Putin seem to be learning from his marionette, Trump.
1
Why do so many in most nations want dictatorships? China recently changed its period in office limitations and hence their people supported Xi becoming a dictator. Russians seem to support their going back to the Stalin times believing this time there will not be many killed just to get the opposition out of the way of trying to have their leader replaced. Look around this world and you will find a lot of dictatorships today. Trump is of the same mentality and that is why around 40% of Americans even want him to be our dictator. How can this be happening when we have the internet which was supposed to help most of us make more rational decisions when it came to our governments? I am very confused.
1
Putin is the Russian dictator for life. This move by him is nothing more than window dressing meant to show that Russian elections mean something which they don't.
19
Easiest way for him to become the ruler for life would be to scrap the term-limits. It is absolutely unclear how proposed changes will help his hold on the power. Shouldn't we wait for more clarification before making uninformed conclusions?
Wondering whether Putin will appoint Trump as an interim president.
1
Dear sirs, your summary is misguiding and actually contradicts what is written in the article. You write " That proposal prompted his loyal protégé, Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev, to resign", while it is clear from the article itself that this is a coordinated event.
1
Any wonder Trump envies him?
1
Is this a surprise to anyone?
Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, . . . and Donald Trump as leaders-for-life?
It makes my stomach turn just thinking about the actual possibility.
2
Since the average Russian liked Stalin, it should not be altogether surprising that the average Russian likes Putin. But there is no precedent in American history for people who admire the despot now living in the White House.
14
Wow! A power grab four years before the term ends... and a minnow from the tax office? Totally Kafkaesque!
1
This is exactly what needs to happen in the USA. Trump in power until 2030. Great idea. Would stabilize the country.
Under the Russian constitution, the PM and cabinet can be dismissed by the president. Therefore, Medvedev's resignation is not a protest as is implied by this article. it's simply a routine change along lines that allows the president to refresh or reorient domestic policy. The guy chosen to be PM is not less reformist than Medvedev, who's moving to a new position. In Russia, the PM and cabinet get blamed by the public for unpopular measures, for example the raising of the retirement age. Appointing someone new to the job gives a semblance of democratic accountability.
1
I see a lot of skepticism that in my opinion is not totally justified. Medvedev's rule as president may been an interlude and the return of Putin may have disappointed Putin's enemies, but Medvedev did manage to implement somewhat different policies.
So, although we may not get the revolutionary changes that some people want the announced changes may have some real effects.
Putin is getting older and he is rumored to be less of a workaholic than 20 years ago. So his desire to delegate more may be real.
Also note that there hasn't been much change in the government for a long time. So Putin may have thought it time to bring some new ideas into the system.
1
The constitutional overhaul in Russia may signal the inglorious end of Dmitry Medvedev’s career in frontline politics. But he has been given a new job as deputy head of the security council, a consultative body of the president that works out his decisions on national-security affairs etc.
Medvedev’s standing within the government has been inexorably sinking. On several occasions he was spotted nodding off during Putin’s presidential speeches – quite embarrassing moments that must have irritated his boss.
When Medvedev became president in 2008, Western observers looked in vain for signs that he was a more liberal figure than Putin. Obama got along with him and hoped to reset relations with Moscow, but he didn’t get very far.
Another reason why Putin was determined to return to presidential power in 2012 was that Russia, under Medvedev, abstained from the United Nations Security Council vote on Resolution 1973 in March 2011, authorising intervention for humanitarian purposes in Libya.
As China also abstained from voting, Britain and France prevailed – with Obama’s blessing. Their air forces began flying sorties over Libya that ultimately led to Muammar Gaddafi’s fall.
Putin was outraged that his friend was toppled and killed. Since then he has been blaming the West for the turmoil in Libya, bolstering his resolve to keep Bashar al-Assad in power.
2
Watch & listen to see what Trump has to say about Putin & his proposal!
I strongly suspect that Trump wants to be "President for ever" just like his mentor-
Trump certainly demonstrates a love for the "Dictators & strong men" of this world.
1
The Soviet Union collapsed and broke into smaller dictatorships. When Putin took over from Yeltsin it was obvious he'd never leave as dictator of Russia. Moreover, Putin is likely the richest man in the world, with a personal fortune amassed through thievery and plunder, that is in excess of $250 billion. Putin can't step down; he'd lose everything, including his wealth, and likely his life.
2
It is pure fantasy. Putin always could find the person who promises not to persecute him after retirement. The same as he did to Yeltsin, or Ford to Nixon. Change the Constitution in this way, is much more risky proposition.
“feverish uncertainty”? Just a bit hyperbolic, no?
Putin will do anything to stay in power, what’s so uncertain about that?
Sadly Mr Putin with all the wealth and power is live in fear. The fear not unlike the power structure in the US that desperately grasping for power because in fear of loosing it all and yet, the day approaches soon
For Putin, as with others who love and need power, the title can change for appearance of freedom for the people as long as power remains intact and exemption from investigation and prosecution remain intact.
I'll wager the Trumpster is paying close attention to this. The American voters should be watching also.
No Swiss retirement and protection plans?
What have they been doing for 20 years??
They cannot make it in the private sector at all?
I know he wants to make it like Chinese president. But how long will he live? He is 67 now. In 2024, he will be 71.
If Trump wins his No-Witnesses Senate Trial, and gets re-elected in 2020, he'll "mini-me" Putin and stay on indefinately past 2024, too.
Does that mean that witnesses will now be optional for the rest of us, as the accused, in all the courts across the land, too?
I doubt that! Your neighbor across the street will be the court's witness against you.
The State Department will probably be shuttered. No more Ambassadors. Cancel the Foreign Service exam, it won't be needed. US Embassies and Consulates across the world be closed for "National Security".
Trump alone will fix it, just like Putin does now.
14
What a wild imagination.
3
I wonder would it be ever possible for the “reputable” newspaper to report the facts without drama and speculation? Just the facts - no spin, no screaming headlines. In the US, even weather forecasts are dramatic. BBC reports the same like a different story https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51120166
1
@Library Putin has poisoned various defectors and agents on British soil at his pleasure with plutonium and nerve agents without regard for other British citizens. (Russian agents dumped their leftover plutonium down a sink into your British water system.)
I'd think you'd feel a little differently. Perhaps this has never bothered you.
I say keep the "screaming" headlines coming. Putin is serial killer at a global level and he is constantly attacking democracies around the world, including yours.
By the way, don't drink afternoon tea with any Russian agents.
6
This is (once again) profoundly short-sighted. Certainly Russia and Putin go together very well right now, but what becomes of the country when Putin is no more? Does he have a cousin handy to take over, like Fidel’s cousin Raúl?
@Grunchy Raul is Fidel's brother.
1
Blood is blood: a minor technicality.
Vladimir and Dmitri might have secondarily had to make new posts for Mitch and Donald in the new presidency.
1
This is the 21st Century. Fighting for national wealth and power is old school. We all face imminent environmental breakdown. Leadership transitions for authoritarian rulers are very competitive with no rules. If he makes it, he will be the most dangerous statesman on the planet.
"....His popularity, reinforced by the Kremlin’s tight grip on television .."
I was watching RT - the Russian CNN.
And indeed, they were spinning it like the best thing ever happen to Russia.
I think this is a bit premature speculation on Putin future.
I worked and lived in Russia. And I frequently go there.
Economy, stupid - matters in Russia too.
At this rate of zero economic improvement in Russia - even Putin may have to rely on the short list of Navalny.
Because no self respecting Russian politician would want to be associated with him.
He could be another Yeltsin who saved Russia but could not save himself.
1
What a clown show
1
Why give these acting skills that much credit?
I won't be surprised to see the same kind of maneuvering here.
2
Have no doubt that the changes in Moscow foreshadow what will happen in this country, not so much in specifics but in effect, if the Trumpistas, ultra-conservatives, and theocrats are not voted out of office this coming November.
Our so-called president has already declared that Article II allows him to do anything he wants; the Supreme Court has been packed and so far is showing no signs of judicial independence; the lower courts are being packed as fast as McConnell can make it happen; McConnell studiously ignores a big stack of bipartisan legislation from the House; McConnell has already vowed to scuttle the upcoming impeachment trial; the current Senate majority obediently toes the Trumpian line no matter the latest executive outrage or illegality; and Koch, Scaife, the Mercers, et al., keep the money flowing. Modifying the Constitution to entrench ultra-conservative oligarchic power -- minority rule -- permanently has long been on the agenda.
Think I'm crazy? Read "Democracy in Chains," by Nancy MacLean. Then start working to register voters and get people to the polls in November.
6
After reading many of the great comments by fellow readers, I could only think of one item that all these dictators including the ones in America cannot seem to get their heads wrapped around. Global climate devastation is happening quicker than our scientists can accurately predict. At some not so distant future most of these leaders for life will end up on the ash heap of history as the deaths of their own citizens will outstrip the goon squads effectiveness of killing them. The people will rise up just as surely as the sun will also rise up. No one will be above the laws of nature.
4
@Willl W
Agreed. But something potentially horrible to keep in mind is how these dictators, both domestic and abroad will use the continuing ascending tragedies of Rapid Climate Change to further abuse and consolidate their power. We all now what happens in national emergencies: Marshall Law.
1
To whom it may concern:
First of all, I really appreciated many different cultures in a world.
World is so boring if all things are the same. I COME TO A CONCLUSION that we are people on Earth who love to live with excitement and fear and daredevil life.
Whoever has not agreed my above statement, is welcome to live in a denial or in a dream of a perfect "WHAT IF ..." world, hahaha
Depressing. The world is slipping more and more into dictatorship mode. And what makes this potentially scarier than in the 30's s that it's the 3 biggest and most powerful countries. Ours included.
Yes, I include the US because seeing how Trump is behaving now, what he is allowed to get away with and the enabler support he has from his party and rabid base, he might very well come up with a way to remain in power and worse still, to pass power onto his horrid children.
These are quite possible the threshold to the worst of times. We need some real democracy - working democracy returned to this country to shine the beacon of hope and promise all over the world.
1
Wait! Wait! Don't tell me you let Trump hear this! This is his dream - as he campaigns continually around the country - at our expense as president - his dream is to be president - well, for life - or at least until he's dies.
