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President Obama signed an Executive Order Thursday allowing the U.S. government to impose a host of sanctions on both individuals and entities deemed to be violating Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. FULL STORY
Is the President's Ukraine diplomacy paying off or failing? At 6:30pm ET on Crossfire, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) go head-to-head in a debate joined by Newt Gingrich and guest host Sally Kohn.
Sen. Graham has been highly critical of the President’s foreign policy, calling him "weak and indecisive" and going as far as blaming Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Benghazi.
In a CNN Opinion column, Kohn argues that the Republican attacks on Obama are hurting America’s global standing.
We want you to weigh in: Do you think GOP criticism of Obama undermines him on the world stage?
Vote by tweeting Yes or No using #Crossfire or comment on our Facebook post. View results below or through our Poptip results page.
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Posted by CNN's Christina Manduley Filed under: Ben Cardin • Debates • Fireback • Foreign policy • In the Crossfire • Lindsey Graham • Obama • Putin • Russia • Sally Kohn |
Author, documentary filmmaker, historian, Speaker of the House (1995-1999), and 2012 Republican presidential candidate
Fmr. Obama Deputy Campaign Mgr. and W.H. Sr. Adviser, founder of Precision Strategies, fmr. Sr. Adviser to Maj. Leader Reid and Sen. Kennedy
Conservative columnist for New York Daily News, contributing editor at Townhall Magazine, commentator and author
Former Special Adviser for Green Jobs under President Obama, co-founder of Rebuild the Dream, author and attorney
We need to stay the hell out of this – This is none of our business!
This is the Crimean's, Ukrainian's and Russian's business not ours. If the Crimean section of the Ukraine wants to go back to being part of Russia, that's their own business and not ours. And if 95% of the Crimean people voted for this, it's none of our business.
Let's say for instead, If Texas had succeeded from the United States of America 10 or 20 years ago and then after Texas's new government fell apart, a section of Texas wanted to back to back to being part of the USA.
Would that be any of Russia's business? – No, of course not.
So, we shouldn't be making any treats our ultimatums to Russia or the Crimeans, because it's none of our business in the first place. And unnecessary stupid idol threats just make us look lame and weak.
We have enough issues here at home like jobs and the Real American Economy.
If you really want to do something bold and brave start standing up for the American People who you're supposed to represent, by standing up to the WTO and by stop selling us out to countries like communist China.
Let's say for instance, If Texas had succeeded from the United States of America 10 or 20 years ago and then after Texas's new government fell apart, a section of Texas wanted to back to back to being part of the USA.
Would that be any of Russia's business? – No, of course not.
We talk about freedom and democracy and other countries look at the childish tactics of the right wing in this country and how it treats a leader who is trying to lead a diverse nation ... a leader who was elected twice by democratic process, and the detractors look very foolish and short-sighted. Respect democracy, he is our president like it or not. It disgusts me when the intelligent republicans get caught up in the vile behavior. I did not like Bush but he was our president and in foreign crises he spoke for me .... for us!!! Respect your president and be agreeable in your disagreement. I read the right wing comments on here and they sound like insolent children!!
Republicans are not embarrassing or undermining Obama on the world stage. He is doing that all by himself. Our little prince has a lot of growing up to do. I am awaiting the return of adults in Congress and the White House.
Tell the nearly 5,000 dead, 10's of thousands wounded, 100,000's emotionally scared, American Soldiers, and millions of civilians who died in Iraq your idea of a grown up is GWBush and his lunatic neocons going to war on a lie made up for oil.
The only child here is you and your ignorance and hate.
well with an idiotic statement like that you are certainly no adult but that about goes for the rest of the rightwing/republican/tparty nutcases.
Tell it to the thousands of dead, and wounded soldiers and civilians from GWBush and his lunatic neocons going to war on a lie in iraq what their idea of an adult is.
Democrats show how delusional they are each and every day.
Republicans only have Loyalty to one thing There Party... and the Party only has one Loyalty... To Greed
TEA/GOP has put undermining President Obama as the sle plank for 5 years. They have damaged America to undermine Obama. I call that treason.
I would imagine the first legislative act a republican controlled federal government would to be along the lines of banning black people at large from being elected to office
Race card again ? Why do you stereotype Republicans but don't want to be stereotyped yourself ? Thats one of the dumbest comments EVER made.
