at a recent economic Forum Russian President Vladimir Putin jokingly declared support for CA Harris suggesting a tongue-in-cheek endorsement following President Biden's withdrawal from the race this endorsement comes due to the ongoing allegations of Putin's favoritism towards Donald Trump this instent highlights Putin's historical pattern of attempting to influence us presidential races in 2004 he endorsed jge W bush due to global terrorism concerns in 2008 although he did not endorse directly it was believed that Putin preferred a Barack Obama victory for better us Russia relations in 2012 Putin praised Obama calling him an honest person contrasting sharply with mitt romy's sharp stance on Russia ahead of 2016 election Putin openly called Donald Trump outstanding and talented suggesting a favorable view of him as a candidate the implications of such endorsements raise questions regarding foreign influence in American democracy