Do you think Putin will rule Russia for life?

[bryant.coleman]

All that is true. Medvedev will be likely successor to Putin, he already was president in the meantime, but it looked like he was marionette with strings attached to Putin standing backstage.

I don't think that Medvedev will be the next president of Russia. He is too weak and pacifist. Putin might prefer someone who is a bit more aggressive, perhaps Ramzan Kadyrov or Sergei Shoygu. But the issue here is that both of them are not ethnic Russian and Orthodox Christian. The former is a Chechen and Muslim, while the latter is ethnic Tuvan and Buddhist. Putin himself is part-Karelian and Vepsian, but at least he is a Christian, so his ethnic background is not much of an issue. So the choice narrows down to Igor Shuvalov, Dmitry Kozak, Dmitry Rogozin, and Alexander Novak.

[BADecker]

Do you think Putin will rule Russia for life? Russia's been dead for a long time, now.   

[Nemo1024]

All that is true. Medvedev will be likely successor to Putin, he already was president in the meantime, but it looked like he was marionette with strings attached to Putin standing backstage.

I don't think that Medvedev will be the next president of Russia. He is too weak and pacifist. Putin might prefer someone who is a bit more aggressive, perhaps Ramzan Kadyrov or Sergei Shoygu. But the issue here is that both of them are not ethnic Russian and Orthodox Christian. The former is a Chechen and Muslim, while the latter is ethnic Tuvan and Buddhist. Putin himself is part-Karelian and Vepsian, but at least he is a Christian, so his ethnic background is not much of an issue. So the choice narrows down to Igor Shuvalov, Dmitry Kozak, Dmitry Rogozin, and Alexander Novak.

Bryant, you set too much stock by ethnicity or religious affinity. Russian Federation has close to 200 ethnicities living in it and a couple dozen religions. What is more important for a Russian voter is if the person exudes a sense of honesty and openness, of being forthcoming. Shoygu is actually a very good candidate in that respect. Kadyrov, on the other hand... there is something shifty about him.

When it comes to Medvedev, there is also a certain sense of uncertainty if he's entirely on the side of Russia. Purely judging by his action during his presidency. He forfeited part of Russian territory to Norway. If he though that would give political points to Russia, he should have known better. Any consolatory or fair act is only perceived as weakness by the West. Then he didn't veto US aggression against Lybia, resulting in the current rise of US-backed ISIS, and in strengthening the West's perception of Russia's weakness, of Russia being a country, which can be swept aside on the international arena.

[Parazyd]

All that is true. Medvedev will be likely successor to Putin, he already was president in the meantime, but it looked like he was marionette with strings attached to Putin standing backstage.

I don't think that Medvedev will be the next president of Russia. He is too weak and pacifist. Putin might prefer someone who is a bit more aggressive, perhaps Ramzan Kadyrov or Sergei Shoygu. But the issue here is that both of them are not ethnic Russian and Orthodox Christian. The former is a Chechen and Muslim, while the latter is ethnic Tuvan and Buddhist. Putin himself is part-Karelian and Vepsian, but at least he is a Christian, so his ethnic background is not much of an issue. So the choice narrows down to Igor Shuvalov, Dmitry Kozak, Dmitry Rogozin, and Alexander Novak.

Bryant, you set too much stock by ethnicity or religious affinity. Russian Federation has close to 200 ethnicities living in it and a couple dozen religions. What is more important for a Russian voter is if the person exudes a sense of honesty and openness, of being forthcoming. Shoygu is actually a very good candidate in that respect. Kadyrov, on the other hand... there is something shifty about him.

When it comes to Medvedev, there is also a certain sense of uncertainty if he's entirely on the side of Russia. Purely judging by his action during his presidency. He forfeited part of Russian territory to Norway. If he though that would give political points to Russia, he should have known better. Any consolatory or fair act is only perceived as weakness by the West. Then he didn't veto US aggression against Lybia, resulting in the current rise of US-backed ISIS, and in strengthening the West's perception of Russia's weakness, of Russia being a country, which can be swept aside on the international arena.

Don't worry about Russia being weak. This stuff happens.
Just wait if someone actually attacks Russia, then you'll see the real deal.

