Russia New To Passing The Torch

Acting Russian president Vladimir Putin, a former KGB agent and deputy mayor of St. Petersburg, is a lock to win that country's first presidential election of the 21st century.

As CBS News Anchor Dan Rather reports, Putin's candidacy isn't really what Americans think democracy is supposed to be about.

He was named president when Boris Yesltin stepped down just before the New Year. He's never been elected to anything. His government controls the main television stations and his opponents don't have a chance.

Still, the election represents something very rare in Russian history: a voluntary, peaceful transition of power.

Friday, Putin was at a factory outside Moscow, running his campaign as if the opposition didn't exist. He has refused to debate other candidates or advertise on television.

"TV ads," says Putin with contempt, "are for selling Tampax or Snickers."

There are other candidates—ten of them—but only the Communist Party's nominee, Gennady Zyuganov, commands a nationwide following. And even he poses no real threat.

As Alexei Pushkov, a leading political analyst in Moscow, explained, "One third of the nation is for the communists, two-thirds of the nation is against the communists, so there is no way for the communists to make a breakthrough and get to the Kremlin."

There are two TV networks that reach all of Russia, but both are controlled by the government.

Their newscasts are filled with impressive pictures of Putin carrying out his presidential duties. His opponents—when they appear—are often dull or simply ridiculous.

Even on Putin's weakest point—his war in Chechnya, which has been longer and bloodier than he promised—he seems unassailable. Despte the heavy losses, Russians appear to admire Putin's tough talk.

Friday Putin said of the rebels: "We will reduce them all to the same condition."

Referring to Chechen warlord Salman Raduyev, who was seized by Russia this week, Putin said: "He is one of those who terrorized our country, the great Russia. But everybody saw that he does not look like a terrorist (now). He is more like an animal."

The capture of Raduyev was a boost for Russia's image as outnumbered and outgunned rebels continue to bloody federal forces in Chechnya.

Putin on Friday expressed confidence in his prospects.

"It wouldn't have made sense to enter the race if I didn't count on success," he told TV reporters.

Beyond the war, Putin is portraying his as a pro-business candidacy.

Friday, he said the government needed to set up a system to protect small businesses from regulators, promised a bill removing taxes on ads and other business expenses, and announced he is considering reviewing customs duties charged for equipment imported into Russia.

He was mentioned in the Russian News Agency Interfax's "News of the Day" four times. No mention was made of his opponents or the upcoming election.