Another Obama minion who does not even know he is a communist, and a useful tool for race baiters and the Democratic plantation.
TRUST "ME"
"I" am NOT a liar
Dictionary . com
liar:
a person who has lied
or
lies repeatedly
TRUST "ME"
"I" will close GITMO
"I" will veto ALL earmarks
"I" will CUT the deficit it half
"I" will make the sea jump back
“I” will cut the cost of health care
"I" will get un-employment under 5%
“I” will LET you keep the Dr. you like
"I" will NOT raise your taxes; NOT by one dime
"I" will go line by line through the budget and cut
“I” will end fraud waste and abuse in government programs
"I" will end Red State – Blue State and just have United States
"I" will have the most transparent administration in American history
“I” will support and defend The Constitution of the United States of America
FORWARD >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >
To " T R U T H " in "MY" administration !!!
repost: • NSA traitor Edward Snowden’s father is being represented by attorney Bruce Fein, who appeared with Senator Rand Paul at his anti-NSA news conference on June 13. Fein says “someone in Senator [Rand] Paul’s office” recommended him to Edward Snowden’s father..."
Libertarian traitors are working for Putin all along.
I don't think it undermines him to the world, if anything, it makes the Rep party look that much more ridiculous. The gross lack of respect they (and their disciples) show for our POTUS is a direct reflection of THEM, not HIM. The Reps have deluded themselves to the point of blindness.
I'd like to know how much the Obama Administration is paying CNN for their unwavering support. CNN has turned into the National Enquire. I very seldom go to CNN for news. Very sad as to what they have become!
I can see that the GOP has done nothing for Americans when they got elected with the jobs, jobs and more jobs as their slogan. That was a lie they told to get elected because they did not want to create any jobs. They want austerity for this country. They want more and more people to suffer because they cut food stamps by billions of dollars and have cut funding for many programs that are vital to many Americans. That is the GOP of today who were not concerned about spending with Bush, but when this country needed some spending to help people these republicans were all against that. These are republican hypocrites and they are worthless at doing anything worthwhile for Americans.
Well if hte US had no national debt and had billions of reserve cash with no where to spend it then the US could offer to help more. AS it stands now the US is $10 Trillion, sorry that was total at the end WBush's term in office, almost $17 Trillion in the hole. The US cannot keep digging a deeper and deeper hole. All spending has to be cut. Cuts mean not taken from spending you don't like and apply to spending you do like. Cuts does not mean a smaller increase in spending. Cuts mean actual less spending. The funds that are not being sent, the cuts, get applied to pay down the national debt. When and only when the national debt is at 0 is the US debt free.
Here we go again, anytime the POTUS starts to slip up on the job the repubs get the blame.
Other than the neocons being ticked off that Obama hasn't started WW III exactly where has there been a "slip up" on this entire situtaion? We are dealing with a fully armed, fully capable – nuclear nation that can wipe us off the planet. Other than sanctions & negotiations exactly what else should be done? You act as if you have all of the answers so let's here them.
"Are republicans undermining President Obama on the world stage"?...is the Pope Catholic ????
Obandon needs no help from Republicans. His merry band of jesters, prince reid the dumb, queen hillary the really dumb and the rest of the kings court do this well all by themselves.
No. Obama is doing a fine job of looking like a fool
all by himself
If you have read any of my past postings, likely you identified a very critical stand chastising “the money’s” control over politics and some have responded indicating that it is ridiculous to fault the successful, who are really what we all want to be. Their premise, as far as it goes, is correct but before they condemn me as rejecting the American dream and then simply blindly defend “the money’s” machine and actions, they need to recognize that I haven’t begrudged the wealthy their success or their money but rather have just faulted their control over our politics, which always just serves only their purposes, their greed, at a drastic cost to everyone else.
All of politics, whether Democrats, Republicans, Tea Partiers, Independents, or whatever, leave a whole lot of room for improvement and to argue the merits and details of their different positions can be frustrating and actually even distracting. Biases, prejudices, emotions, self-interests and loyalties are constantly played on with an abundance of propaganda aimed to con the people and manipulate public opinion. Even the supreme court justices, voting along party lines – 5 “conservatives" v 4 “liberals”, have been irresponsible in supporting money’s control over politics and for the “puppets” to sell out to “the money” and thus making it difficult for good candidates to even compete. Many of the “puppet” politicians are actually members of the wealthy elite and besides being controlled by the power, influence and mega-bucks of “the money”, they actually benefit themselves by catering to “the money” – with the majority, including the total middle-class, constantly paying the price. It is total reality and simply there to be seen with any rational and objective, with the propaganda and biases set aside, viewing of who always gains and who always looses.
