Do you really think so?
Both Obama and Putin are very much alike...and how they see their position as LEaders of their countries....their egos swim in popularity like a cult leader would....the difference is the system of government each is operating in....and the population mindset.
Our people are accustomed to “freedom” though quickly changing to resemble Russians in how they see government.
Russia’s population are accustomed to “Tzars” and barely grasp the idea of Democracy and understanding of. So they are more comfortable depending on the government.
So both nations populations are equally vulnerable to the dictates of a “leader”.
Socialist oligarchy works that way. The government comtracts out through redistribution all the schools, hospitals, housing rents, car manufacturers etc... Thus a few monopoly with a few rich people exist and the rest are workers living in poverty and without land.