Maybe this is now changing – it would appear a new Russian narrative is in play. I call it “Medvedev as our kind of guy.” The mainstream media will be disappointed, I am afraid. Medvedev is not the antithesis of Vladimir Putin; he is part of the natural evolution of Putin’s vision for Russia.

Like many I was very impressed with the address, though at the same time I did not sense in anyway that Medvedev said anything significantly different from what he has said before. He is the same Medvedev that we watched as a presidential candidate and now as president. His ideas about Russia’s economy, civil society and foreign policy have not fundamentally evolved. That said, I would agree that his expression of his ideas are now becoming more nuanced. This is as it should be.

Medvedev was very blunt at times. He made it clear he had no illusions about the state of Russia’s economy and social spheres. Medvedev has been applauded for his openness in the Western media. However, Putin , too – as president – was just as open about his country’s flaws and challenges. But that is not the Putin the Western mainstream wishes to remember. If Western media would for a few moments remove their ideologically tinted glasses, they would realize that just about every thing Medvedev said about reform in Russia started under Putin.

Medvedev said that state shares in large companies should be reduced. Putin said the same. Unfortunately, the financial crisis forced the state to become more involved in the country that it would have liked (which mirrors state interventions in the West).

Medvedev spoke about badly needed legal reforms. But he didn’t start this process -- Putin did.

Medvedev said that Russia’s foreign policy should be pragmatic and devoid of ideology. During eight years of the Putin presidency, we heard the same. (The problem is the US and the rest of the Western world rarely took this seriously).

In terms of political reforms, again Medvedev’s ideas are not unique. Putin demanded a political system that created order out of chaos. With order now present, it is time to again to consider adjustments that allow more democratic feedback from the grassroots. Medvedev’s ideas about democratic reform and party development don’t necessarily make him into Russia’s Thomas Jefferson. Medvedev made it clear that those in Russia who desire to use democracy to return to political chaos will not be tolerated. At the end of the day, Medvedev only confirms the notion that he is Putin’s genuine successor when it comes to Russia’s democracy project.

Medvedev’s message is clearly about evolution. He certainly does present himself as being very different than Putin. Why should anyone be surprised by this? They are two different people, from different generations, and with different backgrounds. But one thing is clear to me: both want the same for Russia -- that Russia is strong, modern and in a state that reflects the hopes and attitudes of the people.

Is Medvedev “our kind of guy?” He certainly seems so. He speaks a language that the West can understand. And for a change it would seem that Medvedev has the unique ability to speak to his own people and the outside world at the same time. This can only be a plus for Russia’s image in the world and advancement of the country’s “soft power.”

However, let’s be clear about something: Medvedev in no way, shape or form is a repudiation of Putin’s legacy. My sense is that Putin is proud of his protégé. Medvedev is taking Russia in the direction that Putin has always intended. Ask yourself the following question: If Putin is so all-powerful and "autocratic," would he “allow” Medvedev to make such an address? Surely not.

Medvedev is the Putin that we can all understand. Medvedev’s Russia is a continuation of Putin’s. The Western mainstream focuses too much attention on the messenger and style. In reality, we have heard Medvedev’s message before.