An interesting way to understand him, his popularity and the Russians who support him.
He, like Reagan did for US, has done much to restore a badly damaged Russian self image and restore some of the Russians' lost national self esteem.
He's not necessarily a friend, and given what he and possibly the Chinese almost did to US in 2008 via Fanny and Freddie, he's more likely a foe.
On the other hand, I can't blame him for taking advantage of our utter fiscal insanity for some payback.
If we actually believed our self expressed ideals and values, founding documents, etc. and lived by and up to the "In God We Trust" motto, I would be more upset by 2008 and now.
But we don't. And until we do, I'm more inclined to accept that we've earned whatever nasty thing this way comes, including the one known as "obama" and all that flows from him.
Putin’s remarks are obviously racis.