Oh...yes, from that standpoint, you are dead on.
I was shocked, really, when I saw that report, and now that you mentioned it...the segment ended with the reporter saying that the candidate (I forget his name) has had to hire bodyguards..(because of Putin)..
AND, that regardless of what HE does, it is accepted that Putin will "hand pick" his successor.
Hopefully, since he won't be leaving before 2008...this man or someone else will find a way to change that prediction.
Putin’s Pinnacle of Power Though not directly on the point we were discussing, it does indicate that there are issues working against that nations extended survival, at least as it exists now.
It was linked from an interesting post on RedState.COM
On Those Who Throw Stones From Glass Houses And Those Who Don't Notice
That goes directly to the comparison of Russian and Iraqi democracy, basically saying that since Iraq does have a democracy, however shaky, and Russia has effectively none, the comment by Bush was a thinly veiled slam at Putin. I would tend to agree with this analysis, particularly since the comment was made publicly. Though Putin's comment drew laughs and appreciation from the (leftist) media, I bet Putin took it as a very public humiliation and a sign that Bush is pissed with him.
I think, MNJ, that of the four of us, you may have had the issue diagnosed the best.