Politics literally stinks and the smell crosses party lines with the source of the rancid condition being directly traced to the politicians’ identity and motivation – when they are controlled by one faction of society, when they are dependent on the power, influence and money of the few, when their self-interests and political success, as they see it, are facilitated by serving the few and together just conning the majority, there can be no doubt that they are corrupted to only serve those few, “the money”. It isn’t isolated to one party but it has become the standard of one with the GOP becoming totally owned and controlled by “the money”. With the likes of the Koch brothers, Adelson and so many others pouring billions of dollars, along with their power and influence, into having control over the GOP; with the “puppets” like Cruz, Paul, Cantor, Ryan and so many more, all obviously stubborn and cocky confident in their catering to “the money” while just pushing “conservative” propaganda to con the public; with the very costly history of Bush and Cheney; and with the efforts of those like Rove, Norquist, Palin, Limbaugh and others trying to influence public opinion and to force subordination to “the money’s” interests, it is literally totally obvious and undeniable. The Republican / Tea Party is totally owned and controlled by “the money” and the results fully demonstrate that they neglect and insultingly take for granted, as “pawns” to be used and abused, the majority.
It is amazing that they can not only neglect the majority, including the total middle-class, but that they also think they can concentrate on serving just the few and simply con and manipulate the vast majority … yet they have actually gotten away with it before. It has been said that today’s GOP is completely incapable of governing for the people and since 2000 they have consistently substantiated that. If we want to see the return of the Grande Ole Party, with a responsible conscience and a honest concern for the people, the only way is to totally reject what they have become, to completely reject their propaganda and to firmly reject their “puppet” politicians.
Ahhhhhhhhh.... Ummmmmmm..... Wait a min !!!
"MY" "Red Line" means CODE PINK
america is sorry !!!
Obama is undermining himself on the world stage.
If the Crimean section of the Ukraine wants to go back to being part of Russia, that's their own business and not ours. And if 95% of the Crimean people voted for this, it's certainly none of our business to say that they can't.
Let's say for instead, If Texas had succeeded from the United States of America 10 or 20 years ago and then after Texas's new government fell apart, a section of Texas wanted to go back to being part of the USA.
Would that be any of Russia's business? – No, of course not.
So, we shouldn't be making any treats our ultimatums to Russia or the Crimeans, because it's none of our business in the first place. And unnecessary stupid idol threats just make us look lame and weak.
We have enough issues here at home like jobs and the Real American Economy.
If you really want to do something bold and brave, start standing up for the American People who you're supposed to represent, by standing up to the WTO and by stop selling us out to countries like communist China.
ps: We need to start keeping more of OUR money here at home in the USA versus spreading it all over the world. Bring our troops home from the mindless Middle East and deploy them on our southern border. Let's use our troops here at home in the USA to Protect Our Own Country from the Incursion of Illegal Aliens, instead of keeping them in the mindless Middle East, which is just going to continue to be a never ending region of stupidity and violence.
The Republican leadership are so jealous of President Obama to the point of deterioration. They hate this black guy, who is like super teflon!
We've never seen hatred so deep for a President before. The Dems didn't even hate Bush 2 this much. Part of this is "real" and part political. I doubt that most of the Republicans with a measurable IQ really hate Obama but the low-IQ tea party fringe really do. Obama is "not like us" and they fear/hate that which is not like us. Obama represents the new face of America and it is very hard for uneducated, white, rural America to swallow this. You can actually forgive these folks. They don't know any better and it will take a while to re-educate. The real culprits are the so-called smart Republicans who cash in on this hatred and whip up the troops by crawling around the fringes of tea party rallies (Palin, Cruz) or stomping around the stage with a gun in their hand at CPAC. A thousand years from know when they dig up the time capsule with all this nonsense, future generations will wonder how humanity ever survived such a setback in evolution.
Obama does not need help . He is doing it all on his own. Just like Jimmy Carter.
Republicans are undermining America.
to be sure, there's no way obama has undermined his own credibility. it has to be someone else's fault.
