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Putin displaces Obama from Forbes' list of the most powerful people

Thursday, October 31st 2013 - 17:58 UTC
Full article 59 comments

President Barack Obama has been demoted to second place from Forbes' Most Powerful People list which has named Russia's President Vladimir Putin as the leader of the pack. Read full article

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  • CabezaDura

    And I could not agree more. Take note A_Voice, seems Forbes agrees with me a month later. LOL

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 06:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • A_Voice

    ...I dare say a certain Austrian corporal was right at the top of the Forbes list too......
    You can put lipstick on a pig.....but it's still a pig.....

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 06:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura

    2) So what? He was a very influential man after all. It happens today Putin is more influential than Obama, and the following ranking should be Merkel, Xi Jingpin, Barroso, Bernanke, Hollande

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_paO81OY4jw

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 06:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • malicious bloke

    You just wait until those FEMA detention camps are set up and Obama's negro army comes to grab everyone else's guns. Then forbes will rethink their madness.

    Actually, thinking about it, Obama doesn't have a judo video to demonstrate his ineffable manliness, so I'm sticking with option 1.

    Or something...

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 06:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura

    4) Oh forget the video, who out maneuvered who in Syria? The US may still be more economically and physically powerful than modern Russia. But what use is it to them if they can’t use it and get very little out of it in practical terms. Putin on the other hand clearly makes Russia punch over its weight on world stage.
    This is why I agree Putin is the boss, not Obama

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 06:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    TWIMC
    As I commented some three years ago…..:

    “Putin does not sleep......................................... He waits.”
    http://en.mercopress.com/2010/12/10/russia-s-putin-says-assange-arrest-shows-the-west-has-problems-with-democracy#comment29481

    Putin doesn’t flush the toilet…………….............He scares the sh*t out of it.
    http://en.mercopress.com/2010/12/10/russia-s-putin-says-assange-arrest-shows-the-west-has-problems-with-democracy#comment29481

    Putin doesn’t wear a watch………………………… He decides what time it is.
    http://en.mercopress.com/2010/12/10/russia-s-putin-says-assange-arrest-shows-the-west-has-problems-with-democracy#comment29481

    Some more facts about Vladimir:
    Putin just visited the British Virgin Islands………. They are now the British Islands.

    Putin plays Russian roulette with a fully loaded revolver ........... and wins.

    If it looks like chicken, tastes like chicken, and feels like chicken but Putin says it’s beef,.............................................. then it's f**king beef.

    http://en.mercopress.com/2010/12/10/russia-s-putin-says-assange-arrest-shows-the-west-has-problems-with-democracy#comment29481

    Ps:
    Anybody noticed the Argie at number (4)
    Chuckle chuckle....

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 06:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • A_Voice

    Who did outmanoeuvre whom....
    I thought it was an American that casually mentioned giving up chemical weapons and the Russians jumped on it.
    A convenient way to get out of a situation that didn't have support...I also believe the USA is happy with the regional imbalance in Syria...

    ....yeah midgets always have to do some sort of Martial art.....big Guys just lift them up above their heads and throw them.....

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 07:03 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura

    7) LOL. American power and willingness to assess its leadership in the Middle East is seriously questioned by its allies (Israel and Saudia Arabia) as a result of this.
    Obama chickened out the moment the UK parliament turned its back on Cameron. It was Obama’s primary mistake that Putin capitalized on. The G-20 was is show. He has his Man in Syria, kept the Americans out and hammered their credibility in the process while gaining prestige on the global stage .

    “Resolute to be irresolute”

    poor Obama

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 07:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stevie

    Clever move by Forbes.
    Another list.
    To impress this time.
    The hillbillies will go haywire...

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 07:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Artillero 601

    @6

    Mr Think , is that a “dos equis” commercial ? :-)

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 07:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (10) Artillero 601

    C'mon Pomi.......

    We both know that if Tovarishch Vladimir wasn't such a bloody communist..............., it would be just your cup of tea.

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 07:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Faz

    Think loves dictators, he loves CFK - that figures. Rgs get more facist every day.

