Because just as much effort is spent by Russia to present the appearance of a broad variety of demographics all uniting to mock and make light of the very idea

Because just as much effort is spent by Russia to present the appearance of a broad variety of demographics all uniting to mock and make light of the very idea that Russia is spending great effort to undermine democracy and get their people in there. That's pretty fundamental. I've seen these efforts be real heavyhanded. It's almost more important to hide their tracks as it is to push 'vox populi' that appear to advocate for a political outcome. They really try very hard to not be publically associated in these things. What with various things out of TASS, MTG etc recently, I think they're trying to have it both ways, and both ride on general public skepticism of their role while also publically threatening those who are privy to their works.