President Obama had very little, if any, world affairs experience or knowledge when he was elected into office. Since being elected, Secretary Clinton and Secretary Kerry have done all of the work. Kind of hard to be a respected world leader when you don't lead.
Are Republican's undermining Obama on the world stage? Yes.
It's part of the Party of no's platform to "make this a one term President " by undermining every effort,initiative or attempt to do anything meaningful for the American people.
Republican's have shown their loyalty to the 1% over and over again spending literally billions of dollars to undermine Obama's efforts to improve the lives of the 99%.
Elected with a clear but slim majority of the popular vote and the electoral college the people have chosen to "stay the course" with Obama who managed in his first term to end the "Great Recession" as well as the decade old Iraq war.
Even now as the nation's economy has stabilized but remains anemic the Republican Party continues to criticize the President's "inability to provide jobs or relief for the struggling middle class" while it continues to undermine every effort to do so.
The cornerstone of any true democracy is that those who represent the majority's view will be allowed to govern until they no longer represent the majority.The deliberate undermining of a popular President to forward the agenda of a minority is diametrically opposed to what democracy stands for.
This is the most intelligent post on here. I agree. We talk about freedom and democracy and other countries look at the childish tactics of the right wing in this country and how it treats a leader who is trying to leave a diverse nation ... a leader who was elected twice by democratic process, and the detractors look very foolish and short-sighted. Respect democracy, he is our president like it or not. It disgusts me when the intelligent republicans get caught up in the vile behavior. I did not like Bush but he was our president and in foreign crises he spoke for me .... for us!!! Respect your president and be agreeable in your disagreement. I read the right wing comments on here and they sound like insolent children!!
Obama's doing a FINE job of that all on his own.
What a hilarious headline. Obama is undermining Obama on the world stage and the stooges who write otherwise should be fired for incompetence.
No one likes a hater. The GOP's hate for the black man in the Whitehouse could not be more obvious. No wonder the GOP has the lowest approval rating in US history. The 99.99% all white party came out of the racist closet when Obama got elected. When this Ukraine thing began the GOP cried Obama wasn't forceful enough. That can only mean one thing, the GOP wants to go to war against Russia. There are only two choices sanctions or war. Obama is pursuing option A, sanctions.To be more forceful as the GOP wants could then only be war. And war is not an option.
Yes, the republicans are war happy and have been itching for Obama to go to war since Syria crisis so then they can critisize him for going to war. It is a no win situation for Obama so he is better off doing what he can without them like he has started doing. It really has gotten so political that running the country is bottom of the GOp list, it is a very sad thing.
They call him king and dictator on one hand and a wimp on the other he just can't win.
Surely the Conservative Crowd did not stop yelling "USA USA USA" to take time to undermine the AMERICAN President, and thus the American People. These Conservaknuckleheads want power so badly they would burn the America they claim to love to the ground.
Time to see these Fascist Traitors for what they are.
Since the first day he was sworn in .The republicans have made it a agenda to undermine any thing Obama would do.They have proven themselves very dedicated to this agenda. And had some success in achieving this goal. But as a over all he has been able to out maneuver their plans and avoid total collapse.I have never in 70 years seen so much effort spent trying to stumble a national leader here in America.
Agree, it has been a non-stop effort undermine everything this President has tried to do for middle class. If only Republicans had made at least a 25% effort in co-operating for the better good US and its citizens just think of how much better off we would be today.
I also agree, it is unbelievable what these prejudice republicans have done to undermine President Obama every step he takes. What happened to the "oath" they took to do what is best for this country? Why are they even allowed to do this kind of behavior, I guess the oath really means nothing because none of them have to honor theirs. I think it is a very sad set of affairs going on in politics. It is very scary.
I have been watching this since 2008 when he was elected. The GOP have rendered him 'hog-tied' and they just pile on their hatred of him daily. It is disgusting to see what these so called 'American patriots' have done to Obama.....but typical of the treatment of the black race. People in other countries are disgusted by the GOP in this country and refer to them as 'The Party of Hate'.
