Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan earlier this week for labeling Russia as America’s number one geopolitical foe. Mr Putin explained that Romney’s position has assured him that he can continue to deal with USA as he used to in his first presidency. “I’m grateful to Mr Romney for formulating his stance so clearly because he has once again proven the correctness of the Russian approach towards the USA” Putin told a number of reporters in Moscow.
Putin further noted that dealing with President Obama has been very painful for him since President Obama is a very honest man who is quite sincere in his willingness to negotiate with Russia. President Obama during his presidency has expected Russia also to be very honest with him which was not easy for Mr Putin and Russia. Mr Putin noted that dealing with Romney and his aggressive stance vindicates Russia’s refusal to compromise on any issue with USA. A Mitt Romney victory therefore will make the situation better since Mr Romney would not expect honesty from Russia.
Mr Putin further noted that the most important thing for Russia is that even if Romney doesn’t win now, he or a person with similar views from the TEA Party may come to power in four years. Russia therefore must take into consideration such a possibility while dealing with USA.
Putin’s comments reinforce the serious understanding Mr Romney has about foreign policies although some people have mocked Mr Romney’s bombastic rhetoric. For example Senator John Kerry joked at the Democratic Convention that “Mitt Romney is worse than Sarah Palin since he talks like he’s only seen Russia by watching Rocky IV”. Romney is of course famous for a variety of remarks regarding USA foreign policy including his bungled response to the crisis in Libya, his crazy remarks about the Olympics in London and his bizarre remarks in Jerusalem over the summer. Is it any wonder then that Putin and the Russians love him more than they do Obama.
