Russian Election Brings Hope for Making a Strong, Prosperous and Democratic Russia (Sen. Joe Biden)

Dmitry Medvedev is taking over one of the toughest jobs in the world. Russia is facing endemic corruption, demographic collapse, a brewing insurgency in the North Caucasus and spiraling inflation. High global energy prices have masked the full magnitude of these problems, but Vladimir Putin’s autocratic methods have failed to address them and alienated countries that once looked to Moscow as a potential ally. I hope that Mr. Medvedev will move Russia toward a more accountable, effective system of governance. The United States wants a strong, prosperous, democratic Russia that can be a partner in tackling many common challenges. However, the flawed conduct of Sunday’s Potemkin elections, as well as unanswered questions about who is really in charge, serves as a reminder that Russia is falling well short of its true potential. Sunday’s elections also remind us that the United States should focus less on personalities and more on the policies other countries pursue.