To suggest Republicans have interfered with the President's handling of the Ukraine/Crimea Crisis by the Russians, ignores the fact that this President has placed himself in an untenable position, with Foreign Policy that has alienated friends and allies, left the "neutral" unaligned unsure about the U.S. intentions, and left the rest of the world, including our direct foes laughing and calling the U.S. far worse things than "paper tiger" of a few years ago. This President has put himself (and the U.S.) in the weakest, most vulnerable position on the world political stage that where we were on the eve of WWII. To harsh? I think not. The Sec'y of Defense is proposing Army Strength cuts to "pre-1940" troop levels. That in itself shows the commitment of this President and his Administration to keeping the U.S. a powerful nation. Nothing more need be said, other than, Nov Jan 20th 2017, when a new President is sworn in and the end of this madness can be realized.
First of all... the troop cuts are a direct result of across the board budget cuts forced by... the GOP. So let's not pretend that was Obama's call.
Second of all, the Russians have been a lot less forceful then they were the last time they tried this (in 2008 when they invaded Georgia). And the US response has been MORE forceful and direct.
Part of the reason is that the US has been put in a firmer position to offer condemnation then in 2008. In 2008, all Putin had to say was "Look at Iraq. Who's permission did you ask for that? Now shut up and go away." And Bush... shut up and went away.
Obama has placed us in a stronger position by following the rules we expect others to follow in places like Syria and Libya. What interventions we've done have been at the request of the people of the countries at question and at the behest of the international community.
That is why sanctions are coming for Russia (instead of a grand total of NO economic sanctions after invading Georgia). The US now has the pull with foriegn nations to talk about punishing those who don't follow international law... because we're actually following it ourselves now.
People aren't afraid that Obama will get pissed off and go invade someone like they were with Bush. And that's a positive for us in foreign relations, not a negative. But they certainly don't think that he's afraid to kill people. His drone policy and ways of dealing with terrorists shows he has no hesitation to order someone killed.
Somali pirates capture a US ship. Kill the pirates. Osama Bin Laden found hiding in another country... go kill him. Other terrorists suspected to be hiding in other countries... send in drones to kill them. Obama does not want to get involved in an expensive war... because it's expensive and unpopular. Not because he's afraid to cause people to die.
Putin trying to get the control he wants without starting actual fighting shows a level of caution he didnt' have when Bush was president. Nobody has tried to explain why that is if Obama is viewed as a pushover like many in the GOP are claiming.
We already have over 700 military bases in other countries ! So you saying we should have 1400 in other countries?
“Gone are the days when the Republican Party used to put forward big bold visionary stuff…We’re gonna have problems politically until we get some sort of third party movement or some alternate voice out there that can put forward new ideas.”
~Jon Huntsman,
The fat cats in DC need to cut their OWN salaries, benefits and
pensions while they are at it. I know, I won’t be holding my breath for
that one!!. (They vote on their own raises, healthcare, and pension
plans, and we are left with the bill)
The Tea Party and other extremists are destroying the GOP, and
permanently stripping it of any credibility in the minds of thinking
people. In 10 years time, provided they don't get us all killed, we'll
be wondering how anyone could ever buy such a bill of spoiled goods.
.How come politicians never join the military
when they are sending other people children to war? To the politicians
War is good for business invest your self and own your own children,wife husband! But
certainly big business gets in there because wars are very profitable to
certain big businesses.
Yes!
Is the GOP undermining Obama in foreign policy?
Of course they are. They're doing it with the Iran negotiations, and they're doing it with their public statements of Obama's "weakness" being why Russia invaded Ukraine.
That is their stated goal... to undermine the Obama presidency in every way possible. Their legislative goal prior to the elections wasn't to help the nation... but to make Obama a 1-term president. They attack his statements condemning Russia... which implies that they believe he should not be condemning Russia. They call him weak which invites Russia to treat the US as if it's weak.
Their entire strategy of making Obama look bad makes the US look bad to other nations. This isn't accidental... it's on purpose. The GOP likes torpedoing our nation... as shown by their willingness to shut down the government, approach default in order to cause downgrades of the US credit rating and to try to make our country look weak abroad just so their political enemy looks weak at home.
The GOP hates America.
Obandon is doing just fine by himself. Apparantly leading from behind and being wrong is his best quality.
BO needs no help looking incompetent.
Here we go nothing is ever Obama's fault. Obama underminds himself on the world stage the day he got elected. He played golf while the rest of the world fell apart.
Obama undermines himself on the world stage. He doesn't need any help from the republicans.
Both parties, none have the interest of the US citizens they are just bunch a lawyers putting on show, the only thing getting accomplished in DC and WH is how they are going to come out ahead in their personal financials.
