Russian President Vladimir Putin’s comments on his preference for Kamala Harris as the next U.S. president have sparked a mixed reaction, with some interpreting his words as a joke, while others see them as a serious statement.
Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Thursday, Putin expressed his support for Harris, saying that she was his “favorite” candidate. He also praised her laughter, saying that it was “expressive and infectious” and indicated that “everything is fine with her.”
However, Putin’s remarks were quickly followed by the usual disclaimer from Russian officials that they have no interest in the outcome of the U.S. election and would never interfere with it.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked about Putin’s comments during a press conference on Friday, and he downplayed their significance. “American affairs cannot be, and are not, a concern that is at the top of the president’s agenda,” Peskov said.
Peskov suggested that people abroad should try to interpret Putin’s tone for themselves, rather than relying on official explanations.
In contrast, the Biden-Harris White House took Putin’s comments seriously, with National Security Council spokesman John Kirby telling the Russian leader to stay out of the U.S. election. “Mr. Putin ought to stop talking about our elections, period,” Kirby said.
Kirby also alluded to fresh allegations of Russian election interference, saying that the U.S. would appreciate it if Putin would stop interfering in the election. “The only people who should get to determine who the next president of the United States is is the American people,” Kirby said.
