There is no doubt about Putin's intelligence and bona fides. He's highly educated including being fluent in German and, by all accounts (from my Russian wife) also in English, and rose to prominence within the ranks of the KGB.
That said, the circumstances that brought Putin to power in the late-90s, including the FSB bombing of an apartm…
There is no doubt about Putin's intelligence and bona fides. He's highly educated including being fluent in German and, by all accounts (from my Russian wife) also in English, and rose to prominence within the ranks of the KGB.
That said, the circumstances that brought Putin to power in the late-90s, including the FSB bombing of an apartment complex in Ryazan that brought about the Second Chechen War and which cemented Putin's hold on power, long ago revealed him for what he is. Add to that targeted assassinations of prominent journalists - Anna Politkovskaya, one of the most prominent - and political opponents - Boris Nemtsov, for example - and oligarchs in the 25 years Putin has been in power.
Putin was right about the history, particularly following the collapse of the Soviet Union. He was also right about the West's betrayal of promises made to Russia such as James Baker's "not an inch further east" assurance about NATO expansion. He was also right about events in Ukraine following the Soviet Union's collapse, particularly Maidan in 2014 and all that ensued since.
However, he did not answer the questions about why Russia really launched the objectively pointless and disastrous SMO and how, really, the war will end. His constant talk of 'de-nazifaction' of Ukraine sounded like a manufactured pretext for launching a war against a people that the Russians otherwise regard as brethren.
The timing of the SMO and the salivating of neocons and warmongers about the prospect of World War III makes me deeply suspicious. Russia is lock-step with everyone else in pushing COVID shots and China-like digital surveillance. On top of that, Putin is still an oligarch and became wealthy like Roman Abramovich and others by exploiting his KGB ties and eliminating the competition.
I agree with you; there are only a *handful* of folks working the world over. And they are all playing the same game to keep the power. That handful only allow the agitators (WEF, Soros', Gates, etc.) to keep the world citizenry busy. And I truly believe the handful get their power source from one controlling it all. But he will only have that control as long as he is allowed to have that control. In other words, there is only a set time and then God will take action. And He laughs at the rulers of men's plan.
There is no doubt in my mind that all the chaos encircling the world is similar to the dark thing (darkness of evil) of the world of Camazotz.
I had an experience with the FSB the last time I was in Russia where I was interrogated by a guy straight out of a James Bond movie. To avoid any miscommunication, I answered the questions in English and the interrogator spoke Russian through a translator. It was evident by our interaction that he completely understood and spoke English. It was a power move.
Of course, he understands and speaks English fluently.
There were a few instances during this interview I was thinking, Putin thinks Tucker should be crushed like a bug. But Putin also realized the value of this platform to get his "truth" out there. Lightyears ahead of FJB in political skills.
I like Tucker Carlson but it was clear that the 'rules of engagement' were clearly set out. It's also clear that Tucker may have been intellectually intimidated by Putin, who is clearly a highly intelligent polymath. Lacking the Romanov bloodline, you don't become the de facto (if not de jure) 'Czar of Russia' without being smart, charismatic, and ruthless.
Putin clearly controlled the discussion and it was evident from the beginning that Tucker was on a tight leash. Tucker even wore a suit and business appropriate footwear. The Putin 'history primer' replete with dates was Putin's "I'm smarter than you" demonstration. The best Tucker was permitted to muster was a few Tucker-esque facial expressions. I am confident that Tucker would have got a few 'zingers' in if he was allowed to and didn't fear becoming Navalny's cellmate at Penal Colony No. 6.
Ultimately, they both got what they wanted out of the interview. I'm glad it happened regardless of what I may personally think of Putin.
Jeff covers the tone, Tucker was there not to convince conservatives but to sway fence sitters. And Putin has an election coming up in March.
But those who say he should not have invaded should ask themselves what Biden (or Trump) would do if China decided to amass troops, tanks, and missiles on the Mexican border.
And the rumored straw that broke the camel's back was a report Putin received that said that the Ukrainian biolabs across the border (35 of them, according to Victoria Nuland) were preparing deadly pathogens that targeted Russian/Slavic DNA specifically, and that they were capturing migratory birds to spread them when they flew north into Russia.
Putin certainly was not used to any interviewer he considered to be flippant as Tucker was at his first big laughing head-back guffhaw. A flash of anger in his face.
I noticed the Kremlin office decor. "All the world's a stage." All that gilding on dead white painted wood. Delicate feminine chairs. All very royal, Romanov - tzars. Putin has been living for decades as an anointed and untouchable tzar with endless yes-men, minions, servants, bodyguards and courtiers. It's a rare human living like that to deal as respectful equals with any critics or one he might consider a mere amusing or useful court jester as I feel he thought about Tucker.
I noticed that Putin started a few of his answers in English and then switched to Russian. I’ve read that he is fluent in English. It seems evident that he understood it perfectly and may even speak it well.
Thanks for your insight and reminder of who he is and how he came to power. He is a dangerous and ruthless man, all the more so because of his capabilities.
When speaking, it is always paramount to keep your audience in mind. I believe he had his Russian audience in mind which was the one audience he could address with his own voice in his native tongue.
Yes sir. It was quite interesting, Putin was definitely in control of the interview. I admire Tucker for doing it, but I’m not sure how much was gained by it, notoriety for Tucker, but no remarkable revelations. At least Tucker was smart enough to know that you “don’t poke the Bear”: our national leaders aren’t that smart.
There is no doubt about Putin's intelligence and bona fides. He's highly educated including being fluent in German and, by all accounts (from my Russian wife) also in English, and rose to prominence within the ranks of the KGB.