    The trolley dolly (beef or chicken) had a letter in The Times today. Usual whining, she likes to make a noise like jets. :-)

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 07:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Briton

    Quick change the subject,
    no one will notice....

    FORBES LIST
    [ 11 ] David boneless Cameron ]
    He was to put him higher ,but she Spanish leader keep poking his nose in..lolol
    An argie or a Spaniard is not in the top 72..
    http://www.forbes.com/powerful-people/list/

    Just what does Spain have to do to get a response from the bendy soft bone of the British
    government.???

    TENSE STANDOFF AS GUARDIA CIVIL BREACH ROYAL NAVY OPERATION

    http://www.forbes.com/powerful-people/list/
    //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
    What a difference a strong backbone makes..
    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
    F35’s top bombing as it smashes tank with first weapon test
    The next-generation strike fighter which will be the backbone of Britain’s future carrier operations has guided a weapon on to a target for the first time
    http://www.forbes.com/powerful-people/list/

    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
    Power was a mans game,
    Until the women took charge..
    lolol

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 07:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Artillero 601

    @11

    Mr Think , Pomi is for my classmates , no offense ;-). As far as Mr Putin being a comunist (eso es una paja mental) , new russians love capitalism don't you agree ?

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 08:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura

    13) To bad for you Pope Francis is Argentine and is in the 4th place

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 08:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (14) Artillero 601

    No offence taken, cadete Menendez.......
    Sooo....... you like Putin then?

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 08:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • A_Voice

    .....4th place...As an Argentine or a Pope?

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 08:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura

    17) As both . Why don’t you disagree with Think over Mr Putin's leadership in world stage ??

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 08:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Britworker

    Fame is fleeting, the top 5 haven't been around for very long and are likely not to last. It is widely accepted that Putin fixed his last election, even by his own people.

    For my money, Queen Elizabeth II, on the throne and head of state of 16 sovereign states for 61 years. How does anyone compare to that for power and influence?

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 08:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stevie

    Britworker

    Who???

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 08:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Britworker

    @20
    Sorry, I do forget that education is patchy at best in your neck of the woods.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_II

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 08:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • A_Voice

    18
    You are right.....I had no idea that Mr Think was a fan of Putrid....his comments were before my time.
    Had to happen that we would disagree at some point....
    No reason that we should fall out over it.....but I won't say that I would understand it.

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 09:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stevie

    Liz Taylor? How is she influencial???

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 09:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • woodgreener

    At the end of the day ... It doesn't matter ... Russia is a dying nation... demographics (shrinking population - low birth rate, early deaths due to alcohol and drugs, bad plastic surgery etc) .. Putin just happens to be currently in charge of it ... Russia doesn't make anything useful (apart from military ware)... it can only trade in fossil fuels ... not really much clout.

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 09:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura

    24) Well they produce wonderful wacky car crash videos now days...

    I guess that at one stage some reformist takes over like Medvedev or someone else, once Putin is too old and out of the picture

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 09:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stevie

    Lets see...

    Birth rates according to a) CIA WFB, b) UN c) WB

    a) Russia 1.61
    UK 1.90

    b) Russia 1.34
    UK 1.82

    c) Russia 1.54
    UK 1.94

    Having in mind that the UK doesn't hit that magical 2.1 either, one could argue the UK is too a dying naiton, should one use your logic.

    Worse still, the UK has a massive amount of immigrant (strangely enough, the ones that DO get a lot of kids), and having in mind the population of the two countries, one could ask oneself;

    Which one would die first, should we Again use your logic?

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 09:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • A_Voice

    How about this logic...

    All couples who successfully procreate will receive prizes such as a refrigerator or television as a thank you for assisting Russia with a countrywide effort --reversing the nation's population decline.
    Lovers' day highlights a serious concern for the Russian government. Last year, President Vladimir Putin called the population decline the country's most acute crisis and announced a broad effort to boost the birth rate, according to The Associated Press.
    He greenlighted cash subsidies for couples with more than one child and $10,000 vouchers to pay for education or home repairs for families who welcome second or third children, according to the AP.

