Russia's Obsession with the Democratic National Convention: What the Kremlin Wants to Know

The Russian media has been intently following the Democratic National Convention, analyzing candidates and their potential impact on America. Moscow seeks to understand which team would be better or worse for Russia, believing that if it's bad for America, it's good for Russia.

The Russian media has been abuzz with minute-by-minute coverage of the Democratic National Convention this week. From Pravda and Izvestiya to Moskovskiy Komsomolets and Kommersant, virtually every major Russian news outlet has provided extensive reportage and analysis of the U.S. presidential election campaign.

This intense interest stems from Russia's recognition of the United States as its top geopolitical adversary and security threat. With the Russian media almost exclusively controlled by the state, it closely monitors developments in the U.S. to inform its citizens and gather intelligence.

Russia's Obsession with the Democratic National Convention: What the Kremlin Wants to Know

Russian analysts meticulously evaluate the merits and drawbacks of various U.S. political candidates. However, their focus is not primarily on determining who would pursue a more favorable policy toward Russia, as they believe Washington's anti-Russia stance remains unchanged regardless of the party in power.

Instead, Moscow seeks to understand which team would be better or worse for America itself. The rationale behind this is that if it's bad for America, it's good for Russia.

Russia's Obsession with the Democratic National Convention: What the Kremlin Wants to Know

On Wednesday, Kommersant published a full-page editorial highlighting the biography of Kamala Harris's vice presidential pick, Gov. Tim Walz. The editorial accused the "right-wing" U.S. media of trying to tarnish Walz's reputation by portraying him as a "secret agent for China."

The editorial defended Walz's record, praised his affinity to China, and cast doubt on allegations about his service in the National Guard. Kommersant emphasized Walz's work on "human rights," "democracy in Hong Kong," and "religious freedoms," arguing that these hardly indicate a pro-China stance.

Russia's Obsession with the Democratic National Convention: What the Kremlin Wants to Know

This hagiography piece on Walz is not an isolated incident. Upon Harris's announcement of Walz as her running mate, the Russian media erupted with complimentary coverage. Vedomosti hailed Walz as a "candidate of normalcy," while Gazeta and Moskovskiy Komsomolets praised his "progressive liberal values."

Izvestiya noted Walz's unwavering support for LGBT rights, a topic particularly sensitive in Russia, where the "LGBT movement" has been banned by the Supreme Court as "Extremist."

Russia's Obsession with the Democratic National Convention: What the Kremlin Wants to Know

In contrast, Sen. JD Vance, the GOP vice presidential candidate, has received relatively less coverage. Donetsk News Agency warned that no improvements could be expected in Russia-Ukraine relations under Vance's presumed pro-Ukrainian stance.

Russia's intense scrutiny of the Democratic Party's candidates stems from a belief that a Harris-Walz presidency would lead to continuing progressive extremism and socialism in the U.S. The Kremlin perceives this as detrimental to America, leading to increased crime, illegal immigration, population decline, and economic devastation.

Russia's Obsession with the Democratic National Convention: What the Kremlin Wants to Know

As Americans prepare for the November election, it is crucial to carefully assess which team is best positioned to steer the country away from the path of destruction and toward prosperity. The Russian media's obsessive coverage of the Democratic National Convention provides valuable insights into Moscow's strategic calculations and the potential consequences of different election outcomes.