Russia, Russia, Russia. Why would Russia want Trump for a second term? Can anyone name a single thing President Trump has done that has benefitted Russia? Forcing NATO countries to increase their defense spending didn't help Russia. Allowing Ukraine to buy lethal weapons (something the previous administration prevented) certainly didn't help Russia. US Forces killing Russian soldiers in Syria didn't help Russia. Trump making a deal with the EU to buy American liquified natural gas instead of Russian natural gas didn't help Russia. The nearly 20 different sanctions Trump has slapped on Russia didn't help Russia. The 36 Russians Trump's Justice Department indicted didn't help Russia. So why would Russia want Trump reelected???
12
The Republican Party has lost is way as a legitimate political force. The Republican leadership knew that Trump was a business fraud with strong connections to Russia well before they nominated him. The GOP was and is happy to get all the Russian help they can. For this reason, the two-party system is failing along with our democracy.
The Republicans are a minority party that can only win by trickery.
Remember Reagan’s secret deal with the Iranians in 1980 not to release hostages until he was elected?.. and the 2000 GW Bush election fraud in Florida aided and abetted by the Supreme Court? In 2016 the ignorant, vulgar Trump lost the popular vote by 3 million.
The Republican Party had already put in place a systematic nationwide gerrymandering to facilitate voter suppression and needed massive help from the Russians to reach their goals and to stir up their base, The Republicans launched a major wave of racism after the election of our first black president, Barack Obama. Republican Party leaders pledged to block every move Obama would ever make. They paved the way for Birther Trump who is Putin's henchman.
The crisis we face is not about Trump’s criminality or incompetence. It is about the greed of Republican Party leaders who willingly accepted Russian aid to place in the White House Donald Trump so that he could massively slash taxes for a super-rich oligarchy..the same billionaires that continue to own and control the Republican Party. It is all of a piece.
23
I'm far more worried about the billionaires who've been hacking our elections for decades.
9
I'm sure this question has been going thur the minds of many, but Why, exactly, would Russia want to keep tRump in office for another term? The answer can only be that he is 'soft' on Russia. The implications are worrisome. I'd vote for Alfred E. Newman over that bum.
7
@thad the answer to your question if you actually read the article or pay attention is that they are most interested in sewing discord and dissension into our politics and country. They could best do that with Trump because of how much he upset the establishment and that they, like most observers, thought Hillary would win and they wanted to undermine her. But after he won, look how successful their effort continued to be, as Dems have stayed OBSESSED with undermining the legitimacy of the last election and trying to impeach him. Notice they also backed Bernie and will probably do so again? Why? Because they believe Bernie's policies will mirror Trump's to their advantage? No. Because he is a disruptive, divisive personality and if elected would probably generate similar fights with Republicans as Trump has among the Democrats. Count your vote for Alfred E. Newman and the Trump impeachment as mission accomplished for the Russian campaign.
2
And Nixon was clearly going to drub McGovern but Watergate happened anyway. As the joke goes, just because I'm paranoid, it doesn't mean people aren't out to get me.
3
Trump weaponizes insult to cover his inability to argue effectively with evidence (which is surely one part of why he evidently doesn’t read). This will show starkly in 2020 debates.
His childishness will be easy to frame by, say, Warren or Biden.
Turning his incompetent show back on him with clearly reasoned, easy to understand, and evidence-based framing of his phoniness will win the election for Democrats—with good coat tails for Democratic Senate candidates.
The man is nothing without mockery. He is unable to defend himself with evidence and good reasoning.
The press must instill for Trumpist voters the virtue of decency, integrity, and authenticity in political leadership.
Election MUST express that Our president is a national exemplar, for sake of American society and for the sake of global leadership.
8
Even if,in fact, Russia is attempting to influence the 2020 election via social media and cyberattacks because they would prefer President Trump over any alternative, how does that become the President's fault? Why not expose the contents of the attacks to the American people and let us see the evidence and influence?
4
And per WaPo, Sanders was just briefed that Russia is also trying to help his campaign. Trump will get the-elected if Sanders is the nominee. Even Russia has this figured out.
6
Wouldn't Russia back Bernie? After all, he went to Russia on his honeymoon because he was in love with the Communist, or was it the weather he loved?
2
Russia sends microwaves to our brains that effect the frontal lobe that handles the understanding of consequences.
NY Times readers need to know this
"Election 2020
Sanders briefed by U.S. officials that Russia is trying to help his campaign"
Washington Post, 1 hr ago
And : Sanders spent his honeymoon in Russia, Trump did not
And Obama refused the lethal aid the Ukraine pleaded for to stop the onslaught of Putin's mercenaries in the Eastern Ukraine , Trump delivered it
2
Apparently the pick of President Trump and President Putin, for the Democratic Party's Presidential candidate,Mr. Sanders is not my pick. But I would vote for Mr. Sanders in a heartbeat in a contest with Mr. Trump. Though many of his ideas are good and may be adopted some day, but not nearly as fast as he would have us believe, his populist actions and cult like following are in some ways as frightening as Trumps. None the less, electing Mr. Sanders or any of the current Democratic presidential aspirants would restore integrity, competence, a knowledge of history, respect for our Constitution morality and respect to the Presidency.
2
And now the Russians are saying they want Sanders to win the primary. But Sanders says he doesn’t want their help. Big difference from Trumps response.
10
@Oliver Um...they want Sanders to win the primary because they know Trump will clean his clock. Get a clue, Sanders supporters. Even the Russians know he cannot beat Trump.
5
Trump is becoming even bolder since his "acquittal." Now he doesn't want intelligence committee members to be briefed on intelligence matters. Clearly he is trying to grab all the power he can. He must be stopped before it's too late.
11
“U.S. officials have told Sen. Bernie Sanders that Russia is attempting to help his presidential campaign as part of an effort to interfere with the Democratic contest, according to people familiar with the matter.” WP
3
It would make more sense if Russia were trying to influence the election in Bernie's favor. He's a socialist and loves Russia, especially Moscow where he spent his honeymoon. The Russia/Trump connection makes no sense at all when contrasted with a Russia/Sanders connection.
3
HOW is this interference taking place? WHAT is the mechanism? Interference with Facebook? How much money are they spending? Does it begin to equal Bloomberg?
You tell us it’s happening but you never tell us anything that would lead a reasonable person to believe the Russians are actually doing something that would seriously effect the outcome.
Truth be told, the only salient fact in this article is that it is titled in such a way as to lead the reader to believe such is actually occurring. The body of the article contains nothing of equal to the title.
5
Inasmuch as V. Putin was a communist and was brought up in that system which effectively hobbled and nearly destroyed his country, if he sought to injure the U.S. I should think he would be on the side of the two most leftist Democrat candidates, not discretely trying to help Mr. Trump who champions the successful capitalist system.
1
Why is this not your lede, in the biggest type size you use? Wars are not fought by soldiers on battlefields in the 21st Century, but in social and print media. This is an ongoing act of war and the White House is either complicit in its obfuscation or through direct participation. Don't trust me--trust American intelligence services.
4
I don't think Trump understands and doesn't want to understand what may be treasonous behaviors. When someone points them out (i.e. he gets caught) he calls them hoaxes.
3
Well now that we know Putin is helping Sanders this issue will never come up again. Kiss it goodbye.
2
"Look at the Trump! Look at the the Trump! Look at the
Trump, the Trump, the Trump!
The Trump is in the all together
But all together the all together
He's all together as naked as the day that he was born
The Trump is in the all together
But all together the all together
It's all together the very least the Trump has ever
Worn."
With apologies to Danny Kaye.
1
The President has broken his oath, and become a domestic terrorist to the rule of law and our Constitution. The penalty, I know what it should be, impeachment. We are in a constitutional crisis, as Gang GOP is complicit in his crimes. Vote blue.
9
Trump needs to be impeached again.
8
Vladimir Putin and Rupert Murdoch are controlling this country through Donald Trump and the Fox News MAGA-Hat Republican Party.
Unless real Americans go to the polls in massive numbers and vote Trump and the GOP betrayers of our nation out of office, the USA will continue to be the private property of those two foreigners.
6
Gee Wally, draining the swamp sure has exposed a lot of Yuge Alligators! If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. So a little self promotion; I'm writing a screenplay that has the working title 'tRumpocalypse Now'.....I hear that I can hire Whinesteen for a fraction of his usual fees. He won't be hard to find in his orange jumpsuit. I hope Bobby DeNiro will agree to reprise his role... as Robert Mueller. I seriously doubt this will make it to the comments section but hope the staff gets a kick out of it. Ultimately... In the end, we may only be left with gallows humour.....fade in The Doors..."This is the End." Sign me, Terrorized 99er
3
Just read that Washington Post is reporting that Russia is also helping Sanders. He needs to step away. He is trump lite!
NY Times: Why aren't you calling for *45's resignation?
1
"The day after the Feb. 13 briefing... five people familiar with the matter said, a disclosure to Congress that angered Mr. Trump, who complained that Democrats would use it against him."
So let's see, in less than a week exactly what he was angry about has happened. At least 5 people associated with Congressional Intelligence committees have leaked secure briefings to the NYT, and the NYT is using it to bash the President.
But I challenge every commentor on here as well as the article writers to tell me exactly what Russia did to so interfere with our last election or what they are hoping to do next time. Because after reading the Mueller Report Volume I Sec. II outlines a social media campaign. Facebook posts and Tweets. In specific it cites "175,933 tweets in the 10 weeks leading up to the election 8.4% of which were election related." That's 14,607 tweets... in 10 weeks. Folks there are 500 million tweets posted every day 365 days a year. How much could those social media posts affect our elections? Can you show me a single study showing that votes were actually swayed? Can you name me a single person who was going to vote for Hillary but voted for Trump instead after reading on Facebook that Hillary was running a child porn ring out of a VA pizza parlor? Sec. III outlines DNC hacked emails and their dissemination. Did they fabricate them? No. Did Hillary associates write what was released? Yes. Guess what... the NYT is trying to influence 2020 also.
