Vlad a Hit Even in Global Gay Community!

What's up with Vlad?

LONDON (Reuters) - Time was, all a politician had to do to look good was kiss a baby. These days, projecting the right image is getting a whole lot more strenuous.

From Russian President Vladimir Putin being photographed bare-chested and muscle-bound fishing in a river, to French President Nicolas Sarkozy paddling a canoe in his swimming trunks, fitness and action are the political order of the day.

Get it right, and the publicity can be winning -- Putin's mountain-landscape poses have been a hit among female voters at home, according to Russian media, and have apparently struck a chord amongst the global gay community as well. Hunky Vlad, slim Sarko -- playing with PR fire (more)

Mark Alexander