Excellent job as usual, Phsstpok. The only thing I can add is it's likely the media will replay the clip of the president saying to the press, in front of Putin, that he wishes Russia had an Iraqi style democracy.
Putin responded that he's very glad they don't have an Iraqi style democracy.
The press laughed and actually clapped with glee.
Aw ..jeez, really?
That happened?? Putin is just like Specter...he pretends to be an "ally" to a certain extent...but delights in sticking it to Bush.
I saw a really interesting segment the other night (can't remember the network)..about the man that is planning on running for Putin's job...
He has movie star good looks...BUT, Putin will NOT let any of the Russian TV stations show him on TV AT ALL...he supposedly relaxed that edict for this weekend, the G-8 Summit...but that is all.
I didn't hear the whole interview, so I don't know his "stance" on things...but, I would guess that if Putin is not letting him have any airtime..it is pretty much NOT to Putin's liking.