Best Leader of the Soviet Union

[King]

Vladimir Ivashko doesn't count because his only action was to oversee it's dissolution.

And if you select Gorbachev, I'd ask for a reason other than "he listened to Reagan and tore down that wall."  It's not required, but encouraged.

[King]

Obviously Gorbachev, since he democratized the evil empire. Asking for us to exclude that answer is like asking who the best President of the 20th century was and then saying "Well if you select FDR, give a reason other than the New Deal and winning World War II"

Well, I wanted to get some answers in regard of who was the best leader FOR the Soviet Union.  Causing his nation to collapse does not technically qualify as great leadership although it was very good for the Western world.

[King]

No such thing.

Then think of this question in "like finishing first in the special olympics, you're still retarded" terms.

[King]

So, as expected, the Russians don't have positive feelings about Stalin, but it's surprising that the rule of a bumbling fool was so well thought of.

Considering all Russian leaders were bumbling fools, that really can't be used as part of the equation.