Russian President Vladimir Putin has no business commenting on the US presidential race ahead of the November 5 vote, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby has said. His remark came shortly after the Russian president said Moscow would be rooting for the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris.
Since the 2016 presidential election, US authorities have on multiple occasions accused Russia of attempting to sway public opinion and meddle in the electoral process in the country.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Kirby said: “Mr Putin ought to stop talking about our elections, period. He shouldn’t be favoring anybody one way or another.”
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“And we would greatly appreciate it if Mr Putin would, A, stop talking about our election and, B, stop interfering in it,” the White House representative reiterated.
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When asked whether he would call to congratulate the eventual winner in November, the Russian head of state replied by saying it had been a long time since he had any direct contact with Western European or US leaders.
“In the end, the choice is up to the American people and we will treat their eventual decision with respect,” Putin concluded.
Commenting on the remarks on Thursday, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said: “He endorsed Kamala, and I didn’t know if I was supposed to call him up and say, ‘Thank you very much’ … I don’t know exactly what to say about it. I don’t know if I’m insulted or he did me a favor.”
Geopolitical Joke for 'American Democracy' 
