Putin Backs Underling As Successor

Russian Leader "Completely" Supports First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev

(AP)  President Vladimir Putin expressed support Monday for first Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev as his successor, saying that electing him president would keep Russia on the same course of the past eight years.

There have been months of intense speculation on whom Putin would support to run in the March 2 presidential elections - along with the wider question of what Putin himself will do once he steps down.

Putin's popularity and steely control has led most observers to expect that whomever he supports would be certain to win the elections.

Putin had long been seen as trying to choose between Medvedev, a business-friendly lawyer and board chairman of state natural gas giant Gazprom, and Sergei Ivanov, another first deputy premier who built up a stern and hawkish reputation while defense minister.

Although Putin is banned by the constitution from seeking a third consecutive term in office, he has indicated a strong desire to remain a significant power figure. He has raised the prospect of becoming prime minister, and his supporters have called for him to become a "national leader" with unspecified authority.

Putin made the statement in a meeting with representatives of the United Russia party - which is his power base and dominates parliament - and of three other parties. The parties told Putin they all supported Medvedev.

"I completely and fully support this proposal," Putin said, according to footage shown on state television.

Although he holds powerful positions, Medvedev projects a mild-mannered public image and has been widely seen as an official devoted to Putin.

Putin reinforced that perception Monday, saying that electing Mevedev would pave the way for a government "that will carry out the course that has brought results for all of the past eight years."

The Russian stock market surged on the news, led not only by Gazprom shares but also apparently boosted by the end of long uncertainty over whom Putin would designate as successor.

Some have speculated that Putin could eventually try to return to the presidency - a goal that could be easier if Medvedev succeeds him, said Vladimir Ryzhkov, a prominent liberal politician.

"If Putin wants to return in two, three years ... Medvedev will be the person who will without a doubt give up the path for him," he said on Ekho Moskvy radio.

[prinzowhales]

The big stories in America are covered up in blood... Researcher Danny Cassalaro...the PROMIS ''backdoor'' software scandal...Gary Webb...on the CIA cocaine connection...

Most ''news'' is about toe tapping, stars, scandal... Where''s the $2.3 trillion Rumsfeld said was missing from Pentagon on 9-10-07?--Is America''s ''free'' corporate press all over that?--No, Katie Couric is asking the candidates for president about the foods they least like..."Enguiring minds need to know..."

[zootallures2]

Is he going to kill more little kids to get oil in Chechnya? Carry on the great Russian tradition? Just like Amerikkka and 9/11 and the UK and 7/7.
it''s also amazing how rockets into Israel are always from competing Palestinian businesses that are then bulldozed. You are hoorible animals... not humans. You need to die!

[grazinggoat]

But your president isn''''t in the habit of killing or falsely imprisoning his political rivals like Putin is. US media still has a free independent press. Free and independent press was one of the first things Putin shut down.
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Posted by sevenveils at 02:44 PM : Dec 10, 2007

-SevenVeals,
Chess Champion Kasparov is not in prison! The one in prison is not opposition politician. He''s only an OIL businessman who has not paid his taxes to the fiscal authority and shipping all the money to UK and from there to the ''Holy'' Middle-East land.

[sevenveils]

Well, someone likes him in fact the majority of the voters there do. Can''''t say the same for our President.
Posted by antoniof123

But your president isn''t in the habit of killing or falsely imprisoning his political rivals like Putin is. US media still has a free independent press. Free and independent press was one of the first things Putin shut down.

[mudrose-2009]

Chavez should really hold a pow-wow with Putin. He keeps calling Castro and of course, loses his dictatorship for a democratic society. Putin on the other hand just merrily goes along and appoint who he pleases and if anyone tries to stop him that plant little nukes inside their food. He''s must more successful at it than Chavez.

[antoniof123]

Well, someone likes him in fact the majority of the voters there do. Can''t say the same for our President.

[b-easy63]

Gore ran for president...but lacking a personality, no Monicas in the closet and a crazy wife who listened to rock and roll backwards his attempt ended in failure...

Posted by Prinzowhales at 08:28 AM : Dec 10, 2007

I did not want to laugh--I really, really didn''t--but ...LMAO!!!!

[neoconrcrazy]

Czarist democracy?

Why not? May function better than what we have, a "president" at 17%, along with a Congress around the same....

[excoachken]

So now it''s Bill''s fault because Russia isn''t "Putin Out." What next?

[prinzowhales]

Clinton tried to continue his legacy when his "underling" Gore ran for president...but lacking a personality, no Monicas in the closet and a crazy wife who listened to rock and roll backwards his attempt ended in failure...there would be no gathering around the old Clinton condum tree with Hillary, Socks and Bill as in the old days...