[Timedrifter]

What matters in the end is how the Russian people feel about Putin. After more than six years his popularity is resting near its all time high. The budget is in surplus and economic growth is over 6% for the fifth year running. We could only dream our president and Congress would have the fiscal restraint that has been shown by Putin. Considering the condition the country was in when he took office its no wonder his popularity is where it is. The anti-Putin brigade can crow all they wish but I believe Putin is one of only a few true statesmen in the word today. He will be the first Russian leader remembered fondly by his people in well over a century.

[Paul Ross]

What matters in the end is how the Russian people feel about Putin

Ah, a Usual Suspect so soon...I think we can take your standard and the polls they rest on with more than a grain of salt: As Putin arrests and prosecutes his enemies, silences opposition press, and destroys democracy. The Russian Sheeple all just bleat, and say, "Yes Master!"