Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked if President Vladimir Putin truly supports U.S. presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Peskov said people should decide for themselves. In a Thursday interview, Putin mentioned his preference for Harris over Donald Trump. He cited her “infectious” laugh as a reason she might be less likely to impose sanctions on Russia. Putin’s remark was delivered with a smile, one of several playful comments he has made during the U.S. campaign. When asked about Putin’s seriousness, Peskov said Putin comments when asked about international affairs. He added that those interested must interpret Putin’s tone for themselves.
White House Reaction to Putin’s Statement
The White House responded by advising Putin to avoid commenting on the upcoming election. Peskov emphasized that Putin’s main focus is Russia’s well-being. He noted that “American affairs are not a priority for the president.”
Meanwhile, Donald Trump spoke in Wisconsin on Saturday. He vowed to impose unprecedented tariffs and crack down on immigration to protect American jobs. Trump addressed a crowd in Mosinee, warning of the dangers posed by people without papers, though he offered no evidence for his claims. He also warned that the 2024 election could be the nation’s last.
Trump’s support has declined among various demographic groups over the summer. Hispanic and Black voters now favor Harris by wider margins. However, Trump remains strong among White voters without a college degree. This group is a key demographic in “Rust Belt” states like Wisconsin.
Trump’s campaign strategy focuses on maintaining his base among working-class Whites and driving turnout in these areas. Trump promised that Wisconsin would benefit significantly. Mosinee, where Trump spoke, is in Marathon County. This region has shifted to the right in recent years, voting for Trump in both 2016 and 2020.
