[Mystic Mock]

Originally Posted by Quantum Boy

Reading between the lines, one might argue that he's sympathetic to the commonly-held Mother Russia argument that all ex-Soviet territories are still "rightfully" part of the Russian collective... thus, it's (morally) a reclamation of rightful territory and not an invasion. But that would be an extremely Russia-aligned viewpoint, and has not only never been the POV of the United States, but the United States were a massive and active part of creating the post-Soviet world that had the exact opposite view on this.

It really is all bizarre because - not only this - but Red State Americans (Republican core) would never, ever have taken this stance. A few short years ago Russia / Communism were words that evoked utter horror in the Republican voter base. Now they worship an extremely Mother-Russia-Sympathising leader. If you'd told me this was even possible a couple of years ago I would have laughed.

To be fair it's all (dismal, but) interesting in the social psychology realm. Obviously the "cult of personality" is a known thing but I don't think there's a modern example of one this strong. I'd maybe even go as far as to say, there has never been one with this much influence. Most likely due to he internet/"instant news" being relatively new. Makes me wonder what various historical demagogues would have been able to achieve if they'd had Social Media.

The right have always been smarter than the left at doing that strategy.

Especially in that last US Election, the Dogs that were being eaten in Springfield had more charisma than Kamala Harris.