[Daniel91]

All that is true. Medvedev will be likely successor to Putin, he already was president in the meantime, but it looked like he was marionette with strings attached to Putin standing backstage.

I don't think that Medvedev will be the next president of Russia. He is too weak and pacifist. Putin might prefer someone who is a bit more aggressive, perhaps Ramzan Kadyrov or Sergei Shoygu. But the issue here is that both of them are not ethnic Russian and Orthodox Christian. The former is a Chechen and Muslim, while the latter is ethnic Tuvan and Buddhist. Putin himself is part-Karelian and Vepsian, but at least he is a Christian, so his ethnic background is not much of an issue. So the choice narrows down to Igor Shuvalov, Dmitry Kozak, Dmitry Rogozin, and Alexander Novak.

Bryant, you set too much stock by ethnicity or religious affinity. Russian Federation has close to 200 ethnicities living in it and a couple dozen religions. What is more important for a Russian voter is if the person exudes a sense of honesty and openness, of being forthcoming. Shoygu is actually a very good candidate in that respect. Kadyrov, on the other hand... there is something shifty about him.

When it comes to Medvedev, there is also a certain sense of uncertainty if he's entirely on the side of Russia. Purely judging by his action during his presidency. He forfeited part of Russian territory to Norway. If he though that would give political points to Russia, he should have known better. Any consolatory or fair act is only perceived as weakness by the West. Then he didn't veto US aggression against Lybia, resulting in the current rise of US-backed ISIS, and in strengthening the West's perception of Russia's weakness, of Russia being a country, which can be swept aside on the international arena.

Don't worry about Russia being weak. This stuff happens.
Just wait if someone actually attacks Russia, then you'll see the real deal.

Yes, it's true.
Even Napoleon and Hitler couldn't win in Russia and lost power after that.
In Yeltsin's time Russia was very weak but Putin made Russia strong and influential in the world again.
West don't agree with Russian's policy but have no choice than to try to make some deal with Putin.
Without Russia peace agreement is not possible in Ukraine or Syria.

 

[jethrorn99]

Do you think Putin will rule Russia for life? Russia's been dead for a long time, now.   

Russia isn't dead y'know. They are one of the nation that imports a lot of oil.
Russia is still far from dead

[Aggressor66]

Russians seem to view Putin as someone who took them away from the violence of the 1990s and are afraid that without him, they will lapse back. I would say that, more than anything, the 87% approval rate is an 87% approval rate of what they perceive to be a peaceful society.

[Nemo1024]

Russians seem to view Putin as someone who took them away from the violence of the 1990s and are afraid that without him, they will lapse back. I would say that, more than anything, the 87% approval rate is an 87% approval rate of what they perceive to be a peaceful society.

You are partially (to a large degree) right in this assessment. But is it bad? Is it bad wanting to have a stable, peaceful society?

By the way, a random thought... Russian (and before that, Soviet) political leadership can be blamed of many things, but at least not of a hereditary (Bush) or family clan (Clinton) president regimes of the USA. 

[Aggressor66]

The 90's in Russia made some people incredibly rich, and no matter how they got rich - they were welcomed in London and NYC taking billions of dollars out of Russia every year. For most, it was hell. Hyperinflation destroyed pensions and savings. Yeltsin seemed permanently drunk and loved by the West, who supplied him with Western 'advisers whose "shock-therapy" is often blamed for the chaos.
With Putin, who of course luckily sailed on high oil prices, some Russians may feel they have someone who cares in charge again. Someone who protects Russia's security by maintaining a sphere of influence and rebuilding the army, helped bring prosperity by reigning and brought back some dignity with the Olympics and WC football. Does it make everything Putin does right? Of course not, but he's not an irrational monster coming out of nowhere to start World War III.

[BADecker]

They should make a Putin movie starring Daniel Craig as Putin.   

[Nemo1024]

Do you think Putin will rule Russia for life?

Is there anyone, whom do you consider a viable replacement at this point?

Are there really options for someone new to take over after Putin's presidency will end?

Personally, I think he will. He has no legal obstacles not to go for next elections, he's probably the only candidate to win.

I think that's up to the people of Russia to decide in a direct voting (unlike in the US ). So far he manages to balance the interests of 190-something nationalities that is Russia.

