Putin Reveals Clear Preference for Kamala Harris Over Trump in US Election Commentary

Russian President Vladimir Putin made headlines this week with his unexpected comments on the U.S. presidential election. He praised Vice President Kamala Harris, particularly highlighting her distinctive laugh.

During a session at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin remarked, “First of all, Biden recommended all his supporters to support Ms. Harris. We previously said Biden was our preferred candidate. So now we will do as he said. We will support her.”

Vladimir Putin explained that he previously backed President Biden. Getty Images

He mentioned Harris’ laugh, saying, “She laughs so expressively and infectiously. That means that she is doing well. Trump has imposed more sanctions on Russia than any president has imposed before, and if Harris is doing well, perhaps she will refrain from doing this.”

Putin’s comments were quickly dismissed by the Harris-Walz campaign. Spokesman Ian Sams responded, “I think everybody knows who dictators and bullies around the world prefer in this election. They prefer President Trump.”

Vice President Kamala Harris has pledged to stand with Ukraine in its war against Russian invaders. REUTERS

Trump addressed Putin’s comments during a speech at the Economic Club of New York, quipping, “I don’t know if I’m insulted or he did me a favour.” He referred to his administration’s sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 Russian pipeline, lifted soon after President Biden took office.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also commented over the weekend, suggesting that Moscow favours Harris over Trump for stability reasons. “We have no candidate. But, of course, the Democrats are more predictable. And what Putin said about Biden’s predictability [in February] applies to almost all Democrats, including Ms. Harris,” Peskov stated.

Former President Donald Trump, who is 78, has frequently mocked Harris, 59, on the campaign trail for her laugh.

Despite criticisms of being too cosy with Russia, Trump implemented some of the most severe U.S. sanctions on Russia in recent history before Russia invaded Ukraine. His administration also provided lethal military aid to Ukraine.

Donald Trump had long been vexed by criticisms of his approach to Russia. AFP/Getty Images

In contrast, President Biden, 81, has imposed even stricter economic sanctions on Russia and has delivered significant military support to Ukraine.

Trump has suggested he would seek a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine if re-elected and has expressed scepticism about prolonged U.S. aid to Kyiv.

On Wednesday, the Justice Department revealed that Russia is allegedly involved in a broad campaign to influence U.S. domestic politics, including a $10 million scheme to spread propaganda. Putin remains in office following a widely criticised March “election.”

Sola Adeniji

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