3
The Washington Post is now reported that U.S. officials have told Sen. Bernie Sanders that Russia is attempting to help his presidential campaign as part of an effort to interfere with the Democratic contest.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/bernie-sanders-briefed-by-us-officials-that-russia-is-trying-to-help-his-presidential-campaign/2020/02/21/5ad396a6-54bd-11ea-929a-64efa7482a77_story.html
1
There are 400 pieces of legislation waiting for signature. What is Trump waiting for? I think that the country would be better served if he did his job and stopped playing his own political games to distract.
5
All nations that perceive they are affected by U.S. foreign policy—which is to say most nations—meddle in U.S. elections. The Russians considered Hillary anti-Russian during her tenure as U.S. secretary of state, but Trump campaigned on promises to prevent a second Cold War by improving U.S.-Russia renartiond and recruiting Russian as a partner in the fight against terrorism. So Russia supported Trump.
In its report to Congress, the U.S. Intelligence Community reported: “Putin publicly indicated a preference for President-elect Trump’s stated policy to work with Russia, and pro-Kremlin figures spoke highly about what they saw as his Russia-friendly positions on Syria and Ukraine. . . Moscow also saw the election of President- elect Trump as a way to achieve an international counterterrorism coalition against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).”
But there is no doubt that Russia’s support cost Trump votes. Hillary made it a major talking-point in the presidential debates, in which she labeled him Putin’s puppet. In its report to Congress, the U.S. Intelligence Community noted “Beginning in June, Putin’s public comments about the US presidential race avoided directly praising President-elect Trump, probably because Kremlin officials thought that any praise from Putin personally would backfire in the United States.”
So it’s no wonder Trump would prefer to do without Russian electoral support.
3
And your point is?
@William Case
Methinks that Trump enthusiastically coordinated with and depended on Russia in 2016 to be "elected" and he would prefer that no one knows about the Russian interference in 2020.
Nice try on the convoluted reasoning though.
4
@Bear Lass
Robert Muller did not find any evidence that Trump coordinated with Russian, and I bet he look harder for evidence than you.
Exit polls show Midwestern swing state voters who made Trump president didn’t mention Putin’s endorsement.
American only knew Russian supported Trump because Hillary kept telling them so. She knew it would work against Trump.
The ONLY way Trump and his GOP henchmen will do anything about Russia's meddling is IF it suddenly becomes clear they are meddling to HELP the Democrats. THEN we'd suddenly see actions and bills to fix this attack on "our" democracy. As it is, they are all to happy to FIX the election any way they can. Besides, there's only so much that voter suppression and gerrymandering can do to fix the election through 'legal' channels.
4
To quote Captain Renault "I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!" - again...
1
The Country is the one headed for disaster. Trump will call the election rigged no matter the outcome and stay in office. He has already stated such many times. He is using Putin's playbook since he has been a Russian asset all along.
7
If Trump wins re-election, his name will be the only one on the ballot in 2024.
Whoever emerges as the democratic nominee, must get 1000% support from everyone who loves our country.
3
The Russians goal is always to divide, distract and weaken by spreading disinformation and propaganda. Trump’s knee jerk reactions and rhetorical divisiveness make him a perfect fit for their objectives.
3
@Julie Did Bernie care that Gus Hall took votes from Democrats. Gus was the Communist Party USA candidate funded for decades by the USSR? Back then if you complained, your were labeled a McCarthyite and dismissed as a fool.
Just to clarify, Russians are illegally interfering with our elections , the thing the Founding Fathers most feared but which the U.S. President calls a hoax, fires the Intel chief over for spilling the beans to a personal nemesis, to help Donald Trump win the election in November. Now, is this the same Donald Trump who recently expressed deep, deep concern about corruption in the Ukraine?
10
No surprise! It's just too bad that enough people don't seem to care.
1
It's fascinating in a desperately ominous way to watch this happen in real time.
I think Trump will eventually be known for a new adjective "trumpian:" self-serving, self-dealing, denial of reality, naked hubris, contempt for truth, hypocrisy and anything else we should throw in there.
It's shocking how dishonest the man is and how little it affects the tribal republicans.
3
How in anyway is this news? Get over yourself and move on. I love that it's a "warning" and it "appears".
How in anyway would Russia actually change an election? Thank GOD they uncovered how corrupt the Clintons were, but again that was all Tump's doing.
2
My God, what unadulterated propaganda. It's not surprising that the Times is already making excuses (Russia!) for the democrats' upcoming loss this November.
Note to the NYT - Putin doesn't need to meddle and interfere and create chaos in the 2020 presidential election. The dems are doing a fine job of it themselves!
3
Speaking truth to power is a “tactical error?”
Of course the tweeter in chief and playground bully had one of his tantrums and fired another person in charge. There is no integrity in this administration or in the Republican Party who stand for nothing.
1
And if you think this information frightens or concerns Trump's faithful, take a look at my News Feed. Apparently the "sheep" Democrats are at it again, sowing the seeds of "alleged interference" and if you need proof they can quote several "reliable" sources from Fox and Friends.
So disheartening, particularly when you hear this from people who are otherwise highly intelligent. They have truly bought into the idea that whatever keeps him in the White House is all within acceptable reason. They may not be frightened or disheartened, but I certainly am!
12
Is Russia meddling to re-elect Trump by supporting Senator Sanders as the Democratic frontrunner? It seems the surest way to reach that goal and is also ironic given Sanders' bros continuous spouting of Leninist ideals.
2
@James I'm not a Bernie fan, but some news sources suggest that Sander's bros may be Russian antagonists. The Russians are using computers that are housed in the US to interfere so as not to be detected as coming from Russia. These Russian actions are designed to destroy our faith in our election systems and democracy. In the 2016 elections, Russia meddled using impostors pretending to be Trump supporters starting small rallies as a persuasion technique to join in. We need to be smarter in 2016, not relying on Facebook for news. Look for several sources to confirm BTY: never voted for Trump. As a Psych major, I needed to support my thesis with evidence, which Trump never does. He just makes wild statements that are not followed with evidence. He is however, a master rich con man.
Why is everyone so upset?
Americans are happy having Russia choose their president, with more than half of the country finding it perfectly acceptable, along with the majority of politicians in the US Senate. So, I hope Americans will be happy with their democratic processes and their Electoral College.
Ronald Reagan must be turning in his grave...From today's standpoint he seems like a visionary.....
2
And when is Donald Trump going to nominate an ACTUAL director of national intelligence (which will need confirmation by Congress) rather than these endless streams of "acting" directors? Never? Probably.
5
I just went to Fox news to see what they have printed on this and other recent matters of deep concern to our country. Nada as in nothing. This is often true, The people that read Fox news are not getting the ugly truth and the whole picture. It is all Trump worship.
9
Simply taking advantage of America's innate racism and ignorance, with right wing media and elected Republicans assistance, is not warfare.
The Russians just feed both sides of every issue via social media which we allow willingly into our lives. It gave us Trump, and now the rise of Bernie.
When elected officials gave credence to the misinformation, they won. McConnell and the gang of 8 knew before 2016 that Russia was messing with us and refused to to anything about it then. And more telling, this administration to this day has not done anything to stop it or educate anyone that it's still happening.
3
With Radio Sputnik broadcasting Russian financed state sponsored pro-Trump propaganda in Kansas City it is hardly necessary to enlist an intelligence agency to discover Russia is helping Trump's election campaign.
What is remarkable is that Trump has the gall to deny it!
4
The Kremlin doesn't favor Trump for reelection because they like him, or because they can control him. Neither are they aiming at hurting American democracy – at least not as a priority. As they did in 2016, they are just betting on his ignorance, incompetence and pretentiousness to hurt America's standing in the world. Since it worked once, and they escaped any retaliation for it, why shouldn't they try again? The GOP's absolution of the President's crimes and mistakes opens the door wide for them to do so.
6
The Russians saw Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders as two sides of the same torture chamber in 2016, supporting both in their effort to cripple America and defeat the threat they saw in our strength at home and our leadership on the world stage.
In 2016, like it or not, this was embodied most enduringly by Hillary Clinton, who everyone knew would be one of the last two standing after a two-year battle among more than 20 candidates in both parties.
It's very telling this Republican, Chris Stewart, is willing to concede what appealed to Russia about supporting Sanders on the left would still be true even as he denies the right half. Russia helped Trump overcome their own initial disgust to get their nomination, then get within 3 million in the popular vote and a few tens of thousands over the hump in three states to sway the Electoral College, and it continues.
I keep reading between-the-lines implications that hacks and cyberattacks would necessarily be massive to be decisive. The Trump campaign and Republican party have sophisticated data about which precincts they'd like to depress turnout, which they'd to increase. Surely this is among what Russia hacked and stole in 2016; we forget Russians also hacked Republicans in 2016, as Wikileaks only released stuff to damage Democrats.
I hope we're able to detect small-scale attacks.
I wonder what we'd do if we found them. I wonder if we're not living that "hypothetical" in Republicans' crazed denials and support of Trump now.
3
Trump says that the US intelligence agencies' reports that Russia Is meddling in our elections is a Democratic hoax.
Democrats say that the US intelligence agencies' reports prove that Donald Trump is a Russian hoax.
Time to put Trump in a gold-plated playpen, placate him with soothing assurances that he is more popular than Popeyes new chicken sandwitch, reassure him that he doesn't need Putin's help to win re-election, and let our intelligence professionals identify real attacks on our electoral process and deal with them appropriately. That way we'll be spared White House tantrums and all the chaos that ensues.
3
Here is the truth of where we are now: an intelligence briefing that warns Russia is interfering in our elections is a "tactical error" because Republicans will be ANGRY instead of ALARMED. If our intelligence services are worried about making Trumps republican allies angry with this information, instead alarmed about the threat to our democracy and way of life that Putin/Russia represents, we are in a pit with no way out. How has it come to this that an entire political party works to aid the Russians in taking us down? Their hypocrisy and evil are beyond comprehension. They are traitors all.