Currently, he can go for another 6-year term... We'll know in 2018. Or maybe in 2017 if he decides to hold early elections to not give US prepare some nastiness for 2018 elections...

I don't see any viable alternatives on the horizon at the moment. Shoygu may be one - but he's best where he is now, commanding the armed forces. Lavrov is becoming old...
Knowing Putin, he may be grooming some candidates, teaching them how to deal with the politics, letting them work in the field so to speak, and it may be any of the politicians or diplomats, that are currently in the open view.

[BADecker]

Do you think Putin will rule Russia for life?

Is there anyone, whom do you consider a viable replacement at this point?

Are there really options for someone new to take over after Putin's presidency will end?

Personally, I think he will. He has no legal obstacles not to go for next elections, he's probably the only candidate to win.

I think that's up to the people of Russia to decide in a direct voting (unlike in the US ). So far he manages to balance the interests of 190-something nationalities that is Russia.

Currently, he can go for another 6-year term... We'll know in 2018. Or maybe in 2017 if he decides to hold early elections to not give US prepare some nastiness for 2018 elections...

I don't see any viable alternatives on the horizon at the moment. Shoygu may be one - but he's best where he is now, commanding the armed forces. Lavrov is becoming old...
Knowing Putin, he may be grooming some candidates, teaching them how to deal with the politics, letting them work in the field so to speak, and it may be any of the politicians or diplomats, that are currently in the open view.

Direct voting doesn't do any presidential selecting in the U.S.  In America, there are delegates that vote according to their district. They are known as the Electoral College. They are the ones who select the president.

The delegates of the Electoral College vote according to the vote of the people of their district. But because of the different sizes of the districts, and the different populations of the districts, often the final Electoral College vote doesn't reflect the same thing as the popular vote of the people.

However, the delegates of the Electoral College must vote according to the wishes of the people of their districts. If they don't, they might face prison for disrupting the wishes of the people. It is a complicated system in some ways.

[onelove2111]

Do you think Putin will rule Russia for life?

Is there anyone, whom do you consider a viable replacement at this point?

Are there really options for someone new to take over after Putin's presidency will end?

Personally, I think he will. He has no legal obstacles not to go for next elections, he's probably the only candidate to win.

I think that's up to the people of Russia to decide in a direct voting (unlike in the US ). So far he manages to balance the interests of 190-something nationalities that is Russia.

Currently, he can go for another 6-year term... We'll know in 2018. Or maybe in 2017 if he decides to hold early elections to not give US prepare some nastiness for 2018 elections...

I don't see any viable alternatives on the horizon at the moment. Shoygu may be one - but he's best where he is now, commanding the armed forces. Lavrov is becoming old...
Knowing Putin, he may be grooming some candidates, teaching them how to deal with the politics, letting them work in the field so to speak, and it may be any of the politicians or diplomats, that are currently in the open view.

Direct voting doesn't do any presidential selecting in the U.S.  In America, there are delegates that vote according to their district. They are known as the Electoral College. They are the ones who select the president.

The delegates of the Electoral College vote according to the vote of the people of their district. But because of the different sizes of the districts, and the different populations of the districts, often the final Electoral College vote doesn't reflect the same thing as the popular vote of the people.

However, the delegates of the Electoral College must vote according to the wishes of the people of their districts. If they don't, they might face prison for disrupting the wishes of the people. It is a complicated system in some ways.

In America too complicated voting system. But if he shows the desire of people present. I think that this system is justified. In Russia every citizen votes for himself.

[BADecker]

Do you think Putin will rule Russia for life?

Is there anyone, whom do you consider a viable replacement at this point?

Are there really options for someone new to take over after Putin's presidency will end?

Personally, I think he will. He has no legal obstacles not to go for next elections, he's probably the only candidate to win.

I think that's up to the people of Russia to decide in a direct voting (unlike in the US ). So far he manages to balance the interests of 190-something nationalities that is Russia.

Currently, he can go for another 6-year term... We'll know in 2018. Or maybe in 2017 if he decides to hold early elections to not give US prepare some nastiness for 2018 elections...

