Vladimir Putin is 'a gangster and thug', says Marco Rubio.
yeah. Seems that Obama is saying the same thing.
I think it's probably true, but whether the president, or those running for president, should advertise their opinions like that is another question. My guess is that it's a challenge.
I've never been a fan of sanctions, mostly because they only hurt the most vulnerable populations in any society against which they are imposed.
As an aside, the article quotes "Wendy Jorgensen, a resident of Cedar Falls." I actually know Wendy. She lived about two blocks from me during the five years I lived in Cedar Falls. I suppose I don't agree with her politics entirely, but I do like her quite a bit. She's a good person.