He owes Vladimir big time. I can't understand the Democrats, who allowed the loser by almost 3 million popular votes, to never challenge that travesty. We didn't need Mueller to say that the Russians threw the election to their man Trump. It was news in all our legitimate media.
With the latest news that the Russians are at it again, I remember Ronnie, when he famously said "Here you go again."
2
Putin is like no enemy democracy has ever had.
He stops at nothing to accomplish his goals.
He uses nerve agents and radioactive materials (plutonium) to poison people who get in his way. If innocent people are hurt, it does not matter.
Putin has dipped into his citizens retirement accounts for his buddies and his investments and during the recent Olympic Games in Russia, billions disappeared and you can guess where the money went.
Millions of younger Russians want him out of office and he will be gone someday because there is one enemy he cannot conquer...Time.
Putin will age and die.
Time is the greatest benefactor of humankind where dictators are concerned because eventually these evil ones will turn into dust like the rest of us.
I doubt he can stay in power that long but even if he does, I can't imagine how fatigued he is everyday watching his back.
Wouldn't want to be Putin.
2
To get a full picture of Putin, do some quick reading on how he got started.
He learned early on how to reap the rewards when he saved the KGB office from East German looters single handedly.
It was a hearty start to a brilliant career for a bully with intelligence.
Worth reading about and there are several good documentaries about him.
4
This is what the mob does. Sound familiar with our own government today?
3
The wannabe Great mob?
Why should anyone be surprised? Putin in a dictator, trump emulates him and wants to be a dictator too. Hopefully the impeachment will drag trump out of the WH by his ear and put in just as incompetent pence.
1
A drama, ... sorry a comedy special playing in Russia. Please, get real!
1
The Russian people, nor the people of China really have a voice in who their leaders are, or how long they serve. Xi Jinping, President for life, is actually the Emperor of China and Putin is rapidly becoming the Czar of Russia. While there appears to be some discontent in the Russian ranks, the Chinese seem content to be taken care of by Xi.
While these strong men exercise absolute control of their countries, for Trump, their American counterpart, such control is only a pipe dream. Instead, he is now attempting to convince the world, and probably himself, that becoming only the third American President to be Impeached is of no consequence to him. And of course, the People of the United States, assuming the absence of effective foreign interference, will deliver the final judgement on him.
3
Is anyone truly surprised that Putin would move to stay in power? Does any truly think that Trump isn't watching this closely?
8
One should not forget that, compared to the rest of the world, life expectancy is very low in Russia. Putin must be aware of his mortality. he must be smart, having risen in an institution such as the Soviet military.
He has had his successes, destabilizing the rest of the world, including the US and Europe, but the West will eventually recover of Trump and his copies. Democracy, with its numerous faults, still will reemerge after Trump. Trump, just as Putin himself, has no clear successor.
Although Putin is not unpopular in the polls (but who would dare to speak out against him?) his political party is.
His position is much worse than De Gaulle's position at the end of his rule. My prediction is that Putin will lose the referendum vote, and then will retire to the Crimea, Switzerland, Lichtenstein or even London. If Trump wins this year, Putin might even retire in Mar-a- Lago! But don't hold your breath!
2
Everything is relative. For Russia, considering its modern history, what just happened isn't that bad. In the 1930s, a political figure like Medvedev would have been tortured and then shot dead. At age 54, Medvedev has already lived longer than the following individuals who were all executed or murdered in the 1930s: Zinoviev, Bukharin, Kamenev, Yagoda, and Kirov. In one year alone (1937), probably 1.5 million citizens of the USSR were executed for political crimes that were almost totally imagined.
2
There doesn't seem to be much of a difference between Putin and Trump except Putin is a dictator and Trump is fighting to be one. Both appear to want a lifetime term in office and are willing to beggar and cheat the anyone to get it. Neither Putin nor Trump have any concern for the very people neither serves and are willing to stomp all over the laws and protections in their respective countries to get it.
Free enterprise? Not any definition I've ever seen. This is naked greed for more power, self enrichment , and an undeserved entitlement ! The only thing both fear is exposure of their corruption and the truth.
8
Wake up, US. This is our country if King Donald and the Rad Rights of the Republican Party are given four more years to gerrymander, obfuscate and, with a little help from Vladimir, outright lie. To those who wore I'd "Rather Be Russian Than Democrat" t-shirts at the Trump rally: the Democrats are now your only hope. (And isn't that shot of Putin delivering his takeover off the Petersburg building just like "1984"?)
5
Long life the king
Beware big government
Political leaders in Russia, Turkey and China are consolidating power while chiseling away at human rights and opposition.
5
Mr. Putin is plausibly one of the wealthiest inhabitants of the planet. Yet, here is the trap he has constructed for himself: He can't just relax and enjoy it. He MUST retain power.
May his ill-gotten riches haunt him the rest of his days.
13
@Alan R Brock
You can ask American oligarchs the same thing. After the first few billion, how many more mansions does one need?
They regard the accumulation of wealth and power as a scorecard of their own self-worth.
8
Nope. The US billionaires earned their money through business or inheritance. Putin got his wealth from the Russian Treasury, so he has to stay in office to use it.
1
It’s not the pretense of socialism or capitalism. It’s the totalitarianism that takes people’s lives and freedom.
7
@Wordy: "Socialism" is the purpose of public sectors of mixed economies. Its beneficiaries are typically the people with the most influence.
2
Isn’t that the case with almost all economic systems?
2
Big influencers? Is that not true did all governments?
Read these scenarios by the dictators of Russia and China. They are what Donald Turmp has in strore for himself as ruler for life in the United States.
4
Putin and Trump probably collude for world domination. I'm curious to see how Iran handles the realization that its air defense system can be hacked against it.
2
The Beatles song Back In The U.S.S.R came to mind when I read this story. Sadly, Russia will never become a democratic nation. The small steps toward authoritarianism that have been taken by Mr. Trump should further convince the voters of the United States that Mr. Trump is a protege of Mr. Putin. The evil of authoritarianism seems to be alive and well.
11
Mr. Trump, just because Mr. Putin can get away with it does not mean you can.
14
Oh, my. When the dominoes start to fall, stand back.
6
This is the fallout of the USSR. This is what happens when the government destroys every civic institution that stands in its way and promotes ideological conformism for seventy years. Socialism is no more but Homo Soveticus - apathetic, ultra-nationalistic and frightened of the authorities - is still the dominant social type in the areas of the former Soviet empire. But there is still a bright spot in what is happening. No matter how much Putin wants to emulate Stalin, he does not have even a smidgeon of his idol’s power. Stalin killed millions and imprisoned more. Despite the assassinations of journalists and political opponents, Putin has no gulags at his disposal. I don’t believe that even his deluded Russian supporters would stand for the kind of repression that was ubiquitous in the USSR. So there is still progress in history.
1
@Mor: Putin has returned religion to Russian public policy respectability.
Good thing Trump is not bright enough to pull this off in America.
8
It’s not stopping him from trying.
2
POTUS is watching closely and may even have this article read to him.
9
Somehow this action seems like a "Here's how to change your Constitution, Trump" playbook from Putin. Dictators have to teach lesser dictators how to do it.
14
Someone should remind Putin what happened to Julius Caesar when he proposed becoming a leader for life.
13
I guess he remembers that, because contrary to Julius Cesar he is not proposing to make him a leader for life, but actually proposing to give more power to the Parliament.
Are we looking at our own future?
10
The Tsar has spoken. Throw out the revolutions, the monarchy has returned.
5
Too bad the sainted Barack Obama is no longer president.
He could offer some ‘post-electoral’ flexibility but, instead of giving Putin the gift of no missile defense in Europe or a foothold in Syria, he could offer Medvedev political asylum.
4
This development is incredibly disturbing. Every day we step a little closer to WWIII. I just hope we're on the right side again, but we certainly won't be if Trump keeps up his subservience to this dictator, Putin, who seems to be intent on setting up a new world order under his rule.
16
Oh boy, I hope we never get to the point where Trump's face and his address to the nation will be viewed on giant screens in any/every major city in this country.
13
@Marge Keller Wondering when Trump’s face will be on all our paper money?
3
You missed that moment. Maybe you were baking cupcakes.
2
Russia has been sliding backward in its totalitarian government for some years now. The current resignations do not bode well for stability there.
13
Watch what happens here. Trump will be doing the same thing if the unimaginable happens and he gets re-elected.
10
I really don't understand why Putin bothers to go through these gymnastics, like swapping places with Medvedev a few years ago and the orchestrated resignations now. He is a dictator and can do whatever he wants, so just go ahead and dictate! If there really was a true Constitution in Russia, it lost its effectiveness many years ago. I guess the same holds true for the US Constitution today as well, unfortunately, though ours lasted quite a while until it was ripped to shreds by the Republican Party.
15
Trump must be jealous. Odds are he will tweet something nice about Putin any minute now.
13
What an astute dictator is Putin, as Medvedev was his usual idiot...to give the appearance of a 'change of guard'. Imperial? You bet! Poor Russia, with no choice but to go along. The 'Nalvanis' of this world had no chance, given the ease to fabricate accusations against any and all potential opponents. No freedom, hence, no justice. Some would call Russia's system an oligo-pluto-kleptocracy. And Trump might applaud, as he sympathizes with Putin's perceived strength to do as he pleases.
5
An authoritarian leader benefits from greater uncertainty, as the desire for order and predictability will outrank free speech and true democracy for most. Putin created the chaos that he is sure to be called upon to reign in. And, right now, he is, again, the only game in town (Moscow). The bigger danger for us is the apparent lack of any succession planning. Who would be Putin's heir if he has a heart attack or is otherwise incapacitated? Medvedev? That question is made all the more relevant by the 5,000 or so nuclear warheads Russia has at its disposal.
1
Putin's grab for a role as czar will not sit well with the Russian people.
I would bet that a wide swath of the population will not tolerate this action.
4
@john clagett Hah! We'll see...
2
Note the post from Pete in Downtown—I think he’s got it pegged.
After all these years, still a nation of serfs.
9
Missing from this article is: by what mechanism or body would Putin’s scheme need to be approved?
