[stuck_in_new_orleans]

Someone educate me. Whats the deal with Putin. Is he elected? Does he have a election coming up? Are there term limits over there? Is he going to just declare himself the "leader" and stay in office...and what would the people do? Is he popular?

[Jmouse007]

In answer to your questions; Mr. Putin was elected twice by the people of Russia. According to the constitution a person can only serve TWO terms as president. Therefore, according to the Russian constitution he can not run again UNLESS he changes/amends it; not beyond the realm of possibility, but possibly unlikely, I do not know if the Russian people would stand for it. that said, they do like a "strong leader" and Mr. Putin is that. The second option is for Putin to hand pick a successor who will be a surrogate thorough whom he will actually reign and hold power; pulling the strings behind the scene (a very good possibility).

Given Russia's move toward democracy (in spite of the backsliding, the people there have embraced democratic reforms, capitalism to one degree or another is thriving throughout most of the former Soviet Union). While they will never go back to communism, the idea of a restored Imperial Russian state with a dictatorial “czar”/”president” in power IS a possibility. This seems to be the tact that Putin is pursuing. That said, time will tell what will happen. We should have a pretty good idea within a few short years or less.

[Jmouse007]

Here is some additional information as to how Putin is going to circumvent democracy in Russia and continue his so-called "legacy". Please go to the following link:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1786727/posts