Russia responds to US presidential debate slamming Trump and Harris faceoff as ‘crazy’ and a ‘show’

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s presidential debate a ‘show’ as she criticized the candidates for discussing how they will ‘punish the world’

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the debate a ‘show’ (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

A Russian diplomat has responded to Tuesday’s presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, downplaying the crucial faceoff by branding it a mere “show”.

“To be honest, I don’t know why this is big news,” Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Sputnik Radio when asked to comment on the Vice President and former president’s first debate, which took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was televised on ABC News.

She questioned: “Is that big news that we could see yet another show performed by people who clearly take no responsibility whatsoever for their words?” But Zakharova went on to criticize both candidates as she said it was “crazy to hear two people…actually discussing how and for what they are going to punish the world.”

U.S. intelligence officials maintain that Moscow still has a preference for Trump ( Image: Getty Images)
She said the candidates should instead focus on answering for America’s sins, adding: “You should answer for your sins, at least for the second half of the 20th century, for a couple of decades. At least sort things out with yourselves in Afghanistan, with yourselves in Iraq. At least ask each other: ‘Have you managed to do anything anywhere without staining yourselves with blood?'”

The Kremlin had previously announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin had no intention of tuning in to watch Harris and Trump’s debate. “No, we don’t plan to watch [the Trump-Harris debate],” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

Putin recently joked that he’d be endorsing Harris ( Image: Getty Images)
When questioned on whether the Kremlin had any expectations from Trump and Harris during the debate, Peskov added: “Expecting something is not our business; it’s the business of American voters.”

The comment came just days after Putin smirked when he said he’d be endorsing Harris in the 2024 election. “We had the current president, Mr. Biden, as our favorite but he was taken out of the race. He recommended all his supporters back Mrs. Harris, so we will too,” Putin said with a wry smile and an arched eyebrow while visiting the Russian Far East port of Vladivostok for an economic forum.

Before winning in 2016, Putin praised Trump as “outstanding” and “talented” ( Image: Getty Images)

Harris, he said, has an “expressive and infectious laugh,” which shows “she’s doing well.” If Harris is doing well, then “perhaps she will refrain” from imposing more sanctions on Russia, Putin said. Some members of the audience were pictured laughing at his remarks.

Before winning in 2016, Putin praised Trump as “outstanding” and “talented.” Earlier this year, Putin suggested that Biden’s reelection would be better for Russia as he is “more experienced” and “predictable.”

U.S. intelligence officials maintain that Moscow still has a preference for Trump, who has praised Putin and has suggested cutting aid to Ukraine.