In Russia, Obama’s Star Power Does Not Translate

[bijou]

MOSCOW — Let other capitals go all weak-kneed when President Obama visits. Moscow has greeted Mr. Obama, who on Tuesday night concluded a two-day Russian-American summit meeting, as if he were just another dignitary passing through. ... “We don’t really understand why Obama is such a star,” said Kirill Zagorodnov, 25, one of the graduates. “It’s a question of trust, how he behaves, how he positions himself, that typical charisma, which in Russia is often parodied. Russians really are not accustomed to it. It is like he is trying to manipulate the public.”...  Some Obama aides said they were struck by the low-key reception here, especially when compared with the outpouring on some of his other foreign trips. Even Michelle Obama, who typically enjoys admiring coverage in the local news media when she travels, has not had her every move chronicled here.... By contrast, Mr. Obama’s speech on Tuesday, billed as his third major foreign policy address after speeches in Cairo and Prague, was not shown live on any of the major Russian channels, to the White House’s disappointment....

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So that will be Russia under the bus now. 

[JohnnyReb]

Tinkle tinkle little star.
It don't twinkle where you are.
I wish I may, I wish I might.
Damn Michelle's hair looks a fright.

[Lord Undies]

The average Russian is not impressionable under collective circumstances.  These are people who used newspapers as beach towels and drank vodka in public.  The gheyish Obomo does not come close to being someone to whom the Russian public would automatically gravitate.  In fact, I'm sure he is quite the joke.

(I have known some "average" Russians.  I base my opinion on general stories these Russians told me.  Maybe frank, who actually lived in the Soviet Paradise, can confirm or deny my thoughts.)

[Odin's Hand]

It is like he is trying to manipulate the public.

And this is different from any other time?

[Wineslob]

And this is different from any other time?

Nope, but what is interesting is the young Russian is 25. Usually 25 YO's are pretty Liberal, until they enter the real world. This one is seeing the smoke screen.