Ye shall judge a man by his enemies: If Russia does not like Mitt Romney…

**Posted by Phineas

…Then I call that a big point in Romney’s favor, especially when the Russians deign to tell us Obama is acceptable:

Alexey Pushkov, chairman of the international affairs committee of the State Duma, said in a recent interview that Russian leaders have noted Romney’s comments with concern, and are watching with interest as neoconservative and β€œrealist” advisers maneuver for influence within the campaign.

β€œWe don’t think that for us Romney will be an easy partner,” said Pushkov, an ally of President Vladimir Putin. β€œWe think that Romney will be, on the rhetorical side, a replay of the Bush administration.”

He also noted Romney’s statements that the United States should assert its dominance in the 21st century.

β€œIf he is serious about this, I’m afraid he may choose the neocon-type people…In the first year of his presidency, we may have a full-scale crisis,” he said.

(…)

Pushkov said that the β€œreset” in U.S.-Russia relations that Obama has portrayed as a signature foreign policy accomplishment β€œis stuck, basically. It needs another reset.”

Nevertheless, though the U.S. and Russia are at odds on issues such as Syria and missile defense, Obama would be β€œacceptable” as a partner for Russia in a second term, Pushkov said.

I guess the information was transmitted to Vladimir, as promised.

Romney’s communications shop is sharp. Expect to see this in a commercial some time between now and November. While the economy is the dominant issue, foreign affairs are still important, and Russia is ruthlessly pursuing its perceived self-interest in a desperate struggle to remain a relevant power. (Which will get harder and harder — they’re dying demographically.) I’d much rather have someone in office who believes a dominant America is a good thing for the world, rather than someone who perceives American power as the problem and chooses decline and appeasement.

Oh, and thanks for the concern, Alexey! We’ll be sure to take your advice into account on Election Day!

LINK: More at Hot Air

PS: Romney 2012

(Crossposted at Public Secrets)

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