2
Back in 2012 in the debates, Mitt Romney was ridiculed widely when he made the statement that Russia was the biggest security challenge going forward. Among those smiling were Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Hillary Clinton.
Since that time we have seen Russia grab the Crimea, interfere in US and other elections, become the balance of power in much of the Middle East, continue to make Europe ever more dependent upon Russian Natural Gas, and weakened the connections between NATO and the EU with Turkey.
Meanwhile, the US is still in the quagmires of Afghanistan and Iraq without end.
Somehow, I think people do not think Mitt Romney was wrong today. Obama, Biden, and Clinton were and the whole supposedly expert national security team Rice, Power, et al.
3
@David Gregory. Assuming Romney was correct, he should be unequivocal in his support for a full and fair senate trial, voter protections, full financial disclosure from the president, and making certain that the president’s power to take military actions are made with the advise and consent of congress.
8
About 12 years ago, President Medvedev gave a talk in Washington that I was privileged to hear.
The trip had come in the middle of what was being reported in the international press as a moment of particular unease between Medvedev, in his press for reforms, and Putin, who had apparently reversed his plan of handing over the reins to someone he had presumed to be a deferential client so he could retreat into the political background. As the audience gathered, the air was filled with whispered concerns about the Russian/American future, but about the future of our speaker.
After giving his prepared speech, Medvedev took several several cautious foreign diplomacy questions, and finally blurted out, "Isn't anyone going to ask me about my relationship with Vladimir Putin?" None of us fully believed his reassuring answer to his own question (something like, "We argue, but all is fine"), but we were all struck at what a wonderful man this was.
In this era of corrupt despots siding with increasing brazenness with one another and against their own people, Medvedev's departure is worrisome indeed. I strongly suspect the relationship to watch now is that of Putin/Trump.
3
I wish the NY Times would provide more details regarding Putin's proposal. The text of it and maybe including analysis to explain how it would change Russia's current government. The description in the article is very light on the details that would be interesting to know. Like what is the formal process under the Russian Constitution in order to have these changes proposed by Putin be incorporated in the Constitution. Do his proposals recommend the establishment of new offices, officials, what are their roles and powers and how would they be appointed; by election or otherwise.
6
@P Locke
The details are simple, Putin stays in power, and anyone who objects gets a bullet, a knife or the rope.
10
And how will he stay in the power under these changes?
Why would anyone even think there is a chance Putin would give up power because of something as insignificant as a Constitution? It's like thinking Trump would ever admit he was wrong about something.
11
Anyone who doesn't recognize this as an attempt of Putin to create a permanent position of power for himself is naive beyond belief.
11
What would this 'permanent position' be?
Is Trump watching? Maybe he can make himself "leader of the people" after his term ends. What works for one dictator has to work for a wanna be dictator, right?
4
Putin, like Trump, is a modern day Napoleon who wants to grab as much as possible. It's amazing how many deaths these people cause. And the dead are always soldiers fighting for their countries or innocent civilians. Maybe we should try to stop the Napoleons themselves instead of seeing all these basically decent people sacrificed for "the country's honor".
4
"...he has ensured that he remain the arbiter on all important decisions in Russia"
"Arbiter"...now that's a nice word for it.
4
A fake democracy and $billions in offshore banks for the selected few who are allowed to play the game
6
Putin was right about Libya. If Medvedev had vetoed the UN resolution, NATO wouldn't have been able to twist it into permission to assassinate Gaddafi and overthrow his government.
Libyans would have relative peace and a relatively prosperous society, with universal health care and free education through university paid for by oil revenues.
Europe would not be destabilized politically by floods of poor North Africans who used to find work in Libya.
ISIS and other jihadists would not have yet another US-supplied country to set up and recruit in, and Libya's vast weapons stores would not have been distributed among the entire region's militant groups.
Putin foresaw these disasters being perpetuated by NATO playing out old grudges against Gaddafi. Things could have turned out differently, and President Obama wouldn't be looking back on Libya as his greatest regret.
5
@Nick Wright History is fun. But it's even more fun for those of us who spend so much of our time with IF.
1
@kenneth Hi. I was going to ask you what does IF stand for, then it occurred to me that you were emphasizing the word "if".
It seems Putin is helping Trump with his "Counter programming" as described in another article describing Trump's conduct today.
The Democrats have succeeded in exposing the Trump/Putin relationship. The big story is a confluence of several.
4
@PATRICK "a confluence of several" what?
2
Difficult to interpret the motivations and meaning of the resignations.
But, this much is clear: Putin will do whatever is necessary to retain power in Russsia.
What is not clear, at all, is what happens after Putin dies. Hopefully, we will survive to see the post-Putin Russia.
1
Putin is a corrupt mobster. A crime boss. For the good the of the Russian people, I hope their resignations have a positive effect and Putin is ultimately ousted, and the sooner the better. Back here in the USA, I hope the same is true for Comrade Trump, who has already hinted at undoing presidential term limits.
5
The Putin move will be as much "an effort to enhance democracy" as the U.S. Senate impeachment trial will be an effort to - in Mitch McConnell's words - produce "impartial justice."
12
Trump and McConnell must be salivating!
4
@Touran9 Really? Where is she?
Timid secretive leaders always obscure their actions. Here, Putin is using the media to tell Trump he has his back. You know spymasters like Putin are always discrete, but this is an overt announcement, even a threat by Putin in the possible circumstances surrounding Trump. Trump is acting emboldened today flaunting the Democrats as if he had no worries, and that's the point. Trump's arrogance and Putin's action reveal the relationship likely composed of promises of support. You should all be alarmed at Putin's and Trump's apparent secret relationship shown here in this obvious display of strength as Putin has marginalized political rule at this time and we should watch carefully for other implied support for Trump.
5
@PATRICK "Timid secretive leaders always obscure their actions."
Yes, I think that's what it means to be secretive.
( Meanwhile, I think you meant "discreet," not "discrete." There really is a difference. )
2
@PATRICK IT seems that Mr. McConnell and almost half of the American people don't mind or don't know better.
2
The two key changes that Putin has asked for cannot fairly be called an attempt to consolidate his personal power, as stated in this article. The first change is for any future president of Russia (whoever it is) to be limited to one consecutive term. Putin is in his second consecutive term, so he would not be eligible in 2024. The second change is for the prime minister to be appointed by the Duma rather than by the president, as is stipulated in the present constitution. This change would prevent a future elected president from appointing Putin as prime minister without involvement of the Duma (as happened when the newly elected president, Dmitri Medvedev, appointed Putin as prime minister in 2008).
As Putin rightly claims in his recent address to the Federal Assembly, both changes that he has proposed distribute power from the presidency to the Duma, which is an elected, multiple-party parliament; thereby, these changes decentralize power and increase democracy. Putin goes into great detail explaining the changes he has proposed, basing his proposals in large part on the relative newness of the Russian democracy and the need to move to more maturer forms of democratic involvement.
6
@Roland Menge : Congratulations! Judging by the bulk of the comments, you're likely one of three or four people who actually read the article, to see what it was actually saying.
4
It is funny that although there is no specific measure described that will give Putin any extra power, so many assume that he will stay on forever. Giving the Parliament more power is hardly a move to consolidate the power in one's hands. Yeltsin knew it very well, that's why he orchestrated the coup and wrote the new Constitution that gave him power.
2
@yulia "Giving the Parliament more power is hardly a move to consolidate the power in one's hands." I take it you're too young to remember the Axis powers of the 1930s and 40s.
1
@yulia I disagree. It's an attempt to create a place for himself where he won't be limited by the "two term presidency" law. He is simply indulging in political juggling to give himself permanent power.
1
Do you think that such Democracy as Britain and Germany with strong Parliament have more chances to became a dictatorship than say the US where the power is concentrated in the hand of one person? It is difficult for me to imagine how these changes could allow them to stay in the power forever. If he want to stay in power, he could scrape the term-limits, create position for himself as the eternal leader, or just support the loyal candidate that will appoint him as a prime minister. Giving more power to the Parliament is risky, because you depend not only one individual but on many, how you will control them? Saakashvili hoped to be a prime minister of Georgia, after his two terms as the President, but his party was voted out of the Parliament and his dreams came to end. Why would Putin want to repeat such mistake when there are many more secure ways to stay in power?
May the wonderful Russian people be on their way to authentic democracy.
2
Hahaha. It’s another Putin power play. If trump thought he could get away with he would do the same here.
3
Meaning he would give more power to Congress? Is it such a bad thing?
@Steve Cohen
Power plays are always signs of feeling threatened. The abruptness of Medvedev's and Cabinet's action shows that Putin is in trouble.
The impeachment process here is not lost on the Russian people. Recall that the Russian people are very aware that political opposition faces arrest.
I wager that it's no coincidence that the situation here of Putin's man in the Oval Office is causing oligarchic panic in Russia; and is broadly inspiring grassroots disgust with autocracy.
Putin believes he will live forever and will be a dictator forever. Crazy how despots think they will live forever but end up remembered for nothing but their incompetence and cruelty.
5
@pb Only if you think of them as despots.
In many cases, while we in the U S may not like them, many of those "despots" have strong popular support among their constitutents.
Men like Mussolini, Hitler, Castro didn't come out of nowhere. In each case, they were chosen in free elections. The people's loss of freedom came thereafter.
Perfect timing. Trump I is he’s his second term and moves on to become Putin’s official right hand after eight years of practice in the shadows as US President
1
Maybe Trump’s Russian buddy can offer him some suggestions as to how to suspend the U.S. Constitution. Next step, as Klobuchar said last night, a crown and scepter. This country and the Democrats better wise up fast; our democracy is faced with an existential threat.
12
It is like Russia is one of these cursed nations where democracy can never take roots? The sad part is to watch how the Russian people have been dumbed down in yet embrassing another personality cult. An omen for America?
3
Unlike Putin, Trump can be voted out next year if Americans so decide; rejoice that you have a choice.
6
As someone relevant to this conversation is reported to have said — “It’s not who votes that counts, it’s who counts the votes.”
See also that this presumes Trump leaves if he is voted out, as he will undoubtedly contest any result not to his liking (setting aside the Electoral College issue, as well as Putin/Facebook/hacking etc shenanigans) as being removed opens him up to indictment and the loss of revenue from tax dollars/emoluments. Power has its privileges.
