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Subscribe to RSSUpdated at 10:13 a.m. ET: MOSCOW -- Thousands of people marched in Moscow under Russian flags, balloons and banners on Thursday to back Vladimir Putin's bid to return to the presidency and counter opposition protests that have challenged his authority.
Putin is running for a third term as president in an election on March 4. The 59-year-old is seen as certain to win, but is facing a strong challenge to his authority from a protest movement that has drawn large crowds to its rallies in Moscow.
The Associated Press reported that most of Thursday's participants appeared to be workers paid by or dependent on the state, including teachers, municipal workers and employees of state companies.
$67 payment offered
Some people at the rally told reporters they were promised two days off in return for attending. Many were reluctant to explain why they came, The AP reported.
"I came here with friends. They said they would pay each of us 2,000 roubles ($67)," said a 21-year-old man who gave his name only as Alexander. He and his friends were brought into Moscow by bus from just outside the city.
Putin's campaign team, which portrays him as a strong leader and guarantor of stability, has failed to quell reports that many of the people at pro-Putin rallies are paid or coerced into attending by employers and trade unions.
Motorists protest against Putin in Moscow's streets
Wearing warm hats, scarves and coats on a chilly national holiday, the participants started marching along the banks of the Moscow River behind a long blue banner declaring: "Our vote for Putin."
The atmosphere was festive on Defender of the Fatherland Day, a holiday which honors the armed forces.
Mikhail Voskresensky / Reuters
Thousands of people attended a march backing Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Russia, on Thursday. Russians will go to the polls on March 4.
The AFP news service estimated that 30,000 people attended the rally. However, the BBC cited Moscow police as putting the total at 130,000.
Police were out in force because the opposition communists and nationalists planned rallies in other parts of the capital.
A laid-back Yankee in trouble in Putin's court
The communists and nationalists also staged small rallies in several other cities across the vast country of more than 140 million people.
'Join us'
Putin has tried to discredit the protesters by accusing their leaders of being paid agents of the United States working to weaken Russia. His references on Thursday were more subtle as he called on all Russians who "cherish, care about and believe in" their motherland to unite.
"We ask everyone not to look abroad, not to run to the other side and not to deceive your motherland, but to join us," he said from a makeshift stage in a soccer stadium as a light snow fell on his bare head.
But he also warned the West: "We won't allow anyone to meddle in our affairs or impose their will upon us, because we have a will of our own."
If Putin, a former KGB officer, wins the election, he will extend his 12-year rule for another six years. Putin was president from 2000 until 2008, when he was barred by the constitution from running for a third successive term, but has remained dominant as prime minister.
The latest opinion poll this week showed he would win more than 50 percent of the votes on March 4, enough to avoid a second-round runoff. His rivals include nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky, communist Gennady Zyuganov and businessman Mikhail Prokhorov, who owns the New Jersey Nets.
Meet the NBA tycoon who wants to be Russia's president
Putin says many people want him to return to the presidency; when he last held the office, Russians enjoyed an economic boom on the back of a surge in the price of oil, Russia's main export commodity.
After initially insulting the protesters who have taken part in opposition rallies sparked by allegations of fraud in a parliamentary election won by his party on Dec. 4, Putin has allowed their main rallies to go ahead.
'Frozen fury': Thousands brave icy chill to protest in Moscow
But he has accused foreign governments of backing the opposition protesters and has met none of their main demands, including a rerun of December's election, the release of people the opposition call political prisoners and far-reaching political reforms.
The next opposition protest in Moscow is planned for Sunday.
If Putin wins two more terms, he could stay in power until 2024. The opposition protesters say a growing number of Russians feel they have no say in the way Russia is run and that it is bad for any country to be led by one person for so long.
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The Associated Press, Reuters and msnbc.com staff contributed to this report.
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Russian people bought and paid for for 67 dollars? Maybe Russia is not ready for freedom. From communist country to a Dictator. Wake up Russia!
russia was never communist, wake up yourself. Claiming you're something isn't enough proof of being that thing. Just because fox 'news' says they're fair and balanced doesn't mean that they are. the ussr was never truly communist and I'm dead tired of people still being wrong about this.
USSR for most of its recent history has been an oligarchy, where a few people control all the assets, much like today's USA. Communism was only an ideology that could not gain foothold anywhere in the world.
Freedom bought and paid for. That is what free elections are all about. Capitalist corruption from the bottom all the way to the top. Can not complain about a corrupt leader afterwards.
I don't know why.... but I get this eerie feeling that one nasty world war is right around the corner. It is my opinion that all of the worlds leaders should be removed and replaced.
Looks like Putin is willing to bribe his people for an election.
Doesn't sound to different than american politics making empty promises to the people.
Russia has NO history of freedom or democracy. They traded monarchy for dictatorship in 1917. It will take them generations to grow into democracy/ Putin is just a return to dictatorship. It remains to be seen whether Russia moves towards democracy in the short term The protests after years of crackdowns on other parties by Putin's ru;ling party are encouraging, It shows people are fighting for true democracy.
