Russian PM choice is...who?

The Russian Duma has confirmed overwhelmingly Viktor Zubkov as Prime Minister. Plenty of people out there are going to say that the unknown politician being unexpectedly elevated to this to this post means that Prime Minister Zubkov will be nothing more than President Putin's puppet. That very same lack of knowledge about Prime Minister Zubkov, however, makes those assertions irresponsible. However, when has responsibility ever gotten in the way of main stream media and the bloggers alike from making shoot-from-the-hip comments about situations they really don't understand.

Russia confirms obscure PM choice
CNN

MOSCO, Russia -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's choice for new prime minister, Viktor Zubkov, was overwhelmingly approved in a Friday vote by Russia's lower house of parliament, a live broadcast on state-run TV showed.

Zubkov was tapped for the position by Putin last week -- less than six months ahead of a presidential handover slated for next March.

Deputies in the lower house of parliament, or Duma, confirmed Zubkov with a landslide 381 votes in favor and a meager 47 against, with eight abstentions.

Speaking to parliament ahead of the vote, Zubkov said he was in favor of continuing Putin's current political course, but said reshuffling the government might improve its efficiency.

In his speech Zubkov also said he agreed with the previous cabinet's strategy, but that it was poorly implemented.