Saw this coming from years ago, Putin has no good options, soon as he lets slip the reins of power he is a dead man.
2
Just a matter of time before Trump tries that here.
13
Stalin lives!
and Trump plans the same thing. If he is voted out, he will attempt to seize power.
3
Trump will no doubt champion this consolidation of power saying something about what a great leader Putin is and lamenting presidential term limits in the US.
2
Prediction post 2020 election - Trump Calls for Constitutional Overhaul.
6
How can a government resign? Russia is so clearly a dictatorship. Unfortunately, with our current president, we should consider ourselves one of the states under this dictator's control.
Seems like primer ministers resign all the time all around world such democracies as Japan, Britain, Greece, Italy, Germany
2
@NS In a parliamentary form of government, the prime minister (his or her government) may have to resign when he or she is faced with a loss of support from the parliamentary coalition then in the majority.
Is there any question as to where trump gets his bizarre ideas? The two are thicker than thieves.
2
@Urban.Warrior Yes. There is.
Let’s see how long it takes for Trump to praise his “friend” Putin...a tweet, a rambling answer to a reporter...
2
“I just spoke with Mr. Putin. He told me very strongly he did nothing wrong; and I believe him.” Fearless Leader and Supreme Omnipotent High Commander Trump.
5
Putin is the KGB agent turned supreme mafia boss, collecting ransom payments and extorting business, corruption is the way he and his associates operate. Mafia and corruption loving Russians get what they deserve though. None of the children of the oligarchs serve in the Russian military and all escape the military service by deserting abroad to foreign universities. Putin lives by the motto, "Get rich, or die trying."
3
To become a self appointed tsar?
2
'Already in power for 20 years, longer than any Kremlin leader since Stalin ...'
And will stay in power for 20 more years maybe. And legally, whatever passes as 'legal' in Russia. After so many years in charge, he probably cannot imagine not being in charge any more.
That said, that may actually be the best for Russia. I have little doubt that majority of Russians think that way despite the obvious machinations to keep Vladimir in the seat forever, which every one is aware of. Plus, given there is no open political oppression in Russia, it is actually fair to say that Putin-forever is largely ok with the citizenship.
3
Trump must be green with envy. Perhaps he and Rudy can begin contemplating ways that the two-term limit for presidents can be thwarted, If successful, Trump could gain more years in the Oval Office and more revenue from Mar-A-Lago. What could be better?
1
If a recession happens in the US and the rest of the world sometime later this year. The stock market will fall here and in Russia. This will cause Putin to lose his popularity and then, what happens next?
2
@Harveyko What usually happens in one-man countries is that somebody is made the fall guy, jailed or executed, and the government continues on as before. Occasionally, the ruler takes the fall -- but only occasionally.
It makes sense that Putin would want to use all his resources to engineer the re-election of his protege Donald Trump. With both in office through 2024, they will be able to effect the merger of the two countries under the oligarchy. Putin must also take steps to assure the re-election of the pro-Russia Senate led by Mitch McConnell (Moscow Mitch to his detractors).
6
If Trump were to propose a repeal of presidential term limit would Republicans support it?
@Bob It wouldn't matter, Bob. Constitutionally, the change would not apply to any "current" president.
Trump's likely response to this news:
1. Called Vlad to congratulate him
2. Convened a meeting to see if he could do something like this to "fire Congress".
3
I believe Putin gave this same idea to Trump who also wants to be a dictator, staying in power. The two of them are not clandestinely plotting to rule the world! They're making a great show of it and this is a warning. They seem to think their secretive talks (with no transcripts) are not noticed by all of us. Insanity is a Trump/Putin world without U.S. intervention.
3
Vladimir Putin is a KGB autocrat untethered to any rule of law and has used and will still use all means to stay in power until his death. His successor will be hand selected, another autocrat, and not a thing will change in Russia. Medvedev was a speed bump only to Putin's path, and never had power when he had power.
Russia will act as spoiler to the US and as an aid to any despot on the planet with a checkbook. He will provide little for his people but nationalism, empty patriotism, and a carbon based economy.
1
This is substantial proof that Russia and America are in fact, allied militarily in the C.I.A. strategy of "The New World Order".
Putin is affirming his support for Trump to know. He is backing up Trump. I will be watching eagle eyed at military moves now.
@PATRICK Uh-oh. There is a worldwide conspiracy afoot that threatens all civilization on the planet.
Not to worry, though. Patrick is "watching eagle eyed."
This is Putin's continuing desire to stay in power. No one knows what exactly he is thinking and plotting. Perhaps, create more chaos outside his country. His ambition to bring back the lost USSR? What has he done for the good of the Russian people?
This is Trumps next move if he isn't reigned in immediately. Why do Republicans want to bow down to a king?
2
@RickNYC
re "bow down to a king" - and an incredibly stupid, repulsive one at that.
Long live the Czar? He's been heading in that direction since he got his hold on power. BTW the Toad is his most assiduous student. So let's protect our country and our Constitution before it's too late.
4
My Dearest Vlady,
Please teach me how to accomplish your greatly take over of your beautiful country. I have to learn hugely how to convince my minions to accept what I and only I, in my stable geniusness, know to be the true way forward for MAGA, but of course not to cause the greatly Russian Federation any discomfort.
Very Submissively yours,
DJT
9
Dear Mr. Putin, why don't you just spare your underlings and us all and name yourself Czar? Your soap opera is just too predicable --and boring. NO MORE INSTALLMENTS, please.
9
What else is new. Everyone with any knowledge of Putin knew he wouldnt lie down and get out. 20 years? Young people get organized and vote otherwise. The older generation, as i have read, is satisfied with Putin.
5
Unexpected??
5
@Ed Just the timing.
The only way Putin leaves will be in a box
17
What a great democracy Russia is.
Just Kidding, lol
6
Putin belongs in a prison cell right next to Assad and Un. A great way to teach that triumvirate that there is indeed a price to pay for their eveil ways.
13
Putin’s anticipated consolidation of absolute power in Russia continues. Now, WATCH TRUMP - he is trying to do the same thing here! That is in direct violation of our Constitution and laws and is, in effect, TREASON.
We have seen destruction of an impartial Judiciary, appointment of a sick Trump loyalist who is sworn to personal allegiance of The Dotard (Barr), blatant elections violations and encouraged foreign interference (treason), beheading of all critical government agencies designed to bypass established norms in favor of Trump’s moronic and authoritarian Tweets and, worst of all, a tribal minority cult of sycophants who seem to feel that there is nothing wrong with anything that Trump does. He has illegally refused to deal with a co-equal branch of government (Congress) and obstructed far beyond his legitimate rights. For this he has been Impeached - not a small deal.
THE REALITY: Trump is a cheap grifter. A lifelong crook and liar with no morals, ethics or respect for anything but himself. He seeks, and is trying to implement, absolute power for himself and appoints other traitors to key position to do so.
If this viper is re-elected he will, with the aid of anything/anyone he can coerce, threaten, steal, co-opt or otherwise influence, he will run rampant with our nation, our treasury, our military, our courts, his ability to pardon every criminal in existence. He will make the last three years look like a rehearsal for Armageddon.
25
In Putin's Russia, the president elects himself!
Or as George W. Bush put it, "If this were a dictatorship, it'd be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I'm the dictator."
6
"And, in other news..."
So our fraud "president's" best buddy is now elevating himself (that's merely relative, as those below him on the org. chart are now erased, and most likely soon to be "disappeared"), into the rarefied atmosphere of Xi, so he is now "dictator for life".
This is bound to set off a new round of jealousy, which can only result in THREE scoops of ice cream for our traitor.
6
UNNECESSARY! The whole idea of being tsar is that you hold the job for life.
3
@John Curtin So the title of "president" is further tarnished. It just doesn't have the same weight it once had. Now it sounds so....pedestrian. And for us? We desperately need a NEW title for the "head of state". Ideas?
Staying in power after your term ends, h'mmmmm probably sounds good to Mr. Trump too.
12
@mjbarr
Putin has other plans that go far beyond Trump and what carries the name "Republican Party."
Hail to the Russian Czar !
I'm sure the Russian peasants are thrilled that Putin has made Czarist Russia Great Again.
Meanwhile, Monarch Mitch and Daycare Donnie try their best to permanently rig Grand Old Power into place in the USA.
Wake up, Americans.
These people hate the unrich and unpowerful.
Register and VOTE on November 3 2020 in historic numbers.
81
Wherever Putin is, that will be where the power is, so titles are essentially meaningless, as is the Russian Constitution. This is a Mafia state where Putin is the permanent boss.
There's only one catch. As the drug lord in "License to Kill" pointed out to the Central American dictator: "Remember, you're only president... for life." That's a real problem, but I'm sure Putin is on it.
7
I am very pessimistic about the future of global stability. This will not end well. Not at all. The Doomsday Clock announceent this year should be most interesting.
30 seconds to midnight anyone?
159
@arusso 30 seconds to midnight? perhaps more likely that the choas caused by leaders such as Putin and Trump and Kim etc will still have a strong enough sense of survival to cause the chaos which will lead to the earth biological ecosystem to put an end to homo sapiens just as something put an end to the dinosaurs. Dictators cannot dictate to nature, and our children and grandchildren may pay the price of these dictators.
16
@arusso
Actually, I have no concern about the use of Nuclear weapons because if they are ever used by all the out of control military's of the world, we'll be dead anyway. When was the last war our military obeyed the public will for peace?
1
@arusso
The US and NATO lost the peace after the Cold War by turning the NeoLiberals loose upon the former Warsaw Pact and then violating our agreement to not extend NATO eastward or station troops in former Warsaw Pact countries.
They believed their own PR about capitalism triumphing and gave credit to Reagan instead of acknowledging Gorbachev's actions. Mr. Gorbachev should have been awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom for keeping the dissolution of the Soviet empire from turning into a hot war.