"Some intelligence officials viewed the briefing as a tactical error, saying the conclusions could have been delivered in a less pointed manner or left out entirely to avoid angering Republicans. "
2
More proof that Trump is owned by Russia. Since Trump became President he has continued to put praise on America's most formidable enemy. For some reason America has given him a pass when he should be impeached for supporting Russia over America. With the help of Russia the Republican Party will probably steal this election too.
2
Trump: "Everyone is wrong except for me."
Cementing his place as the absolute worst president ever.
4
If Trump loses, will he actually leave the White House? Or will he find a way around that too?
5
Putin owns Trump, and he calls all the shots and writes the scripts, it is that simple.
4
The only people who did not know this is Trump's base.Trump is a Russian asset that they are willing to go to the mat for. Putin read The Manchurian Candidate and started dreaming.
3
People: A Bible verse comes to mind regarding the feckless GOP and their slavish adherence to all things Trump: Galatians 3:1, in which the Apostle Paul says: "You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you?" The Trumpsters and the craven GOP "leaders" have been bewitched by both Putin and their desire to maintain their Senate seats and powers at all costs...even if it means lackeys like Nunes and Jordan and Meadows and McConnell and Collins sell their political soul to the devil. America has reached a new low of political depravity and there is no shame left. Senator Collins said that Trump learned his lesson. Such a airhead of a Senator to say such a stupid thing in face of the evidence against Trump and his sycophants. This political polarization will not "unfreeze" for a long time because each side claims righteousness is on their side...America has sown seeds of disunity and dysfunctionalism that will corrode trust in government for many years unless there is a national repentance of avarice and hatred and an unhealthy competition for more and more political power. No, B. Sanders is not the answer nor is he anyone's savior because he too is rigid and fixed on his agenda and he will not get anything passed with a Senate aghast that a socialist is in the White House. The white Senate had feverish problems with a black man in the White House for eight years and if you think that America is going to favor a socialist...you have been breathing swamp gas.
2
Trump's reaction to the intelligence that Putin is once again meddling in American political discourse to favor Trump's re-election in 2020 is further proof that Trump is more concerned about his own self-image than the welfare of the nation. By so reacting Trump has proven himself to be a TRAITOR, defending his own self-interests over the interests of the country and Constitution he swore to defend. Shame on Trump!
Putin would love another 4 yrs of Trump sowing discord for personal gain at the expense of American government influence both at home and abroad. The Republicans in the current Congress are still supporting Trump at the expense of American influence and economic prosperity. They too are behaving as traitors by supporting the behavior of an immoral demagogue over the best interests of their constituents and the entire country.
6
Not the Russians, but the Democrats are meddling to re-elect Trump.
The "Impeachment" insanity convinced the voters that the Democrats were blood-thirsty haters and the debate the other night just proved they hate each other even more than they hate "Trump".
All the DNC had to do was sit down, shut up and let Trump
Tweet himself out of the election. But their egos got in the way.
Of course Trump rages with anger over this, the “this” being the truth ... which, as such, is a deeply personal offensive threat for him who exists through, not fantasy, but lie. Russia makes a fool of him ... though, due inflation of ego through flattery, he hasn’t a clue.
1
In 2016, my Buffalonian family was truly convinced that Hillary needed to be “locked up”. They read about her supposed crimes on Facebook.
Meanwhile on Twitter, I noticed deeply disturbing users whose entire posting history was made of anti-Hillary postings. After scrolling through one troll’s profile, I found a professional graphic of Trump and Putin on white horses, bare chested, with bloodied swords in their hands...and people trampled under bloody hooves. This was rotten stuff. So I deleted my Twitter profile - before the 2016 election.
We need this democracy NOW. We cannot wait until November. This is a grave immediate concern since Trump and his Russians will find ingenious ways to cheat. I’m ready to take action and am mulling now what to do. I am willing to suffer to save our country. The time is now!
2
Mitchell myrin, Half the people in social media are not who they say they are. Your platoon leader in the army isn't him. They are making fools of those who uses social media. For example either you or I could be Russian and we will never know!!!
1
How soon we forget Pelosi's warning: "All roads lead to Russia."
4
This is laughable. You can't talk about a foreign country meddling in our elections and neglect to mention Israel and AIPAC. Whatever Russia does or supposedly does to affect the outcome of our election it's not one one millionth what Israel and AIPAC does. Why is this never mentioned?
C’mon Donnie Boy, we all know that you want to host a big celebratory blast for Friend Vlad at your gilded Winter White House. It’s bone-chilling cold in Moscow so now would be a great time for the two of you to smooze and plot together. Does he play golf?
1
Russia owns trump and trump owns the republicans. How mcconnell, graham etc., can so willingly protect this traitor in the White House is astonishing! And how easily trump cam manipulate so many feeble minded people who support him is tragic.
5
Anyone in the GOP that wants to remain American might again watch Putin pull off another election hattrick and recite the Pledge of Allegiance: "one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
1
Instead of announcing it, why doesn’t the IC and DOJ STOP IT FROM HAPPENING? Plenty of time to inform NYT, MSNBC, CNBC and Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg, but apparently actually DOING something about it is beyond their powers! They missed Oklahoma City, 9/11, Benghazi and further back the Pakistanis exploded an atom bomb. What do these guys get right?
The DNI gives a mandated briefing to Congress on their assessment of Russian interference into US elections. The gop'ers in attendance are mad because the assessment is blunt and accurate. They go running to Daddy Donnie saying that the Democrats will use the info against Daddy Donnie in the election. Daddy Donnie is mad that the DNI intel blames Putin and his spies, fires the DNI acting head for telling the truth, anoints a 1000% Daddy Donnie loyalist and liar in his place.
Another case of showing that the gop'ers in Congress are in fact liars and traitors along with Daddy Donnie for protecting Putin and Russia and betraying the US Constitution.
2
Trump is an excellent con-man, always has been. He's not as good at lying, but keeps doing it. How anyone with a brain can vote for him is hard to understand. Turns out he's also a traitor to America, as are those who are more interested in power than truth. Time for all the cowards to step up and support the rule of law and the constitution before it's too late.
2
Telling Congress the Truth gets you fired under Trumps reign! Trump fires Maguire and the staff person who did their Jobs and told CONGRESS that Russia/Putin has not stopped interfering in OUR ELECTIONS and pushing TRUMP!!!!!
Any wonder why the GOP members of Congress, especially in the Senate BLOCKED Protecting Our Elections from Foreign Interference.... How much Russian Money have they sold out this country for? ps the temporary person Trump is placing to protect OUR Nation has NO EXPERIENCE! (omg)
2
Top Intelligence Officer: “Mr. President, we have intelligence that shows us the Russians are again looking to meddle with and undermine our election.”
Don J: “Oh no! The socialists communist Dems will try to use this to make me look bad.”
I mean... hmm?
1
NYT, why isn't this a bigger, screaming headline? Our democracy is in peril. Please stop equivocating, and tell that truth -- it's not partisan, it's factual!
1
He is just such an empty suit. Yes, only full of power, but empty brain, empty soul.
20
Russia’s interference are acts of aggression. They have clearly helped destabilize our democracy. The fact that Trump has done nothing to address this state of affairs speaks volumes as to his allegiance to our Nation and his oath of office. There must be retaliatory action taken by the U.S. to counter these acts of war so as to punish Putin and to deter further aggression.
14
The "tell" here is 45's reaction to the news that the intelligence committees were briefed.
Why, if there is nothing to hide, is he so adamant that the American people not know the conclusions of the our intelligence regarding the upcoming elections?
Is he so weak that he can't abide any inference that Russia is working to re-elect him?
15
I'd like to be the 4,000 comment here with these words: I never thought I'd lived to see the day (and I'm almost 70) when the U.S. Congress sat on its collective hands and let a president destroy our democracy.
41
Since when are intelligence officials concerned about angering republicans?
Oh yeah. Since trump became president.
Shouldn’t intelligence be completely non-partisan? Isn’t it important for the people who govern our country to be prepared for threats to our freedom?
Oh yeah. Not since trump became president.
VOTE HIM OUT! Remove him by any leg means available. Further delays will have a cost to our democracy or what’s left of it.
18
If you fail to exercise your right to vote then there is little that can be done. Trump stands a fair chance of being re-elected given the dysfunctional Democratic hopeful vying to challenge him. All Trump needs is a major political success e.g. an improved relationships with North Korea or China and the election is his. It’s 1988 all over again.
3
Never thought I would see the day when a US president took the word of a foreign enemy over our own National Security personnel. And that Republicans would have no problem with that.
23
The parallels with climate change are intense, are we already beyond the point of no return?
7
Trump says that the intelligence report that Russia is working to fix the 2020 US elections and get him reelected is a Democratic hoax. Trump says that, in his daily instructional briefings from Putin, Vladimir reassures him that Moscow isn't aiding his campaign.
10
@Joe Miksis A Democratic hoax perpetrated by HIS Director of National Intelligence! That makes a bunch of sense! – at least in Trump Bizarro World.
4
My questions are: "what does this even mean?" and "How will it in any way affect my vote?" The answers are: "nothing," and "it won't."
1
Trump is OUTRAGED that the intelligence agencies briefed Democrats on an ongoing threat to our democracy by Russian interference in our election.
Such meddling is an attack on our democracy, an act of war.
Why isn't he OUTRAGED about Russian attacks?
Why does he want it hidden?
If he hides it, isn't that helping the enemy?
Isn't aiding and abetting an enemy in an act of war called
TREASON?
15
“Mr. Trump, former officials have said, is typically uninterested in election interference briefings...”
Just think about that. The President of the United States is not interested in hearing about anything that threatens the integrity of the country’s elections. Did you ever imagine you would see the day?