    .......Anything like that happening anywhere else?

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 09:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Room101

    Only Forbes's opinion.

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 10:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stevie

    A_voice
    What can I say.
    Either we find a way to live together in this world where ones rights ends where another ones begins, or every kingdom of nationality better have many children...

    Oct 31st, 2013 - 11:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • A_Voice

    29
    Amen to that....
    Though I must admit I do covet my neighbours lawnmower....
    ermm...and maybe his wife..(she's hot)

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 12:12 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    Who would you trust?

    Putin or Obama?

    Bloody hell, that is one hell of a question!

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 01:06 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Fido Dido

    trust Tony Blair :D

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 04:01 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Heisenbergcontext

    @7 A_Voice

    I agree with you on this subject. This particular list and one's like it strike me as being utterly meaningless. When you have a nuclear arsenal capable of killing most of life on Earth, as several leaders have, everything else pails into insignificance.

    @27 A_Voice

    Australia has had something similar for a few years now. The 'Baby bonus', which I recall our Treasurer at the time, Peter Costello, introducing as “one baby for mum, one for dad and one for the country”, to much amusement, reached a peak of $5000 for the first child and $3000 for the second ( subject to income tests ) is going to be phased out next year. There'll still be payments - $3000 for the first I think and $1000 for the second.

    It did stimulate the birth rate for awhile I believe, but has proven to be quite expensive. There was also some concern that some young mothers were getting pregnant just so they could get their hands on the five grand. I seem to recall that Kuwait had something similar although that might have been just for getting married.

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 06:41 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Conqueror

    @23 She's like you. Dead!
    @25 I do believe that Putrid has taken note of Russia's biggest export. So he stars in “porn” movies. Not much room there for “respect”. And he IS little!
    @26 The UK goes for quality. Note: 1 Brit equals 20 argies. 1 Brit equals 1,643,157 Uros.
    @29 The way to progress is to exterminate sub-humans. It's been done before in LatAm. But, this time, proper people can exterminate the invading sub-humans. And then return the land to the proper owners. Much psychosis can be removed at the same time.
    @33 It's “pales”. What CFK does when she contemplates the UK armed forces and the Trident missiles targeted on the soon-to-be Casa Rojo!

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 11:00 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stevie

    Hahahaha conq!!!

    Just make sure you do a Saravia.

    I know you are prepared to die for your country, old man.
    Why bother waiting?

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 11:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Artillero 601

    @16 I do

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 01:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • A_Voice

    36
    Got a pin-up for you then....click save and use as a wallpaper....
    ....you're welcome
    http://guardianlv.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Vladimir-Putin-does-not-Like-to-Wear-Lingerie4.jpg

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 02:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Math

    What a joke, the ultimate intention of ranks like this is to make him look a leader or a good admin. That's like having Rocky Balboa as a president. He will strike poses for the camera, but so what? Russia is taken seriously as a country because of the military power, so yes Putin is powerful - but inept and corrupt. You could have 50 years of Putin rule and they would still be a third world country. Decadence avec elegance or smt in French.

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 02:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura

    @38
    Math
    “What a joke, the ultimate intention of ranks like this is to make him look a leader or a good admin”

    No, it’s to consider who is the most influential man on earth. Putin secured his man in the middle east, had the Americans and Obama humiliated who its allies in the region now distrust as they see a waek leadership in the US and that will make them take matters in their own hands and in the process Russia and Putin gain international prestige. You may have military power like the US, and NATO has but its no use if you do not asses it and transform it into political power which determins facts on the ground.