Frans-3909286, taking into consideration your post here and your other posts in the past regarding Russia, North Korea, and the issue of communism, it seems to me that you are a complete idiot. You have no idea what communism is if you can not see that they are indeed communists states regardless of the fact that they became corrupt and diverted from what Marx intended. If they were not communist then they wouldn't call THEMSELVES communists (i.e.: Kommunisticheskaya Partiya in Russia). Here is some advice: crack open a textbook and READ about communism before opening your mouth. "It is better to remain quiet and let everyone think you a fool then to open your mouth and erase all doubt."
The balloons are festive and colorful yet every single person in the photograph is clothed entirely in black and nobody is smiling. They must desperately need the sixty some odd dollars and two days off of work. It must be nice to be in a position of power...pay people to show up and give them colorful ballons yet they appear as if they are attending a funeral. Best of luck. One can easily shift from one form of dictatorship and suppression to another. I offer my support to the ordinary citizens of Russia and their true desires whatever that may actually be.
If one studies real history , Russia was a Christian nation and was destroyed by Lenin and Trotsky in the so called "bolshevik" revolution ( jewish controlled goons) with money supplied by Rothschild and from jewish bankers here in the USA. Why was Russia targeted? Rothschild wanted to control the money in Russia as it did in England and here with the "fed" reserve scam. When the czar refused he and his family were murdered.
Enter communism for years under Lenin then Stalin no thanks to Churchill , Wilson and FDR . I think Putin could , if he has the backing , defy the warmongers who want to further destroy all the mid east countries who are allgedly the "enemies " of our favorite ally. I say hooray for Putin if he can stop the genocide by the western war nuts. NO more wars for Israel!
Hey Frans,
If the USSR was never "really" communist, how about explaining what you think it was. How about COMMUNISTS!!!
Those people in the picture look really thrilled to be there and are not in it for the 67 bucks lol.
Justathought, Al718 - In Russian culture, smiling is something you do only when you are extremely happy. To do so more than just then makes you look simple-minded/rude. Just to highlight a difference between cultures. Also, no matter how they may few about Putin... I wouldn't be smiling to be out in that cold. Just sayin'.
The lady there in front is Putin's Auntie. That's Uncle Boris right behind her.
Thank you Noxi...sincerly...without sarcasm. I did not know about that as it pertained to smiling in Russia. I certainly respect cultural differences among all people and I do thank you for telling me that as I did not know. And I really do mean that sincerely. I suppose smiling comes so naturally to me simply from a sense of wellbeing, that not doing it would not seem unatural to me. You are right all cultures are different and I rest corrected pertaining to the somber faces. It surprises me too as our local Russian community is so filled with smiling faces. Maybe it is the change from adapting to this culture in moving here I don't know. I am not at all certain or comfortable thought about Putins agenda myself though. Yet of course the will of the Russian people is the will of the Russian people and it was purported that people were paid to attend the event. Thanks for telling me that.I like learning what I can about different cultures and always feel it helpful when I am enlightend. Have a good weekend.
No Islamic state please. Putin vs Islamic state. In that case give us Putin even though he sucks. No Islamic State no way. Islamists are too dumb and stupic.
Putin pays $67.00 to each protester; Obama pays $1,000.00 to each voter. A man approaches a girl at a bar and offers her $100.00 for sex. She says "no". He then says "how about if I said $10,000" and she says "that would work". The man replies: "Now that we know what kind of girl you are let's negotiate the price".
Vote No on Putin...Take da roubles an RUN...yum-yum good vodka........
The reason, the main reason that Vladimir Putin wants to be the president again is because he thinks Obama will be reelected. Obama has already made so many concessions to Russia, asking for nothing in return, that Putin knows Obama will eventually give away the entire farm. He wants to be there when Obama does, the history books: After fifty years of American lives ( our covert ops), and trillions of American tax-payer dollars, President Obama gives it all back, destroys the work of decades, unilaterally disarms. Putin and the people of Moscow laugh and the free vodka flows like the rivers of the city and the people dance all night into the early morn to the tune of "Comrade, Comrade, Comrade."
Good point Cool. With Obama as POTUS, every other nation (and even a few of our current third world countries) now have a legitimate shot at becoming a true super-power and world leader and worthy of respect. That's fantastic!
If you can not win by vote..Then BUY the vote !!
There is no different in what happens in Russia than happen in the United States in 2008. Remember Acorn. Ever thing that is done over here is a pay off to someone that voted for a certain party or gave money to that party. Hell look at Obama care look at all the buyouts there.I personally would vote for Putin over Obama any day.
By all means-move to Russia.
Wont have to they will own us in 10 years.
I hope that the Russian people will stand up to Putin not let him steel the movement to move forward and not go back to the days of KGB ,but you can help notice that all dictators are all on friendly terms. May be all the bullies need to back one another so they can justify there fight against humanity.Power is the drug of choses for these people,and they are hooked .The only way he can get people to come is to buy them!
Bama, watch your back. The Demodrones will be beating on you shortly.