8
I was first pleased to read that there is dissension within the Putin government. But then I realized it will amount to naught. Putin has an iron grip on his people. His goal is to become a life-long dictator. And that he will be unless the people of Russia themselves speak up and protest. Yes, their rallies will be suppressed by military thugs as decreed by their leader. But maybe they can take a lesson from what is occurring in Hong Kong. Ironically, maybe WE in America can learn also. As of yet, Trump is not an autocrat, unless, of course, Mitch McConnell deems him so during this upcoming "trial."
131
I guess, he won’t make it to 2030 elections. He will either die before or there will be something big. New generation (and I’m part of it) is growing, dissatisfaction is growing. The most possible solution is a state coup, if Putin doesn't tighten the screws, turning us into a new Third Reich. Revolution is less likely and way more scary. Unfortunately, there are still lots of folks who support Putin, and it’s not just pensioners. Revolution can easily ignite the fuse of a new civil war, which definitely would be a blood bath.
But if revolution starts, I will be the first fellow on the barricades.
28
@Nikita Thank you for this perspective from the "front lines" so to speak. It is always helpful for us to learn how the people of Russia think. It is interesting what you write about the new generation, "...is growing, dissatisfaction is growing." I believe the same is happening here. Our younger adults seem to have a better understanding of the ominous trajectory which we are enduring now via Trump and his ilk.
21
@Kathy Lollock Trump is well on his way to becoming a life-long dictator who will pass the torch to Donald Trump, Jr. and Ivanka. No one seems to be stopping him and he is, as of now, above the law.
19
We should be OK with it and see it no different than our own fake two party system that yields a new face about every 8 years or so with zero or cosmetic change favoring the 99% of the voters. Putin has done a brilliant job of coping our model of "democracy" and is unlikely to let go until he is sure that the import is complete and will sustain itself and become the bedrock undulating between desires and goals of the electorate and those invisible in power/elite like ours exactly.
I agree with Trump when he said that Putin is a good leader for his people. An objective observation would conclude that he has accomplished a significant level of his declared objective of compromising the uni-polar position of the US after the Soviet collapse. When contrasted, other Western leaders seem the lampoons. In the last few years, the latter has made it even easier for the world to believe and have faith that Putin is credible, moral, ethical and compassionate man, and would do business with him.
3
@Moen It's always the articles and particles...
3
@Bobn
Bobn, thanks for your comment.
Your regrets are mine. Sure would like to see our democracy work like it used to. But I just don't see that happening. Technology backed by gargantuan wealth of the few is knocking at the door to knockout the future for our children and Washington is playing partisan with Supreme Court in playpen. Other Hitlers see how our model is working now and like it. With it they keep their cake and eat it too.
For this election: We should be saying "Its the Children's Future stupid".
Lets Wake Up!
Putin is good for himself and his fellow kleptocrats, not the Russian people. He murders or imprisons anyone who poses a threat to him, and he uses aggression and brinksmanship to distract Russians from their economic troubles.
There’s nothing credible about Putin, much less benign. I’m surprised to see you compare him favorably to our Western leaders, and surprised to see anyone compare Russian dictatorship to our own democracy.
No surprises here. Putin is running a kleptocratic dictatorship, where the “Constitution” - such as it is - is his tool.
The goal is to take it all, and keep it. Me and Mine are the focus elements. If the law doesn’t fit, ignore the law, or change it to suit me...
This is government of one man, and government for one man: the classic signs of a dictatorship. A point comes where the dictator doesn’t feel any shame from openly telling the country, “My individual desires outweigh the collective weight of all of yours!”
Trump thinks exactly like this. He’s taking notes. He will likely opine on this as a good idea.
More’s the national shame that Republicans should let him continue in this takeover. Funny thing is, they do NOT have to cave into Trump to keep their jobs. They just have to be unified in their message of “No - and you are a criminal!”
They really need to unite otherwise, the point of keeping their jobs won’t matter anymore. It will be the Party of Crazy Trump - not the Republican Party. They will be reduced to spectators at a clown party...
3
@GWBear
I think the Republicans are compromised and/or paid off by Putin. This is the only way that they will be united. Backtracking is not an option for them.
Evil pollutes even over long distances.
Either Russia is shunned as the enemy of democracy or it will bring the west down to its dictator loving level.
Hugh
3
I pretty much always considered Russia to be a dictatorship ruled by Putin. Isn't that what Russians understand as well?
8
Putin has effectively been Tsar for many years now. Doubtful any Russians believe that Medvedev was ever anything more than a fig leaf--an "apparatchik", as they used to call it. He serves approximately the same function as our Vice-President Pence, so not to worry!
9
It is well known how massively corrupt Putin is and very successful at being so for decades now. It began when he was a deputy to the highly corrupt mayor of Saint Petersburg. It is well known in the west, we would do well in undermining Putin by releasing more details and proof of Putin’s greed and corruption IN Russia as well as world-wide. It is quite feasible that Putin is the “richest” man in the world topping Bezos and Gates, et al. Time to go after Putin where it hurts... his greed and riches. Do it now. Don’t be surprised that when the most corrupt US president in history, trump is out of office, that a uuge trump named tower will be constructed in Moscow. TrumPutin 2020. Defeat them both... or we suffer the consequences. Just sayin...
5
@Howard Beale II The blueprints and final plans for Trump Tower in Moscow are a done and have been for some time.
Together at last: Trump’s wish to be POTUS
forever and his chief supporter, Putin, planning
to remain the leader of Russia indefinitely. What could possibly go wrong?
5
@Gene Eisman
Trump won't last forever, but the foundations for the Trump dynasty have been in place for a long time.
1
When will Trump start to formally change our Constitution, instead of just ignoring it or assaulting it like he does now? When will Trump get a Constitution to make him President for Life? You know, like his boss Putin is Ruler for life in Russia.
Xi Jinping made it official before both Putin and Trump.
3
Kudos to Mr. Medvedev, who knows what is good for him.
4
We should be OK with it and see it no different than our own fake two party system that yields a new face about every 8 years or so with zero or cosmetic change favoring the 99% of the voters. Putin has done a brilliant job of coping our model of "democracy" and is unlikely to let go until he is sure that the import is complete and will sustain itself and become the bedrock undulating between desires and goals of the electorate and those invisible in power/elite like ours exactly.
I agree with Trump when he said that Putin is a good leader for his people. An objective observation would conclude that he has accomplished a significant level of his declared objective of compromising the uni-polar position of the US after the Soviet collapse. When contrasted, other Western leaders seem the lampoons. In the last few years, the latter has made it even easier for the world to believe and have faith that Putin is credible, moral, ethical and compassionate man, and would do business with him.
1
I'm sure our own CIC is watching this closely in order to see if Vladdy Daddy's maneuvers can be replicated here.
9
@Patti O'Connor
Sharpie doesn't plan. He's part of the plan.
Putin's survival requires that he remain at or very near the pinnacle of power in Russia. He'll be in that position indefinitely.
81
@BayArea101 The same is true of Trump.
8
Enjoying a bit of the spoils of his position, Putin has built himself a little dacha - much like a personal palace, you might say. It is reported to be so massive, lavish and exorbitant that he's now afraid for anyone to see it. You might say the little kleptocrat stole so much to erect this living monument that he's embarrassed even himself. It's on a vast piece of land, set away from any road and therefore peepers, according to news reports.
He can't possibly give up his power for fear the next leader would put him on show - his own person a living monument to greed on a reportedly unheard of, unparalleled scale. Meanwhile, so many workaday Russians have labored at low-wage jobs, suffered through food shortages, scraped to make homes out of modest abodes and puffed up their chests with pride at what Putin has done for Russia's standing.
In fact what he has done is feed his oligarchical friends to secure their loyalty (while also siphoning off wealth from others). He has murdered opponents, at home and abroad. And for a very long time now, he has continually plundered his country's coffers of an alarming fortune. Hundreds of millions of dollars. Billions. Western news reports peg him as one of the very richest men in the world.
Putin can not possibly risk exposure, censure, imprisonment, and worse, by turning over his playland nation, for fear that even his most loyal backers - and the nation - will turn on him once they discover what he's really been up to.
2
Seems like Putin may sense a similar problem shared by Trump: leaving office invites investigation by successors. Putin is reckoned by some Russia watchers as being the richest man in the world. He's got the tiger by the tail, ringing money out of his stable of oligarchs, but letting go of the tiger (the power) is risky.
The question that always strikes me hearing about dictators acquiring their country's wealth during their dictatorship is where and how do they get to use/enjoy that money? Instead they end up holding power until any life left is severely limited and the money no longer has useful value to them.
5
Putin's announcement was accompanied by a plan to increase the birth rate for Russians in the country. Many Russians (thank goodness, not all) can be moved to acceptance of absolutism by alarm bells about external threats (all those brown people from Caucasus and Central Asia moving in to take jobs). The United States used to stand as a contrast to this type of political tactic, but not any longer.
3
Russia has never had a democratic society. Ever since the days of the tsars, through the communist years and all the way till today - it’s always been run under authoritarian rule. This is hardly surprising.
9
@George T: To be strictly accurate, Russia had a quasi-democratic regime for about nine months, from February to October (or March to November) 1917, under Alexander Kerensky. The government was apparently only partly legitimate, and in any case weak. With no previous experience of democratic government, the regime was doomed to failure, and was overthrown by Lenin and his bolsheviks in October 1917 (November 7th by the western calendar).
It's an interesting exercise in counterfactual, alternative history to ponder what might have been the course of world history in the 20th century had the Kerensky government survived, flourished and matured.
2
@Ellen Valle
The answer: Russia would have evolved into a constitutional liberal democracy. With a couple more civil wars along the way.
Kerensky should have stopped participation in WWI. That bloodshed was the main problem the interim government had. The Germans might have kept Lenin in Switzerland or wherever he was. The Kaiser had no long term interest in setting up a communist regime. It might have gotten more precarious on Western Front for allies, but the risk, seen from our eyes, might have been worth it. Lenin and his cronies really messed up the rest of the 20th Century.
1
Let Putin's move serve as a cautionary tale for all Americans. As we write, Trump is looking at Putin as an example of how to hijack a democracy by trashing a constitution and refusing to leave office. Trump and his antidemocratic supporters and donors would love nothing more than to establish an autocracy with the madman Trump as its imperial figurehead. We must resist.