Did cnn just report that the USA jsent 6 fighter jets today over the Baltic region (baltic sea, lithuania, latvia) very close to Moscow!?! I'm in NYC and getting very worried. Should our children start hiding under their desks in practice drills for atomic bombs again? Stop provoking Putin! This is none of our business!
In 2008 the world watched President George W. Bush sitting in the Presidential box with President Putin at the Beijing Olympics when it was announced that Russia had invaded Georgia. Putin left the Olympics as NBC said, to take charge of the war in Georgia. Has anyone ever asked President Bush about the conversation he had with Putin before the news of the invasion caused him to leave Beijing? Did Bush say something "weak" that made Putin say o well, I think we will take a part of Georgia. Or was it because America was mired in a war of choice in Iraq and had surrendered the right to lecture anyone? This Russian action will not be the last fallout from our Iraqi misadventure.
Senator Graham – Only 3 short Months after 911 and Dubya "vowed" OBL, the Mastermind, "will be captured Dead or Alive" ...
George Bush literally Said "OBL is Not My Focus, I am Truly Not Concerned About Him"
* Where was the Outrage when OBL stayed FREE for 8 Years of Bush and THAT message to Russia and Al Quaeda..!???
The greatest threat to America and the World is the Republican/Tparty. Lindsey Graham is just another word for hypocrisy.
The US economic condition undermines the USA on the world stage. Everybody that matters knows that.
Two weeks ago China was chastising the US at the G20 about our artificial economy because of printing money out of thin air. Russia threatens to go off the petro-dollar standard and the US oligarchs shudder.
Words are cheep and everybody knows we won't do anything serious because of the money situation.
Our money situation is better then Russia at the moment.
Russia's last quarterly growth rate reported was 1.2%. The US was at 2.5%.
China's "chastisement" was more sarcasm then anything else. We've been hammering them for their artificial economy for so long that when we had to use artificial means to prop up our economy via quantitative easing, they enjoyed being able to throw some of it back. But considering how they run their economy... nobody really pays them much heed when they talk about manipulating an economy.
The greatest threat to America and the World is the Republican/Tparty. If you want another name for hypocrisy its called Lindsey Graham, Mark Rubio, Cruz, Bohner, Ryan and the rest of the Republican/Tparty. Shame on them. Shame on every one of them. "At long last, have they no shame."
Sorry, but Obama is the biggest threat to America. We are a weaker nation, a poorer nation, a more divided nation, and a less secure nation...since he has taken office.
If we are more divided, it is because of the Koch Brothers, Fox News and other Obama haters. Never, did they provide the proper respect to the office of the President. They have attempted to undermine his every decision. Let's get serious America. President Obama was legally elected and deserves the loyalty of Congress and the American people in matters of national security. What we've been witnessing from the Repugs for the past 4 years is disgraceful and totally un-American. The Tea Party is just another name for the ole Confederacy and they are only want to segregate America, again and deny some groups their civil rights.
Horse hockey!
Your lack of showing the libitards lack of all the qualities you cited in your comment shows not only your narrow mindness but also your ignorance. I feel sorry for you.
You're the perfect example of what a waste the GOP is. All you ever do is post silly rants using the word libertard. But just like you conservative heroes you never come up with a single idea or alternate solution or policy.
Absolutely!
If we have stand stronger as an international community and implemented same kind of economic restrictions during the Russia's invasion in Georgia, we would not be watching Russia marching on Ukraine today.
When we allow the double standards in International law, this is the outcome.
We are on the edge of watching rising a new Russian empire, with same ideology of the USSR..
Lets wake up before it is not too late...
While I'm not agreeing that a "new Russian empire" is forming, I would point out that if it happens it will not have the same ideology as the USSR.
The ideology the USSR claimed to uphold was very much based on the idea that the workers were who the government was working for. While it can easily be argued that in reality that wasn't true... that's the ideology they were broadcasting.
Today's Russian ideology is different. It's based on strict Christian beliefs and intolerance of those who don't hold them. It's based on a strong nationalist sentiment (Russians are superior to everyone else). And it's based on protecting the interest of the oligarchs that control much of Russian business and wealth.
Essentially... the same as the US Republican party. Or the Nazi's in Germany. Take your pick.
Why do we need to pay through the nose for this Crimea fiasco? Send Nat gas to europe and raise our military spending? Thanks Newt. Own some stock in these businesses do ya?