All Dictators play the same game...and here how it goes (people protest against them, then the dictator goes and buys the weak and cheap souls to rally for him)...seen that game played so many times around the world and specially in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Paid to protest, Sounds like they also have unions and acorn in the USSR
...Finest rally money can buy...
It sure is, Jay. And look at all those happy and convincing cheering faces.
This might give Obama some ideas.
We better keep this quiet
I think Putin may have gotten the idea from Obama's Acorn buddies..
Here's another Democratic campaign carrot. Obama's Campaign National Co-Chair Admits Giving Students Credit For Volunteering to Elect Democrats
http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2012/02/obama-campaign-national-co-chair-gave-students-credits-for-volunteering-to-elect-democrats/
Never has a group of mostly middle aged, poor women struck such fear into Republican boys. Here comes the ACORN army in house slippers, armed with brooms and dust mops to clean up on Republican voter suppression. It's fired up Armageddon.
Take a good look at Obama town hall propaganda meetings. These meetings are only open to the local democratic party cadre. In the backround you will see all ethnic groups and genders applauding his every word. Romney's meetings are packed with republican faithful applauding him. These propaganda meetings are very organized. Opposition is not allowed at these herd gatherings.
I reckon in the end Moscow Style Politic's ain't a whole lot different than Chicago Style Politic's??? lol!
MSNBC is lying, typical amerian media style I have been watching for over 20 years.
Maybe he will make his inaugural speech with no shirt and go the route of William Henry Harrison.
All the marchers against Putin have been funded by the west as usual. These are gay and lesbians who are pissed of that the orthodox church will never let them organize on the soil of mother Russia. Putin will be the next Ceaser of Russia for many years to come and the west will just have to deal with him. His only job will be to protect mother Russia from evil forces on its borders and abroad.USA will need Russia in the end to save it from itself.
I'll bet the 2000 Rubles never came through for most of them! It sounds just like America, empty promises from criminals looting the system.
What are people being told is "good for them" in America by supporting more tax breaks for the super rich and going into another war for profit in Iran? I'll bet it's not even 67 measly dollars as we watch the nation finally fall completely into bankrupt, third world status.
I love Russia, I Love Putin and I will personally vote for Putin, Russia will show the USA where a cancer winter....
A Russian cool-aid drinker, hey Omar, we have folks like you in this country too, but we call them democrats. Good luck with another dictator and just when we thought you were making progress.
You're being disingenuous, American.
Nobody seriously thought Russia was making progress.
Not many would really want to say they weren't making progress, Accountant. Some of us try to give Russians some encouragement to really stand up for themselves, but so long as folks like Omar believe the bill of goods, bull, propaganda and the blame game that comes from the top, there won't be any hope. We just have to assume they are happy just exactly where they are. By the way, Omar. It is NOT we Americans who are stuffing your ballot boxes--with more votes than there are people in a village!! Wake up and smell that Putin coffee cooking, my friend. We are definitely not saying he is such a terrible fellow. We only want you to know how it is to have something different and more than what he is willing to let your people have.
Might be some old data, but I thought that Moscow had more billionaires then any other city. Russia is not really communist and neither is China if you look at who has the money and power. Who would not take two days off with pay? I just hope they do not vote that way, of course last election there were claims of ballot stuffing, so their vote might not even matter still.
As much as I hate to see people die, every once in a while a revolution is a good thing. If only the people in power were smart enough to realize it, and that they are living on borrowed time. If only more people did not have to die after a revolution too.
YEP! --Typical Putin Supporters -- Wheres the Booze?
Looks like an Auto Union Rally to me?
Oh , Sorry on second thoughts perhaps a Teachers Union Rally!
PS -- The Russians have the Same Problem the Syrians have --What do we do with him?
SOARING GAS PRICES:
Where is the #1 Story that Effects ALL Americans TODAY? Why is the MSM relatively Silent?
Compared to the gas prices spiking under GWB in 2008 and the over the top BLAME BUSH Rhetoric coming from virtually ALL "news" outlets, the MSM seems silent on the subject now that their man Obama is president. Not a word of this Gas CRISIS from the CNN debate moderators last night in AZ. Are they just waiting for what their "dear leader" says today about his crisis so they can parrot the Party Line Talking Points? Media Bias? Isn't it Obvious to everyone but the drones?
(NewsCore) - President Barack Obama will deliver a speech on energy and rising gas prices Thursday at the University of Miami.
White House officials said the president will lay out an "all of the above" approach to the nation's energy security that he has previously outlined and will tout the fact that domestic oil production has risen on his watch while imports have decreased.
Gas prices have continued to climb in recent months, surpassing $4 per gallon in some areas. According to the Automobile Association of America's (AAA) Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the average price of regular gasoline in the US rose Tuesday to $3.57 per gallon, a 12.6-percent increase from the year-ago average price of $3.17.
This looks like a raily for the head of MSNBC !!!!
So what is different about paying people to show up at rallies and vote, and saying they do not have to work? We do the same thing here with one of our political parties . It's called the Democratic Party and it's symbol is an ASS.
The way to get rid of Putin is to have him run in the Republican primaries with the other anti-democratic nuts.
Putin is PIG