22
So... political dissent is allowed in Russia? To hear reports, they'd all get a Ukrainian umbrella in the back of the knee.
If Putin gets away with this, what do we think Trump would do?
1
There has never been any reall doubt that Putin intends to be Russias autocrat for life. Xi in China, Putin in Russia, Khomeni in Iran, etc all will only leave by death or overthrow. They do not claim to be democracys and what show voting there may be is of no practical consequence. It is of significant interest that each and every such dictator is a man and none are women. There have been wonderful women in power but none have apparently felt the need to powerFUL.
1
Instead of Prime Minister Dmitri A. Medvedev challenging Putin's maneuver to stay in power after 2024, he resigns.
WOW! Instead of displaying courage under fire, he displayed cowardliness under pressure.
If all of Putin's cabinet members take similar action, then he pretty much wins.
For once, just once, it would be refreshing to see citizens fight for what's right rather than coward under fear.
3
@Marge Keller
Well, the penalty is probably death, through accident, suicide, or outright assassination.
3
@Marge Keller Based on events in Russia when people oppose Putin, Medvedev probably figures that by resigning he will be alive rather than “accidentally” falling from a building“ or bumping into someone with a poison tipped umbrella.
You seem to think there actually is/was a democracy in Russia. Putin’s position is that he wins.
There's not too many ways not to see what all this means.
Namely that Vladimir Putin is going NOWHERE, and this is just another way for him to further consolidate his power by extending his reign
Of course, it's well worth noting that this time would also coincide with Donald Trump's second term in office -- which no doubt the Russian secret service is taking steps to ensure.
Americans should take note and beware of the consequences of this move, as it involves the future of our state as well.
14
If Putin is allowed to maneuver sweeping constitutional changes and if he is re-elected again, then I have to wonder about those voting results.
According to Robert Mueller and his report, Russia interfered in the 2016 election in this country.
Why would they not interfere in their own election, resulting in Putin getting re-elected?
10
@Marge Keller
Despite public discontent with Putin, he always gets elected with statistically improbable--but ego-boosting--numbers. With the Russian GRU actively hacking our election systems on Trump's behalf, and McConnell blocking any measures to protect our country, we should get used to this.
1
Whatever is underway in Russia, you can be sure that "reforms" will not enhance or extend Russia's tepid embrace of democratic government
I wouldn't put it past Trump to try the same thing here. He's already hinted at being unwilling to leave office even if he loses. That, however, may be because he doesn't want to immediately be tried on illegal actions as President by the NY AG.
25
"Mr. Putin described the proposed constitutional changes in his annual state of the nation address on Wednesday as an effort to enhance democracy.”
Truly Orwellian!
Reminds me of "truth isn't truth" and "alternative facts."
SO happy with my decision to not bring children into this world.
16
@Jason Or as Trump would/did/will say: "Only I can enhance democracy."
4
I suspect that Vladimir Putin, just like Xi Jinping, has tired of the Prime Minister farce. Along with any term limits for President.
Putin wants to be Russia's Czar until death do he part. Xi wants to be China's Emperor over the same time frame.
Trump must be looking on with admiration, envy and respect.
345
@Blackmamba
And Trump wants to be our King.
14
@Blackmamba Well said.
14
@Blackmamba
Trump must be looking on with admiration, envy and respect.
He knows that he has the full support of Republicans in the slide toward dictatorship.
24
Trump is green with envy and is already salivating over trying to get something like this done here -- never mind this pesky impeachment thing and all those other rules (Constitution, etc.) getting in the way.
He likely has 40% public backing and nearly 100% GOP backing to get something like this done.
6
Serving for life is the fantasy of Putin and trump. And both will probably get it. Given the number of gullible people who want someone to boss them around, autocracy seems definitively on the rise.
5
@CP I agree that Trump would love this, but there is zero chance that he will get it. Our democracy is far stronger than Russia's. He may succeed, if he loses in 2020, to get millions of his followers to believe that the system was 'rigged' and thus undermine confidence in our system. Beyond sad!
Putin is implying something regarding Trump with his timing but stay focused on Trump and be ready to counter any Trump diversion attempts. He's like a frog whose tail gets poked and he just jumps. Putin seems to know that.
6
Not a shock or surprise really! Nor will it be if Trump decides to seek a third term, provided he gets a second term.
Vladimir Putin has already served three terms and is currently in a fourth as President of Russia (2000–2004, 2004–2008, 2012–2018 and May 2018 to present) and was Acting President from 1999 to 2000, succeeding Boris Yeltsin after Yeltsin's resignation.
Putin was also Prime Minister for three months in 1999 and served a full term from 2008 to 2012. During Putin's presidency, he has been a member of the Unity party and the United Russia party.
Before executing the powers of the office, a Russian president is constitutionally required to take the presidential oath:
“I swear in exercising the powers of the President of the Russian Federation to respect and safeguard the rights and freedoms of man and citizen, to observe and protect the Constitution of the Russian Federation, to protect the sovereignty and independence, security and integrity of the State, to faithfully serve the people.”
Our President states:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
So Putin has a history of official power in Russia that will be dutifully copied by our guy!
1
@J L. S. It's that "to the best of my ability" piece that ruins the intent of the "oath". THERE'S something we should put on the list for the next Constitutional Convention. /s.
3
Putin and “enhance democracy” in the same sentence? That’s hilarious!
As Putin is patron to him, too, that means Trump should be using that line soon.
5
@Mark R. Similar to "enhanced interrogation"?
Medvedev is Putin’s puppet. For Americans, think about Trump, another Putin puppet, if you want to understand relationship between Putin and Medvedev.
5
Tsar Putin: most powerful man in the history of the world, yes, even more than Jesus. He owns Russia and The United States of America.
Incredible.
5
Coming on the same day as the Trump presentation, the resignation of the Russian political leader has left the K.G.B. Putin free. We should be vigilant and note the possible threat Putin is implying here.
1
Focus on Venezuela where Putin has placed military over the last years. Now Putin is unrestrained by a political leader.
Trump has already said this.... stating on March 5, 2018, that "he wants to be president for life". I still can't shake the idea that Putin and Trump are colluding in a big way with big plans.
10
@LS
I wouldn't be surprised. Putin can pretend he's enhancing "democracy" while keeping just enough semblance of regular life to keep people off the street, and even if they did protest, we all know what would happen. What we don't know is what he wants to do in This Country. What raises the stakes even higher is that Trump is clearly exhibiting signs of mental decline and the GOP clearly doesn't work for America or cares bout America. We've got our work cut out for us, but at least no one should have any illusion anymore.
And by the way, what happened with that Russian spy ship seen off the Florida coast recently?
1
One would hope for the best, but this is Putin who now sees himself as the savior of modern Russia,
I might expect the worst as usually is the case when powerful oligarchs "suggest" new constitutions,
Very unlikely this helps the working folks and certainly will give Putin far more authority to direct Russian foreign policy,
Trump must really be jealous, as this would be his priority as well, that is, after he destroys all his enemies,
3
Putin is a dictator. Who is surprised by this move? It's what a dictator would do to remain in control while seemingly obeying the law. Law which the dictator makes. It's what dictators do.
3
Apparently puppy Putin wants to be the meanest and most powerful junkyard dog on the planet.
And to think Trump gives this man only high praise whenever he speaks to and about him.
5
@Marge Keller why don't they just call it a dictatorship like it is, and stop trying fool everyone and changing the constitution every two years or so, so Putin can stay in poeer
2
@Marge Keller
Amen, Putin travels the world and realizes that Russia is still nothing but a third rate country where the white people are living in poverty.
It is amazing to me that as a dictator he is under some impression that he can take all of his ill gotten money and power to the after life. A normal person would think he would want to improve the lives of the Russian people. History books will talk about an old KGB man who thought that his leadership really meant something at he end of the day.
The country is still living in the dark ages but they have weapons to kill people and that is all the wild poverty Russian country worries about. Killing people acquiring land to do nothing with
Trump and his buddy fail to see the opportunities that climate change can offer, they live in the old world of fossil fuel. Putin will be destroying Russia for another twenty years because he has no vision and no ability to be a real leader just a thug. Trump has no vision just a showman with no substance other than hate.
4
The well deserved impeachment of Trump will send a message to the rest of the world, that dictators and authoritarians will be thwarted by democracy and the will of the people. America must remain the shining example to the world that rule of law will not be stomped on!
3
@sunburst68 "Message"?!?! Seriously?!? The only message we're sending is that our "representative republic" FAILED, as its own Electoral College, put in place to protect us from despots, was successfully gamed by russia and the RNC, thus showing the world how our flawed governmental structure could be undermined by greed and corruption.
One last hope for this country: November 3rd.
2
@sunburst68 The United States of America is no longer a shining example to the world. That has slowly but definitely diminished over the last three years. If you haven’t not you haven’t been paying attention.
Let's all hope this isn't a suggestion, a blueprint for Trump……..
11
The Soviet Unikn, oops, I mean Russia, has a constitution? What is it, a constitution of convenience that you can bend and mold as you, or Putin, see fit?
15
@MIKEinNYC Yes, and Trump is copying it.
6
The Donald must be seething with jealousy.
38
@Stef No, he's taking notes.
If you think he plans giving up the Presidency under any circumstances, it's a delusion.
19
@DaBlackAndyKapp
A kodak moment indeed when he is lead out in handcuffs for failure to leave the White House. The streets will be lined with cheering crowds watching this special moment where the devil is forced to leave the house of the framers of the Constitution.
The democrats will have an open house so that all can be in the house of our country.
Sweet justice it will be.
3
@Tony A fun fantasy, but I doubt it. He will voluntarily leave the White House, but will loudly and continually claim that the election was 'rigged' and millions of 'illegals' voted for the democrat - thus further undermining our democracy. Some of the dems are not helping by continually complaining that the rich and well-connected 'control' Washington. While partly true, it is feeding the erosion of confidence in our democratic system - just what Putin wants!
3
"President Vladimir V. Putin, sent the country’s political elite into a swirl with proposals for sweeping constitutional changes that could extend his hold on power for many years."
Wait, he needs to do something like this? From what I've gathered, Putin will be in office until Putin is ready to leave office, constitution or law be damned.
