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*From:* Weisman, Jonathan [mailto:Jonathan.Weisman@wsj.com]
*Sent:* Thursday, March 10, 2011 11:07 AM
*To:* Alexander, Elizabeth; Dudley, Amy; Epstein, Michael S. (Associate);
Allen, Elizabeth M.
*Subject:* Biden speech pool report


After a lengthy meeting with Russian opposition leaders at Spaso House, the
U.S. ambassador’s residence in Moscow, VPOTUS sped to Moscow State
University to deliver an address on US-Russian relations. Speaking in a
large, modern lecture hall to an audience of student, business people and
politicians (it was not a particularly youthful crowd), VPOTUS built up to a
tough crescendo on corruption and the rule of law in Russia.

He used teleprompters but had some notable flubs. He mispronounced
Tchaikovsky at the beginning, and when pool says “mispronounced” he is not
quibbling. It was hard to known whom he was referring to. He called the
scramble for central Asia and Afghanistan “the Grand Game,” not the Great
Game. Most significantly, VPOTUS mangled the name Khodorkovski beyond
recognition. In context, listeners may have been able to figure out whom he
meant, but not necessarily. That came in a section when he was naming names
to drive home business concerns about the investment climate in Russia.

He did nail Sergei Magnitsky, a lawyer he identified as having accused
police of fraud, been arrested and dying in custody “before even being
tried.”

It is customary for Russians to sit passively during set-piece speeches and
not interrupt with applause. When POTUS gave his 2009 Moscow speech, he
faced a tough audience as well. VPOTUS did elicit one mid-speech applause
when he said, “Some say ‘How can you say those things out loud and expect to
have a better relationship?’ They are necessary to have a better
relationship.” (Please check transcript on that.)

In the context of the change movements sweeping the Arab world, his appeal
to youth was notable: “I urge all of you students here, don’t compromise on
the basic elements of democracy.”

Upon completion, VPOTUS was applauded warmly.

Speech done, motorcade sped back to hotel where we are done for night. Very
unhappy Muscovites outside hotel sat on their horns greeting us as we
blocked the street just outside Red Square.


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