"Vladimir Putin sees the World Cup as another opportunity to advance his campaign to restore Russia’s rightful place in the world," says Brian Taylor, professor and chair of political science.

"The visuals are very powerful, the individual stories that you can tell are very powerful," says Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute.  "All the things that drive attention are there."

Chris Faricy, associate professor of political science, says that typically when a vice president comes to town, it's significant and a way for Republicans to raise money and create a buzz. He adds that these visit are "a signal that the establishment Republicans are behind his [the vice president's] candidacy."