Stories like this one make opting out of the election more and more tempting.
9
Many are missing the point of why this is wrong, bringing Debbie and associated conversation into light.
Imagine the shoe on your foot. Let's say someone releases all your work emails. Every correspondence in which you were expressing your sardonic intelligence to your peers as a reaction to day to day events is now public, even though you discharge your actual duties in the most even-handed professional manner. Everyone has those days at work.
Imagine if public decides to pick and choose example emails that paints you in a manipulative manner. You could come across as consistently unprofessional and disrespectful. Would you call it a fair characterization of your work?
The DNC hacking, if as alleged by Russia, is a manipulation of exactly the same spirit.
Here is a plausible theory:
Russia wins big time if Americans in their overzealousness for change end up electing an incompetent nincompoop (who favors Putin too! - double bonus!).
To make that case, they had to propagate the misrepresentation that the competent candidate is undeserving of people's votes by betting on releasing correspondence of people already known to be in favor of the competent candidate.
Yes, Debbie leaned towards Hillary, but preference does not equate to actual evidence of manipulation. However, by seeing her correspondence, the public prejudges DNC's actions. Mission accomplished.
Afterall, why didn't Russia hack & release the RNC emails?
Wild? Maybe. Plausible? Certainly.
Imagine the shoe on your foot. Let's say someone releases all your work emails. Every correspondence in which you were expressing your sardonic intelligence to your peers as a reaction to day to day events is now public, even though you discharge your actual duties in the most even-handed professional manner. Everyone has those days at work.
Imagine if public decides to pick and choose example emails that paints you in a manipulative manner. You could come across as consistently unprofessional and disrespectful. Would you call it a fair characterization of your work?
The DNC hacking, if as alleged by Russia, is a manipulation of exactly the same spirit.
Here is a plausible theory:
Russia wins big time if Americans in their overzealousness for change end up electing an incompetent nincompoop (who favors Putin too! - double bonus!).
To make that case, they had to propagate the misrepresentation that the competent candidate is undeserving of people's votes by betting on releasing correspondence of people already known to be in favor of the competent candidate.
Yes, Debbie leaned towards Hillary, but preference does not equate to actual evidence of manipulation. However, by seeing her correspondence, the public prejudges DNC's actions. Mission accomplished.
Afterall, why didn't Russia hack & release the RNC emails?
Wild? Maybe. Plausible? Certainly.
15
How dare Russia expose our corruption ? They have no clue how democracy works, and have no business interfering with our internal politics.
22
Russia is also negotiating with Cuba, or at least talking about negotiating, about reopening a base there. Things could get tense in the next few years. Let's hope cooler heads prevail.
6
The elections were already rigged on the Democratic side by DWS in order to give HRC the edge. If Russia also interferred, then we have to punish her, the DNC and Russia equally.
I don't see Obama having the courage to do the right thing and do that.
I don't see Obama having the courage to do the right thing and do that.
19
Can you really fault the Russians who are our adversaries? We just have poor cyber defences. An America that believes it has absolute resilience is not living in the real world.
6
How much does Trumpster have invested in Russia?
Oh, it is none of our business.
He promises that his investments won't impact his decisions as President. His history certainly shows that his business never impacts his decisions.
Or did I get that backwards?
Oh, it is none of our business.
He promises that his investments won't impact his decisions as President. His history certainly shows that his business never impacts his decisions.
Or did I get that backwards?
16
Russia is hacking emails to derail the US voting system?
Now if the establishment can convince enough people that Russia is backing Trump, perhaps they can save Clinton.
Russia is preventing the US from toppling Assad?
You mean Russia is acting in accordance with international law and assisting a legitimate regime from being toppled by the US, despite the fact that such an action is illegal, don't you?
My only criticism of Russia is that it did not step in when Libya was threatened.
Now if the establishment can convince enough people that Russia is backing Trump, perhaps they can save Clinton.
Russia is preventing the US from toppling Assad?
You mean Russia is acting in accordance with international law and assisting a legitimate regime from being toppled by the US, despite the fact that such an action is illegal, don't you?
My only criticism of Russia is that it did not step in when Libya was threatened.
16
Yes Obama was duped by Putin, when he came into Syria he said he would go after the Isis only and when Obama shake his hand and turn back, Putin made a big accord with the Dictator Assad to go after the civilians and children anyone who opposes the Syrian Dictator. It is too later now to turn horses back in front of the chariot, Obama should have been more smart and know and think strategic that Putin would change and do some treating to the engaging the US as a confrontation in world stage showing Putin and the Russians can hammer the US foreign policy on the head and Obama can hid under his presidential desk shriveling while Putin do his part on the Syrian oil deal. It’s a testing to Obama legacy if he got the guts to stand up to that Syrian dictator and Putin to get out of the Middle East to his mother country in Russian and let the millions of refuges come back to their destroyed homes and fix them with the country oil left. Tell them to stop killing the civilian and causing a world calamity. good lucks mr. president you can do it.
2
Are there not many foreign companies operating in Russia, including U.S. companies, German companies, Spanish companies etc? How many have access to computers? Do you really think that Russia would leave a trail if they were the hackers?
14
The commenters to this report give me greater concern for the future of the country than Russia's malfeasance.
10
Publishing truthful pertinent information is not "interference".
The emails have been blown out of proportion, but that's our problem, not Russia's.
The emails have been blown out of proportion, but that's our problem, not Russia's.
11
Maybe if the presidential election season didn't go on for what seems like half a term, the opportunities for hacking wouldn't be so extensive.
9
Based on the last paragraph I'd say that the leaks were a benefit to the American people, giving us a peek at the high-handed manipulations that have left so many feeling disenfranchised.
17
Anyone who thinks they really know what's going on between the US and Russia is just deluding themselves. There is a whole secret world out there that the average citizen can only guess about. One thing I would ask Obama and Clapper is how much computer espionage we are committing against Russia.
16
I voted for Senator Bernie Sanders in the Ohio primary, and I intend to vote my conscience in the upcoming presidential election and cast my ballot for Dr. Jill Stein. So I have "no dog in this fight" to quote former Secretary of Sate James Baker. And Ohio Secretary of State John Husted has already sent me a letter ( with the headline to the letter "one vote counts" ) for own my absentee ballot which I have already sent back though snail mail last week. So unless the Russians have somehow "hacked" into the United States Postal Service, which I seriously doubt, my vote for Dr. Jill Stein will be counted by designated election officials in the Buckeye State.
13
This is only the beginning of the crisis that will inevitably ensue from the gross mismanagement of the entire US vote-counting process.
9
I predict that when the presidential election has finished, all 50 states will be red.
7
If the CIA can execute world leaders it doesn't much care for and if the CIA can throw the Italian election of 1948, for examples, the Russians, if in fact they did it, i.e., who trusts what the White House says anymore, have a lot of catching up to do.
But think of the propaganda advantage Hillary (and Obama) will have if Trump wins. Could be another civil war yet in the US.
But think of the propaganda advantage Hillary (and Obama) will have if Trump wins. Could be another civil war yet in the US.
17
And not a mention of the actual content of the emails, until the very last sentence. Who leaked the emails is irrelevant. What's relevant is what was in them. Why shoot the messenger? To not have a serious discussion about what the emails revealed is a gross failure of journalism to do its job.
10
If our democracy means anything, subversion of it by a foreign power is nothing less than an act of war. I hope Russia takes pause to realize the potential response this invites, and consider where their poorly-considered tactic may well lead.
1
Typical of Putin. He proves himself every day to be the same KGB thug he always has been, ordering murders of critics, decimation of the peoples of Ukraine and Aleppo, and blatantly illegal and transparent cyberattacks on our US elections process as his latest blundering crime. He is a laughable buffoon, but now a buffoon who must be taught a lesson. In addition to facing a Hague War Crimes Tribunal, his country needs to be economically AA ctuonwd and cyberattacks in the most severe retaliation possible. Putin is a hyperbolic pathetic clown who must be removed from power, period.
1
It is without joy to have to remind those who might have forgotten, but the U.S. has done the same interference in other countries elections such as Guatemala, Congo, and Cuba to name a few.
Whether from Moscow or Washington this is not how influence events in Democratic Elections.
Whether from Moscow or Washington this is not how influence events in Democratic Elections.
7
The truth will set you free. Even if the truth isn't always comfortable. The DNC and the USA are better for the disclosures. People have got to start understanding the distinction between what actually harms the national interest, and what merely embarrasses its leaders and elites.
11
There is a trend here. His ex-campaign chief was most likely a KGB agent.
And knowing Con Don, he would do anything for money. There should be a FBI investigation on whether he is working for KGB or not. Con Don is not stupid and his worship for the world's worst thug cold blooded murderer Putin is not a coincidence.
There is something in Con Don's closet.
And knowing Con Don, he would do anything for money. There should be a FBI investigation on whether he is working for KGB or not. Con Don is not stupid and his worship for the world's worst thug cold blooded murderer Putin is not a coincidence.
There is something in Con Don's closet.
2
Are we to think that Putin is so stupid he would resort to attempting something so stupid? or that Obama is so stupid he would accuse Putin of being that stupid? While Obama is at least slightly more intelligent than Bush - even though Bush had degrees from Yale and Harvard and Obama only has one from Yale- i think Putin is brighter than both of them put together, is a far more sensible statesman and is possessed of far more guts than to allow himself to be pushed around the way our gutless wonder is by war hawks and other idiots who would bring on a nuclear conflict with their madness. The stark raving lunacy of this war driven policy makes Trump seem the rational alternative. That's how bad things are and why we should vote for Jill Stein and the Greens before it's too late to vote for anyone at all.
10
The police actively court snitches but when it comes to hackers snitching on HillaryClinton, suddenly all testimony, however damning, must be discounted on account of some vague patriotic impulse. Wikileaks has just released a trove of Clinton material, including snippets of her Goldman Sachs speeches - and on how to deflect or change the topic should they ever emerge. I don't see any mention of that story here because I guess the Daily Clintonian hasn't yet figured out how to spin the story in her favor. Meanwhile, this explains Obama's hurried announcement on Russian hacking. I hope he didn't trip on his rush to the podium. In other words, "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain".
11
Putin may have condoned an attempt to exploit technical and human weaknesses, of American Democracy, for his own interests, but I am far more concerned in how the American system fails to address these same weaknesses and serious problems.
American can survive Putin's ambitions but can America survive it's own systematic weaknesses and vices that seem to have no monitor or judge? Will American Democracy end up like Athenican Democracy did centuries ago, undone by its own collective faults?
American can survive Putin's ambitions but can America survive it's own systematic weaknesses and vices that seem to have no monitor or judge? Will American Democracy end up like Athenican Democracy did centuries ago, undone by its own collective faults?
5
Everyone is so distracted by yet another Trump meltdown that this story isn't getting nearly the attention is demands. When the Obama Administration officially calls out another nation's top leaders for meddling in its internal affairs, that's really a big deal.
It certainly makes the stakes in the Presidential election all that more critical to our future.
It certainly makes the stakes in the Presidential election all that more critical to our future.
3
It is beyond dispute that both Trump and Pence are Commie sympathizers. Now I'm wondering if Brian Kemp and Jon Husted are their henchmen in a collaboration with Vladimir Putin to take over the U.S. by vote fraud. Actually it is probable, in my estimation.
Letting the Cyber Wars begin! The Russians are coming! The Russians are Coming! And the Chinese, and the N. Koreans, Iranians, Indians, etc.
We better seriously start upping our game here. I don't know if importing more and more foreign tech workers is wise. Along with University researchers or any sensitive areas of our IT and other scientific knowledge. We must recognize that some recent arrivals to America may also be our adversaries. It only takes one to help destroy our nation by being loyal to their home country. Cyber espionage will become more destructive than we'll ever know. Why wait until it is too late to do anything about it? The future is not what it used to be. Forget the land wars and boots on the ground thang.
We better seriously start upping our game here. I don't know if importing more and more foreign tech workers is wise. Along with University researchers or any sensitive areas of our IT and other scientific knowledge. We must recognize that some recent arrivals to America may also be our adversaries. It only takes one to help destroy our nation by being loyal to their home country. Cyber espionage will become more destructive than we'll ever know. Why wait until it is too late to do anything about it? The future is not what it used to be. Forget the land wars and boots on the ground thang.
5
It is hard to believe the responses that I am reading here. American trolls buying into the blind assertions of the US govt. To date, the US govt has offered not a shred of evidence the Russian govt is complicit in what should be treason charges directed at leaders of the DNC. Nothing has been added (evidentiary) since the first announcement that suspected Russian involvement a few months ago. Our govt spins narratives without offering up evidence. It was done during GW's administration, and it is done today. If you want a scholarly intellectual response in this matter, track down Stephen Cohen or John Mearsheimer.
18
Brazen. Putin doesn't fear the United States, although he should. He's just a KGB thug in charge of a criminal enterprise called Russia. This hack is an attack on our essence as a country. I have great respect for Mr. Obama, but he must set aside his natural caution and act decisively to punish Russia for its actions. Putin must be humiliated. We should impose Iran-style sanctions against Putin and the Russian state, and relieve the siege of Aleppo. If that brings us into military conflict with Russia, then so be it.
4
Putin would love Trump as President. Not because the two are similar, but because Trump can be easily baited and has no understanding of international diplomacy. Under Trump Putin sees a divided America with a leader without credibility on the worlds stage.
13
Party politics or not, it's disgraceful that the standing President lowers himself to be part of a political campaign. Doubt he'd be so keen to accuse the Russians if it were the Republicans who got hacked. Accusing the Russians is little more than an effort at distraction from the embarrassing content of the leaks and a cheap effort to imply that Putin wants Trump elected.
