‘Admire Her Infectious Laugh’: Putin Expresses Support for Kamala Harris in US Elections

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris was his favorite to win upcoming U.S. presidential polls and praised her "infectious laugh."

Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin-who this year had expressed support for President Joe Biden, describing him as "a more experienced, predictable person, a politician of the old school"-said he respected Biden's move to back Harris as his successor, RT reported.

Putin saluted his admiration for Harris, pointing out her "infectious laugh," and also referred to her heritage, stating her mother was Indian and she represents the first Asian American and African American candidate for the U.S. presidency.

"Harris laughs so infectiously that it seems like everything is okay with her," Putin said in a plenary session when being asked if he had a favorite candidate now that Biden - whom he had earlier supported - was no longer in the race. He was asked, too, whether he would call to congratulate the winner whoever she or he might be in November.

Putin added that for a long time now he had had no direct contact with Western European or U.S. leaders and underlined that the choice of a "favorite" in the presidential race of the U.S. was not a role for Russia, but rather for American voters.

He repeated that although he had supported Biden - who had been "eliminated" from the race - he recognized Biden's endorsement of Harris and signaled Moscow would do the same and cheer for the Vice President.

Putin also insinuated that Harris' positive demeanor is a sign that she will impose fewer sanctions on Russia than her predecessor, former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he mentioned had imposed more restrictions on Moscow than anyone else before him.

"In the end, the choice is for the American people, and we'll treat their eventual decision with respect," Putin added.