I mean, really. I've forgotten more than most people will ever know about Russia, I speak Russian, traveled there many, uncountable times, etc. . . and so what exactly are you trying to say? That I'm stupid?

Regardless, as I recall the year or two leading up to the election many people thought Putin would have the Constitution changed. But he said he would not be the one to do it. And pragmatic and informed speculation was that he would be the PM, behind the presidential throne.

Now, he seems to be making good on his promise. He won't change the constitution, Medvedev will.

As to the Hillary thing: I personally would prefer seeing her as a Supreme Court justice. But if Obama wants he to be Sec. State (which I doubt) then why not? Ever heard the term 'keep your friends close and enemies closer?" I think Obama is smart to have a certain amount of Clintonistas in his cabinet just to make sure they don't make too much trouble on the outside.

But then again, maybe I watch too much TV and am one of those stupid people you mention. Never mind the track record of predictions here at The Agonist and the wonderful team assembled here.

^{“Is not our first thought to go on the road? The road is our source, our vault of treasures, our wealth. Only on the road does the ‘traveller’ feel like himself, at home.”
Ryszard Kapuscinski}

If she becomes the Sec. of State, she'll merely be a mouthpiece for the pro Israeli faction Obama has surrounded himself with. She most certainly will not be allowed to think or act independently. For this reason, I hope she does not receive the appointment.

_{Tolerating prostitution is tolerating abuse and torture of women and children.}

Your starting post implies speculation and you continue with that when the fact was that there was very little room for the speculation, because Putin had told publicly that he intended to be the prime minister. In your response you still refer to speculation. My point of view is that there is too much gap between writing about speculation and Putin's statements, and I don't like that. As an explanation of the gap, I think that you are either ignorant on the Putin's statement or you have forgotten it.

many people thought Putin would have the Constitution changed

That was caused by the propaganda campaign in the news.

-- Storm brings only richness with it

surely is the path for thoughtful discussion...not