17
The fact on hacking seems to be that everyone, including Uncle Sam, is heavily engaged in stealing financial and political information, whether with billion dollar government hackers or high school neohites, and no one can pin down exactly who did what to whom. That leaves a vast arena for guessing who specific hackers might be and gives birth to a dictionary of "believes" and "best guesses" and "highest authority opinion" which despite its claims is apparently nothing but crass speculation and wishful thinking. Let's hope we don't end up going to war based on a cloud of speculative hot air.
8
Anyone who does not take seriously now the Russian intent to damage our values and way of life, is not a credible person.
2
Julian Assange may think that he promotes democracy but he is clearly either a tool or a malevolent actor. If we consider the bloodbath that he triggered in the Middle East I'll settle for him being a misguided fool. Yes, he is a tool of Putin's USSR.
2
A bit of a slippery slope given the US has been working to influence foreign elections for decades. Admittedly we aren't particularly fond of the practice in our elections. Mr. Putin and his lackey Julian Assange are rabidly Anti-Clinton. If we took Russian to the International Courts be certain we'll be dragged before the court for similar reasons.
3
Watergate, 21st Century style. And who, in this country is "close" to the Russians?
A this point with this clear it's obvious that sanctions even higher than before are called for. It's insane that Putin thinks he can get away with this with impunity.
2
Trump-Putin 2016!
Make Russia (and Iran and Syria) Great Again (at the Expense of the U.S.)!
Make Russia (and Iran and Syria) Great Again (at the Expense of the U.S.)!
1
"Donald J. Trump, said there was no evidence that Russia was responsible, suggesting that the Chinese could be behind it, or it could be somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds".
And if not the Russians, wasn't it likely that the 400 pound fool in bed, was Donald Trump himself? But, no, it was probably his good buddy, former KGB agent Vlad Putin, clearly doing it on behalf of his Fellow-Traveler and Goon-Mate, Donald Trump.
BTW, this doesn't excuse sleazy Debby Wasserman Schultz or her cronies for their own bad behavior. After all, had they not behaved badly, Putin's mob would not have had much to hack from the DNC.
While I blame Vlad Putin and Debby Schultz, I see no reason to blame Hillary, nor does Bernie blame Hillary, as Sanders supports Hillary Clinton's election as President.
I urge all decent and patriotic Americans to NOT vote for Trump nor for any Senator or Congressperson who doesn't fully condemn both Trump and Putin.
And if not the Russians, wasn't it likely that the 400 pound fool in bed, was Donald Trump himself? But, no, it was probably his good buddy, former KGB agent Vlad Putin, clearly doing it on behalf of his Fellow-Traveler and Goon-Mate, Donald Trump.
BTW, this doesn't excuse sleazy Debby Wasserman Schultz or her cronies for their own bad behavior. After all, had they not behaved badly, Putin's mob would not have had much to hack from the DNC.
While I blame Vlad Putin and Debby Schultz, I see no reason to blame Hillary, nor does Bernie blame Hillary, as Sanders supports Hillary Clinton's election as President.
I urge all decent and patriotic Americans to NOT vote for Trump nor for any Senator or Congressperson who doesn't fully condemn both Trump and Putin.
3
Exposing the truth is "Interfering"?
This administration seems hell bent on paying terrorists to foment civil wars in countries where Russia has Navy bases. I am relieved that this is the extent of their backlash.
No more Wars for Wall Street, No more Military Adventurism, No more Dead American Servicemen..
Americans are sick of your pointless wars, DC
This administration seems hell bent on paying terrorists to foment civil wars in countries where Russia has Navy bases. I am relieved that this is the extent of their backlash.
No more Wars for Wall Street, No more Military Adventurism, No more Dead American Servicemen..
Americans are sick of your pointless wars, DC
13
It'd good the Obama Administration is finally standing up to the Kremlin in a major way; Kerry's demand for investigation of Russia's possible war crimes is also welcome. But this should have come back in 2009 instead of the "reset" -- there was enough to work with then given two Russian wars, the invasion of Georgia, murder of journalists and so on.
Had Obama stood up to Putin, especially on Syria, instead of thinking we "needed" Russia for Iran (which didn't turn out well at all) and "other things," the world would have been a better place. We might not have gotten Trump, or at least, the wind of Trump's pro-Putin foreign policy would have been pre-knocked from his sails.
Standing up to Russia inevitably means nastiness and accusation that you, not Putin are the war-monger. Tough it out, and deter, deter, deter.
Had Obama stood up to Putin, especially on Syria, instead of thinking we "needed" Russia for Iran (which didn't turn out well at all) and "other things," the world would have been a better place. We might not have gotten Trump, or at least, the wind of Trump's pro-Putin foreign policy would have been pre-knocked from his sails.
Standing up to Russia inevitably means nastiness and accusation that you, not Putin are the war-monger. Tough it out, and deter, deter, deter.
9
The Russian hacking into the very foundation of our democracy, which is the vote and the confidence that that vote is sacrosanct, is an act of cyber warfare. In less generous terms, this an act of war.
Maybe not in the way that we need to sink ships or send in the Marines, but if we do not engage in a vicious retaliatory campaign to discourage this bald faced assault on the foundation of our democracy, then we don't deserve the freedom that has been bequeathed to us.
Maybe not in the way that we need to sink ships or send in the Marines, but if we do not engage in a vicious retaliatory campaign to discourage this bald faced assault on the foundation of our democracy, then we don't deserve the freedom that has been bequeathed to us.
Russia may have just hacked. It is for Americans to determine whether the Russian hacking exposed the truth that damages one party or the other is a separate issue. If the truth influences elections than there is nothing to be worried about. But if the hacking results in deception of the truth getting twisted then Americans should worry about the influence due to disinformation or false information. What is worrisome is when a government in a democratic country like the USA favors one candidate over the other and uses the force of the government to influence the outcome of the election by going out of the way ignoring ethical and legal standards to influence the elections.
6
What more has to happen for Obama to realize that Russia has de facto declared war on the US. Over the past year Russia has launched a massive multi -stage cyber offensive against the US, designed to subvert it by wrecking its political system, in the hope this will paralyze it, enabling him to complete his conquest of Ukraine, his occupation of Syria and intimidation of NATO. Putin no threatens to once again put Russian offensive weapons in Cuba.
These are acts of war. At some point the only way to respond to ongoing attack is to hit back. For all of Putin's posturing, Russia is no match for the US. The first thing to do is to bomb the Russian base in Tarsus Syria, before the advanced air defense systems Russia has moved to Syria become operational. That should be enough to send the message that America will no longer be Russia's sucker. Putin is an aggressive bully, but he is not suicidal. He knows his military is no match for the US, and has been banking on the fact that Obama will never use force, no matter how belligerent Russia becomes. Once he realizes America will respond to force with force, he will back down.
These are acts of war. At some point the only way to respond to ongoing attack is to hit back. For all of Putin's posturing, Russia is no match for the US. The first thing to do is to bomb the Russian base in Tarsus Syria, before the advanced air defense systems Russia has moved to Syria become operational. That should be enough to send the message that America will no longer be Russia's sucker. Putin is an aggressive bully, but he is not suicidal. He knows his military is no match for the US, and has been banking on the fact that Obama will never use force, no matter how belligerent Russia becomes. Once he realizes America will respond to force with force, he will back down.
1
Recall that Russia has been the victim of our malicious software. In 1982 the CIA planted a bug in software which it expected that Russia would steal. Russia did steal the software, and used it to control a natural gas pipeline. The result was what the Washington Post called "the most monumental non-nuclear explosion and fire ever seen from space." The operation was disclosed in 2004.
1
The only surprise here is that it took so long for the US government to come to this conclusion. The Russians have been electronically manipulating votes in Europe for many years. That was just practice for what they are now attempting to do...put their tool Drumpf into the world's most important elective office.
2
Utter nonsense.
The sole goal of this nonsense is to deflect attention from the content of the e-mail communications. Who obtained them and how is irrelevant. I suspect that the Russian government had nothing to do with it in any case.
Even if said government had some involvement, so what? That means that publication of information that shows the venality of the Democratic National Committee in doing whatever it could to ensure Mrs. Clinton's nomination and to thwart Mr. Sanders is of no importance to the citizenry.
It is of utmost importance to that citizenry no matter who was involved its publication.
More than disgusting. A significant failure on Mr Obama's part to go along with the nonsense.
The sole goal of this nonsense is to deflect attention from the content of the e-mail communications. Who obtained them and how is irrelevant. I suspect that the Russian government had nothing to do with it in any case.
Even if said government had some involvement, so what? That means that publication of information that shows the venality of the Democratic National Committee in doing whatever it could to ensure Mrs. Clinton's nomination and to thwart Mr. Sanders is of no importance to the citizenry.
It is of utmost importance to that citizenry no matter who was involved its publication.
More than disgusting. A significant failure on Mr Obama's part to go along with the nonsense.
9
Rather than focusing on the real issue (that the American political system is rigged) they are shifting the topic onto Russia and moving past the issue.The United States is desperate right now and that's why its throwing endless accusations towards Russia. And to be honest if you accuse Russia of hacking into US systems does that mean Russia has more potential to inflict substantial damage on the US? The US is so desperate because of the Syrian crisis and its the reason why they are always saying things to garner for public sympathy. Just know that the empire is falling and new actors are coming on the stage to replace it. Whereas the US is busy jumping up and down to reduce Russia's influence in the world, China is building infrastructure, its is building quantum satellites and Radars, it is making trade surpluses and its buying off American big corporations. Time for the end of the empire has come and its now. The signs are clearly visible! Very soon we will be free from Western evil dominance. The world will be free from Western war entrepreneurs!
4
Why are the Russians actively trying to undermine Hillary Clinton? Why do they want Donald Trump to be President?
These question can only be answered by Donald Trump releasing his taxes and other financial information. The American people need to know how much money Donald Trump owes Russian financial institutions and oligarchs.
Absent any information we must assume the worst; that Donald Trump if President can be blackmailed by the Russian government with the ruin of his financial empire. Electing Mr. Trump could put all of Eastern Europe at risk. These newly freed countries could be shuttered once again behind the Iron Curtain while a President Trump does nothing to stop it lest the Russians call in his loans.
These question can only be answered by Donald Trump releasing his taxes and other financial information. The American people need to know how much money Donald Trump owes Russian financial institutions and oligarchs.
Absent any information we must assume the worst; that Donald Trump if President can be blackmailed by the Russian government with the ruin of his financial empire. Electing Mr. Trump could put all of Eastern Europe at risk. These newly freed countries could be shuttered once again behind the Iron Curtain while a President Trump does nothing to stop it lest the Russians call in his loans.
3
So as Trump has imploded today, and Obama has directly blamed Russia for the DNC hacking, I am now asking, "so what now with Julian Assange?" Assange must now know that he is in much deeper trouble than an alleged rape in Sweden. It seems to me that he must be rethinking the release of more DNC documents, and the risk that the United States government will come after him, likely causing the Ecuadorians to abandon Assange, and his swift extradition to the United States to face espionage charges. We live in very weird times.
2
"With little more than a month to go before the presidential election, Mr. Obama was under pressure to act now on the hacking, according to a senior administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal White House deliberations"
Really? Who pressures the President of the United States? Julian Assange has said that Russia had nothing to do with his e-mail drop, that the DNC was not even hacked but that the e-mails were merely sent to Wikileaks. BTW, a person who is suspected of having done this was murdered outside his home in DC a few weeks later.
Obama and Clinton know what could be coming and are pre-blaming Russia for any releases that could severely harm the Clinton campaign. And, really, how badly has the DNC release effected the Clinton campaign? The release clearly shows that the DNC hindered the Sanders' effort, but; this indictment of Russia for revealing that and (accused only) revealing what hotel Joe Biden is staying in or what Hillary's travel schedule was in 2014? These are things that are semi-public already and certainly don't rise to the level of international sanctions! Obama hasn't even blamed the government of Russia! What could the motive for all this vile insinuation be?
Really? Who pressures the President of the United States? Julian Assange has said that Russia had nothing to do with his e-mail drop, that the DNC was not even hacked but that the e-mails were merely sent to Wikileaks. BTW, a person who is suspected of having done this was murdered outside his home in DC a few weeks later.
Obama and Clinton know what could be coming and are pre-blaming Russia for any releases that could severely harm the Clinton campaign. And, really, how badly has the DNC release effected the Clinton campaign? The release clearly shows that the DNC hindered the Sanders' effort, but; this indictment of Russia for revealing that and (accused only) revealing what hotel Joe Biden is staying in or what Hillary's travel schedule was in 2014? These are things that are semi-public already and certainly don't rise to the level of international sanctions! Obama hasn't even blamed the government of Russia! What could the motive for all this vile insinuation be?
7
A simple escalation to a tip for tap policy in the cyberspace is a good start.
Not reacting to this once more will just reinforce Putin and its cronies in their belief western democracies are weakened enough not to respond in any singinficant manner to what they see as mostly risk free trace free acts of aggression.
Letting Putin play his little mind games and hoping that he will come to reason is an invitation to more infiltration (hey France parliament) and subversion acts.
All technological transfer and sales to Russia need to be banned and a soft Iran like embargo on trade needs is certainly something that should be assessed at this time. Putin doesn't play with the other kids anymore, whatever agreement he honores is a facade now.
Anyway we will have to wait after the election to see what will be the answer from the US.
