"So much for American “Exceptionalism. Most Americans can’t stand the thought that they are not the “leaders of the free world” and that is grounds enough to posture against Russia."

You're barking up the wrong tree, Dave's the last person to complain about that.

"Russia is a limited democracy as much as the US is a limited democracy even if the true masters are not necessarily the same. It does not behoove us to be holier-than-thou."

Not even close. America has elections that resemble the people's will... somewhat. Russia has no elections.

And besides: don't compare yourself to America to prove that your country's good. That's really stupid.