if you click on the image, it takes you to a Der Spiegel-assembled slideshow of Vladimir Putin, the Marlboro Man. Really, it has to be seen to be believed.
And if Russian voters aren’t getting the testosterone-laden message, there’s always this: a Russian long-range bomber patrolling close enough to Britain that the RAF sent one of their new toys, the Typhoon fighter, over to say hello and that’s quite close enough old chaps thanks:
Wonder has Vlad considered what happened to the last major world leader trying the macho posing thing:
I’m sorry, but there’s a Mark Latham joke in there somewhere.
Putin preened himself after he vastly improved the geopolitical condition of the nation he led.
Bush, on the other hand …
Photo 2: Tu-95 Bear and BAE Typhoon.
Photo 1: Bear. Grrrr.
It’s amazing that Putin of all people is the only Russian leader in the last century that could pull this thing off. It’s not like the competition is that great. Imagine Khrushchev or Yeltsin with their shirts off. On second thought, don’t.
Finally, a good idea for the costume that leaders can wear at APEC next month.
yes, Helen, you’re right.
“Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who has the fairest man-boobs of all?”
“Why, you, dear Vlad, with your ample spare tyre,
Are just the Bear to set Russians on fire”.
Maybe the guy is comfortable with his body and for his age he is in reasonable shape.
Obesity in Australia is what percentage of adults again?
Oh and he has oil , gas and lots of dosh. Lets hope he isn’t tempted to spend too much on his airforce .
GWB looks like is trying to explain to the pilot the angle of his underpants which have resulted in the super wedgie look he is modelling. Not as cool at all.
The poor Russians. Not only did they draw the short-straw and have to be the guinea pigs for Marxist-Leninism, it looks like they have drawn the same straw for neofascism.
Oh, ho, ho, my sides are splitting.
Turd.
Hulk: indeed, for a busy man in his mid-50’s Putin is in good shape - some of the other shots in the slide show are considerably more flattering.
Yes, JG, there is no shortage of short straws in Russia, it seems.
But its given Mrs Bucket, the PM’s lady, an idea…yes Ozzie APEC costume revealed!!!
Something I’d not noticed prev. in Shrub’s ‘top gun’ posturing,the Secret Service in the background. On an US Navy aircraft carrier, with a volunteer specially screened crew, a few miles from San Francisco!
Wonder why he & Darth Cheney only ever dare speak at military establishments?
Wel,Vlad looks better than me,and he seemed to be enjoying himself,so that means he wont be in a hurry to end the world.His statements about rape,are probably misunderstood here,and really doesnt express in criticism what a bloody good direct shot at a criminal behavour it was.If Howard said the same thing in English about the same critter,we would all think he had a shot of viagra.Sad at times he seems anti Muslim and uncaring about some citizens here and there.To depict him as a Marlboro man is a bit silly.I would make him an honorary Australian, and keep on his good side,because,well I like the man.And do you have to be a Marlboro man to be seen liking horses,that have been around humanity for a very long time.
NIpple rings! He needs nipple rings!
I think that he is washing the polonium off his hands, somewhere far enough away so the British police can’t trace it.
I love the smell of borscht in the morning.
“Мой пениÑ? большой. Он доÑ?тигает к моим ботинкам.”
joe2: yes, I assume that’s Putin’s message to Russia’s voters…
Robert Merkel:
You can hear the crowds cheering from here “Davai!!Davai!!” [sorry, no Cyrillic on this keyboard since SBS was taken over by the
cyxxxxcyn]yep, Robert, Dubbya used it to win the last election, as well.
Trouble is, nobody believes him any more.