From what I have read 80% of the Russian people admire Putin. They see him like we see FDR. The prosperity has been felt all over. Being Russia, they do not have a lot of experience with things like freedom of the press. They might even feel comfortible with a strong man in charge. Its their country-let them pick their rulers. For a strong man at least he is a Christian. Is his body count anywhere near the Clintons estimated list? Time Magazine could have picked someone better I guess, Sarkosy of France?
Agreed, remember this is a country almost twice as big as America and filthy rich in resources that grubby crooks like Marc Rich and Clinton love to get their hands on. The situation in Russia is no way as simple as some of the analysis here, Putin has to appreciated for restoring stability to Russia and navigating the mess of the Yeltsin years and fighting off the oligarchs intend on amassing their fortunes at the expense of the nation.