Not reacting to this once more will just reinforce Putin and its cronies in their belief western democracies are weakened enough not to respond in any singinficant manner to what they see as mostly risk free trace free acts of aggression.
Letting Putin play his little mind games and hoping that he will come to reason is an invitation to more infiltration (hey France parliament) and subversion acts.
All technological transfer and sales to Russia need to be banned and a soft Iran like embargo on trade needs is certainly something that should be assessed at this time. Putin doesn't play with the other kids anymore, whatever agreement he honores is a facade now.
Anyway we will have to wait after the election to see what will be the answer from the US.
My fear is Russia manipulates not critical swing states (which we expect will be pretty well protected via US Gov't cyber security) , but states that are overwhelmingly red states and fully expected to favor Trump, and therefore not well protected.
If Clinton were to suddenly win Mississippi, Alabama, etc., as part of a fairly close election win, Trump, his supporters and the right wing media would have the evidence of a 'rigged' election their conspiracy-based alt reality traffics in...
Russia, realising Trump cannot win regardless of what it does, could sew post-election chaos in our republic by actually helping Trump lose (thereby playing him for the ultimate patsy).
I hope our government pre-emptively attacks as many of Russia's cyber agressors as possible beginning in the early morning hours of our election date. Turn off the 'net like we did to North Korea for 24 hours. Deal with the aftermath, whatever may come, after the election day has passed.
If Clinton were to suddenly win Mississippi, Alabama, etc., as part of a fairly close election win, Trump, his supporters and the right wing media would have the evidence of a 'rigged' election their conspiracy-based alt reality traffics in...
Russia, realising Trump cannot win regardless of what it does, could sew post-election chaos in our republic by actually helping Trump lose (thereby playing him for the ultimate patsy).
I hope our government pre-emptively attacks as many of Russia's cyber agressors as possible beginning in the early morning hours of our election date. Turn off the 'net like we did to North Korea for 24 hours. Deal with the aftermath, whatever may come, after the election day has passed.
This seems to be scaring older folks who think that hacking is sophisticated, but I assure you that there are teens and young adults running around doing it for fun, obtaining celebrity nudes, doxxing and trolling, etc. We grew up with technology, and it's often scary how little those in government know about technology. For example when they demanded that WikiLeaks "return" documents that were uploaded, everyone of smartphone owning age rolled their eyes across the globe. Those who fumble with their smartphones and do everything on it with their index finger, maybe not so much. Stop red-baiting us please. I get it, you grew up in the Cold War, but we didn't, so we're not in that vulnerable Russophobic mindset. If a sophisticated foreign government wanted to manipulate our elections, the strategy wouldn't be to expose what a horrible person Debbie Wasserman is. Bernie would have beaten Trump in the election if Clinton was hurt by that anyway, so the smarter thing to do would have been to help them get rid of Bernie, since Clinton has (according to just about every poll) done worse against Trump and even lost in some polls. Exposing the Democratic party insiders for the people they are isn't an anti American project, it's about as patriotic as it gets. A journalist would have gotten an award for it. Just like Watergate, it's the right of the people to know. Corruption in our government shouldn't be diverted by pointing at another country. No, we're looking at you.
18
The Obama administration posses a quite impressive talent; the ability to read minds. It is not hard to locate a source of cyber hacking and even connect it with specific government or spy agencies - like the Russian one, but to know exactly their motives with such a great certainty is requires the knowledge of the metaphysical world.
Or Obama might be trying to preemptively support candidate Clinton in the face of a very embarrassing revelations about the fact that she might not been truthful about her real positions and plans, to the American people.
Unlike the Obama administration we can not read thoughts from thousands of miles away to know what's behind accusing Russia of trying to meddle with our affairs, but it is clear that if the truth about Clintons' lies or corruption or loyalty to Wall Street will come out, even if the source is "evil" Russia or Putin or the Devil himself, that doesn't make those revelations less true.
Of course, If those were indeed lies, Obama or Clinton wouldn't be bothering with discrediting the source but just deny what it had reveled.
Or Obama might be trying to preemptively support candidate Clinton in the face of a very embarrassing revelations about the fact that she might not been truthful about her real positions and plans, to the American people.
Unlike the Obama administration we can not read thoughts from thousands of miles away to know what's behind accusing Russia of trying to meddle with our affairs, but it is clear that if the truth about Clintons' lies or corruption or loyalty to Wall Street will come out, even if the source is "evil" Russia or Putin or the Devil himself, that doesn't make those revelations less true.
Of course, If those were indeed lies, Obama or Clinton wouldn't be bothering with discrediting the source but just deny what it had reveled.
11
If a major political party has an unsecured computer, there are legions of free-lance hackers eager and ready to break into it for financial or ideological reasons.
Also, a political organization could cleverly leave an unsecured computer as "bait" so that they could link whatever hack attempts occur to their political opponents.
I don't think things are as simple as described in this article, and it is possible that Russia may actually prefer that Hillary Clinton win, or maybe they don't even have a preference.
Also, a political organization could cleverly leave an unsecured computer as "bait" so that they could link whatever hack attempts occur to their political opponents.
I don't think things are as simple as described in this article, and it is possible that Russia may actually prefer that Hillary Clinton win, or maybe they don't even have a preference.
5
Attribution of cyber theft is difficult to assess and near impossible to prove without intelligence assets on the ground. Tracking IP paths to Russian servers proves nothing without some form of assurance that the attack originated at those servers. Then you are obliged to identify the actors who manipulated the servers to steal the information. I see none of that information in the reporting of this news; instead, I see assessment of motives and intentions. Yes, Russia has been acting out on the world stage lately, but show us the evidence that actors within the Russian state committed these cybercrimes. Without evidence, these incriminations isolate us among the community of nations.
10
Oh great accusation! Who trying to influence the election, the Russian federation of the NY Times? And who spreads all kinds of money around at election time but Saudi Arabia and China through blind organizations?
4
This is precious! In other words, "How dare you expose the corruption in our government, and how we deceive our own people. All for the corporate good. And, hey! What's with your government not accepting our GMO foods? Are you saying our Monsanto 'Round-Up' ready contaminants at the very core of our foods is something unhealthy? All our non peer-reviewed, owned-and-bought research (replete with the knowledge you will never work again if you speak out against Monsanto or Big Pharma) tells us it's perfectly healthy to ingest cancerous toxins. We fully expect the American people to be angered at you for exposing corruption in the US, and to continue to not think for themselves." Oh, enough already. Oy vey.
8
Makes you wonder if they can hack into election servers and alter vote counts.
1
After 8 years of Progressive rule...the Russians are doing the work of the so-called Free Press. The US media is actively covering for traitors.
5
PUH-leaze. Is the USA and our NSA so arrogant that they think only the NSA and 'some Russians' are constantly working at hacking our government databases. This focus on the Russians is shameful red-baiting, setting up us and the world for WWIII. In his final year in office, Obama keeps talking about his strange concern for his 'legacy' but he also keeps revealing to us he has no shame, no ethics and no compunction to be dishonest.
11
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that not will be made known. Luke 12:2
2
To all the posters huffing and puffing about Russia, did you read the story about the NSA contractor who had taken the source code of the software NSA uses to hack into other governments' computers?
7
Wow, this is beginning to look like Troll City, nearly as bad as the Washington Post. Keep this up and all you'll have is flying insults here.
Maybe fomenting civil wars in Putin's backyard wasn't such a great idea?
3
So you have confirmed the rampant cheating and bias that was shown in the leaks. And now we are being prepared to go to war because some idiot private organization (as we keep getting told the DNC is) left their front door wide open, and some Russians peeked inside. Talk to any IT professional or software engineer. S/he will tell you how completely pathetic you sound.
7
Once again, the DNC is looking for someone, anyone, to blame for their own corruption and inside trading.
9
Now it's official. The White House finally used the true and tried method of "Hey! Look over there! A squirl!!!!" to deflect from the treachery of the DNC.
12
Shocking that the bitter Bernie dead-Enders are defending this leak. Bernie lost because he never made inroads with people of color, the true base of the Democratic Party. White liberals, you're just not that important. Jill Stein, Putin's other puppet will gladly accept your sore loser votes.
1
Even if there were no other reasons to vote for Clinton, the fact that the Russians prefer her opponent would be reason enough to vote for her. Putin's government is NOT a friend of the U.S. and would only be rooting for things that weaken us.
2
Many thoughts in response to this...
Putin's a murdering, country-invading, kleptocratic dictator. Wouldn't be surprised if he's behind the hacks.
It's nice to see the Putin trolls out in force again. It's been awhile - I was worried maybe you all had been fired from your jobs. Glad you're still earning a less than honest living as Putin's warped mouthpiece. Kidding, obviously.
The Trump-Manafort-Putin connection is freakish and highly worrisome. Why did the news media let this drop? One has to wonder if Trump and Putin aren't coordinating things, at least at some level.
Obama's been pretty feckless in response to Putin's aggression. Yeah, there's the sanctions. But, Putin could care less about what happens to 99.99999% of the Russian people - all he cares about are himself and his closest cronies. Obama needs a craftier playbook.
The hack of the DNC obviously broke the law. But...it was good to see Debbie Wasserman Schultz's obvious bias and help for Clinton exposed, and to see her at least get the heave ho as DNC chair.
And, finally, I'm tired, so very tired, of this farce of an election we have right now, with two lame choices for president. Just,,,one...more...month.
Putin's a murdering, country-invading, kleptocratic dictator. Wouldn't be surprised if he's behind the hacks.
It's nice to see the Putin trolls out in force again. It's been awhile - I was worried maybe you all had been fired from your jobs. Glad you're still earning a less than honest living as Putin's warped mouthpiece. Kidding, obviously.
The Trump-Manafort-Putin connection is freakish and highly worrisome. Why did the news media let this drop? One has to wonder if Trump and Putin aren't coordinating things, at least at some level.
Obama's been pretty feckless in response to Putin's aggression. Yeah, there's the sanctions. But, Putin could care less about what happens to 99.99999% of the Russian people - all he cares about are himself and his closest cronies. Obama needs a craftier playbook.
The hack of the DNC obviously broke the law. But...it was good to see Debbie Wasserman Schultz's obvious bias and help for Clinton exposed, and to see her at least get the heave ho as DNC chair.
And, finally, I'm tired, so very tired, of this farce of an election we have right now, with two lame choices for president. Just,,,one...more...month.
29
We have no idea what 'hack of the DNC' has, allegedly, taken place. We don't know what goes on. Does anyone reading this think anything Obama says for the general public can be relied on? Anyone who trusts Obama to tell the truth is not grokking reality
3
It sounds like you think Trump and Clinton are roughly the same candidates? While I can understand your disappointment with regard to Bernie Sanders, one thing to consider: The Republicans LOVE it when voters become ambivalent. It always works in their favor, because the fewer people who vote, the better it is for them. Makes you wonder sometimes if they actively promote this idea (in some circles) that Republicans and Democrats are exactly the same.
1
remeber back in the good old days during the bush administration, when it was the republicans who called their fellow citizens traitors for having different views (opinions based on facts and actual events, rather than narratives)
If the emails were innocuous, no one would care.
But they are not innocuous. Is that the fault of the Russians? No, guys, you wrote these emails. When I was working, they told us never to write in an email what you wouldn't want to see printed on the front page of the New York Times. There are a million ways emails can get into general circulation, and once they are written, they can't be called back.
If you want to talk freely, have a meeting.
But they are not innocuous. Is that the fault of the Russians? No, guys, you wrote these emails. When I was working, they told us never to write in an email what you wouldn't want to see printed on the front page of the New York Times. There are a million ways emails can get into general circulation, and once they are written, they can't be called back.
If you want to talk freely, have a meeting.
56
So, go ahead and read the dam' things. The "gossip" game is inflating meaning and implying guilt by association.
16
@Susan Anderson
Gossip ? DWS resigned over mere gossip ? Those were hard evidence implicating DNC corruption, that can never be erased and will be a part of our shameful democratic history.
Gossip ? DWS resigned over mere gossip ? Those were hard evidence implicating DNC corruption, that can never be erased and will be a part of our shameful democratic history.
6
Who's confident that Donald Trump would never be or has not been duped by former KGB?
Who thinks he could resist their bait??
THAT'S what the "conservative" (ha!) Republicans are willing gamble. So patriotic that crew.
Who thinks he could resist their bait??
THAT'S what the "conservative" (ha!) Republicans are willing gamble. So patriotic that crew.
65
Hinck,
The conservatives among the GOP have repeatedly said when asked that they consider themselves in this order:
1.Christian
2. Family
3. Republican
And at some point they may consider themselves 'Americans'.
Everyone should keep this in mind come 11/8.
The conservatives among the GOP have repeatedly said when asked that they consider themselves in this order:
1.Christian
2. Family
3. Republican
And at some point they may consider themselves 'Americans'.
Everyone should keep this in mind come 11/8.
About time but Putin is getting away with far worse. Obviously, he sees this administration's fondness for diplomacy and aversion of confrontation as weakness. Perhaps it is time to dust off "speak softly and carry a big stick!"
18
'Fondness for diplomacy and aversion of confrontation'? Dude, what are you smoking. That is very backwards. The US government has an aversion to diplomacy and fondness of confrontation (albeit mostly covert). The US government is so in love with confrontation that is supporting 2 different terrorist factions in Syria, who are at war with each other.
Also, if the US government were honest and legit, the DNC hacks would be a non-issue. Obama is the worst president in US history, handily edging out Bush Jr. Sadly, Trump or Clinton will be even worse.
Also, if the US government were honest and legit, the DNC hacks would be a non-issue. Obama is the worst president in US history, handily edging out Bush Jr. Sadly, Trump or Clinton will be even worse.
