In contrast to his more cerebral protege , mr. putin , 57 years old , has cultivated an image as an active , hands-on leader .
与其更加理智的追随者相比，现年57岁的普京已为自己树立了一个积极能干而又亲力亲为的领导人形象。
Mr. putin , who became russia 's most popular politician during two terms as president , stepped down because of term limits in 2008 , backing mr. medvedev , a longtime protege .