3
@No Name no - he has to maintain the appearance of legality. He is using his power to change the government to legally allow him to stay in power. Luckily, this is not an option available to Trump.
This is no surprise, especially when he sees America in his future.
11
@Harry A jewel in his crown
2
"Mr. Putin described ..... as an effort to enhance democracy"
...exactly what kind of democracy are we talking about?
Just as Putin was never elected but appointed he will make sure that should he ever decide to "step down" he, and only he, will appoint whoever he sees fit, but still be the chosen Leader of the People (and trump will turn green of envy of course)
5
@Steen
Putin is a thug , murderer we all have watched for years and we know it, he was just trying to help the draft dodger out by stating democracy as if he knew what the word actually meant.
This is an empty news story the subject is a white male dictator, who will continue to destroy Russia till he takes his last breath.
Putin is probably funding research into immortality, too. What would the American Evangelicals do with that?
6
Terrible accidents likely in due course?
5
Now, Mr. Putin, completing his triumph. should give
Mr. Trump asylum, then citizenship, then appoint him
Russia's prime minister.
16
@sligojones/Paul E. McArdle no thanks
1
@Tim,
then please take Putin out of the US.
@sligojones/Paul E. McArdle Please!
1
Well, if Putin can willy nilly amend the Russian Constitution, then can Trump be far behind re. The US Constitution?
4
So instead of challenging and fighting Putin's call for a constitutional overhaul, the Prime Minister cuts and runs by tendering his resignation.
Oh wow - that move really helps the citizens of Russian (sarcasm inserted). What a coward.
Heaven forbid if such a move of overhauling the U.S. Constitution ever occurred in this country, I would hope that our elected officials would have the backbone and tenacity to fight and challenge such an action tooth and nail rather than give-in by resigning.
5
@Marge Keller Medvedev has seen pooty's stockpile of polonium umbrellas.
2
Vladimir Putin has treated the Russian state as the personal extension of his own little criminal enterprise for two decades, and the depth of commentary on these pages is about visceral dislike of President Trump, who was constitutionally elected. Sad.
3
@JOHN Sad that Trump has spent most of his presidency trying to avoid constitutional limits to his power, A man who sees the constitution as an impediment,
That's why the visceral attacks pop up and thank God some Americans see what a danger he is to the Republic.
13
@JOHN he's still in Soviet mode, he didn't agree with any democracy and he still has his KGB inforces
No surprise here since he has spent his whole time just being another communist dictator. A clone of Stalin?
2
Trump will be so jealous!
5
It would be good business for former-president Trump to be warm friends with Czar Putin!
2
The ultimate deciders are always the people. And it seems pretty clear that the Russian people are perfectly fine with Emperor Putin.
“You get the government that you deserve.”
84
Dictators rule by fear and violence against civil disobedience. Sure, most Russians are “perfectly fine” with the present situation.
27
@Chris
Your ignoring the fact that Putin arrests , or kills, any political opponent that starts to gain traction, has complete control of the media, and has control of the voting booth. There is no way to know if the Russian people are happy with Putin. Stalin received 99% of the votes in the Soviet system of elections, and when he died he was mourned. But the Soviet people were never given a actual chance to "decide" and the Russian people are not given a fair chance to "decide" today
22
@Chris : My understanding is that opposition to Putin does exist, and in great numbers. But it is tamped and tempered by a corrupt system, including law enforcement and the media (controlled by you-know-who). There have been protests in the cities, I believe.
13
We all know where this is headed. With authoritarian regimes ascendant around the world, aspiring dictators are seizing the opportunity to consolidate their grip on power, wealth, and the machinery of state. Knowing Trump’s unabashed admiration for Putin, we should expect he will do everything he can to achieve President for Life status. Counting on an election to save us from this fate gives Trump the opening he craves to accomplish this goal. The fact that McConnell, Graham, and other GOP Trump loyalists are willing to enable him is positively frightening. Impeachment and removal is really the last backstop to preserving the republic and our democracy, because as we have seen with the recent Burisma hacking, Putin has every intention of interfering again on Trump’s behalf.
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@Jeffrey Schantz But that's mostly because the GOP, doesn't want to lose power.
4
I would like to point out that many of the comments here (including mine) are openly predicting that our President will commit treason and refuse to vacate his office when legally removed either by Impeachment (unlikely) or by election. We have sunk very low as a nation.
The next question is then, if this happens, what do we do about it?
31
@Bruce1253
What can we do about it? Nothing. There are no Constitutional Police who can enforce our laws. Don't forget that Trump's base would gladly go along with Trump for Life Presidency.
4
@Bruce1253
considering how much surplus military gear most local authorities have been hoarding, the depth of their infiltration by fascist operators, and the protection they receive from the legal system:
the odds are against liberty.
4
@Gert
I disagree, and that is all I'm going to say.
1
The Russian Federation takes the play books/blueprints from all the US's government, military, and diplomatic efforts in the world, it seems.
The prime Minister Medvedev shares power with the President. For the Prime Minister to resign is huge, since doubtlessly, Putin chose Medvedev, and not the other way around.
Rand Paul made a statement on Sunday sort of peripheral to all the Sunday US talk/political interview TV shows, that there was NO NEED for the US military (diplomats??) to be anywhere in the world; in Afghanistan, in Iraq, in the Middle East - parts unknown, north east Syria, for example.
But there is a very good reason why the US MUST be present in areas of the world that are unstable, economically and politically. If the smaller countries they are upside down with resources but have an government in tatters and under constant attack, the US military should be in proximity to those countries, because otherwise, it could be Russia in that country.
The reason is to prevent Russia from getting in there and taking over a country the way the Russians do, without any other country's participation other than the assistance of the genocidal torturing dictators like that of Syria's Bashar al-Assad.
The world is unstable these days. And the military has to be ready for anything.
1
@RR Trump and the Republican party is working on destabilizing America every day.
4
@RR
Putin's goal is to get Trump to pull U.S. troops/military out of all strategic global positions. This has already happened in Syria and Russia is allying with Iran as we speak. Conducting joint military exercises. And the Iraqis want out. Guess who is waiting to fill the void?
I guess Putin has decided he should be Czar. Trump has decided he will be King. He has even decided his successor will be his daughter Ivanka. There was never a Kennedy dynasty. There was never a Bush Dynasty. I hope the resolve of the people of the United States to honor our Constitution holds firm to rid ourselves of Presidents and their families who forget who they represent, and that they are not ROYALTY. Entitlement is trait in others that most people do not suffer well-apparently even Putin’s Russia. Remember Khrushchev?
6
In Russian history, as it continues to be made, autocracy remains the "rule." Medvedev was always Putin's "Pence." As Masha Gessen points out, the chance for democracy in that country during the 1990s was smothered by Putin's campaign to "make Russia great again." Sound familiar?
9
@Richard Hahn As one who lived and worked in the USSR and the Russian Federation, my personal take is exactly what you are saying, Russians have throughout history not been good at uniting for a common purpose and in the end always wind up with a big KULAK fist to put things under control,. And in the end the Russians seem to think that's not a bad thing lest they fall into chaos,
I certainly hope the US never falls into that trap with a Trump figure and his outrageous self serving narcissism..
3
This foreshadows what we can expect from Trump and his Republican servants. They have proven they have no respect for the Constitution, so don't think they won't have their Republican Supreme Court decide that the 22nd Amendment is unconstitutional.
11
Wonder what we will do when Trump tries the same move. Oh, forgot, we are actually under the influence of Putin by virtue of his successful "sow chaos" campaign.
I can only hope that there are still some remnants of true patriotism in the GOP Senate and electorate that put country and Constitution above the false prophet who inhabits the White House.
4
It’s hard to believe our Republican controlled Senate and Executive Branch is cooperating with this power hungry oligarch. Given his unchallenged ability to manipulate social media around the world and especially in the USA, it’s just a matter of time till we Americans look back and ask how we let this happen.
44
@John Flemming the Russian constitution was drafted under the supervision of US "experts" after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Russia is the only country on the planet whose constitution puts international interests above Russia's national interests. This issue has been brought up by Russian political and legal academics since 2007. The move to amend a broken constitution was long anticipated. But of course the west is going to spin this in all sorts of horrible narratives, since who really wants Russia to de-colonize itself?
2
@Arialus Nothing says democracy like amending constitutions to retain individual power.
3
And how are the proposed changes doing that?
So how does this comport with the Impeachment of Trump?
We should "Trust but verify" as Reagan taught us. Putin's action today with events unfolding here should certainly mean we should be of the utmost vigilance in defense.
Timing is everything and People are creatures of time. I fear Putin is implying support of his Trump and it should be carefully analyzed, not as a reason for Trump to appear strong but as a potential threat to us from Putin regarding Trump and actions taken against him today.
In my worst paranoia, I will watch for Putin's actions as Trump's friend. Is it a Coup, outright, not just behind the curtain?
3
Look how fragile our own Constitution is when McConnell can ignore it with the pocket veto of Merrick Garland without any consequences.
314
Is Putin aiding Trump with another diversion to empower him as he is being Impeached? Is it an international diversion from focus on him just as Iran was? I think Putin is helping Trump. Stay focused on prosecuting Trump without fear of Putin.
8
Putin's moves here are a very bad development... and also where we're headed if Trump gets another chance at a Republican-controlled House and Senate. We can't let him have it.
31
@Brannon Perkison
My thoughts exactly! Considering that Trump has both suggested eliminating the two-term limit for the presidency and demonstrated a willingness to follow/grant Putin’s wishes, it’s not a stretch of the imagination to expect similar chicanery from Trump. The big question is whether or not the Republicans are patriotic enough to reject such a move.
10
@Donna M Nieckula They're not.
2
Trump is indeed taking notes on his master Putin's plan, and I suppose it's too much to hope for that he has his entire incompetent/enabling cabinet resign en masse. Don't forget that Trump has "joked" at his rallies about extending his term to "ten to fourteen years." So don't be surprised when Trump refuses to accept his loss in November, and calls the results rigged, and enlists force to stay in power. That is, if he and his enablers don't rig our election themselves. They've already done it once.
33
@Michael
Why even have a Cabinet since he frequently reminds us how he knows more than his generals or staff...
