The Puppet Comes to Power

Medvedev is getting ready for his eminent "election" victory. Hand picked by Putin himself, Medvedev is a guarantee to take over when Putin leaves. Or rather when Putin runs the government as the Prime Minister. He can't run it as President anymore because of a constitutional limit on the number of consecutive terms he can serve. Granted after this term concludes, Putin can have his puppet re-appoint him.

Nice, eh?

Medvedev acts a lot different than Putin. A lot more laid back, almost cheerful (for a Russian). This really isn't that surprising, considering he was hand picked by Putin. Obviously Putin would avoid putting a strong president as his successor. What would be the advantage of that?

He'll be elected as Putin's choice and when it's Putin's "turn" again, he'll be shown the door and quietly ussured back to private life.

At least he seems to be a happy puppet.

I wonder if Putin will let him make good on any of his moderate, pro-western positions... I wouldn't gamble on that one.