Putin is a Russian nationalist and fulfilled a Russian nationalist goal of reincorporating Crimea into Russia. Nationalism is the antithesis of the globalism championed by the “progressive left”. That was his real offense.
BS. Putin cares about Putin period. Putler is just using Russian nationalism as an excuse to take over Europe and the drunken serfs who elected him are just eating it up. They have no understanding of true patriotism. You can rant and rave all you want about globalists, Soros, and the New World Order, but Freepers are smart enough to see through your water-carrying for you hero Uncle Vlad.
You are correct and the quotes from his speech in Gingrich’s article prove the point. What’s interesting and fresh to me is that Putin’s speech is not something like the speeches of our domestic “leaders” that have been tested on focus groups, consultants and poll takers, but goes straight to the point.