The White House has fired back at Russian President Vladimir Putin after he playfully endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his new “favorite” in the 2024 US presidential election. National security communications advisor John Kirby took aim at Putin’s comments, saying the Russian leader should refrain from commenting on American politics.
“It’s time for President Putin to stop talking about our election and stop interfering in it,” Kirby told reporters. “The only ones who should have a say in who becomes the next President of the United States are the American people.”
Putin’s remarks came during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, where he claimed Harris was now Russia’s top choice after President Biden was no longer in the running. Putin joked that Biden had recommended his supporters back Harris, so Russia would do the same.
Putin also praised Harris’ laughter, saying it was “expressive and infectious” and a sign that she was doing well. He added that if Harris were to become president, she might refrain from imposing sanctions on Russia, unlike her predecessor. Putin’s comments were met with a smirk, leaving many to question the sincerity of his endorsement.
Meanwhile, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump was left scratching his head over Putin’s comments. “I’m not sure if I should be insulted or if he did me a favor,” Trump said during a campaign stop on Thursday.