That said, the circumstances that brought Putin to power in the late-90s, including the FSB bombing of an apartment complex in Ryazan that brought about the Second Chechen War and which cemented Putin's hold on power, long ago revealed him for what he is. Add to that targeted assassinations of prominent journalists - Anna Politkovskaya, one of the most prominent - and political opponents - Boris Nemtsov, for example - and oligarchs in the 25 years Putin has been in power.
Putin was right about the history, particularly following the collapse of the Soviet Union. He was also right about the West's betrayal of promises made to Russia such as James Baker's "not an inch further east" assurance about NATO expansion. He was also right about events in Ukraine following the Soviet Union's collapse, particularly Maidan in 2014 and all that ensued since.
However, he did not answer the questions about why Russia really launched the objectively pointless and disastrous SMO and how, really, the war will end. His constant talk of 'de-nazifaction' of Ukraine sounded like a manufactured pretext for launching a war against a people that the Russians otherwise regard as brethren.
The timing of the SMO and the salivating of neocons and warmongers about the prospect of World War III makes me deeply suspicious. Russia is lock-step with everyone else in pushing COVID shots and China-like digital surveillance. On top of that, Putin is still an oligarch and became wealthy like Roman Abramovich and others by exploiting his KGB ties and eliminating the competition.
Like I said, Putin is another one of "them".
I agree with you; there are only a *handful* of folks working the world over. And they are all playing the same game to keep the power. That handful only allow the agitators (WEF, Soros', Gates, etc.) to keep the world citizenry busy. And I truly believe the handful get their power source from one controlling it all. But he will only have that control as long as he is allowed to have that control. In other words, there is only a set time and then God will take action. And He laughs at the rulers of men's plan.
There is no doubt in my mind that all the chaos encircling the world is similar to the dark thing (darkness of evil) of the world of Camazotz.
Yessssss!!!!
I had wondered if Putin speaking in Russian and using a translator was a strategy instead of a necessity.
I had an experience with the FSB the last time I was in Russia where I was interrogated by a guy straight out of a James Bond movie. To avoid any miscommunication, I answered the questions in English and the interrogator spoke Russian through a translator. It was evident by our interaction that he completely understood and spoke English. It was a power move.
The creepy vibe Putin puts off is over the top.
Of course, he understands and speaks English fluently.
There were a few instances during this interview I was thinking, Putin thinks Tucker should be crushed like a bug. But Putin also realized the value of this platform to get his "truth" out there. Lightyears ahead of FJB in political skills.
I like Tucker Carlson but it was clear that the 'rules of engagement' were clearly set out. It's also clear that Tucker may have been intellectually intimidated by Putin, who is clearly a highly intelligent polymath. Lacking the Romanov bloodline, you don't become the de facto (if not de jure) 'Czar of Russia' without being smart, charismatic, and ruthless.
Putin clearly controlled the discussion and it was evident from the beginning that Tucker was on a tight leash. Tucker even wore a suit and business appropriate footwear. The Putin 'history primer' replete with dates was Putin's "I'm smarter than you" demonstration. The best Tucker was permitted to muster was a few Tucker-esque facial expressions. I am confident that Tucker would have got a few 'zingers' in if he was allowed to and didn't fear becoming Navalny's cellmate at Penal Colony No. 6.
Ultimately, they both got what they wanted out of the interview. I'm glad it happened regardless of what I may personally think of Putin.
Jeff covers the tone, Tucker was there not to convince conservatives but to sway fence sitters. And Putin has an election coming up in March.
But those who say he should not have invaded should ask themselves what Biden (or Trump) would do if China decided to amass troops, tanks, and missiles on the Mexican border.
And the rumored straw that broke the camel's back was a report Putin received that said that the Ukrainian biolabs across the border (35 of them, according to Victoria Nuland) were preparing deadly pathogens that targeted Russian/Slavic DNA specifically, and that they were capturing migratory birds to spread them when they flew north into Russia.
I dunno, I didn't think he appeared creepy at all. I do think he was amused by Tucker a few times.
Putin certainly was not used to any interviewer he considered to be flippant as Tucker was at his first big laughing head-back guffhaw. A flash of anger in his face.
I noticed the Kremlin office decor. "All the world's a stage." All that gilding on dead white painted wood. Delicate feminine chairs. All very royal, Romanov - tzars. Putin has been living for decades as an anointed and untouchable tzar with endless yes-men, minions, servants, bodyguards and courtiers. It's a rare human living like that to deal as respectful equals with any critics or one he might consider a mere amusing or useful court jester as I feel he thought about Tucker.
I think he wanted to speak Russian for his Russian audience.
Of course. We Americans are not always the center of the universe, even though we have long been led to think we are.
I noticed that Putin started a few of his answers in English and then switched to Russian. I’ve read that he is fluent in English. It seems evident that he understood it perfectly and may even speak it well.
Thanks for your insight and reminder of who he is and how he came to power. He is a dangerous and ruthless man, all the more so because of his capabilities.
When speaking, it is always paramount to keep your audience in mind. I believe he had his Russian audience in mind which was the one audience he could address with his own voice in his native tongue.
Yes sir. It was quite interesting, Putin was definitely in control of the interview. I admire Tucker for doing it, but I’m not sure how much was gained by it, notoriety for Tucker, but no remarkable revelations. At least Tucker was smart enough to know that you “don’t poke the Bear”: our national leaders aren’t that smart.
Great comment.
it probably works for him to have more time to get to the answers.
Exactly.
Covid shots are NON MRNA from my RUssian friends. still Bullshit but a less dangerous variety.
I hear he has made the deal w the WHite Hats, same with Musk.
TIME WILL TELL.
Straight up. The logical conclusion.
Yes. Even in light of knowing we took out Nord Stream. He did not dodge or hedge on that one bit.