2
In parallel news, the US Department of Justice has indicated it will not be sending as many people to observe elections as it has in previous years.
Meanwhile, Trump has been enlisting his supporters to go an "monitor" polls. This is intimidation, pure and simple.
It doesn't need the DOJ, it needs the National Guard, nationwide, in places where Trump's supporters are likely to show up, armed, not necessarily intending mayhem, but intended to scare voters.
People should be able to vote without intimidation.
Meanwhile, Trump has been enlisting his supporters to go an "monitor" polls. This is intimidation, pure and simple.
It doesn't need the DOJ, it needs the National Guard, nationwide, in places where Trump's supporters are likely to show up, armed, not necessarily intending mayhem, but intended to scare voters.
People should be able to vote without intimidation.
89
Susan Anderson - "People should be able to vote without intimidation."
I seem to remember a couple of New Black Panther Party members showing up at a Philadelphia polling place with bats, two elections ago. The US DOJ didn't think that was intimidation! I guess it just depends on who thinks they are intimidated.
I seem to remember a couple of New Black Panther Party members showing up at a Philadelphia polling place with bats, two elections ago. The US DOJ didn't think that was intimidation! I guess it just depends on who thinks they are intimidated.
3
Russia hacks and disclosures only on Democrats.
One could be excused for jumping to a conclusion that Russia favors Republicans.
PS. Vladimir, try being a little more subtle.
One could be excused for jumping to a conclusion that Russia favors Republicans.
PS. Vladimir, try being a little more subtle.
60
Not really they don't give a s.... About us. And we shouldn't either.
I doubt Putin cares much for US internal politics. I suspect he merely wants the US government to stop unilaterally overthrowing governments and committing war crimes in a futile attempt to maintain the US Empire. I expect whichever political party is leaning more in that direction will have his preference.
1
The current Russian economic system is based on republican policies. Low taxes, low regulation. This might be in part why their economy is a joke.
Debbie Wasserman-Schultz resigned after it became clear the DNC had actively worked to undermine Senator Sanders. Three other senior DNC officials also resigned.
I am struggling to understand how uncovering and disseminating evidence that this occurred could be considered an attempt to influence the elections.
Suppose a newspaper had uncovered evidence of the DNC tipping the scales in an underhanded manner? We'd call that good investigative journalism.
Whoever uncovered the DNC's actions did for this election did what the Washington Post did vis a vis Watergate. We should be grateful we found out, not considering what punishments to deliver.
I am struggling to understand how uncovering and disseminating evidence that this occurred could be considered an attempt to influence the elections.
Suppose a newspaper had uncovered evidence of the DNC tipping the scales in an underhanded manner? We'd call that good investigative journalism.
Whoever uncovered the DNC's actions did for this election did what the Washington Post did vis a vis Watergate. We should be grateful we found out, not considering what punishments to deliver.
182
So good journalism means only hacking and disclosing emails from Democrats?
50
So would you rather live in Russia? Do you know anything about Russia? Putin has pushed his way past Gorbachev to get weak Yeltsin in, and has visions of restored Russian glory. Your fandom doesn't matter to him, but he will exploit you.
Would you like to have your emails exposed in public? Have you never exaggerated or made unverifiable claims?
Yes, the DNC is made up of individuals who live in a free country, and expressed themselves in an injudicious way, assuming their communications are private.
We all - repeat ALL - need to realize that our email communications are not private, and avoid exaggeration and unfounded claims. If we want to have indiscreet or exaggerated conversations, we will need to remember they need to go by snail mail or in person by voice.
No, Russia is not for freedom. Putin is in it for what he can get.
Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.
Your disappointment about Bernie does not justify wholesale condemnation of Hillary, support of Putin, or support of Trump.
Evaluate issues on their merits, and preserve your independent of thought. Whether you are a climate denier or a Jill Stein supporter, please evaluate all input with skepticism.
Would you like to have your emails exposed in public? Have you never exaggerated or made unverifiable claims?
Yes, the DNC is made up of individuals who live in a free country, and expressed themselves in an injudicious way, assuming their communications are private.
We all - repeat ALL - need to realize that our email communications are not private, and avoid exaggeration and unfounded claims. If we want to have indiscreet or exaggerated conversations, we will need to remember they need to go by snail mail or in person by voice.
No, Russia is not for freedom. Putin is in it for what he can get.
Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.
Your disappointment about Bernie does not justify wholesale condemnation of Hillary, support of Putin, or support of Trump.
Evaluate issues on their merits, and preserve your independent of thought. Whether you are a climate denier or a Jill Stein supporter, please evaluate all input with skepticism.
52
HA! What a bucket load of---! So you dont mind or care that the Kremlin's current fascist-minded autocratic dictator & eliminator of all opposition- (admired by wannabe neo-fascist & racist bigot Trump) is invading a U.S. national party's website? Sick!
1
The object of this cyber warfare is to elect Trump who if elected would inflict more damage on America than any troop movement in Europe. We can fortify the NATO border or send troops to support Ukraine or we could do what Putin really fears and hopes does not happen: we can elect Hillary Clinton as president and and give her a Democratic congress to work with.
That would drive Putin the dictator who is Trump's role model up the wall; but they will still be business partners only the profits will be less certain.
That would drive Putin the dictator who is Trump's role model up the wall; but they will still be business partners only the profits will be less certain.
36
"The statement said that the recent “scanning and probing” of election systems “in most cases originated from servers operated by a Russian company,” but did not say the Russian government was responsible for those probes."
This is it? That's all the evidence they have that it was the Russian government who did the hacking? How about the possibility that it was Russians independent of the government -- and they are legion -- who did the hacking? How about the other servers which were not operated by a Russian company? How about the possibility that hackers who weren't Russian used those companies?
There's manipulation of our election here alright. It is manipulation by those in power in the American government -- Obama, his appointees, and those who answer to them -- of our election. They have been producing one poorly grounded "finding" after another to make sure that their favored nominee wins the election.
This is it? That's all the evidence they have that it was the Russian government who did the hacking? How about the possibility that it was Russians independent of the government -- and they are legion -- who did the hacking? How about the other servers which were not operated by a Russian company? How about the possibility that hackers who weren't Russian used those companies?
There's manipulation of our election here alright. It is manipulation by those in power in the American government -- Obama, his appointees, and those who answer to them -- of our election. They have been producing one poorly grounded "finding" after another to make sure that their favored nominee wins the election.
81
Don't be an innocent. Obama, Clinton villains, Putin and Republicans innocent?
Give me a break! Open your mind and use some proper skepticism, and learn some history.
Give me a break! Open your mind and use some proper skepticism, and learn some history.
38
You would do well to take your own advice and learn some history.
3
Susan- your replies evidence a blind faith in the virtue of neoliberals. Just because someone is outraged by the content of these leaks, you can not assume that they would prefer Trump as President or would be happier to live in Russia under Putin. The fact is that Obama did formally accuse the Russian government of actions that it had very little evidence were actually committed and those unverified accusations did serve to help his preferred candidate. Perhaps a more critical approach in your thinking on this issue would go far in removing the hysterical and strident tone of your posts
2
yeah, only the DNC staff and local Democratic committees are allowed to interfere with the elections, as seen in the primaries and the criminal disenfranchisement of so many voters. And before this charade, played out before our very eyes, albeit in slo mo, the more comprehensive, systematic disenfranchisement of African Americans via the drug wars, starting with Nixon and continued by Reagan and Bush...
62
Here's the question that I think the moderator should ask Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump at one of the Presidential debates: "If you are elected President, would you invite Vladimir Putin to address a Joint Session of Congress?"
20
That is a great question. It would be great to have Putin directly address the US Congress and the American people. I don't know if he would consider it safe to be in the US as dangerous and untrustworthy as the US government is though.
1
It is appalling that the NYT is trying to distract from the seriousness of what was revealed by focusing on who revealed it. As Glenn Greenwald noted in a recent article "Democrats’ Tactic of Accusing Critics of Kremlin Allegiance Has Long, Ugly History in U.S." Frankly, election fraud perpetrated by a major party within our own borders is a lot scarier than a computer hacker anywhere, especially when it goes unchallenged an uninvestigated by a supposedly "free press."
151
Accusing the opposition of collaborating with North Korea is the same sort of political tactic that the the leading conservative party, in South Korea, has used for years to discredit their opposition and assert a poltical majority.
During the last presidential election in South Korea, the National Intelligence Service also attempted to influence the election by illegally issuing millions of Tweets, claiming that the NIS was trying to combat North Korean influence in the election, so this sort of trickery is not uncommon.
To be honest, there was some truth to their historical claims, as there is now in America and its elections, however, over time, damage has been done to the credibility of South Korea's Government.
Can America avoid the same mistake?
During the last presidential election in South Korea, the National Intelligence Service also attempted to influence the election by illegally issuing millions of Tweets, claiming that the NIS was trying to combat North Korean influence in the election, so this sort of trickery is not uncommon.
To be honest, there was some truth to their historical claims, as there is now in America and its elections, however, over time, damage has been done to the credibility of South Korea's Government.
Can America avoid the same mistake?
Or this could be a red herring to cover the DNC rigging the election. With an administration like the Obama administration, it is not easy to believe what they tell us.
96
Hmmm. Blame Obama? Readers will know this is bogus.
28
Georgeyo: Your comment gave me my biggest laugh of the day.
1
Not this reader!
2
The administration's propaganda war against Russia is reaching white-hot intensity (two blasts in one day: Kerry, apparently with a straight face, calling for a war crimes investigation of Russia and Syria over bombing of Arab Muslims, and now Clapper telling us hacking of the DNC emails could "only" have been done by the Russian government--presumably in lieu of proof).
What's behind such a feverish, dangerous and faintly preposterous verbal assault on Russia?
Well, it's a way of dropping bombs on Donald Trump's campaign (a highly unethical thing for the government to do, no matter what you think of Trump).
And it's also a kind of desperate flailing by the Obama administration as its proxy war to force regime change in yet another Arab country collapses under a determined assault by Russian-backed Syrian forces. How dare they!!
It doesn't seem to matter that defeat of the so-called "rebels" simply means Syria won't be completely overrun by jihadists. The real motivations for the administration's fury are that US pride, "containment" of Russia, and regional hegemony are at risk, and nothing promises more bad news for the region and more insecurity for the world.
What's behind such a feverish, dangerous and faintly preposterous verbal assault on Russia?
Well, it's a way of dropping bombs on Donald Trump's campaign (a highly unethical thing for the government to do, no matter what you think of Trump).
And it's also a kind of desperate flailing by the Obama administration as its proxy war to force regime change in yet another Arab country collapses under a determined assault by Russian-backed Syrian forces. How dare they!!
It doesn't seem to matter that defeat of the so-called "rebels" simply means Syria won't be completely overrun by jihadists. The real motivations for the administration's fury are that US pride, "containment" of Russia, and regional hegemony are at risk, and nothing promises more bad news for the region and more insecurity for the world.
72
Wow! Viva La Russia!
20
Er, no; just a non-US centric point of view. Unfamiliar, isn't it?
1
Wow, those barrels that the Russians are dropping on Syrian children are filled with candies. How very decent of Putin. And some 250 million Syrians have died from the tummy aches they got from those candies. Well, at least the Russians meant well.
1
"recent “scanning and probing” of election systems “in most cases originated from servers operated by a Russian company,” but did not say the Russian government was responsible for those probes."
Bottom line: They have no idea who is behind this, but politically its very expedient for the Clinton campaign. It diverts attention away from the REAL election fraud that the DNC engaged in to a perhaps, maybe, possibly presumed future incident of election fraud.
This is nonsense.
Bottom line: They have no idea who is behind this, but politically its very expedient for the Clinton campaign. It diverts attention away from the REAL election fraud that the DNC engaged in to a perhaps, maybe, possibly presumed future incident of election fraud.
This is nonsense.
94
Blame Hillary. Blame Obama. Give a free pass to the Kochs, to Republican obstruction (McConnell, Ryan).
Forget or ignore the monster than is Putin, and the way he is ruining the potential for free speech in Russia.
If you were in Russia exercising your right to dissent, you would be murdered.
But be my guest, blame the ones who are working for your freedoms against the odds. This will not turn out well.
Forget or ignore the monster than is Putin, and the way he is ruining the potential for free speech in Russia.
If you were in Russia exercising your right to dissent, you would be murdered.
But be my guest, blame the ones who are working for your freedoms against the odds. This will not turn out well.
89
What election fraud by the DNC? I'm curious.
Such ignorance is typically American.
If the U.S. government were truly interested in dealing with hacked elections they would do away with voting machines and go back to hand-counted ballots. We have a non-transparent and non-verifiable voting system:
Private companies own the voting machines and the tablets with the registration data. These companies input the vote totals directly into the states’ central tabulators, the software is PROPRIETARY and one third of Americans vote on paperless machines. No other democracy allows private companies to count the votes in SECRET.
Richard Charnin, mathematician and author of two books on election fraud, analyzed the 2014 elections and found that 6-7 governors races were manipulated for the Republicans, and some Senate and House races as well. He also found that an average of an 8 point shift went to the Republicans in six presidential races from 1988 to 2008.
The laws of statistics say that Sanders WON the primary. Discrepancies between the exit polls and recorded vote favored Clinton in 24 of 26 primaries. It’s no different than Clinton winning 24 of 26 coin tosses. It's nearly mathematically impossible. The odds that 11 of the primaries had large discrepancies are 1 in 77 billion according to Charnin.
