Photos of bare-chested Putin create stir

[Tab]

Source: Associated Press

Russian gay chat rooms and blogs were particularly intrigued by the photos: Some claimed that Putin, by stripping to his waist, was somehow pleading for more tolerance of homosexuality in Russia — where gays and lesbians are for the most part forced to remain closeted.

One satirical photo circulating on the Internet jokingly compared Putin's mountain adventure with Prince Albert II of Monaco to the movie "Brokeback Mountain," a love story about two cowboys who conceal a homosexual affair.

The Russian president, who is married with two daughters, has long cultivated an image of machismo and manliness. Well-known as a downhill skier and black belt in judo, Putin has appeared on national television driving a truck, operating a train, sailing on a submarine and copiloting a fighter jet.

These exploits have been widely publicized, thanks to the Kremlin's control of major Russian media.

In contrast to his predecessor, Boris Yeltsin, notorious for drunken antics, Putin has established an image as serious, energetic, sober and sharp-witted. In a country that worships its Olympic and other world-class athletes, he has also taken care to stay physically fit.

In interviews, he speaks avidly about judo and athletics.
...
But Putin's outdoor outing last week took this manly public persona to a new level.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070822/ap_on_re_eu/putin_s_image

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I will refrain from commenting

[whistle]

1. If shrub* did this, the world would know he is wired for sound

:rofl:

[Connie_Corleone]

2. If bush did that, you would hear the sounds of hurling all over the planet.

:puke: :puke:

[whistle]

16. The gushing sounds of revulsions

[LiberalFighter]

27. And that there is an opening in bushwad's back for Cheney's hand

to control him.

[RufusTFirefly]

3. Hey! Wait a minute! Nicholas did it first! No fair!!

I sure hope nobody tried to give Pooty Poot a belly kiss!

[Captain Hilts]

4. I think he's fishing on a hot day. Russians try to get Vitamin D whenever they can.

There was a pool with a lot of nude bathers along the banks of the Moscow River.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

18. Your point about Russians aside....

I think he was fishing..............for a photo.

[bear425]

5. Hmm. That's some reel he has there. n/t

[THUNDER HANDS]

6. he's probably got a gut

that's why his pants are up so high.

Nice man boobs too.

[liberation]

11. Fatigues are supposed to be high waisted...

Only the US thinks that wearing baggy underwear with the waist down to one's knees is a flattering look.

Yes, pants are a particular peeve of mine because I just spent a whole day trying to find a decent pair of pants to wear to a friend's wedding. Seriously, why does the crotch have to extend down to half of my leg?

[unhappycamper]

12. Mr. Happy? n/t

[liberation]

13. I wish...

:-)

[unhappycamper]

15. LOL n/t

[psychopomp]

24. Someday you will understand that Mr. Putin is in great shape for a man his age

Say, in another forty years or so, right (should you live so long)?

[Haole Girl]

7. Well, I am glad to know I am not the only one without a tan..

..this summer!

:rofl:

[Tab]

8. That photo reminds me of whats-his-name.. Jeff Gannon I think it was

I hope there isn't a security leak in the making here... :popcorn:

[EnricoFermi]

9. Let's not forget this

I think the more accurate comparison would be to Michael Jackson

[DRoseDARs]

10. Huh, he must've been fairly fit in his youth. That seems the body of an aged health nut...

Ahnuld, of course, looks much worse than that if only because his skin is much more stretched out from years of professional body building.

[Purveyor]

14. Ahnuld, of course, looks much worse... You mean like this?

[TommyO]

17. AUGH! My eyes - please post a warning!!!

[onewholaughsatfools]

20. but arnie doesn't do the injections anymore

but of course when you are governor of California, you can be your true self

[Starbucks Anarchist]

21. Well, he is a member of SAG...

[DRoseDARs]

22. ACK!!! Yes, I mean like that. How the mighty pecs have fallen... n/t

[BadgerLaw2010]

26. KGB officer and judo champ. That'll get you in shape.

[onewholaughsatfools]

19. so when bush looked into putins eyes

he did see putins soul....

[psychopomp]

23. Sorry, gay guys, you're projecting big-time

I think Mr. Putin simply wants to reinforce his image as a no-nonsense tough-guy.

[Buns_of_Fire]

25. Coming soon on Faux News:

The Battle of the Presidential Pecs! C'mon, Bunnypants! Show 'em if you got 'em! You gonna let Pootie-Poot show you up?