16
If Russia is indeed actively seeking to “stoke division” and to “undermine [our] confidence in American election systems,” I’d say it’s wasting its time and resources. Our very own Republican and Democratic parties are doing just fine accomplishing both without any outside help.
3
Why was Shiff purposely ignored for a security briefing? There is only one reason or purpose, and that would be Trump doing his usual on any person who would dare to defy him in his role. All simply appalling and yet it continues, ad nauseum. Where's the transparency? Maguire recalled from the Ukraine matter during house committee hearings, now gone for the replacement. The importance of national security, truth, justice all trampled with this president and his cabal who bend, lie, redact and consort w/any who "like" them, as Trump puts it. There's more to this as many investigate. Those Trumpers who refuse to accept any of this as possibly treasonous or simply outrageous are certainly in on the fix.
8
So Trump is more worried about himself than election security. Why am I not surprised?
13
I think the real story is that Putin successfully trolls Trump's political enemies with the goal of sowing discord. They're less interested in supporting Trump than in trolling Trump's enemies. It's a much more cost effective approach to inducing political instability. And the biased media is among their most effective tools. A small amount of nefarious social media activity unleashes a tsunami of hyperventilating reporting and commentary encouraging readers to distrust everything. Queue Rachel Maddow conspiracy brain diatribe.
Too much to be just a coincidence, "all roads lead to Putin, with you". Let's see, why would Russia support Trump? Undermining NATO? Check. Dismantling trade agreements? Check. Pitting American's against each other? Check. Undermining Ukrainian resistance? Check.
Color me shocked that Republican's "can't see" this.
9
@RadoDrums
You left out:
Financing Trump
5
How utterly predictable. Trump's unconcealed corruption has been allowed to continue without consequence to him. Of course he would enlist Russia to meddle in the election for him again. He wasn't punished for it the first time. In fact, he was rewarded for cheating by winning the White House.
3
Russia helped Trump get elected in 2016. The evidence was overwhelming. Republicans who deny it are either wilfully ignorant or not paying attention.
American power has diminished in the last three years as Trump has withdrawn from treaty after treaty. Our alliances, which were the envy of the world, are in tatters and NATO is diminished. Putin has reaped tremendous benefits from getting Trump elected.
5
"Some intelligence officials viewed the briefing as a tactical error, saying the conclusions could have been delivered in a less pointed manner or left out entirely to avoid angering Republicans. The intelligence official who delivered the briefing, Shelby Pierson, is an aide to Mr. Maguire and has a reputation for speaking bluntly."
Why is anyone in the IC worrked about "angering" or speaking "bluntly" to Repbulicans? They've proven repeatedly over the last 3 years, to be Traitors to their oaths, the country and its citizens. They embrace a willful ignorance of the truth, and have wholeheartedly endorsed sacrificing Democracy in support of a dictator.
8
Very Stable Genius 1 Intelligence 0. Once again our VSG ignores distasteful intelligence. Will he again ask Putin whether Russia is interfering in U. S. elections? What’s at stake is professional intelligence and national security.
Many years ago I was part of an intelligence structure where we coordinated intelligence and worked on SNIES (Special National Intelligence Estimates). Any disagreements would be highlighted. Now can we expect that any intelligence that differs from our VSG will be deep sixed? I’d find this frightening for our country.
3
The Republicans own this because they allowed Trump to kowtow and praise Russia's Putin and his operatives and criticize American intelligence agencies.
Mitch McConnell, whose wife, Elaine Chao, works for Trump as his Transporation Secretary, has been neutered by Trump. If McConnel says or does anything against Trump, Chao will get the boot from the Trump administration.
The McConnells' along with Chao's family's shipping business has benefited from Chao's post as Secretary of Transportation.
The Republican Congress has refused to say a word about Trump jeopardizing the security of the United States.
Republicans are more concerned about keeping their jobs as congressional cheerleaders to a mentally unstable con-man criminal than what is best for America and its Democracy.
The nation must rid itself of this political cancer and eradicate Trump and the Republican Congress from the White House and the Halls of Congress.
The Democrats should take this security concern to the American people since it involves national security and a foreign government trying to sabotage and undermine the nation's elections.
Instead of a vociferous attack against the Republicans, the Democrats are busy having a political dogfight and attacking one another while the clear and present danger to America, Donald Trump continues to damage our country.
2
Weaponize this (use your imagination, you narcissistic sociopath).
Trump had actively sought the aid of Russia in the 2016 election, which would have been invalidated if Republicans had not suppressed vital information and the impact of that meddling could have been quantified. Now they know exactly how to do this again!
The 2020 election, should Trump win, must be declared invalid unless it can be proven beyond a doubt that Russian (or ANY foreign country) intervention was not influencing American voters. EVERYONE associated with obstructing this should be immediately imprisoned, including this illegitimate hack of a grifter in the White House. There can be ZERO TOLERANCE for election interference. Should the election be declared invalid, it is also of paramount importance that Trump NOT extend his reign - for that may well be what he is planning. New crimes; new rules!
On a non-political, non-partisan basis, I suggest that the Speaker of the House be "Interim President" until such time as a truly independent body can certify results or hold another election without interference. This is the same way WE treat fake elections in other countries (when we have a legitimate President), and it should certainly apply to this one. I would prefer this over a military coup, which I hope will not be necessary.
3
Thank you for the reporting but please stop using the word meddling with anything related to Trump and Russia. This is a conspiracy and involves spies, both rulers of the US and Russia and probably other rulers like Turkey's Erdoğan. Meddling is far to nice of a term for what is truly going on and what happened in the last presidential election.
6
The Russians have attempted to interfere in US domestic affairs since the 1950s. This is news?
Trump just might become the first president to be impeached TWICE!
3
Why does it even matter who Putin wants to win?
Trump’s critics have elevated Putin to a demigod status, someone single handedly capable of determining the outcome of a US election.
The term “useful idiot” comes to mind. They need to get a grip.
2
“The US Constitution sounds like a foreign language to me .”
— Trump, Davos
“Putin said he did’t do it and I believe him.” — Trump, Helsinki
“The FBI is scum and the DOJ is corrupt.” — Trump, Washington
See?
Trump is a patriot.
Patriotic to Russia.
12
Trump's only thought is "Who's the idiot that let Democrats in the room?". Figures. American security is in such good hands. Putin said he didn't do it last time, and why would he lie? Sheesh. Here we go again.
7
Shorter version:
Republicans wish to protect Russian meddling, because it is helping them retain power and turn the US into a bastion of wealth, power, and short-term exploitation.
Off with their heads! (honest public servants, that is, especially Democrats, who are the evillest in town, because they care about everybody!)
Planet be damned! (But the planet has the only seat at the table, and it bats 1000.)
5
What cast a shadow on Trump's election in 2016 was the fact that he trailed his principal opponent by nearly three million votes. The confirmation that Russia interfered on his behalf didn't help, either.
6
Important article, including the statement: "Mr. Trump has long accused the intelligence community’s assessment of Russia’s 2016 interference as the work of a “deep state” conspiracy intent on undermining the validity of his election."
The term "deep state" (from Turkish "derin devlet") originated in the 1950s to describe a conspiracy to use elements of a state's governing apparatus to undermine the state. When we read about disruptions in such norms as an independent Department of Justice and such laws as those concerning foreign contributions to political campaigns, we have to wonder if the American "deep state" isn't one using the office of the President for the interests of a foreign power.
5
As a neutral observer, I just don’t get it.
American institutions are crying hoarse about Russian interference as if they can’t do anything about it. Isn’t the USA the most advanced and technologically powerful country in the world? There are myriad stories about the unprecedented capabilities of the NSA etc. Why don’t they shut out such meddling?
I understand the hazards of manipulation through social media (Facebook, Twitter) in an open society, but surely the security and intelligence apparatus of the country has far more powerful resources to combat these attacks.
Or is the country unwittingly but willingly sliding into an inevitability of autocracy? Has the US just given up?
3
@Shreekant Yeah, we do, and we could, but the Republicans won’t. McConnell is sitting on the bills that would protect our election system. This is why they all need to be taken out and shot. (With a SuperSoaker, of course! It’s not like anyone would want to actually HURT them, no indeed!)
Well of course Russia wants Trump re-elected. Trump is taking care of Russia’s dirty work. In less than four years Trump has weakened and degraded vital US institutions including the State Department, the Justice Department, the FBI, and the US intelligence community. Trump is a star Russian agent. Only he isn’t. He’s the the President.
11
What exactly should the House do if the Senate doesn't care?
8
So true!
I’m looking to sell my vote.
Do I just call the Russian Embassy?
Or PM?
Any idea how much I might get?
50 rubles?
Or
6
"the conclusions could have been delivered in a less pointed manner or left out entirely to avoid angering Republicans." So objective facts about national security have to be changed so they don't hurt Republican's feelings. The word "snowflake" comes to mind...
7
It is cyberwarfare. Do not call it "meddling."
10
@janellej Simply taking advantage of America's innate racism and ignorance, with elected Republicans assistance, is not cyber warfare. The Russians are just feeding both sides of every issue which we allow willingly into our lives. It gave us Trump, and now the rise of Bernie. When we accepted lies from our elected officials they won.
Trump and gang need to go. The man has zero respect for facts and the truth.
In November the voters need to pink slip Trump and every elected Republican.
Dictator 101-Control the news with people loyal to you who have no experience and will lie for you.
The American people need to bring an end to the Trump cult.
8
Massive Sanctions NOW
5
Trump is warned? Shouldn’t the headline read that Trump is excited that Putin is still on his team?
4
The USA is a nation with a proven record - spanning centuries - of overthrowing governments and interfering in elections.
https://www.globalpolicy.org/us-military-expansion-and-intervention/26024.html
Yet we live in a perpetual state of deep paranoia over "them" (whoever that may be this year) doing it to us.
That's the national psychosis - born of guilt.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
3
@Rev. E. M. Camarena, PhD
Who needs "them" when we have Trump and McConnell?
How many Democrats commenting here may switch their vote to Trump because of an ad on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter?