I don't see any viable alternatives on the horizon at the moment. Shoygu may be one - but he's best where he is now, commanding the armed forces. Lavrov is becoming old...
Knowing Putin, he may be grooming some candidates, teaching them how to deal with the politics, letting them work in the field so to speak, and it may be any of the politicians or diplomats, that are currently in the open view.

Direct voting doesn't do any presidential selecting in the U.S.  In America, there are delegates that vote according to their district. They are known as the Electoral College. They are the ones who select the president.

The delegates of the Electoral College vote according to the vote of the people of their district. But because of the different sizes of the districts, and the different populations of the districts, often the final Electoral College vote doesn't reflect the same thing as the popular vote of the people.

However, the delegates of the Electoral College must vote according to the wishes of the people of their districts. If they don't, they might face prison for disrupting the wishes of the people. It is a complicated system in some ways.

In America too complicated voting system. But if he shows the desire of people present. I think that this system is justified. In Russia every citizen votes for himself.

LOL!

From http://www.votefraud.org/josef_stalin_vote_fraud_page.htm, Stalin speaking:

Those who cast the votes decide nothing.
Those who count the votes decide everything.

Go to the site and see what others have to say about this Stalin quote.

[onelove2111]

Do you think Putin will rule Russia for life?

Is there anyone, whom do you consider a viable replacement at this point?

Are there really options for someone new to take over after Putin's presidency will end?

Personally, I think he will. He has no legal obstacles not to go for next elections, he's probably the only candidate to win.

I think that's up to the people of Russia to decide in a direct voting (unlike in the US ). So far he manages to balance the interests of 190-something nationalities that is Russia.

Currently, he can go for another 6-year term... We'll know in 2018. Or maybe in 2017 if he decides to hold early elections to not give US prepare some nastiness for 2018 elections...

I don't see any viable alternatives on the horizon at the moment. Shoygu may be one - but he's best where he is now, commanding the armed forces. Lavrov is becoming old...
Knowing Putin, he may be grooming some candidates, teaching them how to deal with the politics, letting them work in the field so to speak, and it may be any of the politicians or diplomats, that are currently in the open view.

Direct voting doesn't do any presidential selecting in the U.S.  In America, there are delegates that vote according to their district. They are known as the Electoral College. They are the ones who select the president.

The delegates of the Electoral College vote according to the vote of the people of their district. But because of the different sizes of the districts, and the different populations of the districts, often the final Electoral College vote doesn't reflect the same thing as the popular vote of the people.

However, the delegates of the Electoral College must vote according to the wishes of the people of their districts. If they don't, they might face prison for disrupting the wishes of the people. It is a complicated system in some ways.

In America too complicated voting system. But if he shows the desire of people present. I think that this system is justified. In Russia every citizen votes for himself.

LOL!

From http://www.votefraud.org/josef_stalin_vote_fraud_page.htm, Stalin speaking:

Those who cast the votes decide nothing.
Those who count the votes decide everything.

Go to the site and see what others have to say about this Stalin quote.

I would like to know that you know the Russian people well? In Russia, in principle, one that does not solve. If it is not an emergency. Understand that if the election results fail to satisfy the voters. This could end badly. Russian people do not like when they blatantly cheated. If something goes wrong, how people want, people may be offended. Do you remember what happened in Russia in 1917?

[BADecker]

Do you think Putin will rule Russia for life?

Is there anyone, whom do you consider a viable replacement at this point?

Are there really options for someone new to take over after Putin's presidency will end?

Personally, I think he will. He has no legal obstacles not to go for next elections, he's probably the only candidate to win.

I think that's up to the people of Russia to decide in a direct voting (unlike in the US ). So far he manages to balance the interests of 190-something nationalities that is Russia.

Currently, he can go for another 6-year term... We'll know in 2018. Or maybe in 2017 if he decides to hold early elections to not give US prepare some nastiness for 2018 elections...

I don't see any viable alternatives on the horizon at the moment. Shoygu may be one - but he's best where he is now, commanding the armed forces. Lavrov is becoming old...
Knowing Putin, he may be grooming some candidates, teaching them how to deal with the politics, letting them work in the field so to speak, and it may be any of the politicians or diplomats, that are currently in the open view.