Charnin's blog posts going back to the Super Tuesday states:
https://richardcharnin.wordpress.com/
The State Department uses exit polls to verify elections in other countries. A discrepancy above 2% raises a red flag and an investigation and recount follow.
Private companies own the voting machines and the tablets with the registration data. These companies input the vote totals directly into the states’ central tabulators, the software is PROPRIETARY and one third of Americans vote on paperless machines. No other democracy allows private companies to count the votes in SECRET.
Richard Charnin, mathematician and author of two books on election fraud, analyzed the 2014 elections and found that 6-7 governors races were manipulated for the Republicans, and some Senate and House races as well. He also found that an average of an 8 point shift went to the Republicans in six presidential races from 1988 to 2008.
The laws of statistics say that Sanders WON the primary. Discrepancies between the exit polls and recorded vote favored Clinton in 24 of 26 primaries. It’s no different than Clinton winning 24 of 26 coin tosses. It's nearly mathematically impossible. The odds that 11 of the primaries had large discrepancies are 1 in 77 billion according to Charnin.
Charnin's blog posts going back to the Super Tuesday states:
https://richardcharnin.wordpress.com/
The State Department uses exit polls to verify elections in other countries. A discrepancy above 2% raises a red flag and an investigation and recount follow.
125
Charnin Charnin Charnin Charnin Charnin Charinin Charnin.
Single source information is usually bogus. This does not check out unless you have closed your mind and are seeking only confirmation.
And you love Putin and want Trump too? Give it a rest.
Single source information is usually bogus. This does not check out unless you have closed your mind and are seeking only confirmation.
And you love Putin and want Trump too? Give it a rest.
10
Susan, you cannot deny the laws of statistics. The discrepancies in 24 of 26 primaries shifted in Clinton's favor. Try tossing a coin 26 times and see if you can make heads come up 24 times. I predict that you cannot unless you use a two-headed coin.
There is a reason the voting machines have proprietary software and the votes are counted by private companies in secret: plenty of opportunity to flip votes.
Election integrity activists are asking for an investigation and recounts where needed. Yet, exit pollster Edison Media Research is fighting a lawsuit filed by attorney Bob Fitrakis on July 11 in Ohio asking for their unadjusted exit poll data for the states in question. Elections should be transparent and verifiable. What are they hiding?
There is a reason the voting machines have proprietary software and the votes are counted by private companies in secret: plenty of opportunity to flip votes.
Election integrity activists are asking for an investigation and recounts where needed. Yet, exit pollster Edison Media Research is fighting a lawsuit filed by attorney Bob Fitrakis on July 11 in Ohio asking for their unadjusted exit poll data for the states in question. Elections should be transparent and verifiable. What are they hiding?
37
I know some statisticians. The name Charnin is not a law of statistics. He's a guy with an obsession and a lot of fans who want to believe he's got the one and only truth. I'm only suggesting that he's not infallible.
I deal with global warming denial, and I deal a lot with relative expertise. Global warming deniers are just as certain. So are 9/11 truthers. So are anti-vaxxers.
I'm just not convinced. I did try, but I can't evaluate the maths for myself. I just know this is only one guy, and others with equal or greater qualifications have indicated he should not be treated like the Jesus of statistics.
I deal with global warming denial, and I deal a lot with relative expertise. Global warming deniers are just as certain. So are 9/11 truthers. So are anti-vaxxers.
I'm just not convinced. I did try, but I can't evaluate the maths for myself. I just know this is only one guy, and others with equal or greater qualifications have indicated he should not be treated like the Jesus of statistics.
6
Hardly breaking news, is it? This fact has been implicit from the get-go. One has to look no further than the Putin gang and it's murderous behavior both at home and abroad to make the connection. The comments here decrying that conclusion are childishly naive and/or come from Russia's well documented army of government trolls.
18
So many conspiracies. So little time
27
This proves is was actually very SMART of Hillary Clinton to use a private email server. The Russians focused on hacking US government servers...if they had Clinton's emails they would have released them by now. Of course there is a strong possibility the Russians will give Julian Assange phony doctored emails attributed to Hillary Clinton which Wikileaks will release to make her look bad.
Trump supporters will certainly believe the phony emails and support Trump...they don't know the difference between Trump's vulgar descriptions of women, his attacks on women and God's love of mankind.
Anyone want to hear Putin's conversations about supporting Donald? How about Donald's financial transactions with Putin? Time to release those tapes.
Trump supporters will certainly believe the phony emails and support Trump...they don't know the difference between Trump's vulgar descriptions of women, his attacks on women and God's love of mankind.
Anyone want to hear Putin's conversations about supporting Donald? How about Donald's financial transactions with Putin? Time to release those tapes.
23
Nice try, saying Hillary was smart in trying to hide her emails. She was doing nothing more than hiding any evidence, had her comments or actions turned out badly. She, and the FBI lied and covered up the whole scandal.
49
Best comment here tonight.
Of course Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice also had to be part of the conspiracy. After all, they're the ones who set the protocols which Secretary Clinton adopted. Protocols which somehow morphed into something criminal once the GOP lost control of the White House.
It's funny how -- in the age of Trump -- what remains of the Republican Party continues to have a lot of trouble swallowing gay rights or a decent public health care system, but it can still wolf down seemingly infinite helpings of hypocrisy.
It's funny how -- in the age of Trump -- what remains of the Republican Party continues to have a lot of trouble swallowing gay rights or a decent public health care system, but it can still wolf down seemingly infinite helpings of hypocrisy.
I think that it is highly likely Putin ordered this. But I would like some proof.
13
DOJ needs to charge Trump for promoting Russian engagement in cyber attacks against the U.S.
16
There seem to be a lot of Trump supporters, and by extension Putin supporters, commenting here.
30
And the Clinton machine is well represented too: it's the Russians!!
4
I vote in every election. A week ago, I decided to check to make sure I was registered. I was not! I have since re-registered ONLINE with the advance mail vote option and I advise everyone to check theirs.
34
Putin better pray to God that Hillary doesn't win the election. A Clinton always repays their debts.
18
What debt. What do you know that the FBI does not know. Speak up or 4ever hold your peace. Thx. Good comment. Little paranoid, but good
Strange. When Snowdob exposed the dirty work of the American government he is considered a traitor. When it's the Russians, they're heros??
10
Foreign nationals can't be traitors to the US.
17
Just assume that the bulk of the comments here are coming from Russians employed by the Russian government to slather disinformation over anything they don't like. Then it all makes sense.
Just make sure we have open borders and that the voters don't need IDs right?!
20
Well the US can't reciprocate in kind because Russia has no known, legitimate election process...
24
Well, if they can't use it correctly, maybe they don't deserve an internet. Surely we could just shut the whole country down for 10 days? Come on- you know we know how - why not just do it?
1
You need to watch your news closer Bill. Everyone knows Russia has not hacked us anymore than our own disgruntled hackers here have. WikiLeaks is not part of Russian Hack situations; great reputation for clean accurate leaks. This is partly if not all, a move by the Dem Party because of the election numbers, and the leaks, if you'd googled or looked for them prove how corrupt the Clinton Foundation and both parties are with their ties to money and deals.
24
If we allow election fraud, we don't have a legitimate election process either.
11
Maybe Obama can order up a custom FBI or Justice Department decision on the matter.
17
I no longer believe a word the US says.
57
Let me guess, you do believe Trump and Putin?
33
Sounds like someone thinks only in simple binaries: not for the US, must be for trump!
3
The government is full throttle ahead to prop Hillary's failing reputation. How about Hillary's campaign using spying to record Trump's private conversations? That's what we can all expect if she becomes president. With her siege mentality she will establish universal surveillance and spying after each and everyone of us.
At the same time, the accompaniment to these accusations is a massive movement of military equipment and units into East Central Europe. It appears that the U.S. is losing patience with Russia and is running the risk of starting WWIII. The U.S. is also supplying arms and assistance to Al-Qaeda in Syria. I think it is a very crucial time and we should be very firm in saying to our own government: Stop promoting war and violence!
At the same time, the accompaniment to these accusations is a massive movement of military equipment and units into East Central Europe. It appears that the U.S. is losing patience with Russia and is running the risk of starting WWIII. The U.S. is also supplying arms and assistance to Al-Qaeda in Syria. I think it is a very crucial time and we should be very firm in saying to our own government: Stop promoting war and violence!
40
You are stating suppositions as if they were facts.
11
1. That recording was made in 2005. If Clinton has discovered how to time travel - she should definitely be president!
2. You're confused with the Patriot Act, and with Trump's comments about how he would have government surveillance on US Muslims citizens (and blacks, and Hispanics - to make sure they're not rapists, you know)
3. Maybe, just maybe - open yourself to the option that maybe Russia is the warmonger? It's not like they have already invaded three different countries, for no cause, but to annex territory. Oh wait! they have! (Ukraine, Georgia, Syria). The Balkans would be next if it weren't for the US involvement.
But now the US should sit idly by?
You must be the guy that blames the kid getting bullied for supporting bullying ha?
4. They are not. They are no longer any Al-Qaeda factions (Al-Nusrah has declared its affiliation to they dying - thanks to US military and intelligence - network). Anyway, the US is trying desperately to negate the destructiveness of both ISIS, and Assad-Russia-Iran - without helping extreme organisations. I might not agree with the policy, but its fallacious to suggest they are supporting Al-Qaeda.
2. You're confused with the Patriot Act, and with Trump's comments about how he would have government surveillance on US Muslims citizens (and blacks, and Hispanics - to make sure they're not rapists, you know)
3. Maybe, just maybe - open yourself to the option that maybe Russia is the warmonger? It's not like they have already invaded three different countries, for no cause, but to annex territory. Oh wait! they have! (Ukraine, Georgia, Syria). The Balkans would be next if it weren't for the US involvement.
But now the US should sit idly by?
You must be the guy that blames the kid getting bullied for supporting bullying ha?
4. They are not. They are no longer any Al-Qaeda factions (Al-Nusrah has declared its affiliation to they dying - thanks to US military and intelligence - network). Anyway, the US is trying desperately to negate the destructiveness of both ISIS, and Assad-Russia-Iran - without helping extreme organisations. I might not agree with the policy, but its fallacious to suggest they are supporting Al-Qaeda.
5
Trump, Manafort, Putin... hmmm...
104
How is exposing the truth about DNC skulduggery interfering with American elections? It appears that if the Russians exposed this they're strengthening the election process in the U.S.
The DNC was the agency that interfered with the election. At worst, the Russian government did Americans a public service by pointing this out.
The DNC was the agency that interfered with the election. At worst, the Russian government did Americans a public service by pointing this out.
113
Ana,
I agree: the DNC is the body that did the interfering. However, it's not at all clear who hacked the DNC server. I'd expected from the headline that the US government had come up with some evidence that the Russian government was involved, but they didn't mention any. Just more speculation.
Your main point remains valid and most important, though: The DNC did the interfering. Whoever hacked them only exposed that wrongdoing, and we should be grateful to that hacker.
I agree: the DNC is the body that did the interfering. However, it's not at all clear who hacked the DNC server. I'd expected from the headline that the US government had come up with some evidence that the Russian government was involved, but they didn't mention any. Just more speculation.
Your main point remains valid and most important, though: The DNC did the interfering. Whoever hacked them only exposed that wrongdoing, and we should be grateful to that hacker.
8
Probably if a legitimate American investigative reporter found out the same thing and dared to release it, he or she would need to seek asylum in a foreign country or hide in an embassy in South America.
14
Did you actually go to Wikileaks and read the emails?
No?
I did.
The hyped up media narrative is simply false. There are no "damning" emails. The worst thing is one aid saying how perhaps they should schedule one interview. Which didn't even happen at the end.
So, interfere? Hardly, you are simply lied to.
Don't believe me? head over to Wikileaks and read for yourself. I did.
Finally - the DNC is an American political party. It is supposed to "interfere". Domestic political parties do politics in the local political arena.
It is supposed to help Clinton?
Did it help Clinton?
No.
Did some folks express their own wishes with their work emails?
Yah. But that's not "interfering". That's media hype and spins.
No?
I did.
The hyped up media narrative is simply false. There are no "damning" emails. The worst thing is one aid saying how perhaps they should schedule one interview. Which didn't even happen at the end.
So, interfere? Hardly, you are simply lied to.
Don't believe me? head over to Wikileaks and read for yourself. I did.
Finally - the DNC is an American political party. It is supposed to "interfere". Domestic political parties do politics in the local political arena.
It is supposed to help Clinton?
Did it help Clinton?
No.
Did some folks express their own wishes with their work emails?
Yah. But that's not "interfering". That's media hype and spins.
19
When I saw this headline, I mistakenly assumed the US government had come up with some evidence that the Russian government had something to do with the DNC hack. Guess not -- just more speculation:
"The statement ... did not say the Russian government was responsible for those probes.:
"The statement ... did not say the Russian government was responsible for those probes.:
47
No the phrase "did not say the Russian government was responsible for those probes" is referring to the recent scanning and probing of the election systems, i.t., state computer systems that consist of voting machines and voter tabulation, mentioned at the beginning of the same sentence. It does not refer backto the DNC hack.
4
You seem to be getting two different situations confused. The DNC hack was an intrusion of the Democratic National Committee's computer systems. "Those probes" were intrusions of state electoral systems, including Illinois and Arizona. The DNI/DHS statement said that the Russian government was responsible for the former but not necessarily the latter.
11
"....the government said the leaked emails that have appeared on a variety of websites “are intended to interfere with the U.S. election process.”
And now a word from Mitch and Paul's fearless leader: "Wrong"!
