I do want Putin to stay as Russian leader…I actually believe he is a force for good there, relative to the alternative.
I really do not think the people he has jailed or killed are worse thdd as n he is.
The self-appointed “Russia experts” around here have the idea that Putin’s successor will be some sort of tree-hugger peacenik.
The current bench-warmers are fanatical Russian nationalists who would like to silence Western propaganda once and for all.
Arguing with the children is difficult, because they have difficulty thinking beyond their next meal or naptime.
Asking themselves "What if the successor to Evil Pooty is a True ravening monster?" doesn't get them their binky, or help them find their favorite blankie. 
Excellent initial post, BTW.
Putin, a force for good? ... for Russia? He is tight with his oligarchs, suppresses all free speech and dissent, destroyed the good will of the post Cold War era of Yeltsin, and controls the media. Now, he is sending Russian soldiers to their deaths till, as he told Macron, “I get what I want”. He is mentally unstable. Did you see his long table pics? He rattles the nuclear sabre. He has proven he is willing to kill vast numbers of innocent civilians.
Tell that to the 17,000 arrested for protesting.
He needs to go. But that’s up to the Russian people. I figure you are one of them.
Bwahahahaha
Communists have no good leaders. And no force for good