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In a brief statement from the Kremlin, Putin said, "I will be most delighted to perform for my comrade."
The choice of Putin raised eyebrows in Washington, since the Russian, while famous for invading neighboring countries and imprisoning political opponents, is not particularly well known as a singer.
The Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway pushed back against such criticism during an appearance on CNN. "If we limited ourselves to people who had talent and experience, that would disqualify half of our Cabinet," she said.
Putin's choice of musical material also stirred controversy, as politicians on both sides of the aisle questioned his plan to perform the Russian national anthem.
According to those critics, the spectacle of Putin praising the glory and majesty of Russia in song would be inappropriate for the Inauguration of an American President.
In an attempt to quell that controversy, Putin said late on Sunday that he would instead serenade Trump by singing the Bette Midler classic, "Wind Beneath My Wings."
Reader Comments
Instead of 'wind..', why not that other one of Bette's 'The Rose'? more fitting, don't you think?
Some say love, it is a river
that drowns the tender reed
Some say love, it is a razor
that leaves your soul to bleed
Some say love, it is a hunger
an endless aching need
I say love, it is a flower
and you, it's only seed
It's the heart, afraid of breaking
that never learns to dance
It's the dream, afraid of waking
that never takes the chance
It's the one who won't be taken
who cannot seem to give
And the soul, afraid of dying
that never learns to live
When the night has been too lonely
and the road has been too long
And you think that love is only
for the lucky and the strong
Just remember in the winter
far beneath the bitter snow
Lies the seed that with the sun's love,
In the spring becomes the rose
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Songwriter: Amanda McBroom
The US has never invaded any country or held a political prisoner, right Chelsea Manning?
LOL! Great. I love this story
Vladimir Vladimirovich has performed in the past...[Link]