Yesterday I was a guest on the A-team program, which bills itself as "the toughest show for Russian politicians." The whole format is built around a "four against one" setup, with the hosts playing the role of skeptical conservatives—or, as they call themselves, vatniks (a derogatory Russian term for hardline, jingoistic patriots). It seemed to me that there was more performance in it than genuine conviction.
It was lively and fast-paced.
I liked it. I enjoy debates—both watching them and taking part in them myself—and it’s a shame there are so few of them in Russian politics and public life. It’s a useful exercise for any politician: to find themselves in a hostile environment from time to time and answer any question.
We talked about protests, nationalists, the so-called "pro-Ukrainian fascists," Putin, Kadyrov (of course), and many other things as well.
You can read and listen to the broadcast here.
You can watch the whole thing—with all the faces and emotions—here:
Part two:
