Russia Elections: Putin Mocks Protesters, Calls John McCain 'Nuts'

[Momof3angels]

MOSCOW — Prime Minister Vladimir Putin vehemently rejected opposition calls for a rerun of the parliamentary election, accusing those who organized massive protests against vote fraud of working to weaken Russia at the West's behest.

In blustery remarks likely to further fuel anger against his 12-year rule, Putin insisted Thursday that the Dec. 4 parliamentary election, which drew allegations of fraud and triggered the largest protests in Russia in 20 years, was a genuine reflection of the people's will. He also put a positive spin on the protests that dented his power and threatened his bid to reclaim presidency in the March 4 vote, saying they reflected a rise in public activity that he welcomes.

"The results of this election undoubtedly reflect the real balance of power in the country," Putin said on a marathon TV show that lasted 4 1/2 hours. "It's very good that United Russia has preserved its leading position."
Yet in a characteristic move, he accused protest organizers of working to destabilize the country on orders from the West. "That's a well-organized pattern of destabilizing society," Putin said.

Putin's comments came on the same day that his most notable competitor, New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov, announced that his first move if elected would be to pardon jailed tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Once Russia's richest man, Khodorkovsky has been in prison since 2003 on tax evasion and fraud charges widely seen as a punishment for defying Putin's power.

Read the rest of the story here: Russia Elections: Putin Mocks Protesters, Calls John McCain 'Nuts'

[Bobbi]

Can you imagine 12 years for a horrible president. Can you imagine Obama not being able to be voted out in 4 years and having to endure him for 12. I am glad we only have a 4 year turnaround time and can make a different decision when our president is bad.