    That is a realpolitik tangible success

    Putin gave them a lesson.
    Obama and politically correct junk western leaders like Cameron and Hollande should take note

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 03:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • A_Voice

    39
    “You may have military power like the US, and NATO has but its no use if you do not asses it and transform it into political power which determins facts on the ground. ”

    Don't you mean...but its no use if you do not use it...
    The world has been awed by the Russians against.....ermm....ermm...Georgia ermm..Moldova ....Chechnya...
    ...I'm so impressed.....not!
    We've got a real bad-ass reputation that we've achieved by......doing nothing...
    Without the Nukes that is exactly what they are......nothing...
    What's Putin's car no. plate again...?.....Oh yeah.....007....;-)))))

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 03:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura

    40) Yeah maybe we can brush aside the fact that they are the 2nd most powerful military power on the globe for a moment.

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 05:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • A_Voice

    41
    ....yeah might as well...there is no cigar for coming second.
    ....we have all seen American's limitless ability to to wage war and put a million fully equipped troops into battle if needed..
    To invade countries thousands of miles away, with impunity....
    ....and Russia's ability to say a forceful..though ignored ..No at UN security councils

    There is a difference between Can's and Cannot's
    ...and Dare and Daren't
    ...in a war coming second...means lost!

    http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1265886/thumbs/o-PUTIN-570.jpg?6
    ...one for the ladies...(cut out the pies).....;-))
    ..it's amazing what a good suit can hide...

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 07:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura

    Yet he is in number one according to Forbes... The question here is why didn't Obama dare on Syria?
    If Putin was the President of the US he would of solved the whole thing the moment the YT vids where showing how those poor kids were being gased by Assad.
    He would not even needed to wait before the UK parliament would of had it's say...

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 07:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • A_Voice

    Do you see the obvious flaw in that statement?

    .......THEN WHY DIDN'T HE?

    ...is it always the responsibility of the world police (US)

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 07:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura

    He didn't have to?? Well if he wanted to be number one on Forbes which is what we are talking about, I guess he might as well done so.
    REALPOLITIKS

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 08:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • A_Voice

    ...I'm afraid we are going to have to leave it there.....old chap, until you have mastered the English language, ...because you are not making any sense.

    ....post 43 implied that if Putin was in a unique position of power he would have acted and not waited.
    But....Putin is in a position of power and waited ...then sided with Assad...one mini dictator siding with another homicidal maniac...

    “Well if he wanted to be number one on Forbes which is what we are talking about”

    Were we talking about a man that wanted to be number one on Forbes list?

    .....“I guess he might as well done so”

    ....I think you are losing something in the translation....
    Have you tried Spanish to Double Dutch, then German to English....it might work better.. for you.

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 10:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura

    It’s a conceptual difference we have here, I think the US does contribute a positive rol in the world, however its tremendously ineffective and un efficient in terms of global politics in comparison to the physical power it has.
    If you say RED LINE IS A, then when A is crossed you act and you upheld your word, that’s the language a man like Putin or Assad talks.

    The only thing Forbes does is reflect this

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 11:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • A_Voice

    47
    You know fine well that is codswallop...the language the likes of Putin and Assad speak is....cross this line..and you are dead.... To their own people!
    But to the rest of the world.....“We talk big, we imply threats but we sit back and let you walk all over us...whenever you feel like it”
    The US does contribute a positive role in the World..
    Russia doesn't
    Syria doesn't
    It is beyond my ken and yours, the exact reason why Obama hasn't followed through, but it will have very little to do with what the International community think and very much to do with American Politics.
    If the US want to invade Syria...there IS no one to stop them. They have proved that time and time again.

    Forbes...big deal what is Forbes...an American Business magazine...A Rag....Journalism...great qualifications to decide who is the most powerful...
    How about this...Times Magazine, front cover 1938...guess who was Man of the Year a clue is....was fond of Goose-stepping...

    Nov 01st, 2013 - 11:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura

    Oh what a load of rubbish, Russia is still a very influential player in Easter Europe, Central Asia and the Korean Peninsula. When has the US ever walked over Russia??
    Even many american campaingns and wars in the middle east depended on Russian authority.

    If you are really Scottish why dont you look at the joke you have in charge, you think you can compare your ball of fat Alex Salmond the Braveheart wannabe lie to a former KGB top boss, who has killed for his country, a man who clearly is about safeguarding his countries interest, a major player in world affairs. LOL
    GET REAL

    Nov 02nd, 2013 - 12:15 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • A_Voice

    Get Real?/
    Who said I was Scottish?
    Why would I care to compare two little fat guys?