And now a word from Mitch and Paul's fearless leader: "Wrong"!
11
There was a time when I would have believed Obama. Now, I am skeptical. And even if it was Russia that hacked the emails; it was the DNC that attempted to influence the election not the Russians. Sanders lost in large part because of DNC shenanigans. And what do we have, no real penalty for Debbie as Clinton still campaigns for her and calls her, her friend. And Obama, a man who once denounced Hillary, is now Hillary's great supporter. I have always held my nose and voted for the centrist Democrats since my first vote for McGovern left me next with the choice of Carter or Ford. I voted for Obama once with hope, and once because he was the best alternative. But today, the Democrats sicken me! I am voting for Jill Stein
44
That makes two of us. They're just trying to change the narrative, and detract from what's happening in Congress, regarding Hillary, which of course, leads to Obama, since she was emailing him, he knew she didn't have a .gov email addresses. Shame, that the democrats have become add bad as those they criticised. Jill Stein!
15
The difference between the DNC and Russia is that the DNC is an American political party and Russia is a foreign country. The purpose of the DNC is to not only influence the political process but in terms of the primary, actually run it. Russia has no right to be involved whatsoever and their involvement is actually illegal.
18
You mean 'Trump!', right?
4
Cant we influence our own election and have little green men hack the IRS and reveal trumps taxes? Plausible deniability? Oh what fun Hilary is going to have when SHE is commander in chief.
8
Does capitalizing the 3rd person pronoun assert a feminine aggressiveness?
1
Dream on!
1
Two points. One; Don't focus on the who did the hacking focus on the what was released and the malfeasance of the DNC.
Second. After being told hundreds of times during the primary that the DNC is a "private club" and not "any part of the government" and that it can change any rule to counter the Sander's campaign. Why all the fuss.
Second. After being told hundreds of times during the primary that the DNC is a "private club" and not "any part of the government" and that it can change any rule to counter the Sander's campaign. Why all the fuss.
33
Do yourself a favor - go to Wikileaks and read the emails.
You will find that "maleasance" is a far cry from what's actually there.
I read it myself - without being served by the hyped media.
The worst is one email at which some media advisor entertain the option of arranging one (!) interview that would be good for Clinton.
That interview did not happen after all. Don't believe me? Go check it out. Seriously.
The only "wrong" you will find there are employees expressing their own opinions on their professional emails. Yes - not very nice.
To suggest that this somehow rivals a foreign government's attempt to influence the election is incredible to me.
A country which has invaded three (!) other countries in the last year has tried to tip the election to make sure that the person they find weaker and more malleable is elected.
Not only is this a major geopolitical event (basically, Russia appear hell bent more than ever to return to the Cold War), but it is a stark reminder of the real malfeasance - Putin and his propaganda, trying to tear the West from within (He wasn't done with Ukraine...)
And you think that the real story is a couple of douches trying to arrange one interview, which didn't even happen?
You will find that "maleasance" is a far cry from what's actually there.
I read it myself - without being served by the hyped media.
The worst is one email at which some media advisor entertain the option of arranging one (!) interview that would be good for Clinton.
That interview did not happen after all. Don't believe me? Go check it out. Seriously.
The only "wrong" you will find there are employees expressing their own opinions on their professional emails. Yes - not very nice.
To suggest that this somehow rivals a foreign government's attempt to influence the election is incredible to me.
A country which has invaded three (!) other countries in the last year has tried to tip the election to make sure that the person they find weaker and more malleable is elected.
Not only is this a major geopolitical event (basically, Russia appear hell bent more than ever to return to the Cold War), but it is a stark reminder of the real malfeasance - Putin and his propaganda, trying to tear the West from within (He wasn't done with Ukraine...)
And you think that the real story is a couple of douches trying to arrange one interview, which didn't even happen?
But Russia loves us and gave us the most beautiful 9-11 memorial!
1
According to the Democrat party their is not voter fraud in America. So when will they get off the high horse and realize that voter fraud in rampant in America, both internally and not officially externally.
ID's to register that meet the Federal Real ID law and have to show an ID to identify that you are who you are.
Why put the voter lists on line, why use the internet to transmit vote totals. The only way you can prevent hacking is to either use a encryption system, and change it every 3 or 4 hours, do not allow anyone to physically connect to the net, or simply do not use the system to transmit critical information.
ID's to register that meet the Federal Real ID law and have to show an ID to identify that you are who you are.
Why put the voter lists on line, why use the internet to transmit vote totals. The only way you can prevent hacking is to either use a encryption system, and change it every 3 or 4 hours, do not allow anyone to physically connect to the net, or simply do not use the system to transmit critical information.
13
Putin is putty in The Donald's hands?!
2
So when an American Secretary of State was running a home email server and transmitted state secrets all they could say was that she was "probably" hacked by unfriendly players. Now that Trump's kind words for Putin have become a campaign issue all of a sudden the government is certain Russia hacked the DNC and are trying to influence the election in favor of Trump. Who do they think they're kidding?
30
See the photos of Trumps daughter with her BFF, Putin's girlfriend, vacationing in Croatia. If you don't think that's problematic, then that itself is one of the major things wrong with this country
Trump really called it when he requested Putin to release Hillary's personal email - on the other hand maybe the Republican candidate ought to be investigated by the FBI with a view either to exonerating him or charging him as a co-conspirator after the fact.
4
And Obama isn't playing politics with this "revelation" on the eve of the election? Americans, show your condemnation of Russia by voting for Hillary. Show you cannot be manipulated! Yuck.
26
Obama tried to influence UK voters on Brexit. What's his beef!
20
The Brits cut off their nose to spite their face. It's a shame, and it's going to hurt economically and politically. Sad to see.
But is Julian Assange getting this emails to ding Hillary from the Russians or the other way around? I can see why the Russians would want to boost Trump, but what's in it for Assange?
But is Julian Assange getting his emails to ding Hillary from the Russians, or the other way around? I can understand the Russians''motivation to boost Trump, but what's in it for Assange?
Hillary is likely to be elected anyway, meaning she will appoint the new Attorney General, new federal judges and the winning vote on the Supreme Court -- not good enemies to make for a fugitive.
And even if Trump manages a victory, he has already called Snowden a traitor who should be severely punished, and is unlikely to show much gratitude to Assange.
But is Julian Assange getting his emails to ding Hillary from the Russians, or the other way around? I can understand the Russians''motivation to boost Trump, but what's in it for Assange?
Hillary is likely to be elected anyway, meaning she will appoint the new Attorney General, new federal judges and the winning vote on the Supreme Court -- not good enemies to make for a fugitive.
And even if Trump manages a victory, he has already called Snowden a traitor who should be severely punished, and is unlikely to show much gratitude to Assange.
It required DNC attacks to finally get Obama to see USSR 2.0.
Better late than never.
Better late than never.
9
And now, l wonder what it will take to get Trump to stop praising Putin as the great leader of Russia 2.0.
6
Defeat.
The DNC undermined the electoral process. They disenfranchised thousands. They targeted "likely Sanders voters". They did this to benefit Hillary Clinton.
They even resorted to a veiled attack on Sander's religious beliefs.
It is sad that the president is actively joining in the chorus of defection of guilt from Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Hillary's Clinton's former campaign manager, to a confrontation with Russia.
This is the way wars start.
Haven't we seen enough of this?
The people undermining our electoral process were those flunkies in the Democratic Committee. Not the Russians.
And no one will hold the DNC to account.
Not Clinton. Not the president.
It's not even much of a topic of conversation.
They even resorted to a veiled attack on Sander's religious beliefs.
It is sad that the president is actively joining in the chorus of defection of guilt from Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Hillary's Clinton's former campaign manager, to a confrontation with Russia.
This is the way wars start.
Haven't we seen enough of this?
The people undermining our electoral process were those flunkies in the Democratic Committee. Not the Russians.
And no one will hold the DNC to account.
Not Clinton. Not the president.
It's not even much of a topic of conversation.
38
If these claims are true, we can perhaps better appreciate the plight of those many countries whose elections the United States has interfered with -- typically much more directly and egregiously than is alleged here.
25
Gosh. Does Obama even realize that this isn't is weird and subject to laughter? We spy on everyone else and then conveniently our designated enemy is "found guilty" of spying on us? O but excuse me, we don't get into the "guilty or not guilty" stuff anymore. It's more an "off with her head" system.
29
Doesn't this just make Hillary's use of a private email server look even more boneheaded?
36
Boneheaded is too kind. Clinton used a private server to hide her Clinton Foundation emails, a pay to play scheme.
30
Yes.
And it makes Bush's searching galnces look foolish.
And Trump's bromance look suicidal.
And it makes Bush's searching galnces look foolish.
And Trump's bromance look suicidal.
5
No it doesn't. They didn't hack into her email server, they hacked into supposedly protected DNC mail.
2
How about the DNC just admit their election fraud? LOL!
45
Besides repeating these claims, will the New York Times be sharing any evidence to back them up?
Case in point, there is little evidence that North Korea hacked Sony Pictures, while there is significant evidence that an insider from Sony Pictures did the hacking. The problem is that the NY Times treats the North Korean source of the hack as an established fact. Will we be treated to similar "reporting" regarding the claims of "Russia hacked..."?
Case in point, there is little evidence that North Korea hacked Sony Pictures, while there is significant evidence that an insider from Sony Pictures did the hacking. The problem is that the NY Times treats the North Korean source of the hack as an established fact. Will we be treated to similar "reporting" regarding the claims of "Russia hacked..."?
36
Right. And Iraq has weapons of mass destruction. Next!
45
I read where Putin accused the United States of interfering Russia's latest election of Putin.
It appears this is "tit for tat" in Putin's mind.
It appears this is "tit for tat" in Putin's mind.
2
I need to understand this issue but am in the dark because the Times article is unusually brief.
Of all the target possibilities in the US, the US Gov is complaining that the Russian Gov is targeting the DNC. Not the NSA, not NASA, not the Pentagon.
Not the Banks or Wall St., the DNC. This begs the question; What official action by the Gov in respect to the Nov election is the Obama White House setting us up for?
Of all the target possibilities in the US, the US Gov is complaining that the Russian Gov is targeting the DNC. Not the NSA, not NASA, not the Pentagon.
Not the Banks or Wall St., the DNC. This begs the question; What official action by the Gov in respect to the Nov election is the Obama White House setting us up for?
32
Putin would love to see Trump elected because they are "good buddies" that say nice things about each other.
6
You miss the point. As Commander in Chief the president rules the military. Should Russia have the power to choose the next head of the NSA?
3
The government has been spying on its citizens for years now. Apparently they don't like it when someone else spies on them?
You have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide.
You have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide.
21
No surprise here. Putin is a petulant bully who's been excluded from playing on the global playground. His only recourse is to try to convince all of us that the playground isn't as great as where he stands.
5
Is it appropriate to enforce an eye for an eye?
The only snag that I see is that an autocracy does not abide democracy and openness.
I presume that we will have to start squeezing Russian finances again.
The only snag that I see is that an autocracy does not abide democracy and openness.
I presume that we will have to start squeezing Russian finances again.
3
Combined with the failed ceasefire agreement in Syria, these revelations and Washington's subsequent response signify a precipitous decline to what was an already antagonistic and tenuous relationship. The election interference may serve a variety of geopolitical purposes, but what is certain is that any plans to defeat ISIS or to save Aleppo's rebel-held areas from total destruction are becoming increasingly implausible. Moscow's foray into this election is undoubtedly deplorable, but I question whether a stern response from Washington is the right course of action at this precise moment. One cannot deny that Moscow is a key party in any solution to the Syrian problem. The tragedy in Syria is on full display, yet we're moving in the opposite direction from any respectable solution.
13
Why would Russia care which incompetent tries to lead the country when the present Administration is unable to control the Pentagon, CIA, NSA and other components of the rogue Military Industrial Complex?
The Pentagon, by bombing Syrian troops, recently sabotaged the cease fire Kerry negotiated. Now, faced with Russia's simple statement that it will shoot down US planes that threaten Russians in Syria the Pentagon, it toys at risk, has backed down.
One can argue about whether the Pentagon is designed to win wars, or simply a make work agency that syphons off trillions of Dollars each year.
The real question is whether the US government's word is good when the President no longer speaks for the country.
The Pentagon, by bombing Syrian troops, recently sabotaged the cease fire Kerry negotiated. Now, faced with Russia's simple statement that it will shoot down US planes that threaten Russians in Syria the Pentagon, it toys at risk, has backed down.
One can argue about whether the Pentagon is designed to win wars, or simply a make work agency that syphons off trillions of Dollars each year.
The real question is whether the US government's word is good when the President no longer speaks for the country.
28
I was wondering when I would be able to stamp "TREASON" on my Trump scandal bingo card.
7
I initially thought maybe we were over-reacting to Russian belligerence .... however, the DNC had my contact info as I have contributed sporadically directly to them throughout this election cycle. And guess what: I have started to get phone calls from Russia! Coincidence? I have never gotten a call from Russia and I am 69 years old!
4
Haha! Are your Russian callers asking for a small donation?
9
There is a saying about 'addicts' that are actively taking drugs that makes me think of Putin and his spokesman, "How do you tell when an addict is lying? Their lips are moving."
The US needs to retaliate by tripling it's efforts to break-in to all of Russia's critical systems, at a minimum.
The US needs to retaliate by tripling it's efforts to break-in to all of Russia's critical systems, at a minimum.
2
Like their power grid and infrastructure?
I can't wait to see more.
6
"The statement said that the recent “scanning and probing” of election systems “in most cases originated from servers operated by a Russian company,” but did not say the Russian government was responsible for those probes."
