Putin will win, not because of some "straw-man', but because he is genuinely popular.
He has over 80% approval rating from people of Russia.
And for your info, in every election Putin ran and won there were at least 4-5 opposition candidates representing multiple political parties and independents.
As there will be in this one.
Russia has dozens of political parties and many will nominate candidates.
Putin is a legitimate leader of Russia, regardless if you like it or not.
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Putin has 80% approval because the people are smart enough not to mention there true thoughts on Putin. Would you oppose Putin in Russia? I wouldn't. As to the point about Russia being some wonderful example of the democratic processes because they have more than one straw-man party seems to me only to prove the point that it is just a vial of authoritarian government run by Putin; To pretend it is anything else is FAKE NEWS.
You are full of dis-information about Putin and lack basic knowledge about Russia.
Putin is in fact opposed by a many political parties and politicians and a relatively small, but very loud part of the population. He is attacked and criticized daily in multiple TV and newspaper reports.
Russian people are smart enough to make up own minds about whom to support and don't need your smug patronizing. Mind your own corrupt regime libertyboy.
If it makes you feel any better, I am under no illusion that the west is any better. "Democracy" is only a vial for private interest to manipulate the masses. WIth that said, I am sure in Russia, Putin has done a wonderful job of making elections seem fair and balanced...but just because it 'feels' like it is, doesn't mean it is. I will continue to criticize all those who are opposed to individual liberty, which includes your beloved Tzar, President Putin.
Putin's support is genuine. You can believe whatever you want and I agree about "democracy", but you are wrong claiming that Putin, who is not at tsar, but an elected and re-elected leader of Russia "opposed to individual liberty". It is simply untrue.