This morning, a letter arrived at campaign headquarters: someone withdrew their signature in support of my candidacy because of my statement on Echo (Echo of Moscow, a Russian radio station) that Putin and his family should be granted immunity if he ultimately gives up the idea of holding on to power for life.
It is an example of how difficult it is, in our polarized society, to run a campaign that could unite everyone who wants a change of power.
It would seem that people with such strong anti-Putin views are the key, core electorate—there is nothing I could do or say that would make me lose them. And yet, here we are: the signature has been withdrawn.
A common platform is built out of difficult elements and difficult conversations.
But the good news is that this discussion is happening. Politics is returning to our lives. Candidates are being discussed, platforms are being discussed. Whom to choose, whom to vote for. Whom to sign for, and whom to send money to. I am very glad that my candidacy has set this process in motion.
Later today I will also write an address to all my critics, but for now, watch and read two major programmatic interviews: for Echo of Moscow:
Transcript here.
And for Meduza: "I Want to Set New Standards for Politics Altogether": An Interview with Alexei Navalny on Why He Is Running for President.