Vladimir Putin says he prefers more ‘predictable’ Joe Biden over Donald Trump
- The Russian leader described his US counterpart as an ‘old school politician’ and dismissed questions about the president’s age and health
- Putin did, however, express strong opposition to Washington’s foreign policy under Biden
Russian President Vladimir Putin described US counterpart Joe Biden on Wednesday as more “predictable” than Donald Trump, but said the Kremlin was prepared to work with whoever wins November’s election.
Asked by a journalist who Russia would like to see win in the likely contest between the Democratic incumbent and Republican front runner Trump, Putin said: “Biden, he’s more experienced. He’s predictable, he’s an old school politician.”
Putin batted away questions about Biden’s age and health, with the president set to turn 82 just weeks after the election.
“When I met Mr Biden three years ago, it’s true, people were already talking about his inabilities, but I saw nothing of the sort,” said Putin, evidently referring to a summit in Geneva.
US polls show voters have strong concerns about Biden’s age.
The age issue has been compounded by two recent episodes, when Biden confused European leaders with dead predecessors.