Thread by @chessninja

Biden: Putin is a killer.
Putin: I know you are but what am I? Debate me!
Biden: Nah, you should debate a Russian opposition leader. Oh, that's right, they're dead or in jail. Because you're a killer.

Many have pointed out the irony of Putin's silly challenge, since he hasn't debated once in 21 yrs through 4 presidential "elections." It would be a joke, of course, but even putting a puppet or clown on the stage as an equal is way too risky a look. Mafia bosses don't debate.

Putin doing this in an attempt to get his swagger back shows that the "killer" remark stung. It's no "Vladimir, Poisoner of Underpants," but it's earthy. Putin craves legitimacy and respect. "Killer" is a common criminal. (Also why "Putin Vor! (thief)" is the best chant.)

Without elections to legitimize his grip on power, dictators like Putin need other things, like wars and spectacles like today's stadium rally. And summits and UN speeches to show them in the company of legitimate leaders. Depriving dictators of these things is important.

Weakening Putin's grip in Russia depends on isolating him internationally. Send the message to his gang that they & their families won't be accepted in the civilized world as long as Putin is in charge. Make him untouchable. No more dialogue or engagement that props him up.

That Putin has been actively invading a European country for 7 long years and Europe's leaders still do business with him still blows my mind. Every time you're sure this is it, he's gone too far, his bluff works and they fold again. And again.

[I know a thread has hit the target when I see replies bashing tweets I can't see because they're RU trolls and sympathizers I've blocked or muted.]

If you've gotten this far, @Kasparov63 and I wrote a book about all this in 2015, Winter Is Coming, after Putin invaded Ukraine. Garry's personal story, the rise and fall of Russian democracy, Putinism, and what the West should do and why. publicaffairsbooks.com/titles/garry-k…