In an unexpected and ironic remark, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming U.S. 2024 presidential election. Putin, speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on September 5, made headlines for his playful comment, citing Harris' "infectious laugh" as a reason for Moscow’s preference. The comment has sparked global attention, especially as it comes amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Russia over issues like election interference and the war in Ukraine.
Putin's statement follows a pattern of sardonic remarks about Western politics. He humorously noted that Harris' upbeat demeanor, highlighted by her laugh, suggests "everything is going well for her." While he avoided a direct endorsement, Putin’s remarks clearly served to mock the election process and highlight Russia’s often cynical view of Western democratic institutions. His comment was particularly noteworthy because it followed his earlier, more serious declaration of support for President Joe Biden, who, as of now, has not officially dropped out of the race.
BREAKING 🚨🚨
Putin: I will support Kamala Harris
“Putin: Biden was our preferred candidate and I supported Kamala Harris, so why not do the same and support Harris”
He mare sure to note Harris' distinctive laugh, saying that it gives the impression everything is under… pic.twitter.com/4iBrxHlLoq
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) September 5, 2024
However, the Russian leader’s tone was not entirely without a political edge. Putin alluded to the possibility that Harris, with her positive outlook, might be less inclined to impose harsh sanctions on Russia, a contrast to former President Donald Trump. Despite claims that Trump would have been softer on Russia, Putin highlighted that Trump had, in fact, imposed more sanctions on Moscow than any previous president. The joke, while lighthearted, points to Russia’s broader strategic interest in avoiding further Western penalties for its actions on the global stage.
Putin's remark came on the heels of a U.S. indictment targeting two Russian media executives for allegedly attempting to influence the upcoming U.S. elections through pro-Russian propaganda. The timing of Putin's comment suggests that the Russian leader was likely poking fun at U.S. accusations of election meddling. For years, U.S. intelligence has accused Russia of interfering in American elections, a charge that Moscow has repeatedly denied. Nevertheless, this hasn’t stopped Putin from using U.S. election discussions to entertain his domestic audience.
PUTIN: WE'RE SUPPORTING KAMALA, JUST LIKE BIDEN RECOMMENDED
"If we can name a favorite candidate, it used to be Joe Biden, but now he's not participating in the election campaign.
And he recommended to all his allies to support Miss Harris, so that is what we are going to do."… pic.twitter.com/kXD4W5udqO
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 5, 2024
Despite the joking nature of Putin's endorsement, his words have resonated, especially in light of the U.S.-Russia relationship’s deterioration since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Harris herself has been a strong advocate for maintaining and even strengthening sanctions against Russia in response to its aggressive actions in Ukraine. It’s unlikely that Putin’s playful support will affect her policies toward the Kremlin.
Putin also hinted at Russia’s ongoing isolation from Western leaders, noting that it had been a long time since he had any direct contact with U.S. or European politicians. This detachment underscores the growing geopolitical divide between Russia and the West. While Russia has faced severe economic and diplomatic sanctions over the past two years, Putin’s government continues to project a confident and defiant posture. His comments on Harris, however, reveal that Moscow is closely watching the U.S. election as a critical factor for its foreign policy strategy moving forward.
Ultimately, Putin’s endorsement of Kamala Harris is nothing more than a light-hearted jab in an increasingly tense geopolitical landscape. With U.S. election campaigns ramping up, the Kremlin seems keen to stay involved in the conversation, even if only through sarcastic remarks.
Whether Russia genuinely cares about the outcome of the election or is merely engaging in its usual political theater remains to be seen. For now, Harris' "infectious laugh" has given Putin a fresh talking point in his critique of the U.S. political system.