Please raise your hands.
Anyone? Buehler?
5
The intelligence community can do nothing to stop the Russians and stir the pot in Washington!
Dear Congressman Stewart, consider this: two players in the game, Vlad, who is smart and cagey; and, Don, who is most often ignorant, easily manipulated, and a “blunt force” instrument. Which would you bet on to prevail?
3
More likely the Democrats suspect that they’re going to lose the election, hence ‘Russian Collusion’ redux.
2
Haha. Yeah. Delivered by Trump’s outgoing guy. You’re not that observant.
2
When people speak, they tell you who they are.
When President Trump says "Democrats will weaponize this information," he's really talking about himself.
Listen to how he criticises others. Those words he chooses are mostly about how he feels about himself.
That's why Trump so quickly calls-out possible corruption; he knows he himself couldn't possibly resist the corruption bait!
6
Just to make sure I've got this straight:
The President of the United States denies - and refuses to defend our country against - an active foreign attack on our country, and it's the Democrats who are "weaponizing" intelligence?
11
Why hasn't Robert Mueller held a press conference , along with everyone on the investigative team, and reiterated that Russia is indeed interfering in the 2020 election, just as it had in 2016. They have all failed the American public by allowing Barr and Trump to get away with this lie.
7
The president is supposed to defend America against enemies foreign and domestic. He's not doing that; he's not doing the job he swore an oath to do. Impeach him again. Now.
7
Why, why WHY is everybody so concerned about angering republican “supporters” and angering the impeached president? Patriotic Americans here and around the world are angry on a minute by minute basis without a respite from the criminal activity going on all around us. Impeached president is going to be angry at everything anyway, and won’t have a moment of calm or happiness until democracy, California, national parks, water and air quality is destroyed.
6
If Republicans can't handle the truth, they shouldn't be in power.
13
Shooting the messenger is a prime characteristic of authoritarian countries. Trump now has carte blanche to clear the government and administration of anyone who might speak truth to power. He puts in their place sycophants and fanatics who promote the destruction of the constitution, democracy, national security, the rule of law and the environment without restraint. This is “ethical cleansing.”
7
Trump has Sanders and Warren to assure his victory. The Democratic Party, with socialist imbedded in it, is Russia.
1
The Democrats just got the best campaign slogan ever:
“Another misinformation campaign is being launched by Democrats in Congress saying that Russia prefers me to any of the Do Nothing Democrat candidates who still have been unable to, after two weeks, count their votes in Iowa,” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter. “Hoax number 7!”
The Russians prefer trump.
That’s a sure sign that Americans should not prefer trump.
I won’t drink vodka anymore. If it’s Russian, it’s not for me and shouldn’t be for any of us.
5
And the President is weaponizing the intelligence report deliver to Congress as a hoax concocted by Democrats in Congress. The only hoax being perpetrated right now is the idea that Trump ever tells the truth. Yes, ever.
8
trump has been a Russian asset since his 1987 trip to Soviet Moscow... between him and the rest of the Russkiy Republicans they are turning this country into mirror image of Putin’s Russia.
Of course trump is mad, he doesn’t want everyone to know the Russians are his chief campaign managers.
5
This is how ignorant Congressional Republicans have become. They're rationale against Russia pulling for Trump in the coming election is that Trump's been tough on Russia. Republicans failed to grasp what Putin's motive is: He's trying to hurt our democracy. And Trump is his best weapon to get that done. There's no Russian agent that Putin could have put in our White House that would be more disruptive and destructive than Donald j Trump. America has hurt Russia so Putin wants to hurt us back. This is very simple stuff, unless you're a Republican.
4
This is such baloney! I grew up in the 1950's Cold War Russia scare that was used to destroy the lives and livelihood of many Americans who were "suspected" of being "Commies." Look at the Clinton Administration's efforts to influence Russian elections. Can we ever be a country that TRIES to work with all countries. Certainly we do that with "communist China" and both benefit. As Carl Jung said ages ago: "projecting the evil, the shadow on to others makes one feel superior and unable to look within at one's own shadow." Making this a headline in NYTimes digital is over the top scare tactic to say the least! Cookie in California, retired Community College teacher (Political Science)
2
@Carolyn Grassi A scare tactic? No, it's a fact about a foreign attack on our democracy. And as a political science teacher, you should be able to recognize that.
4
How is that Devin Nunes can go scurrying off like a little rat to squeal to his master about discussions in the intel committee. Shouldn’t he be booted out. This country is looking more like a sad joke everyday.
8
This story came out Feb 20 at about 6 PM ET. The Fox news then had no front page news regarding the briefing. It had, if one searched, a video where the intelligence briefing was described as a leak. 18 hours later still nothing on the front page. I guess that Fox news is hoping its readers will just not notice... because it clearly has not way to spin this.
3
Why is this news not getting more attention? I think Pompeo is staging his own little revolt...
"Mr. Trump has never publicly called out Russia for its cyberoperations. During the 2016 presidential debates, he argued that it was impossible to determine where a cyberattack originated — though that is exactly what his intelligence agencies and the State Department did in the Georgia case on Thursday."
U.S. and Allies Blame Russia for Cyberattack on Republic of Georgia
Britain and Australia joined the State Department’s effort to deter Moscow from interfering in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/20/world/europe/georgia-cyberattack-russia.html
1
The question: is forewarned, forearmed?
2
@Pia In the words of Walt Kelly, forearmed is half an octopus.
It should be clear to every rational observer that Trump is Putin's cloaked lickspittle. Putin has more intelligence in his sleep than Trump does when he's wide awake, and Putin sees himself as the new Tsar of a Russian empire. Trump is to Putin as the statue of a liveried coachman is at the curb of a nouveau riche mansion.
22
"Russia (Putin) if you are listening I will do my best to prevent the US intelligence agencies & Congress from knowing that you are again interfering with the election in order to help me & my crime family".
As in "I don`t know why it would be Russia that inferred in the 2016 election" ; Trump`s Helsinki announcement with Putin standing at his elbow.
17
Reporting today by Jake Tapper and Eli Lake that the intelligence briefing was inaccurate, and underlying intel did NOT indicate Russians prefer Trump. Tapper and Lake not Trump fans. Let's see if the headlines get corrected to something like "Russians Continue to Meddle in Our Elections".
6
As this doesn’t appear to exist, please give me a specific source for this claim.
12
How would Tapper and Lake be privy to underlying intelligence? Do they have security clearances? Can you link to an article where they supposedly make this claim?
Sounds improbable.
16
@TM
If your comment were part of a high school essay, the teacher would have written in the margin, "SOURCES? Can you use your new understanding of fact-checking and footnotes to show that your information is reliable?"
I
5
So Mueller went nowhere.
The Ukraine impeachment went nowhere.
The Democrats are imploding— spectacularly.
And now this briefing conveniently happens at just this moment to shift the narrative.
Highly suspect.
I’m a Democrat supporting a leading Presidential candidate with small donations and I find this whole Russian interference story to be a joke.
19
How can you possibly say what you just said?! How can you even think of blaming the Democrats? This new information was brought forth by a Republican Trump appointee and was delivered to both Democratic and Republican House members.
30
@Sam The Mueller investigation didn't exactly go no-where.
Every counter-intelligence or Russian expert in the FBI was either forced to retire or reassigned.
Now with trump's promise to "clean out" the greater justice dept, everyone who knew anything or was capable of working in the area of expertise...will be gone. Those are the people who worked tirelessly to protect us from Russians.
22
Why do Trump supporters always feel it’s necessary to pretend to be Democrats?
8
Scanning some of the comments at random, I do not see the word "treasonous" to describe the reaction from Trump and/or Republicans regarding the horror of Russian interference again in 2020.
Perhaps "treasonous" is too strong a word for polite people, but to this veteran, I would say at the very least Trump and the GOP as a party are showing an alarming level of "disloyalty" to the values that were proclaimed by the Founding Fathers.
Shame on them.
34
To this 44 year veteran of the US intelligence community, this story is nothing more than one more indication that Moscow has our millennial -age intelligence analysts running in circles with rumor, innuendo and disinformation.
2
@David H If Moscow is confusing our "millennial-age intelligence analysts" with "rumor, innuendo, and disinformation," then that would be further proof that they are interfering with our election process, and as such are "enemies."
For Trump not only to turn a blind eye to this, but to punish the intelligence community for discussing it with Congress, is to give aid and comfort to the enemy.
As such it is a severe dereliction of duty, if not actually treasonous.
Republicans cannot ignore this any longer and still claim to be patriots.
2
The American election system is set up so that it is vulnerable to fairly easy cyber attack, and to malign foreign influence operations.
That should be a concern, whether or not any one particular foreign operation has yet decided to do so. It could be Russia, or Iran, or China, or North Korea, or really anybody else the US has offended -- a long list.
We need a deep reform of our election system, not finger pointing at any one nation that might possibly be interested in doing what is far too inviting and easy.
Furthermore, the details of a confidential briefing WERE instantly leaked in the most hostile interpretation, and so weaponizing the briefing instead of developing real reforms.
Furthermore, this is a first shot in an effort to de-legitimate a win by Trump, if it happens. It is a domestic partisan attack on one of the two possible election outcomes. It is the first shot in doing all of this again. That is a disgusting prospect.
6
@Mark Thomason
Wow. I will not forget your attacks on HRC during the 2016 election, and here you are trying to cover for Putin in 2020.
This is amazing.
15
@Sophia -- Your partisanship for Hillary is how we got to this. You could have supported a winner. Will you now? Or will it be another sell out?
5
@Mark Thomason : thanks for being rational.
Yes, our systems are vulnerable to attack -- which is AMAZING considering we are world leader in high tech and computers and have Facebook and Apple and all the high tech corporations HERE and at our disposal!
How can we be so lame as to be easily hacked by some low-paid Russians in a troll hideout in Moscow?
