mattlim76 (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

As if USA was not fascist under Bush. Bill Maher is also not extremely anti Putin. His recent shows dismissed the US criticisms of Russia in the Georgia crisis. However, Kasparov is wrong to say its the media's fault for putin's popularity. For decades, Russia was either ruled by the czar or communism. Today they still struggle with the fundamentals of democracy. Maybe some countries r not meant for liberal democracy. Kasparov should know that chess and politics r different.

mattlim76 (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

No, i understand what Kasparov is saying. Its also Putin's evoking of nationalistic tones that has made him popular. The increased of military spending, bringing Russia back into the world stage etc. Its not rly the media but his policies. If u study world politics, Russia was an embarrassment under Yeltsin. Putin did a 180 and made Russia a respected nation which made Russians feel proud of their motherland. Not to mention the economic policies and oil refinery as well.

fredrikhcs (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

Putin is popular, but Kasparov's point is that that is inevitable when you have full control of the media etc. Kasparov is saying that Russia is a fascist state. A police state. And with so much propaganda and no allowed opposition (i.e. upping the pre-election % req. to be allowed into the election, not allowing Kasparov or anyone else opposing the government to be on TV, and etc...), it's no surprise that Putin is popular.

mattlim76 (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

Grandmaster? Grow up, this guy is nothing in russia. Putin is popular period, get over it.

fredrikhcs (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

That's why he's the grandmaster, and you are not.

01duffy (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

Well said!!!

LameBoyProductions (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

spot on!but come onevery country's politics has its dirty secrets, skeletons and corruption in its closet.It's human natureand will happen no matter who's leader

elustrands (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

thats like two american presidents, right? :D

cycliscs (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

This is the first time that I saw someone get Bill smashed down completely

markwaltham1985 (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

i beat him 10 times