Direct voting doesn't do any presidential selecting in the U.S.  In America, there are delegates that vote according to their district. They are known as the Electoral College. They are the ones who select the president.

The delegates of the Electoral College vote according to the vote of the people of their district. But because of the different sizes of the districts, and the different populations of the districts, often the final Electoral College vote doesn't reflect the same thing as the popular vote of the people.

However, the delegates of the Electoral College must vote according to the wishes of the people of their districts. If they don't, they might face prison for disrupting the wishes of the people. It is a complicated system in some ways.

In America too complicated voting system. But if he shows the desire of people present. I think that this system is justified. In Russia every citizen votes for himself.

LOL!

From http://www.votefraud.org/josef_stalin_vote_fraud_page.htm, Stalin speaking:

Those who cast the votes decide nothing.
Those who count the votes decide everything.

Go to the site and see what others have to say about this Stalin quote.

I would like to know that you know the Russian people well? In Russia, in principle, one that does not solve. If it is not an emergency. Understand that if the election results fail to satisfy the voters. This could end badly. Russian people do not like when they blatantly cheated. If something goes wrong, how people want, people may be offended. Do you remember what happened in Russia in 1917?

Nobody likes to be cheated. So, how is it that Stalin killed as many as 100 million people in the USSR? If he had never made it into office, this "purge" might not have happened. He told us how he made it into office. He or his people counted the votes.

[varyspro]

Do you think Putin will rule Russia for life?

Is there anyone, whom do you consider a viable replacement at this point?

Are there really options for someone new to take over after Putin's presidency will end?

Personally, I think he will. He has no legal obstacles not to go for next elections, he's probably the only candidate to win.

I think that's up to the people of Russia to decide in a direct voting (unlike in the US ). So far he manages to balance the interests of 190-something nationalities that is Russia.

Currently, he can go for another 6-year term... We'll know in 2018. Or maybe in 2017 if he decides to hold early elections to not give US prepare some nastiness for 2018 elections...

I don't see any viable alternatives on the horizon at the moment. Shoygu may be one - but he's best where he is now, commanding the armed forces. Lavrov is becoming old...
Knowing Putin, he may be grooming some candidates, teaching them how to deal with the politics, letting them work in the field so to speak, and it may be any of the politicians or diplomats, that are currently in the open view.

Direct voting doesn't do any presidential selecting in the U.S.  In America, there are delegates that vote according to their district. They are known as the Electoral College. They are the ones who select the president.

The delegates of the Electoral College vote according to the vote of the people of their district. But because of the different sizes of the districts, and the different populations of the districts, often the final Electoral College vote doesn't reflect the same thing as the popular vote of the people.

However, the delegates of the Electoral College must vote according to the wishes of the people of their districts. If they don't, they might face prison for disrupting the wishes of the people. It is a complicated system in some ways.

In America too complicated voting system. But if he shows the desire of people present. I think that this system is justified. In Russia every citizen votes for himself.

LOL!

From http://www.votefraud.org/josef_stalin_vote_fraud_page.htm, Stalin speaking:

Those who cast the votes decide nothing.
Those who count the votes decide everything.

Go to the site and see what others have to say about this Stalin quote.

I would like to know that you know the Russian people well? In Russia, in principle, one that does not solve. If it is not an emergency. Understand that if the election results fail to satisfy the voters. This could end badly. Russian people do not like when they blatantly cheated. If something goes wrong, how people want, people may be offended. Do you remember what happened in Russia in 1917?

Nobody likes to be cheated. So, how is it that Stalin killed as many as 100 million people in the USSR? If he had never made it into office, this "purge" might not have happened. He told us how he made it into office. He or his people counted the votes.

Do not confuse God's gift to the eggs. Stalin gave terror in Russia. Stalin, people are afraid. And the worst thing was that Stalin, people liked. But Stalin, nevertheless helped to die when he was very tired of all the people. Just do it quietly.

[Frodomaga]

i don't think so though everything is possible i guess                                                                                                                                                                                           

[Dassi]

There is no such thing as a life president in this modern age

[wxa7115]

I don’t think so, but I think Putin will rule for at least another decade and then he will prepare his successor. Doing this should not be that hard since the Russian people seem to think that he's doing a great job.