This sounds more like US Cold War propaganda with no verifiable link to the Russian government. Sounds as if the US is gearing up towards escalating a confrontation with Russia as part of some larger (and more dangerous) strategy.
This sounds more like US Cold War propaganda with no verifiable link to the Russian government. Sounds as if the US is gearing up towards escalating a confrontation with Russia as part of some larger (and more dangerous) strategy.
45
RM, read the article. It said “We believe, based on the scope and sensitivity of these efforts, that only Russia’s senior-most officials could have authorized these activities,”
1
The "'scanning and probing' of elections systems" mentioned in the last paragraph of the story relates to state voter databases (supposedly in Arizona and Illinois). That was different from the hacking and leaking of emails, which according to the article is the subject of the administration's accusation. The article is confusing, by not making the distinction clear.
2
It is my understanding that James Clapper has no credibility in public matters given that he has a history of lying to congress. Sorry but he shouldn't be announcing anything - he is not a credible official.
63
it's a sad day when people believe our Director of National Intelligence lacks credibility. Marc: Can you be more specific of when and what lies told to Congress? Please don't make accusations unless you can back them up with facts.
4
@Ronald Kantor, James Clapper lied under oath to Congress about NSA surveillance, thereby committing the crime of perjury.
3
Can we get this guy out of office before he starts WWIII? Just read about the FBI losing 3 boxes of Hillary Clinton's "missing" emails, giving all 5 of the people involved with her illegal server receiving immunity, and now Obama is openly trying to blame Russia for hacking the DNC without any actual proof? I feel like our government is being taken over right before our eyes.
38
The only thing that would get "this guy" going is a threat to dems losing the election. Crossed red lines, radical Islam - irrelevant to him. So sad.
10
How conveniently timed. If anyone is trying to influence the elections, it's the WH.
44
If the GOP doesn't own and condemn this, and foreign hacking becomes a new feature of partisan warfare, then I hope they understand that one day sharp-fanged chickens will come home to roost.
5
Yes, they are already coming home to roost for the Democrat party. It's really no surprising as the Democrat party was long time ago taken over by zealots guided by the "ends justify the means" mantra. To position today Democrat party and Putin as class enemies is truly laughable. They both practice the same methods to get what they want.
1
Any mention of how many of the hackers weigh 400 pounds and are lying on their beds?
4
Ok, so what are we going to do about it? I would say send some terrible virus into there government network. Short of that we won't do anything .
1
Would this have occurred had Trump not been the candidate?
He's made the world far more dangerous even before the election.
He's made the world far more dangerous even before the election.
4
Why not ask the appropriate question: Would the DNC rig the primary if HRC were not a candidate or if a socialist were not a candidate?
11
Of course not.The status quo wants the TPP, and fracking, and lower wage jobs and only Hillary quill give them this, thus they rigged it so that she could run against someone where they felt she could win. Sad part is all of those who are falling for it. Simply vote Jill Stein, and get someone who is for the average person. If Stein were allowed to debate, she'd blow both of those bozos off of the stage, and they know it, which is why that process is rigged to keep her out of the debates.
10
It was President Obama who created the U.S. Cyber Command in 2009. It currently has several thousand members and well over one hundred individual tactical teams that can engage in defensive or offensive operations. Even Russian computer experts acknowledge its technical superiority. While Obama wants to avoid a new area of potential warfare,Putin must be put on notice. The "Kennedy Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine paradigm", where you began with the lowest level of coercion is the most efficacious method. There should be a specific, unmistakable, warning, to Putin that any future repetition will not be tolerated without a damaging U.S. response of an unspecified nature with nothing off the table.
13
I'd like to see some evidence.... Otherwise this is just a deflection.
42
Why do you assume this? Your comment is completely dismissive without any rationale. Do you really expect that any country is going to provide details about how its security services find things out? This is not quite a movie. There is rarely any good reason to accept everything that any government states, but neither is there a good reason to assume that everything is a lie. When the
government that is being charged with breaking into another country's private political files is headed by a dictatorial "former" KGB chief, one might be prepared to take the charge seriously.
government that is being charged with breaking into another country's private political files is headed by a dictatorial "former" KGB chief, one might be prepared to take the charge seriously.
Here's a question for DT and the town hall meeting: If Russia is interested in a weakened American state, why are they trying to get you elected?
16
Trump is the best person to handle a bully like Putin. Putin walked all over Clinton, stopped wiped his boots on her and kept on going right into Ukraine.
5
CIA copycats.
5
Stealing is never justifiable, and bla bla bla the Russians.... but this story mostly makes me wonder whether the DNC had a decent security setup to begin with.
11
Oh, poor little Americans. The bad Russians found a way to discover America's sins. "I don't want you to find out we are murders and rapists, so we are going to accuse you for finding out!!!!! If they had nothing to hide, they wouldn't be so upset about the hacks. This can be applied to any government / political system in the world.
16
If Washington D C can confirm this hacking why cannot Washington D C confirm who hacked the Pentagon, CIA officers IRS etc?
6
Nothing has been confirmed. Unless the government says they have concrete evidence, then this is just a diversionary tactic to make the hacking the story instead of what was revealed in the leaked emails.
25
I wouldn’t be surprised if Tromp tries to interfere with the vote by asking Russia to hack and directly manipulate the vote itself. On the other hand, we are ignoring the fact that a number of corporations with foreign investments, being it from China or Norway etc. are contributing money via the corporation. A number of these companies are Kock Brothers companies, who’s influence I do not approve of.
4
So basically we are concerned about a foreign country manipulating our elections by leaking emails from the DNC trying to manipulate our elections...
135
Did you read those emails? I don't think so. These claims are bogus.
The DNC is supporting Democratic candidates for office just as the RNC is supporting Republican candidates. That's not manipulation. it's how democracy works, see?
Just another example of the utter incompetence of this administration, then deflecting the issue. Like the US doesn't interfere. Could be a "red herring" to deflect the Clintons corrupting the justice department and now the White House.
What a disgrace.
What a disgrace.
30
Obama has been wise to avoid getting involved in the mess of tribal concerns in Syria. But diplomacy gets nowhere without some actual military leverage against Putin. He must pay a price for the hacking and all the bombing of innocents in Syria. I know his generals are too cautious but they must come up with something. The no-fly zone no flies. Bombs are in order.
3
walden - "Bombs are in order."
Are you advocating starting a war with Russia, right before our election?
Are you advocating starting a war with Russia, right before our election?
12
Of course you know this would lead to a nuclear confrontation. No thanks.
10
Which "innocents in Syria"?
You support Sunni extremists?
You support Sunni extremists?
4
This sort of independent covert action on the part of Russia should surprise no one IF it is in fact a truly an independent action. What troubles me is how closely it follows actions from within elements of the Republican Party and from within Donald Trump's campaign. Are they linked? It would certainly be an unthinkable brazen act for any American to join forces with a foreign government in an attempt to rig an election. And yet one has to wonder.
47
Dan Melton - "The Obama administration on Friday formally accused the Russian government of stealing and disclosing emails from the Democratic National Committee..."
Dan, the Republican Party and Trump's campaign DID NOT write the embarrassingly stupid emails that were revealed. At this point what difference does it make who exposed the stupidity that was already there, already written? In my opinion they, whoever they are, did the American people a favor in letting us all know what's behind the curtain.
Dan, the Republican Party and Trump's campaign DID NOT write the embarrassingly stupid emails that were revealed. At this point what difference does it make who exposed the stupidity that was already there, already written? In my opinion they, whoever they are, did the American people a favor in letting us all know what's behind the curtain.
14
Tired: I for one do not want to give Russia the power to choose our next Commander in Chief.
1
Then stop the machinations, corruption and borderline criminal behavior among the Democrat party. It's highest time to discard the "ends justify the means" ideology push that has become the Democrat modus operandi and go back to ethics and morality. Then there will be no dirty deeds to be discovered.
1
It is obvious that Putin has calculated the advantages of a Trump presidency, and has made a commitment to elect his admirer Donald Trump!
Unfortunately, America must be truly concerned as to what extent Putin is willing to go to achieve his goal!
Will it extend to a Russian supported terrorist attack in the US?
Unfortunately, America must be truly concerned as to what extent Putin is willing to go to achieve his goal!
Will it extend to a Russian supported terrorist attack in the US?
13
Even if there is evidence that the Russians were behind the hacking, what evidence is there as to their intent?
This should be treated as the political sideshow it is. The Obama administration has shown its willingness to distort events for political benefit, The knee jerk partisan responses in this comment thread are exactly what this "accusation" was made to engender.
This should be treated as the political sideshow it is. The Obama administration has shown its willingness to distort events for political benefit, The knee jerk partisan responses in this comment thread are exactly what this "accusation" was made to engender.
33
Ugh. Here we go again. Finger-pointing and no action. P.S. Russian hackers operate independently from the Russian government. They don't "need" authorization from "senior-most officials." US governments and businesses get hacked constantly at no penalty to the hackers. Why wouldn't they keep hacking away? Maybe President Obama will declare another irrelevant and toothless "red line."
9
Make no mistake--at least two of the hacks, a White House aide and former Secretary of State/General Colin Powell constitute violations of the espionage act by anyone in the US who was complicit. I trust those most likely to have benefited and where there is legitimate probable cause are being investigated--and if that list includes Donald Trump or some of his top lieutenants, they need to be treated the same way anyone else on the list is. And if there is clear evidence they are not involved that, too, needs to be made clear. In other words, this investigation needs to not only BE totally non-political, it also needs to LOOK totally non-political because the issue is not political--it is how we as a nation react to an act of war.
3
lakeleader - "...constitute violations of the espionage act by anyone in the US who was complicit."
You have got to be kidding! For four years the Democratic candidate for president violated the espionage act numerous times. So as long as whoever did this "really didn't mean to harm the US" it's all right, just ask the FBI!
You have got to be kidding! For four years the Democratic candidate for president violated the espionage act numerous times. So as long as whoever did this "really didn't mean to harm the US" it's all right, just ask the FBI!
10
I can't understand the reason of stealing and publishing of these emails for government of my country. I don't think that Mr Trump could be the better American President (for Russia) than Mrs Clinton: they both should be the worst one for our country in the present situation. At least, invitation of our country authorities in your election is dangerous for our present and future politics, it is shameful idea. So, because I suppose, that Putin is not fool person, I think, that these emails were stolen and published by somebody else, not by ours intelligent service.
7
In a close contest, disclosure of an embarrassing email could be enough to throw an election . if you can go to war on a rumor, you certainly can swing an election with one.
6
I would not go to the war, especially with US :) Also, I suppose, that my country have not any interest in the additional conflict with US or the most serious parties of US.
6
well, Vladimir, it is common here to think of Putin as a kleptocrat. He appears ruthless. What Russian and the Syrian government troops are doing appear to be war crimes. It seems the US has been provoked. Report of the downing of the airliner with a Russian missile from a Russian missile launcher is damning. Not a good time for Russian/US relations
3
I wonder how Trump will handle Obama's and the security agencies claim. Will Trump defend Russia, i.e., Putin, or merely waffle and say no one knows, it could be a 500-pound gorilla sitting in his cage with his laptop. Or will he do a Pence and claim Putin and Russia as the US's direct antagonist in this cyberwarfare venture. Trump's voter base doesn't seem especially Russia-friendly and those Trump voters who are very patriotic may resent the Russian intrusions despite their glee at the DNC et al. being the targets. Trump has got to make a strong defense for the USA and agree that the Russians are the engine of this mischief or else he leaves himself open to the Democrats and to Hillary labeling him as overly friendly to Putin and Russia to protect his own investments there. Pence's attack on Putin cannot stand as a substitute for the words coming from Trump's very small mouth. Trump may decide that he'd rather lose on his Russian investments because the White House is a bigger prize, with a four-year guarantee.
5
Yes, well now that we been "formal" in our allegations of Russia's interference in our election, not to mention it's interference in EU politics with funding of extreme right & left wing parties throughout Europe where there is a concerted driven by Moscow to leverage its economic power while financing European political parties and movements and spreading alternative accounts of conflict's in Syria & Ukraine et al. The most prominent example of financial support being the National Front in France, which under Marine Le Pen has taken an $11.7 million down payment from the First Czech-Russian Bank in Moscow, which has been tied to the Kremlin. So we know what Putin's game plan is, what now? Does the EU cut off the money & influence destabilizing the union, does the US retaliate against the hackers and their Russian paymasters? It's a new world of international conflict using cyber attacks & informational manipulation & the west is far behind both Russia, China and it's proxy North Korea. Perhaps while the NSA has been busy looking for the occasional terrorist by spying on the American people they have been focusing on the wrong targets? We do conventional intelligence gathering while our opponents are less constrained in their endeavors. It's time perhaps for a little payback. In addition this is one reason why Putin doesn't want Clinton in the presidency, he can lead a fool like Trump by his ego but Hillery is a different matter. Oh what interesting times we live in.
11
This is why America needs a stated cyber policy.
Our policy is unstated. Unstated policy is ripe for miscalculation for our adversaries. The digital theater is new, so it is understandable that we don't have one, but we must not wait any longer.
Were Russia to interfere with anything within our territorial boundaries, repercussions would be obvious. That knowledge draws certain boundaries of what other states can and cannot do. The most dangerous aspect of these covert cyber campaigns is we don't know which straw will break the camel's back. We don't know when actions in the digital sphere, will have repercussions in the real world.
