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In reply to the discussion: Michael McFaul: I've watched and listened to Putin for over thirty years. He has changed. [View all]LetMyPeopleVote
(174,854 posts)73. Curious changes in Putin's appearance pointed out by former CIA agent when asked about his health
Putin has changed https://www.rawstory.com/putin-2656798686/
Link to tweet
"Well, here's what French President Emmanuel Macron said recently about Putin, and it was reported in the Wall Street Journal," host Witt prompted. "That 'Mr. Macron noticed a change in Mr. Putin's demeanor when speaking to him on the phone over the course of the pandemic. He tended to talk in circles, rewriting history, a close aide to Mr. Macron said. if you look at the video of Putin talking to leaders across those long tables.' What does all this suggest to you, the level of isolation that he has endured due to his paranoia about Covid? "
"I completely agree with that," Walder replied. "That is one thing that I have noticed lately, even -- and I know this sounds superficial -- but if you really just look at pictures of him, which I tend to do quite a bit, the shape of his face has even changed. He looks different, he speaks differently, and he's crossed over to what I think I consider to be almost the dark side of history."
"Look, Putin was never a friend, if you will, but most of the things that he was doing was really sort of cyber, psychological operations, those kinds of things," she added. "Now he's really crossed over sort of that red line into, you know, this full military warfare, but then part of me wonders if we should be this surprised."
"I completely agree with that," Walder replied. "That is one thing that I have noticed lately, even -- and I know this sounds superficial -- but if you really just look at pictures of him, which I tend to do quite a bit, the shape of his face has even changed. He looks different, he speaks differently, and he's crossed over to what I think I consider to be almost the dark side of history."
"Look, Putin was never a friend, if you will, but most of the things that he was doing was really sort of cyber, psychological operations, those kinds of things," she added. "Now he's really crossed over sort of that red line into, you know, this full military warfare, but then part of me wonders if we should be this surprised."
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Michael McFaul: I've watched and listened to Putin for over thirty years. He has changed. [View all]
demmiblue
Feb 2022
OP
Someone posted a tweet from Marco Rubio, vice chair of Senate Intelligence Committee,
Sogo
Feb 2022
#2
like TFG and all the fascist communist authoritarian leaders - power is in the royal certitude. tha
certainot
Feb 2022
#71
McFaul is someone whose observations I trust and respect. Now how can that be used?
Hekate
Feb 2022
#12
Because he promised the RU corrupt Oligarchy he would deliver them the United States
Budi
Feb 2022
#15
Thank you for the article. Here is another from The Guardian about the increasing isolation, and...
demmiblue
Feb 2022
#33
You'd be unhinged too if your orange puppet listened to a pillow guy more than you
bucolic_frolic
Feb 2022
#31
msnbc just said putin made the decision to invade alone. One man holding the world hostage...
spanone
Feb 2022
#32
I'm beginning to believe what the British press are saying. He's gone mad.
BlackSkimmer
Feb 2022
#36
I've always thought Putin to be a highly competent tyrant, I'm starting to have doubts.
groundloop
Feb 2022
#50
I'll guess he's developing dementia; and I predict he'll soon be chanting
struggle4progress
Feb 2022
#45
He had some dreams; they were clouds in his vodka, clouds in his vodka.
Backseat Driver
Feb 2022
#59
So he had good qualities prior to this??? He is a brutal dictator then and now.
Evolve Dammit
Feb 2022
#63
Long-term power madness. Demonstrates why term limits are good especially in oligarchies.
KY_EnviroGuy
Feb 2022
#70
Curious changes in Putin's appearance pointed out by former CIA agent when asked about his health
LetMyPeopleVote
Feb 2022
#73