Vladimir Putin's Public Image

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is expected to win presidential elections on March 4. This would return him to the office he occupied from 1999 to 2008. After serving two terms, Mr. Putin stepped down and chose Dmitry Medvedev as his successor. In September 2011, Mr. Medvedev said he would not seek a second term and Mr. Putin would run instead. Mr. Putin is the favorite in the upcoming election, in part due to the personal appeal he has cultivated in media appearances and photo opportunities.