Brokaw: Putin Has Not Changed. He Was A KGB Agent Then, And He's Operating As One Now

In March 2000, Vladimir Putin won the majority vote to become President of Russia, succeeding Boris Yeltsin. Tom Brokaw was granted an exclusive one-on-one with the new Russian President. More than 20 years later, Brokaw reflects on what about Putin has changed — and what hasn’t.

About: MSNBC is the premier destination for in-depth analysis of daily headlines, insightful political commentary and informed perspectives. Reaching more than 95 million households worldwide, MSNBC offers a full schedule of live news coverage, political opinions and award-winning documentary programming -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Connect with MSNBC Online
Subscribe to MSNBC Newsletter: MSNBC.com/NewslettersYouTube

Brokaw: Putin Has Not Changed. He Was A KGB Agent Then, And He's Operating As One Now

[superperformance]

My Russian friend told me this some years ago: There is no former KGB agent.

[MartaWomack]

Nice to see Tom Brokaw again! He's the way I got my news for many years. He's very credible, smart, wise and has been witness to decades of major events in his career. I thank him and wish he and his family all the best!

[brooklynnchick]

The KGB did such damage to the mental health of its agents. It’s like an entire generation must pass away before the KGB’s strangle hold on the world can be broken.

[pennyroyal]

I've been saying this for a while, "You can take the man out of the KGB but not the KGB out of the man."

[TropicalLatitude]

I remember when Putin came in. I thought "Why are they replacing what they had with the same type of person who will become a ruthless dictator?" It didn't take a rocket scientist to see what was going to happen.

[LilliLamour]

It's so nice seeing Tom Brokaw again. His journalism was supreme.

[michelleflick]

So good to hear from Tom Brokaw who still brings such clarity to world events. We need more of this responsible reporting.

[krash]

Tom Brokaw is the elder statesman of broadcast news. His knowledge is needed in these crazy times.

[cleoxo]

My husband was in the Soviet Union on a photo assignment right before the break-up. When he returned, he said, with the photos to prove it, exactly what TB just said, "they are still living in the nineteenth century."

[awarebear]

Tom Brokaw - and the late Walter Cronkite have my deepest respect as true journalists. Most (there are some rare exceptions) so called "journalists" in the mainstream media today are actors, personalities and propagandists who wag their lips to scripts spun by the owners of the media outlets they represent. It is always so refreshing to hear from someone like Tom Brokaw, someone you can listen to and have some reassurance what they say is based on facts, is true, and worthy of our consideration in making our own judgements. Good health and happiness to you and your family Tom Brokaw.

[youarehere]

I'm old enough to remember the Soviet Union and the cold war. I'm also aware of what the KGB were like and still are. Anyone who thinks that Putin is a good thing for our country should take a look at the underground shelters built in that time area and remember it wasn't for protection from "libs" but from the Soviet Union sending nukes.

We went house shopping about five years back and one of the houses we looked at had a bomb shelter in the basement, and we were told that it was common in that particular neighborhood and surrounding areas to have bomb shelters. Its sand and terrifying that people are taking a look at it and thinking, hey, cool, we can survive (fill in the blank) when, yes, it was intended for survival...from nukes.

They say that Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it, and we're heading that direction.

[ckinahan]

I didn't know that I could appreciate or respect Brokaw any more than I thought I did! And then this.... 💙

[mbayatab]

Mr. Putin in his 1991 interview as vice-mayor of St. Petersburg expressed a very negative view of the Soviet republics who at that time started gaining their independence. So, Tom Brokaw is quite right, the man has not changed.

[berthabridges]

Tom Brokaw legendary journalist in his own time. Thank you, Sir. 🕊

[shortnsweet]

It's a joy seeing Tom Brokaw..real legend of journalism

[kbone]

Slava Ukraine! ✊🏼🇺🇦!! We must fight this authoritarian scourge in our own country. I will simply vote AGAINST each and every single candidate that has NOT openly denounced the Trump movement. I recommend you do the same.

[TheMonroemomma]

God bless Tom Brokaw, and bless the Ukranians, too.

[JillKnapp]

Tom Brokaw is a legend — the voice of several generations.

[michaelRay]

Good to hear & see Tom Brokaw on this segment. I have always respected & entrusted his reporting & professionalism.

[memmor]

Tom Brokaw has seen history unfold; his knowledge is needed and his insight today and the coming days. And Michael Beschloss sees the world crisis with the help of Brokaw's understanding. Important segment.