Come on! why did the DNC leave itself so open to hacking? why did HIllary scrub emails and keep her server in her HOME? why are Democrats this lame and STUPID???
It's like leaving your wallet with $100 on the sidewalk and then complaining "somebody stole my wallet!"
3
Give it a break. Democrats are just lining up early excuses for losing. Instead of looking at lousy leadership, an out of touch list of candidates and rampant local corruption. I left the democratic party because of disgust with corrupt democrats protected by gerrymandering.
I left because of the hypocrisy of democrats going after Trump but rallying behind politicians like Rangel or Menendez and seeing Corzine never face charges. That is why democrats can't generate large voter turnouts and will lose. Not because of some Russian bogeyman.
12
Actually the people that work for him are all republicans.
8
This doesn't make any sense, logically you'd think Russia would mostly want Sanders to be President, his platforms being closer to the Russian model than our capitalism, and after that any of the democrats. They've all made it clear they'll withdraw troops, let Iran do what it wants, and not use American force overseas to protect our interests.
3
@DJOHN What would all the oligarchs do with their money if Bernie were in charge? Trump's business suited army is greedier and far more effectivve.
6
@DJohn
Trump is owned by Russia. He has been laundering Russian money thru Deutsche Bank for decades.
Bernie, not so much.
4
@DJOHN
Wow, seems you don't understand Sanders' goals and proposals or "the Russian model." Trump is far far closer to a Russian model - of one-man rule which is a political system (aka totalitarianism/dictatorship/oligarchy) malignantly opposed to democracy. And democratic socialism is not remotely the economic system in Russia either.
Sanders seeks more than any of the Democratic candidates but all of them seek to expand the democracy that Trump is not just shrinking but squeezing out of our reality.
And it's Trump who has let Iran "do what it wants" ending a multinational accord that was working just fine but didn't suit the irrational, erratic pique that makes Trump out to destroy everything that has added measures of safety and global cooperation to our troubled world. He's a walking hand grenade who knows nothing about war or peace, exploding, alienating, firing, disdaining every military leader who he's "employed" only to co-opt each of them into his ignorant views, ill-conceived 'strategies' and self-absorbed convictions that his gut instincts are the only thing the world needs, no briefings, no reading, no consultation, just his toxic gut instincts that he acts on with the impulsivity of a 3-year-old. And you see that as protecting U.S. interests?
Russia wants Trump because they own him: he is beholden to them for years of backing his toxic Deutsche Bank loans, the worst kind of blackmailing upper hand this nation has ever given to an enemy.
2
This is the reason the whistle blower statutes and their integrity in protecting patriotic government employees from retaliation are so important. Had Donald Trump prevailed in having Mr. McGuire withhold this information from Congress and it had been hidden in "secure" White House files as was some of the information connected with the impeachment inquiry, the U.S. election system would be more vulnerable to manipulation by a foreign, hostile power.
375
@T.E.Duggan
I say, "BLOW THE WHISTLE!"
We must not allow Trump to claim that which is true, to be a hoax! (A hoax is a falsehood deliberately fabricated to masquerade as the truth)
44
@T.E.Duggan But the article also makes clear the dangers of the autocratic rule we have begun to see with Trump and the Republicans - "...the president berated Joseph Maguire, the outgoing acting director of national intelligence, for allowing it to take place..." and, "Some intelligence officials viewed the briefing as a tactical error, saying the conclusions could have been delivered in a less pointed manner or left out entirely to avoid angering Republicans." We are in a dangerous place.
30
@T.E.Duggan:
On Jan 21, 2021, America will be an authoritarian state, after trump is re-sworn in. Though few will know this.
Unless there are leaks, few of us will realize our nation's become authoritarian. The evidence showing this will remain hidden for decades.
In 2019 trump misused and is attempting to commandeer our critical system for National Security Classification of Secrets. regarding his "perfect call" to Ukraine on July 2019, he had others place info (including incriminating records and the official U.S.-based audio recording of the call) onto the most secure level top-secret computer server requiring "code-word" clearance for access. This is unprecedented, unnecessary, and meant to hide the truth (for 25 years)!
"The intended use for the system is to protect covert intelligence and sensitive military operations."
trump used it to store records for a routine call, for which he later released a so-called "transcript", yet kept other records secret. Why? To hide things.
These articles reveal pertinent facts.
https://www.npr.org/2019/09/27/764759182/former-officials-say-white-houses-use-of-secret-system-is-unusual-disturbing
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/white-house-transcript-ukraine-what-to-know-about-the-secret-computer-system-in-white-house-presidents-calls/
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/27/us/politics/nsc-ukraine-call.html
https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ny-trump-transcript-server-white-house-20190927-ngc5j2khcvf75m73k4kcaha534-story.html
15
Aside from the fact that Trump happily accepts repeated Russian election assistance, the fact that Trump AND the Republican Party refuse to take any serious steps to defend this country from repeated Russian invasions of our elections and our republic amount to a collective Trumpian-Republican act of Treason against the United States.
There's nothing particularly American about Trump or the leadership of the Republican Party......but they do have a stunning resemblance to corrupt Russian-style oligarchs.
November 3 2020
Wake up, America....before it's too late.
5632
This is the destruction of this country in real time, right in front of our noses. What or who can help now?
461
@Frank
Read the news....
Just read something for goodness sake!!
186
@Frank
Oh my goodness, did you read the article? Have you been alive for the past 4 years?
172
I wish someone here in the liberal bubble of the New York Times will explain to me how Russia is interfering with our election. In 2016 not one vote was changed, and not one precinct anywhere in the country was hacked. Please come forth and tell us how many liberals were so influenced by Facebook ads that they voted for President Trump instead of Hillary Clinton. This is exactly what it looks like, a built-in excuse by the Trump hating Democrats when they lose in November. The resistance obviously continues to the Democrats peril.
127
@Mitchell myrin
It isn't about directly changing votes. It is about selectively and tactically funding as for one side, creating fake profiles to drum up support for or against one person or possboy colluding with candidates to release false or misleading information about rivals.
Lots of ways to interfere with an election without directly voting, all of which ought not be allowed
265
@Mitchell myrin there was a lot of hacking: Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida for starters. Malcolm Nance and others have written quite extensively. Also check out Greg Palast, Thom Hartmann...
153
@Mitchell myrin that’s not true. The Russians actually broke into registration databases in Florida and possibly in other states.
294
the russians will continue to do this unless the fbi and homeland security take serious efforts to watch this as well as try to deal with companies to try and prevent this. the fact the russia now has paid for time on a mid-west radio station says that they are seeking to place themselves here in the country to make all their internet activity easier. counter intelligence has to be beefed up as does efforts to create internet trolls in russia to make it more costly for russia, or any foreign entity, to do what they seriously began in 2016. this all shows that trump will do nothing to prevent this and the efforts should not need his approval. he knows that they were involved in the 2016 election and, for god's sake, he got onto t.v. asking for the russians to find useless internet emails from hilary clinton.
2
President Parasite.
11
To highlight select passages from this article: it shows that the President is obstructing Congress's capacity to conduct oversight, which violates his oath of office to defend the constitution and look out for the 'general welfare." Time for Round Two of Impeach the President.
“last week’s briefing included what appeared to be new information: that Russia intended to interfere with the 2020 Democratic primaries as well as the general election.”
Mr Trump is angry about this: “Part of the president’s anger stemmed from the administration’s reluctance to provide delicate information to Mr. Schiff. “
Wow: ‘delicate information…’ reads like a euphemism for ‘withholding intelligence from…’
“And some current and former intelligence officials expressed fears that Mr. Grenell may have been put in place explicitly to slow the pace of information on election interference to Congress.”
Well, the President is right to be concerned about Mr. Schiff being included in this intelligence briefing.
2
Trump doesn’t need Russia’s help getting elected. The Democrats are doing a fine job providing that service all by themselves.
4
Why is the GOP selling out the American people? Selling out the very idea of our country? Make no mistake, that is exactly what they are doing, and for what?
The American party is over, last one to leave gets stuck with the check.
3
So how is learning the truth about Russia indeed interfering again used as a weapon? The truth is the truth. Another truth though is republican and trump efforts to avoid any election security measures whatsoever. Dems didn't do that, trump and senate republicans did.So how is learning the truth about Russia indeed interfering again used as a weapon? The truth is the truth. Another truth though is republican and trump efforts to avoid any election security measures whatsoever. Dems didn't do that, trump and senate republicans did.
3
Trump does not need the Russians do anything. With each passing Democratic debate and primary, the GOP is gathering a cornucopia of sound bites and campaign promises to remind the voting public of the extremists views the Democrats hold. The Trump Campaign Ads of 2020 will make the Michael Dukakis Tank Ad look amateurish e.g Warren’s obtuseness when a college student’s father confronted her on forgiving college debt, Bloomberg on the stop and frisk policy while Mayor of NYC, Bernie Sanders (too many to list), etc.... As they tear each other down, they provide the GOP with WMDs when election time comes.
4
Trump is correct when he states that he has often been tough on Russia. But in the bigger picture, he has been inconsistent and unpredictable. You would think that the Russians would prefer the consistency of a responsible Democratic president. But the Russians surely know that their tampering has little effect on the election results. The greater effect is the fear they cause by their efforts. And they cause the greatest fear by aligning with Trump. Democrats fear everything Trump, and they exaggerate the fear for political purposes. The Russians aren't going to decide the upcoming election. But the exaggerated fear of the Democrats is what the Russians are going for. If they strike fear into the hearts of half of America, they have achieved their goal and then some.
2
In 1978 I spent a summer at LGU, Leningrad State University on a nearly-full scholarship, one of two programs that existed for Westerners during the Cold War; in 1987 I accompanied a delegation of US high school students on a tour of Russia, using my four years of college Russian again. For several years, I used my Russian in volunteer work in the USA.
Let us make sure that the Russian people and the Russian leadership in Moscow (with its entire village near Moscow existing in order to hack computers world wide) are not confused with each other. The Russians as a people are creative, thoughtful, generally decent souls, much like Americans. They garden, cook, want the best for their children.
