On this, you couldn't be more correct. I believe strongly in American exceptionalism. Where I think we diverge is that I believe that Putin has the best interests of the Russian state and people at heart, and always has. This, right now, is "good enough" for Russia. I believe that Putin's biggest worry for this final term, is how to best leave Russia on a strong footing, before the next leadership takes over.
Putin is an embarrassment and insult to all that is best in Russian culture and heritage. Once he leaves, Russians will have to dig themselves out of yet another absurdist rabbit hole in order to detox from the collective, psychological derangement that’s ensued in these three precious post-Soviet decades. Are people starving? No, but so many sacred opportunities were missed and went to utter waste.
Hopefully the younger generations will produce actual statesmen and people who believe themselves worthy of such statesmen, not clowns who’ve graduated from the Moscow circus.