’s belief that U.S.-Russia relations will remain strained, regardless of who wins the U.S. presidency.
U.S. media outlets were quick to clarify that Putin’s support for Harris should not be taken seriously, with outlets like Bloomberg highlighting the humor behind the statement. Newsweek also pointed out that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had previously suggested that Harris’s limited record made her Russia policy unpredictable.
Ultimately, Putin reiterated that the choice of U.S. president is up to the American people, but his remarks underline the complex and often strained nature of U.S.-Russia relations.
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