Our problems in the USA have precious little to do with a large, still poor by our standards, country on the other side of the world. What makes a representative democracy a democracy has to do with every town and village having a functioning newspaper and a forum for shared and debated thoughts--here. To have informed citizens who will read newspapers, one must have a decent educational system, not the hit and miss offerings the USA currently has. To educate children here, the children must have decent nutrition and access to health care providers and responsible parents who set good examples.
Our poor election turnout has nothing to do with Russia, but what a convenient foil that country is, and how useful to focus on it to prevent us from looking at and solving our own problems!
8
Trump sets a new low standard for corruption and political hacks. He has cemented my view that government must remain limited in power if you hope to hold on to democracy, liberty and ever hope to see equal protection gain some interest among lawmakers and SCOTUS.
1
Why would putin want trump to be president over bernie? Trump has stood up to Putin and put sanctions on russia. Trump stands up and defends against russian interests in the middle east. Bernie is a self claimed socialist, which means he probably leans full communist. He "honeymooned" in soviet russia and was a huge fan of Castro. He wants to cut US defense spending and pull us out of every conflict on every stage we are involved in. Setting the stage for Putin to roll tanks across whatever borders he wants. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever that putin would want to see trump elected over bernie.
4
@bored critic - Russia no longer has a communist government. Furthermore, social democracy and communism have little in common. What they do share is the idea that everyone has the right to basic living standards - a living wage, good education, medical care, a meaningful life, safe water to drink and clean air to breath.
Sometimes it seems that some people in the US are still stuck in the fifties looking for reds under beds. Bernie Saunders is not the gateway drug to communism. He’s not going to nationalize every private company in the country. He just wants everyone to share in the basics a rich country like America should be able to help every citizen to achieve.
Somehow the Democrats have spun meddling by Russians as being Trump's fault. Are we back to the "Russian Collusion" excuse for Democrats losing, even before the election? Maybe we should call Mueller and see if he'd like a do-over.
5
The way that Trump has decapitated the intelligence committee in the last week by firing several top career officials and installing his own political allies who are unqualified and inexperienced shows that Trump WANTS Russia to help him win the election and he DOESN’T WANT Congress or the security officials doing anything to stop it. He doesn’t care about our National Security. He cares about himself. This makes us all less safe.
It is outrageous and an abuse of power. He’s doing the same thing with the intelligence community that he did with the State Dept. and the DOJ. This is what autocrats do.
Where is the Senate? What can the American people do?
We want fair elections, like all citizens, we deserve free elections, and the Constitution guarantees free elections. That is why my family immigrated to the US.- for freedom and Democratic elections. Trump is taking away our freedom.
6
If creating fake facebook pages and twitter accounts to spread "disinformation" is "meddling" then of course this is happening. It's not able to be stopped. Why are we surprised and why is Trump being blamed/criticized for it? Everyone on social media is sowing discord and passing disinformation; everyone is someone other than who they really are on social media - isn't that disinformation as well? The whole concept of social media is that the truth never matters - why are people constantly surprised to not find the truth on social media? If you get your news from social media at all, you are a part of the problem. Period.
1
Why President Trump? Senator Sanders or Pete Buttigieg would be Russia's choice. Let's face it. . just as we meddle in other countries' politics (think Barack Obama and his voice concerning Brexit four years ago), they will meddle in ours. Choose your reading and listening materials carefully and don't believe everything you see or hear. Research before you vote! As long as no one changes my vote after I vote, I have come to expect everything else.
Once again, DJT exhibits his unfitness to hold the Presidency. By being angry that a report was presented to Congressional overseers seeking to ferret out meddling instead of being angry that Putin is still up to his dirty tricks shows serious character flaw. The possibility that the know-nothings of the country who follow him blindly can keep him around for another 4 years just scares the bejeesus out of me.
Bloomberg has it right: the election is a fight for the soul of the nation and it is character that matters most.
4
@SAMRNinNYC I agree with you, but isn't it Joe Biden who says this election is a fight for the soul of the nation? (And oddly enough, Republicans used to say that character matters, around the time they were impeaching Bill Clinton, who at least had enough character to say apologize, and did not go on a Victory Tour when he was acquitted.)
But the United States never influences regime change in other countries, right?
1
And as of Feb 21st 2020, we have seen no credible evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 election.
I note that two of the reporters on this article have big credibility problems. One repeated the "17 agencies" lie long after in was known to be untrue. And the other claimed, sans evidence, that Iran has established nuclear weapons program.
So why should we believe these claims regards 2020 and Trump?
3
@Yaj
There's plenty of credible information - you are just unwilling to see it.
1
@J:
"There's plenty of credible information"
You're confusing well phrased claims--example the Mueller Report--with credible evidence.
If such evidence existed, then you could cite easily. But you can't.
No, buff rainbow Bernie and Jesus & Onanism memes on Facebook, that no one saw until 2017, aren't credible evidence.
In any other job, Trump would have been fired long ago.
4
When will enough be enough? The US needs election and campaign finance reform from top to bottom - now! It is sickening that so many of our elected officials (I'm talking about you covfefe) care only about re-election and our votes are watered down by foreign and other interference - including the electoral college. So many ways to cheat. I fear that if Trump is re-elected, people will get violent.
2
Okay I may be paranoid but what is the motive for leaving this up with comments open for so long? Topping 1,000 is unusual but nearly 4,000 is something I've never seen before. Trying to draw Russians out?
"American intelligence agencies concluded that... (fill in the blanks)."
Based on said agencies track record, I'm not convinced, that a 'conclusion' equals a verified, corroborated, undisputable proof.
As in the case of Niger and the yellow cake, Saddam Hussein and Iraq's biological weapons program, just to name a few recent successes.
1
It seems that the Intel community has chosen to highlight Russian’s attempt at interfering in 2020 than attempting to hide Russia’s efforts in 2016...all Good provided Intel communities have the tools to fight back
Do they?
We, the public, can only hope so because we, the public, can’t “fight it” if we don’t know how is it succeeding
1
My biggest fear for a long time. Democratic voters turn out in droves for their candidate and it’s all for naught. Tiny trump and his master, Putin, steal the election yet again.
3
I found that interesting that Russia also supports Sanders.
Could it be because a President Sanders would be just as incompetent and ineffective and divisive as President Trump has been?
Russia had REASONS why they supported Trump (he's ignorant, narcissist, dishonest, easily manipulated.)
What would be their reasons to support Bernie's candidacy?
Why would Russia support the guy who wants to dismantle the Department of Defense?
1
Trump is now saying this is fake news at his rallies, and Putin just publicity stated we’re being paranoid. You have to admit, the guy is a master at running an asset.
3
Every time it looks like the Dems will lose the 2020 elections, like after the latest debate, they bring out the Russians.
4
Whatever the truth is, it will not be Trump who reveals it. That said, it makes no sense at all for Putin to favor any one candidate over another and except for meddling in the already discredited social media, he is a toothless tiger just making more trouble for people who are affected by the nonsense spewed by the unofficial reporters. It would be great to see our own media report on what actually Putin is doing. Our own media seems infected with rumor and innuendo.
1
@bellicose
Our intelligence agencies just did this - but apparently you would only believe it if Fox News did a report on it.
1
@J Details. That is what we need. Exactly what these meddlers are doing. If it is just fooling around with the social media, it is the social media to blame for being so vulnerable.
This just proves that Trump cannot win an election on his merits and his character.
2
To simplify matters - Trump is a traitor accepting help from a foreign power to stay in office, undermine American elections and refusing to do anything to stop them from acting that way. He fumes and attacks the warning messengers. He pretends to be strong against Russia while always seeking to help them by arguing in their favor and trying to delay or eliminate sanctions against them. He seeks to disarm our security measures against them by claiming they're not doing it and taking NO actions to stop their interference. If that's not what a traitor would do then we may as well just admit that Trump is America's leading Russian patriot.
3
Be grateful for small favors: Trump hasn't killed the messenger...yet.
2
So, this news which is frightening is going to be "spun" as nonsense. Some voters may not vote now thinking it's all a sham. Trump's pretend outrage over the leak rather than the action is beyond the pale.
87
@HellsKitch Not necessarily spun as nonsense, though we will have some of that.
My guess is that Republicans know it, just like last time, and simply don't care. They don't care about Trump's lies, they don't care about the corruption of the DOJ, they don't care about anything as long as they "win".
11
@HellsKitch
Of course, it is a sham. With Trump on one side (a somewhat known quantity) and God knows who'll emerge on the other, people tend to draw closer to the 'devil they know'.
Spinning the Russia tale, the China tale, or the Martians tale is just another desperate attempt to decide the outcome of the election in advance.
Wonder why Trump's approval rating is rising?
This is why.
3
@HellsKitch Trump thinks the Democrats would use this against him, because that's what he'd do. Also, he wants whatever Russia did last time to get him elected to continue. Reportedly they haven't changed their tactics, and if it worked then, odds are it'll work again, or so he hopes. And they have reportedly added bring to meddle in primaries! (Good thing the GOP isn't bothering with that this time around.)
5
Lets be honest, Trump owes Russia bigly, and he is paying them back as much as he can! Making MAGA to really mean Making America Go Away. Meanwhile the 3 monkey acting Republicans are helping him to make that happen. Our nation's security and democracy is crumbling to feed their greed. What will it take for some Americans to understand Trump is the big fake of the deep state!?!
7
I suspect the West will, in the future, need to find a way to confine internet to the West and its safe allies, or democracy is in peril, and in severe disadvantage compared to authoritarian states and its far-reaching i fluence. We see the problems in universities and companies already, but I am not sure this idea of “openness” is viable anymore. Democracies seem poised to lose otherwise, easily bent. This is not a matter or Trump or not.
Editor’s note: This comment has been anonymized in accordance with applicable law(s).