    Russia ...you said influence....I said positive role...big difference
    Walked over...ignored....every time the US has invaded a country the Russians have objected and said No.....and the Yanks.....“like we care..Dobby, when we want your permission we'll ask for it!..Nah we won't”...“and stand up when we talk to you..oh... you are stood up”

    Nov 02nd, 2013 - 12:38 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura

    In fact I was first to mention the US plays a positive role in the world. Russia doesn’t need to; the only thing Russia does is safeguard her interest and her sphere of influence and by doing so it happens to play a significant role on geopolitics due to her magnitude and size.
    This is not about the two countries, but the leaders they have.... Alas, and how formidable and respected the US would be with someone in charge like Putin.
    To understand Putin first you must understand Russia.

    Nov 02nd, 2013 - 01:12 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • A_Voice

    ..and what makes you think you understand Russia.....lived there have you?..I'm sure latinos would be very welcome......not!
    With someone like Putrid in charge of the US it would be a dictatorship instead of a democracy. Also I would imagine you wouldn't be able to comment as you do, because a Putrid led US would have invaded and be in total control of the whole of South America.
    You should thank your lucky Stars... and Stripes that he isn't and has been marginalised and neutralised by the only super power in the world.....

    What do they call someone that fawns over and yearns to be ruled by a dictator?
    .....stupid, ignorant, dense, brainless, mindless, foolish, dull-witted, witless, slow, dunce-like, simple-minded, empty-headed, vacuous, vapid, half-witted, idiotic, moronic, imbecilic, imbecile, obtuse?
    I prefer deserving.....
    BTW ....That was very immature of you trying to trash Scottish politicians..because you thought I may be Scottish...shows your calibre.
    Same as calling Toby a girl when he thrashed and embarrassed you on the other thread....
    ...........don't bother...we're done.....

    Nov 02nd, 2013 - 01:41 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura

    Because I know history, I’m well informed and I try my best to understand politics. You don’t need to live in a certain place to be able to have an opinion.

    Well I believe your nothing but a pack of lies A_Voice, all this rant against Putin is about showing your account as a little bit more western is it...

    I mean we have talked about Russia before and how beautiful the Kremlin is from a RT documentary, so fancy that you had lived in Russia all along, forget to mention it. LOL.

    Would you care really about what Truth Patroll says, and I did NOT call him a girl. He does not talk in Argentine slang, not even close, it’s just academic Spanish he has grasped in Canada poor guy, I doubt he really knows much at all about Argentina. I don’t think he should take this so seriously and neither should you Think or whoever the hell it is you are

    Nov 02nd, 2013 - 01:58 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Zethee

    Forbes may have named him no.1 but at the end of the day if those two nations went to war there is zero doubt Obama would come out on top. That is power.

    If it was a list of the most influential people, then yeah. But as for actual, real life power. Whoever sits in the White House wins.

    Nov 02nd, 2013 - 05:27 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stevie

    Cabeza
    Complacency is NOT slang for Complicity...

    You don't speak slang either, you just speak wrong... or al revez, as you would say...

    Nov 02nd, 2013 - 06:46 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (36) Artillero 601
    I knew..............

    You gorilas have a genetic predisposition for them natural born badass types as Putin...... (or Milo;-)

    Nov 02nd, 2013 - 10:11 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura

    @Stevie, bla bla bla.... There is something I have been wanting to tell you for some time

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU2mn_S0kls

    Nov 02nd, 2013 - 12:04 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stevie

    Cabeza
    Is there ANY language you actually are fluent in?

    Nov 02nd, 2013 - 12:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • CabezaDura

    I clearly write well enough for you to follow my conversations around.

    Does it really matter??In fact does any of the things you say about Argentine politics matter?? You have nothing interesting to say at the end of the day, no matter how properly you write.

    Nov 02nd, 2013 - 12:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0

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