On MSNBC today, Hallie Jackson asked Congressman Steve King if he believes Vladimir Putin is a “better leader for Russians than President Obama is for Americans.” Jackson seemed rather incredulous at the idea, as the video from Mediaite shows.

"If you look at the history of what Putin has done in Russia and his relationship with the United States, you're comfortable saying -- and I want to be clear -- that you think he's been a better leader for Russians than Obama has been for Americans?"

"Oh, I think that," King readily stated, and went on to give the rise of Russian nationalism and Olympic support as examples. Jackson interrupted to ask about human rights and press access issues.

"It's still Russia," King consented. But

"America's dominance in the world has retreated because of the direct orders of Barack Obama, and that has allowed Putin to be more robust. But if you're a Russian looking at this thing, you're going to think Barack Obama is weak, Putin is strong. I want a President that I see as strong, and one who is maybe sitting across the chessboard with Putin and I think he's got a chance of winning. I don't think anybody thinks Obama wins in that today."