Putin's Propaganda Machine Obsesses Over Trump-Harris Debate, Implies Kamala Harris Victory

Russian media outlets and officials, despite Kremlin's denial, dissect the Trump-Harris presidential debate, praising Harris's performance and seizing opportunities to attack the United States.

In a surprising divergence from an earlier statement, Russian media and officials have delved into the Trump-Harris presidential debate with fervor, offering detailed analysis and declaring Harris the victor.

Despite Kremlin's press secretary's denial of any plans to watch the debate, Russian media outlets, largely controlled by the state, presented extensive coverage. Notably, the business journal Kommersant hailed Harris's performance, describing her as "being in her best form."

Putin's Propaganda Machine Obsesses Over Trump-Harris Debate, Implies Kamala Harris Victory

The outlet praised Harris for seizing the initiative early on by approaching Trump and introducing herself, a move interpreted as "stepping into the opponent's territory." Harris's ability to attack and counterattack, according to Kommersant, put Trump on the defensive.

The debate served as an opportunity for Vice President Kamala Harris to assert her position on Russia. She prominently stated that "Putin will eat you for lunch" and "Putin would already be sitting in Kyiv," criticizing Trump for his perceived leniency towards the Russian president.

Putin's Propaganda Machine Obsesses Over Trump-Harris Debate, Implies Kamala Harris Victory

Prior to the debate, the Kremlin had publicly expressed disapproval over the potential use of Putin's name by the candidates. However, the Russian media gleefully reported that Putin's name was mentioned over a dozen times by the candidates.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova seized the chance to attack the United States, comparing the debate to a "show" and suggesting it reflected internal polarization that was similar to a "fight on the Titanic."

Putin's Propaganda Machine Obsesses Over Trump-Harris Debate, Implies Kamala Harris Victory

The propaganda machine employed by Russia portrayed the debate as a sign of America's impending collapse due to political, religious, and ethnic divisions. Komsomolskaya Pravda propagated a theory that Harris had received prompts through earphones disguised as pearl earrings.

The debate provided valuable insights for Moscow. Gazeta highlighted the "fear of the American elites of the growing crisis in the United States," a narrative that aligns with Kremlin's propaganda.

Putin's Propaganda Machine Obsesses Over Trump-Harris Debate, Implies Kamala Harris Victory

The piece concluded that internal discord in America benefited Russia, as it would prevent "direct confrontation" with Russia and provide Moscow with "space to maneuver."

Putin's preference for Harris over Trump in the upcoming presidential elections stems from his belief that she would lead America towards socialism, a system that Russia associates with its own collapse.

The Trump-Harris debate has offered lessons for Washington regarding perceptions of American politics and society from Russia's perspective. The Kremlin believes a divided America is advantageous to adversaries and detrimental to America, while unity poses a threat to its interests.