Has Russia's "tandem" finally split?

[Muzh]

So much going on yesterday but wanted to also point this out:
 
 Interesting part of yesterday's Skolkovo press conference:
 
 In acknowledging Channel One, President Medvedev briefly mentioned that he had watched reporter Anton Vernitsky's interesting interview earlier and asked if the story was true.
 
 Anton Vernitsky/Channel One: Well, he says it is.
 
 President Medvedev: The Americans will have something to tremble about then.
 
 What Vernitsky is speaking of is an interview he'd done earlier with a man claiming to be a former CIA agent who says that Osama bin Laden had died on 06 June 2006 and that the recent SEAL operation was a farce.
 
 http://www.biyokulule.com/view_content.php?articleid=3490
 
 
 Vernitsky is the same journalists who claimed last month that his sources had uncovered a joint US-Turkish plan to carve Russia into pieces by financing Islamic terrorism on Russian soil.
 
 http://www.jamestown.org/programs/chinabrief/single/?tx_ttnews[tt_news]=4877&tx_ttnews[backPid]=195&no_cache=1

Sorry Mendy, I left my microscope in the other office.

[mendeleyev]

I'm not sure why the fonts don't remain consistent when I move something from Word to the forum?

[Shadow]

I see that both are still playing their part to perfection. Medvedev plays the "good cop" who continues to strive for things the West is eager to hear, in this way cementing support for projects like Skolkovo where Western engagement is needed. Putin plays the "bad cop" with seemingly shady deals and harsh actions.

In reality both understand that to at least create a virtual democracy for the West there needs to be competition in the elections. As there is nowhere a viable candidate that Russians will trust with presidency outside these two, a "struggle for power" has to be created.

My prediction is that Medvedev will win. Simply because he has shown to be very confident and relaxed in a role as president, enjoying the formalities and ceremonies. Putin as prime-minister has managed to remain very effective, while being looking more relaxed as during his presidential days.

The challenge they face is that Medvedev has announced that after his presidential career finishes he would like to lead the high-tech Skolkovo project. This means that in the next 5 years a new generation will have to emerge, as otherwise a return to president of Putin will be seen as unwelcome by Western politics.

[Rubicon]

Very good analysis Shadow.

[mendeleyev]

Yes. In his recent Skolkovo press conference Medvedev repeated his intention to teach there upon retirement. I must admit at that moment being afraid that it was a signal that he'd carry the baton up to the election and then drop out. But other comments lead me to believe that he sees his time as not yet finished.

Both are very comfortable in their roles. Medvedev is as you say, confident and relaxed as President. He is an exceptional diplomat in many respects and it doesn't hurt that his number one fan and close advisor, Mrs. Svetlana Medvedeva, encourages his development in those roles.

[BC]

I highly doubt a 'split'.

It is good though to show the appearance of diversity.

The oil boom (again) is certainly helping out.  IIRC Putin mentioned that prices around 75-80 were quite good around 6 months back.

Overall I think the tag team has popular support and are doing well at this stage to maintain stability.

There will be objections to some actions, or dampening of the political spectrum.  Like financial tightening and loosening of money to steer an economy, politics works much the same way.

[Muzh]

I'm not so sure the little bear will win any election. I believe there will be no election but a sham where Putin with his Russia for the People democratic joke will ask for the Presidency in order to save Russia. I can see the election campaign slogan right now: "Only Putin will save Russia."


Of course, I hope I'm wrong.

[Rubicon]

It is just a game between these two to see who will rise to the top.  I believe that Medvedev is more comfortable as President and that the oligarchs will back him, and with Putin's blessing.  Putin seems more comfortable doing photo shots with Bears without his shirt on.

[Faux Pas]

Good cop/Bad cop usually achieves the same common goal of both cops  

[Rubicon]

Good cop/Bad cop usually achieves the same common goal of both cops

+1