Speaking of Russia...

Man, that Putin sure likes Bush. Remember in June, when he pretended that he had received a super-secret tip before we invaded Iraq that Saddam Hussein planned to attack America? Funny how everyone just kind of smiled and shook their heads. That crazy Pootie. Boy, he'll say anything to help his buddy Bush.

Then the Poot moved to centralize power in Russia and cut off support for his opponents. No more voting for Russia's governors! No more voting for parliamentary candidates! Silly Poot. He doesn't care much for democracy, does he?

The most Bush could do was stammer out something about being "concerned about" Putin's attack on Russian democracy.

Old Pooter knows that Bush may act a little peeved, but under it all Bush likes his soul. On the other hand, here's how Poot described Bush:

. . . just as a person, which is probably also an important aspect – I
don't know if he will like me saying this or not – it seemed to me that he is a
pretty spiritual person, nice to talk to, maybe even – again, perhaps I
shouldn't say this – maybe a bit sentimental. But I think that is a good sign.

Of course it's a good sign, Pootie Poot! It means that after a massive power grab, all you have to do to calm George down is either (1) call him up and sing soft country ballads over the phone until he forgives you, or (2) publicly proclaim that terrorists hate Bush and love John Kerry.

Today, Putin chose the latter.