Putin bemoans ‘shock tactics’ used by Clinton, Trump

Russian leader Vladimir Putin slammed Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton for using “shock tactics” in the presidential election, but declined to take a side in the race. 

{mosads}”They’re both using shock tactics, just each in their own way,” Putin said in an interview with Bloomberg. 

“I don’t think they are setting the best example.” 

Putin, who has been accused of favoring Trump, the GOP nominee, and of interfering with the race, bemoaned the candidates’ use of Russia in their attacks. 

He described Clinton and Trump as “very smart people” who “understand which buttons you need to press” to win support, calling it part of “the U.S. political culture.” 

Russia has attracted a spotlight in this election in an unprecedented way. Trump in July invited Russia to find the 30,000 emails Clinton deleted from the controversial personal email server she used while secretary of State. 

Trump has also accused Clinton’s State Department of approving the Russian takeover of uranium assets in the U.S. after investors in the deal paid $145 million to the Clinton Foundation. 

“Does that mean we control the Clinton family?” Putin said. “That’s complete nonsense.”

Putin added that he would like to work with whoever can make responsible decisions, and that “their last name doesn’t matter. 

“It’s necessary for that person to enjoy the trust of the American people,” Putin said.

“That’s why we never intervened, don’t intervene and try not to intervene in domestic political processes” in the U.S.