3
This is perfect. Putin can have all of President Trump's current Cabinet Members and a few House and Senate Republicans to make up his new government. They are already doing his bidding.
34
This is what can happen when a Constitution is considered a list of suggestions and not a legal document. How fragile our institutions are when the rule of law is replaced with the cult of personality. There was a time when I could feel secure, to the point of sarcasm, when speaking of foreign potentates ignoring their own constitutions and the people letting it happen in their counties. Now I see America is not exceptional, we just came late to the party because FOX, our Pravda, had to be invented first.
615
@Rick Gage: Well said Mr. Gage. I too felt a sense of American privilege and superiority due to our sounder Constitutional, democratic, reliably lawful way of life, and pitied those compelled to live under autocrats and dictators. That people could fall prey to cultish, demagogic supreme leader was something I confidently, indeed smugly, told myself could never happen here in the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.
That the Republican Party would be led by and remain shamelessly devoted to a serial liar willing to do anything--except perhaps give up his family, wealth and calorie-rich diet; take his oath of office seriously; or do more exercise than swing his clubs and golf balls as he carts around his pretty golf courses--in order to become and remain POTUS is simply unfathomable to me. Surely the would never reach a point where even Republican Senators would acquit Donald Trump of the two impeachment articles, and in effect all the other high crimes and misdemeanors too numerous to mention out of which those charges arose. After all, they were presumably still men and women possessing integrity, intelligence, independence and enough courage to stand with truth against the power of Trump and McConnell.
Was I wrong Senators?
25
I really agree. The free press, this publication included, should stop treating Fox New Channel like they are their peers in the journalistic trenches and should turn their lenses on Fox News. They should cover that network’s naked lying, its naked collaboration with the GOP, and its “journalists” like the newsworthy subjects that they are. Bring formal public awareness to what we all know is true, so that they (Fox) have to defend it instead of winking and nodding through every hour of every broadcast while they destroy us by laundering the failure and corruption of the ideology they defend.
18
@Rick Gage
"This is what can happen when a Constitution is considered a list of suggestions and not a legal document. "
That is very much like the Pirates Code, "...the code is more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules..."
5
Here we go, setting the precedent, setting the stage for normalizing what should be vigorously rejected by citizens everywhere.
30
The people will rebel. It's just a matter of time.
6
@Liza
With millions of deaths in the process.
3
@Liza russia is a vast and extremely diverse country of many different groups and cultural origins. The west seems to think it's all like Moscow. It isn't, and its fragile, fossil fuel-based economy is under great strain.
Most russians have a hard enough time maintaining a minimal lifestyle. We'll see where this goes, but it does NOT bode well for russian citizens.
@Liza
Not as long as they have their Netflix, remote, and recliners. And oh my goodness, are we not entertained?
If Trump wins a second term I wonder how long it will take him to attempt repeal the 2 term limit on our presidency.
227
@moderateone Trump will declare his intent to repeal the 2-term limit on our Presidency about five minutes into his Presidency or less, probably during his acceptance speech.
27
@moderateone It will be in his 2020 State of the Union Address.
13
@moderateone
The "two-term limit" on the US Presidency is a constitutional amendment. Repealing it would be like repealing Prohibition — requiring a specific new amendment. Try getting that through both House & Senate, with the required 2/3-majorities, and then through 3/4 of the fifty state legislatures.
It could take years, even if politically popular (recall what happened to the Equal Rights Amendment, which despite its merits is still dead). If done fairly it would not be retroactively applicable to a second-term (*forbid!*) Donald Trump, just as the current two-term limit was not retroactively applicable to Harry Truman, had he run & won in 1952.
13
“Mr. Putin described the proposed constitutional changes in his annual state of the nation address on Wednesday as an effort to enhance democracy.”
Enhance democracy - Who knew Putin is such a comedian?! Who does he think he’s fooling?
125
@Sammy
Putin the comedian.
Yeah - he's about as funny as a mud pie.
10
@Sammy
Actually, Putin is successfully fooling the Russian people and to a certain extent , Trump supporters.
If Trump tries to stay in office even after he looses the next election, he will be taking a page out of the Putin playbook and the Trump lemmings will go right along with it.
6
@Sammy
Bad as it is, things will get even more scary if Trump starts talking about 'enhancing democracy' here in America. Talk about Orwellian...
Putin and Xi -- Russia and China -- seem to plan for all contingencies, keeping contenders off-balance and at bay.
The U.S.? Not so much.
One effect of a one-party system is that the people who bubble to the top have mastered the process of bureaucratic infighting, i.e., leveraging and remaking the rules of the game and the unwritten rules. That's good training for the international stage.
Take care, everyone...
13
Gosh. I sure didn't see that coming.
18
Putin must step down in 2024. Who believes that?
14
China got Emperor Xi, now Russia will get Czar Putin. Hopefully, the Senate will stop Trump before we get King Donald.
235
@James Klimaski Do NOT count on the Republicans in the Senate to save our democracy. I don't think they could make it any clearer that they are working to keep Trump as a puppet dictator. When McConnell said he was going to do whatever Trump wanted and not hold him accountable then he basically said there was no need to do his duty to the constitution. When will people understand that the Republican party is actively dismantling our republic. It's just a matter of waiting to see if Americans will meekly go along with it. So far it seems we are.
28
@James Klimaski November 3rd will mark the end.
3
@James Klimaski and if the Senate fails, the voters must act.
3
Putin is a ruthless dictator. He will not give power willingly. This is surely part of a plan to retain power and you can be sure anyone who opposes him will end up dead or in prison. The people are cowed, and Putin is a master taking out his rivals. The only way Russia will be rid of him is with his death.
46
Putin my man! Just do what you've always wanted to do! Bring back the sickle and hammer and call Russia what it's meant to be! A Socialist state!
3
@Buck Tex Nosferatu hes more likely to restore the romanovs than bring back that monstrosity
2
“President Vladimir V. Putin sent the country’s political elite into a swirl with proposals for sweeping constitutional changes that could extend his hold on power for many years.”
That’s just great – an elected official attempting to alter his role into that of a dictator.
I wonder how long it will take before Trump attempt’s something similar for himself.
99
@Marge Keller
Marge, where have you been the last thirty-six months? King Donald I was inaugurated under his bourgeois name, at least in his own mind. Every one of his actions has the smell of royal whim. He truly believes that he can do whatever he wants, just like every other tin-pot dictator in the world. He just figures he will become the lead dictator since he has the biggest button.
10
@The Lone Protester
With all due respect, that is why this president was impeached last month. Hopefully enough members of the Senate will finally wake up and do what is expected, is needed, is demanded to order to protect the U.S. Constitution.
By the way, I was in Germany recently. You have an absolutely beautiful country filled with extremely wonderful and delightful citizens.
14
@Marge Keller
Marge,
That is one reason why I, as an ex-pat, still live here.
3
"Putin proposed amending the Russian Constitution to expand the powers of Parliament and a body called the State Council, which currently carries little weight. . . those moves would “introduce significant changes” to “the balance of power” between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary."
While these proposed amendments are frightening in their own right, if they end up getting passed and approved then Putin will truly be even more dangerous than ever.
No doubt the brain of he who shall remain nameless is clicking on how such a maneuver might work on this side of the pond.
57
Every Russian revolution surrenders to the next Tsar.
Tsar Vladimir consolidates his power.
The House of Romanov, the House of the General Secretaries is reborn in the House of Putin.
No one does this to Russians but Russians themselves -- or ever has.
31
And we’re doing it to ourselves by continuing to enable Trump
10
I highly doubt Medvedev is showing any independence here. It's only Kabuki. Putin isn't going to give up power, and I wouldn't be surprised if his lackey (our United States President) doesn't try to follow suit.
50
Well, he will get no argument from US - as planned.
27
Where Putin goes, Trump will follow. Do not think that Trump will go quietly however he is removed.
124
How envious Trump must be. Once his senators dispatch with this pesky impeachment, he can focus on a similar blueprint for himself.
23
@Robert C. As if, in any way, he has stopped his efforts to rig the upcoming election. How many others have gotten the "do us a favor" request?
3
Anyone who has watched Putin's career for the past twenty years is certainly not surprised. Neither Medev nor "the cabinet" was never worth, as a former US Vice President described his own office "a bucket of warm spit". When they were told they were stepping down, the only question any of them could have asked would have been, yesterday or today?
Putin's Puppet has been in regular, un-documented contact with his mentor, presumptively for guidance. Given the lap-dog lemmings under Moscow Mitch's control (once referred to as Republicans), November 2020 is becoming even more significant, if that is possible.
53
@The Lone Protester The Trump-McConnell-Barr are bent on keeping Trump in office with the support of a majority of the Senate who will be taking an oath to render impartial justice. What makes you think that November 2020 will be a fair election? The Russians and their allies are already hacking into our election and setting up use of social media to get info to restrict voting by people who are not likely to vote for the GOP candidates or do not have the correct skin color or sexual identity etc and "correct hatreds". They also have a SCOTUS that has blessed gerrymandering by states where the state legislature as a whole was dominated by the GOP although the majority of votes for legislators in both houses was for the Democrats and voided a 98 vote in the Senate to retain the voting rights act that NC was too gerrymandered to be acceptable. What makes you think that a fair election is possible with senators who take an oath to be impartial and believe the continuance of GOP power is more important than the Constitution is.
2
I don't understand the need for the facade of legitimacy. I mean why all the fake rigamarole. Just declare yourself supreme leader like Xi, and soon Don, and get on with it. Just like in the US and China, and in fact probably even more, the Russian people have no input to government and are too weak to change anything. So, who is this pageant for? It seems needless.
19
President Trump seems to be patterning himself after Putin in seeking authoritarian powers. But he may have done Putin one better by filling his cabinet with solid sycophants and seizing near total control of the Senate with threats and intimidations. And Trump doesn't have to change our Constitution. He can just ignore it.
78
This play was in the works from day one. Medvedev was simply a place holder the last time Putin left office and now Putin has the muscle(the courts, the press, the security service) to make his President for life dreams come true. And don't be shocked when President Trump signals his support for the power grab. He is taking notes.
255
@KJ Peters Of course, trump is Putin's apprentice and laptop!
2