In recent headlines, Russian President Vladimir Putin seemingly endorsed Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race.
His comment, however, has left many scratching their heads—was it genuine support or another one of Putin’s classic political jabs?
So, is Putin playing 4D chess or just trolling?
Putin recently claimed he’s supporting Kamala Harris in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. But Putin did not genuinely endorse Kamala Harris. Putin’s remarks were sarcastic and intended to mock Harris. He highlighted her laugh as a reason for his supposed support, a move many have interpreted as trolling rather than a serious endorsement. It aligns with his history of meddling in U.S. politics through satirical and often provocative statements.
What’s Putin’s Endgame?
So why is Putin suddenly Team Kamala?
Spoiler alert: He’s not. This is Putin’s idea of a joke, and the punchline is aimed squarely at American politics.
Putin’s words came during the Eastern Economic Forum, where he noted,
“Our favorite was the current president, Mr. Biden. But he was removed from the race, and he recommended all his supporters support Ms. Harris. So, we will do the same.”
He further added that Harris “laughs so expressively and infectiously that it means she is doing well.”
Notice a pattern?
This mocking reference to her laugh mirrors attacks made by critics like Donald Trump, who have often poked fun at Harris’s public demeanor. Most political observers believe Putin’s remarks were more about generating controversy than offering sincere support for Harris.
In fact, the timing of his comments adds more context. They followed the Biden administration’s fresh sanctions against Russian interference in U.S. elections. By endorsing Harris, Putin cleverly deflects accusations of favoring Trump, creating confusion and stirring tension in the process.
Putin is no stranger to trolling the U.S. political system. Back in 2016, he called Trump “bright and talented,” a comment seen as an attempt to needle the Democratic establishment. In 2024, it’s Kamala Harris’s turn to be on the receiving end of Putin’s trolling. If history is any guide, this sarcastic “endorsement” is just part of his strategy to keep the U.S. political system on edge.
Putin’s history of poking fun at American elections has only intensified U.S.-Russia tensions. His latest jab at Harris might also be seen as a tactic to destabilize U.S. political discourse.
By playing into the narrative that Harris is an easy target for humor, Putin continues to undermine the credibility of U.S. democracy, which he often describes as hypocritical and corrupt.
But what do you think? Is Putin trying to humor the situation, or is there more at play here?
Averagebeing’s Take: Putin’s trolling game is stronger than a Russian winter. This “endorsement” is about as real as a three-dollar bill, but it’s a masterclass in stirring up political drama. It’s like he’s playing 4D chess while the rest of us are still figuring out checkers. Classic Putin, right?