What act would justify limited military action? What act would justify major military action? Those lines have not been clearly defined. Without clearly stated policy, I fear we are inching into an ever more dangerous international situation with an old adversary that is also nuclear-armed.
By stating clear and definitive lines, our adversaries will know what lines they cannot cross. Surely, they will still antagonize us to the best of their ability, but it should deter the most egregious behavior like what we have seen here.
Major powers intentionally trying to manipulate voters during an election is pretty serious and cannot go unanswered. Unfortunately, that puts us on a slippery slope towards ever greater hostilities with an adversary who seems bent on conflict with the West.
This is going to get interesting.
Our policy is unstated. Unstated policy is ripe for miscalculation for our adversaries. The digital theater is new, so it is understandable that we don't have one, but we must not wait any longer.
Were Russia to interfere with anything within our territorial boundaries, repercussions would be obvious. That knowledge draws certain boundaries of what other states can and cannot do. The most dangerous aspect of these covert cyber campaigns is we don't know which straw will break the camel's back. We don't know when actions in the digital sphere, will have repercussions in the real world.
What act would justify limited military action? What act would justify major military action? Those lines have not been clearly defined. Without clearly stated policy, I fear we are inching into an ever more dangerous international situation with an old adversary that is also nuclear-armed.
By stating clear and definitive lines, our adversaries will know what lines they cannot cross. Surely, they will still antagonize us to the best of their ability, but it should deter the most egregious behavior like what we have seen here.
Major powers intentionally trying to manipulate voters during an election is pretty serious and cannot go unanswered. Unfortunately, that puts us on a slippery slope towards ever greater hostilities with an adversary who seems bent on conflict with the West.
This is going to get interesting.
6
Oh well, I guess we have to attack their "Russian Company" servers permanently. Hey, life is tough..........you have to be tougher.
1
So it should be obvious to the Trumpers that Russia would prefer Trump as president....wonder why??? Too bad none of them care about facts or consequences. That would be a CHANGE to have Russians directing our vote. Not the kind of CHANGE most of us had in mind.
1
As disturbing as all this is, are we surprised considering Trump's love for all things Russia but more specifically Putin?
As if this election cycle couldn't get worse, Election 2016 will go down in history as one of our most embarrassing moments as a nation.
As if this election cycle couldn't get worse, Election 2016 will go down in history as one of our most embarrassing moments as a nation.
6
If only Putin could have waited until after the election.
1
"Influencing" the election, or the establishment's brand new red herring for what should be "exposing corruption". Priceless.
22
Elect Trump, help Putin take over Europe. It is that simple!
4
Good job showing up the Russians. That dis-spells Trump's attempts at diverting attention away from Russia which I took very seriously. Where has Trump been the last 70 years?
1
If they can prove it in an international court and at the U.N. then retaliate. If not stop the Cold War propaganda and seek reconciliation between the eagle and the bear.
83
Since when do we need the permission of an international court or the UN to retaliate against an attack on our democracy?
5
We do not recognize any international court. Our sovereignty is not to be usurped by any other power.
8
Umm, actually we do "recognize" international courts. As do other countries.
“The statement said that the recent ‘scanning and probing’ of election systems ‘in most cases originated from servers operated by a Russian company,’ but did not say the Russian government was responsible for those probes.”
If an individual using an Internet address from the U.S. was hacking emails, would those that were hacked be correct if they said that the U.S. government was responsible. Of course, not.
The ‘Russian government’ meme began with the DNC leaks to divert attention from emails that showed the DNC and the Clinton campaign sabotaged the Sanders campaign and colluded with media outlets like the Washington Post and The Times to write negative stories about Sanders.
If an individual using an Internet address from the U.S. was hacking emails, would those that were hacked be correct if they said that the U.S. government was responsible. Of course, not.
The ‘Russian government’ meme began with the DNC leaks to divert attention from emails that showed the DNC and the Clinton campaign sabotaged the Sanders campaign and colluded with media outlets like the Washington Post and The Times to write negative stories about Sanders.
36
Oh for Pete's sake.
Do any of you Trump people actually bother to read anything?
Do any of you Trump people actually bother to read anything?
Pay attention. They said there's certainty that the DNC hack was done by Russia. Then they brought up recently detected scanning and probing of various state election systems, a separate but related issue. That is what they can't definitely pin on the Russian government. Two different things.
The Russians do whatever they wish, and the Administration does nothing. The Chinese claim an entire ocean, and the Administration does nothing. What exactly is our foreign policy supposed to be these days? Play it by ear? See how things go?
7
worry about your own backyard and leave the rest of world alone.
8
You're so right. Enough talk, sanctions, and negotiations. We should send in the bombers and battleships. We'll all end up dead or irradiated, but we'll that'll teach them, no?
9
l
The Russians are doubtless not giving us the whole picture. Even assuming they've not forged anything, it is hard to credit them with having released all that they've found. There is surely information that they do not disclose because it would teach us too much about their sources and methods, and information they don't disclose because its release would not serve to advance whatever scheme this stunt is a part of.
Upshot? Keep firmly in mind who Putin is and how honest he isn't. Don't be lead around by the nose into giving undue weight to the new information. What we in the public get a look at is not the full picture.
The Russians are doubtless not giving us the whole picture. Even assuming they've not forged anything, it is hard to credit them with having released all that they've found. There is surely information that they do not disclose because it would teach us too much about their sources and methods, and information they don't disclose because its release would not serve to advance whatever scheme this stunt is a part of.
Upshot? Keep firmly in mind who Putin is and how honest he isn't. Don't be lead around by the nose into giving undue weight to the new information. What we in the public get a look at is not the full picture.
12
We seem always to play the injured party. But as I understand it, US cyber-espionage and cyber-warfare capabilities are the most advanced in the world. And frankly some of the information that has come out through the hacked emails -- whoever hacked them -- has been very much in the public interest to know about. Is Obama saying we're offended that Russia exposed how the DNC plotted to undermine the candidacy of Bernie Sanders to make sure Clinton would be the party nominee? Frankly, I'm far more offended that it happened.
75
So...it's perfectly O.K. for the United States ( NSA etc.) to spy on it's citizens and those of other countries ( Germany,Brasil etc) but...
25
Obviously Putin would like his pal to win the presidency.
122
That is exactly what Obama wanted you to say when he made this "accusation" while providing no evidence of intent.
This is a political game. Pure and simple.
This is a political game. Pure and simple.
22
Since everything is a conspiracy and you can't believe what anyone says, especially if they're a Democarat, we are already doomed.
4
Mike James, or maybe you are a Kremlin operative, or maybe I'm an Obama operative. Yikes!
Lol blame Russia is all America has left who wrote the emails it was not the Russians at all it was the DNC. The government is just too embarrassed to realize the corruption is exposed for the world to see. I am sick of pointing fingers at every country in the world. It is like this you point a finger at someone else you have 10 coming back at you. I don't care if it was Russia that did it don't people in America have common sense on who to vote for.
35
Really, you don't care if it was Russia? You really should, because the next thing they decide to hack may be the RNC, or the U.S. election itself, or your personal bank account. You should really, really care. Russia didn't do this out if a sense of decency or to help *stabilize* the U.S. It's not a good idea to indicate approval of these actions, even though the information revealed is something you're glad to see. Because next time, chances are good that it won't be.
1
You mean Russia, the same Russia whose leader is Donald Trump's pal, Vladimir Putin? They're probably in cahoots. That's what Trump wants, isn't it?
Togetherness with the Russians?
Togetherness with the Russians?
72
Donald Trump asked Russia to find and reveal Hillary Clinton's personal e-mails. He kind of gave Vladimir Putin the green light, I'd say. Who knows? Maybe Putin and Trump are working together.
168
Isn't that proof enough?
1
Obama clearly wants to you believe that.
10
"Maybe Putin and Trump are working together." If so, it's the Russian who's in charge.
I don't think the U.S. has the capacity nor resources to combat and detect election fraud ahead of time. A global power is openly using resources against us to affect an election. This is scary stuff.
11
LOL The corrupt DNC must really be worried about what is in those email! This is just a political maneuver to inoculate Hillary Clinton. The Russians did not write those emails or sell the U.S. out....Hillary Clinton did that and now they don't want to be exposed.
22
Not that the US have not done the same systematically and for long periods all around the world, including supporting military coups politically and financially.
16
Our national research, industrial, economic, and political infrastructure has been extensively compromised by Chinese and Russian state-supported elements who steal our military and industrial secrets while seeking to skew internal political processes. How is this not an act of war? Where is the outcry?
11
Well, this accusation has about as much validity as the "proof" of WMDs that preceded the Invasion of Iraq. It's all talk, simply spin city propped up by trolls who talk it up online and in the media...ably assisted by fools who swallow it.
Most believe the sources of truths are simply patriots.
Most believe the sources of truths are simply patriots.
I guess the 400 pound guy sitting on his bed has been cleared.
134
Okay, I laughed.
3
Yes attempting to interfere in our election process is serious attack on our democratic process. But it is a reflection on those who did it. The USA has a history of supporting and installing dictatorships around the world so put down the stone some are eager to throw. Approach it like rational adults is that the image Russia or any other country would want to portray itself as interfering in elections I doubt it. Take the high ground no need for defcom 3!
9
If only Trump's Deplorables had an inkling of understanding how Putin has been playing them all.
But that would require critical thinking, a resource in short supply in Basket-land this election cycle.
But that would require critical thinking, a resource in short supply in Basket-land this election cycle.
243
Well that's a pretty ignorant statement!
4
Looks like Hillary's supporters are the ones being manipluated into tying this to Trump.
Physician, heal thyself.
Physician, heal thyself.
5
Why isn't a query to the GOP headquarters being made? They are the primary beneficiaries, certainly Russia must have a dog in the fight and it isn't the DNC or the Clinton campaign. A denial from both Trump and the RNC might be useful, if only to add to their tapestry of lies framed by the Russian hacker. Once Julian, Gucifer or whoever water carriers afflict us with their "truth", Trump will get his poll bump not HRC. Intent won't matter, just innuendo.
26
Yes! Let's use the power of the presidency to launch attacks on the opposition party based on vague accusations without any supporting evidence.
You are correct that innuendo rules the day. At least with mindless partisans.
You are correct that innuendo rules the day. At least with mindless partisans.
11
Grab some properly popped corn, properly chilled drink, and a properly secured operating system...
6
hack Putin and release all his secrets now!
77
Wikileaks already exposed Putin's secrets after the Litvenenko affair..
Is this not cyber warfare?
Just because these attacks are more subtle than trying to shut down our electrical grid does not make them any less insidious or harmful. Our democracy is part of our infrastructure, arguably the most important aspect of our society.
This is not an attack on Hillary Clinton, the Democrats, or the 2016 election. This is an attack on the United States of America. Every citizen who cares to be called such should be outraged.
Just because these attacks are more subtle than trying to shut down our electrical grid does not make them any less insidious or harmful. Our democracy is part of our infrastructure, arguably the most important aspect of our society.
This is not an attack on Hillary Clinton, the Democrats, or the 2016 election. This is an attack on the United States of America. Every citizen who cares to be called such should be outraged.
436
"This is not an attack on Hillary Clinton, the Democrats, or the 2016 election. This is an attack on the United States of America."
True. But it seems a lot more likely to be originating on the Potomac than on the Volga.
True. But it seems a lot more likely to be originating on the Potomac than on the Volga.
19
Assuming that these "attacks" actually happened. James Clapper is not exactly a reliable source.
5
Couldn't agree more. It just concerns me that I don't know (or trust) that our own NSA/CIA military-industrial complex isn't doing the same thing in other countries. Perhaps we are just 'listening,' as opposed to 'stealing' or 'leaking' but it's hard to consider our 'options' without knowing.
6
Considering Donald Trump's high regard for Putin, this will make for an interesting election. Donald has often said the election will be "rigged". But he never said by whom.
353
Wellllllllllll ,we eaves drop on other world leaders phone calls and who knows what else. Seems hypocritical to expect to be treated differently.
27
FALSE EQUIVALENCE!
Eavesdropping is not the same as influencing elections.
Eavesdropping is not the same as influencing elections.
16
Wellllll, somebody doesn't know the difference between spying and meddling in an election.
10
I'm guessing that Mr Francis is a Trump supporter. I'm also guessing that if Russia was interfering on behalf of Mrs Clinton, Mr Francis and the rest of the GOP would be screaming treason at Mrs Clinton and the DNC.
10
If the Obama Administration is right, the Russians won't stop at leaking emails. When they get the capability, they will hack and directly manipulate the vote itself. This is extraordinarily dangerous, as serious as a direct war could be.
256
Yes, this is very dangerous to our democracy!
8
Removing computers from the voting process, no matter how absurd that may sound in our instant gratification society, is the only way to ensure the security of our presidential elections. Nothing "hackable" means no window for destructive external action.
18
Especially if they can install their Trump puppet.
3
So now the Donald can eliminate as possible hackers China and the 400 pounder sitting in his mother's basement.
214
I guess that was a 400 lb. bear sitting on that bed. A 400 lb. Russian Bear.
9
Or, knowing Trump, - he'll say it's merely an accusation and that we should wait until we have all the facts (even though we probably have all the evidence we'll ever get and it's classified anyway) before jumping to conclusions.
As if Russia needed defending.
As if Russia needed defending.
2
Ok, where's the proof?
39
Exactly. Are we supposed to take the word of James Clapper, who perjured himself while testifying before Congress?
18
Please outline the type of proof that you'd want to see, and explain how that proof could be released without affecting national security.
Think about this when you are offered Kapersky anti-virus services.
19
That's like the Corleone personal property and health protection service.
3