The Washington Post has a look at presidential history making in the making in Russia, where Vladimar Putin’s camp followers have taken to analogising the post-Soviet strongman with Franklin Roosevelt.

“FDR, according to a consistent story line here, tamed power-hungry tycoons to save his country from the Great Depression. He restored his people’s spirits while leading the United States for 12 years and spearheaded the struggle against “outside enemies,” as the mass-circulation tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda put it.

Translation: Putin rescued an enfeebled Russia from the chaos of the 1990s, banished or imprisoned dangerous billionaires [unclear if he “welcomes their hatred.”]and regained respect for his newly enriched country on the world stage.

And Roosevelt ran for a third and fourth term because his country needed him. Translation: Putin, too, should stay. ”

If Putin is Roosevelt does that make Bush Stalin?

Let’s look at the stats:

Underestimated by colleagues?

Penchant for secrecy?

Likes to dress up in uniform?