2
Democrats are already prepping their favorite Russian scapegoat for when they loose again.
5
@Tim
Trump lost the election..
4
Trump can display the Russian flag (of hammer and sickle) at one of his rallies, go over and hug it, and his base would go giddy with delight.
21
Donald Trump claims that all the - gerrymandering, corruption. hacking, misinformation, blackmail, obstruction, collusion, treason, treachery, fear mongering, hatred, scapegoating, racism, threats, duplicity, hypocrisy, bribery, lying, incitement, tampering, payoffs, malfeasance, chicanery, fabrications, disenfranchisement, victimization, appeasement, pandering, rigging, conspiracy, fraud, spitefulness, misdirection, pontification, demagoguery, bating, intimidation, dog-whistles, bluster, coercion, distortions, bullying, influence peddling, extortion, and requests for foreign intervention and foreign interference - has been "weaponized.
12
I’d like to know HOW they are meddling. If it’s via memes from made up Facebook accounts, then the only people that are influenced by this are idiots.
8
that's exactly the point.
4
YFL
Asked by someone who doesn’t seem to understand the power of the internet, especially when you get handed polling data from the Republicans.
1
I don't understand the commentators who continually provide the rationale that Trump does not want to admit that Russia helped him win the 2016 election and that they are doing it once again. The reason Trump refuses to admit the evidence from U.S. intelligence agencies is the obvious: he wants Russia to continue to help him so that he wins the 2020 election. Of course he cannot ask Russia publicly to keep doing it. This is called treason. And the Congressional Republicans are facilitating this.
17
Trump's reaction was not to decry Putin's meddling or to vow to strengthen our defenses against foreign adversaries trying (succeeding?) to control our elections. It was to revealing to Congress & the public that Putin is back working illegally for Trump's re-election. Don't stop it - just keep it quiet is Trump's message.
9
One thing the news organizations have failed to convey is exactly how the Russians are interfering in our election systems. The other is WHY? Why does Donald Trump benefit Russia- why does Putin want him to be our President? If it's not obvious, perhaps the American people need an answer to these very important questions. To some of us, the answer is obvious and multifaceted, to others not so obvious. The answers must come from interviews with former Trump administration officials that have either been fired or have quit because of this issue.
9
It’s called projection.. US has a long history of election meddling, Latin America being one of their victims.. its easy to project your misdeeds on other countries.
How people believe this is beyond me..
@EAP
Why? Let's take a look. Do you know Syria? Do you know Ukraine? Who benifits from undermining our alliances with Europe? A first grader would know why.
The answer is quite obvious: Putin extended an offer to Trump, the ultimate man without character, and he accepted. The inexplicable question is why tens of millions of Americans voted for a man with no government experience, no morality and no knowledge of world or domestic politics. What could possibly go wrong?
1
Perhaps the moat we should be most worried about is not one Trump's building around the U.S., but the one around himself with the virtually all federal powers at his disposal. So you think we can trust him?
He's said he's only performing a role. I'd rather see the matinee than watch it play out in my country.
4
There is no reason to believe any of these new cold war spy speculations (always "classified") as they are the same old CIA etc., disinformation campaigns the government engages in to make sure the appropriations for the military industrial complex keeps coming in. Facebook trolls personally unleashed by Putin to get Trump re-elected (who has caused him more problems than most other recent presidents with sanctions, etc,) is just a replay of the unsubstantiated, but now universally believed, claims made concerning the 2016 elections. Even if true, it's just a small reflection of the kind of meddling the USA engages in all the time and doesn't amount to a hill of beans compared to our own internal election meddling by voter suppression, gerrymandering, and corporate bribing via the corruption of the lobbying industry. It's not Putin we have to worry about but our own anti-democratic rigged political system.
3
How was it a "problem" for Putin when DJT lifted Obama-era sanctions?
@Michelle If you check out the sanctions info on the web I think you will find DJT has added more sanctions against Russia than were there in the Obama years.
"Find out just what the people will submit to, and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them; and these will continue until they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress."
-- Frederick Douglas (1857)
Apparently we haven't reached the limit of how much injustice the American People will submit to yet. Trump is going to keep on pushing as long as we don't rise up and remove him.
"The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny."
- Federalist No. 47
"We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution."
-- Abraham Lincoln
We fought a revolution to free ourselves from the tyranny of Mad King George III of the UK. Who is going to do so to free us from the tyranny of Mad King Donald I of The United States of Trump?
5
@Beartooth
Mad King George, really? What rights has he taken away? What taxes has he raised? What wars has he started?
Ah yes, Trump the Tyrant. The first tyrant in history to say to the citizens: I order you to keep your guns and for every new regulation that is passed from now on, two must be removed. Some pretty counter-intuitive tyranny he is using to control the people.
The first tyrant in history to openly attack the long established and finely tuned propaganda mechanism in order to enslave the brainwashed masses with a new form of wizardry.
1
Why would they want Trump when they could have wayward son Bernie or "military last" Warren at the helm?? I also sense that they've put a hold on mischief that they would otherwise engage in with a Democrat in office. I don't mind Trump extending respect to Putin as a world leader, since Putin is a world leader, and it's possible to disagree without imperiling country relations.
Bernie/Warren/Hillary would be a boon for regimes regrouping and returning to bullying the US.
4
@David H. I agreed with you up until the Hillary part, she was quite anxious to start a war with both Iran and Russia, a major part of the reason she lost the election.
1
They want Russia because he has a strong nationalist agenda that promotes isolationism and unilateral actions rather than cooperation and a multilateral with European allies and NATO which is exactly what has historically checked Russia and other bad actors.
2
@David H.
So you prefer i have an imaginary foot problem so i won't serve Trump?
Now why would our arch enemy want Trump re-elected? Trump supporters should think about that for a few minutes.
9
Powerful nations have meddled in their neighbors elections ever since the advent of nation states, often for security or economic reasons. What is particularly egregious about Putin's actions and Trump's pandering complicity is intent. Putin is purposefully and successfully disrupting the cohesion of allied democratic nations!
6
Are we even entirely certain yet that the 2016 election was not stolen, I mean, besides the "legal?" ways, for example electors acting independently of voters' majority choices? The electoral college is no longer appropriate, for this and other reasons.
Glad to see reports of current Trump/Putin tampering now. By studying and widely publishing the next election's corrupt preparations, Congress keeps Americans, who are already in voting mode with early ballots, more aware of criminality still fully operational just under the radar, and makes a 2nd national election theft by these thugs (doesn't count prior GOP thefts enabled by Supreme Court, etc.) a bit harder to pull off or hide after the fact.
1
Look how corrupted our government is! I guess three years is about all the time needed to strangle a democracy. The intelligence community is supposed to primarily be concerned with "not angering Republicans" by hiding the fact that trump, an impeached criminal, is compromised by Putin who helped him illegally rob the 2016 election, and is working hard to do it again in 2020. The Justice Department is corrupted by Barr, the courts stacked with Trump cronies, Intelligence headed by a know-nothing loyal to Trump, the EPA vanished, the Senate by McConnell. With Fox News as their propaganda arm, the Republicans might as well be the Politburo bootlicking their leader-for-life. With despair to spare on tap, the Republicans are counting on millions to stay home in the next election. Voter suppression sliced six ways. Let's send this evil cabal a clear message in November. Every rich tax evader and loyalist to Trump will be evicted by the American people.
8
Trump refuses to acknowledge that Russia's meddling in our elections is not the same thing as him colluding with them in our elections. Unfortunately they are and he is... again.
5
As in "Animal Farm", Trump looks more and more like Putin in every way. The Right is successfully building a one party Autocracy that will play with any bully that strengthens them.
Those truly opposed to tyranny maybe better re think, at least temporarily, their views on the second amendment. The round-ups purges, Brown Shirts etc are all but a certainty. Plan on defending yourself.
5
Seems like a waste of time and money on the part of the Russians. The Democrats seem to be ensuring Trump's re-election fine on their own.
4
The White House is a Russian Satellite location.
This is not new.
Talking about Russian expansion.
2
The beginning of the death of democracy in America has started because people are fixated on their pocket-books and not on America as a free and democratic society. Trump is taking credit for a rising stock market and bragging about peace and prosperity while he is racking up trillions of dollars in deficits and cutting social security, medicare, medicaid, food stamps and other safety net programs to offset the deficit. He is also trashing the pillars of liberal democracy: the rule of law, allegiance to the truth, a free and independent media, and social solidarity while distracting us with entertaining trivia like name calling and his ever increasing list of grievances.
In 2020, Sanders is the only democrat that that Trump has not gone after. No investigations into his past until he is safely the Democratic nominee. Trump is letting him rise unimpeded.
The viciousness of inflamed Sanders supporters on social media and comment boards surely indicates that somebody is energizing, enraging and inflaming them besides Bernie Sanders. The article tells us that Russian intelligence directed its operatives to criticize anyone "except Sanders and Trump - we support them." Ah so! Because support for Sanders is a victory for Trump. It is also the beginning of the death of democracy in America. Enjoy your fat wallets for now, because once your freedoms are gone and there is no rule of law, they can pick your wallets with impunity.
7
I am not horrified to learn that Russians are successfully meddling in our elections. I would expect no less, I would expect to do exactly this everywhere else, and have others elect only those people who are friendly to us, and let us win every time. What I am horrified to learn is that republicans are supremely pleased about this, and will stop at nothing to allow Putin to install their tribal leader Trump in office so that they can continue with their wholesale defiling of the republic. I am even more horrified that the center left - other than softly whining and complaining - has no real plan to coalesce around a candidate to defeat Trump, and no real plan to swiftly imprison him and his minions (starting with Mitch). None. If Putin likes to win, the democrats are demonstrating clearly that they are about as interested in losing.
Nothing in here but suppositions, allegations and hypothetical conjecture. Does Russia have an equivalent to our NED somewhere in America? Are polls being tampered with or corrupted by Russia? Have American social media companies sold their data to Russia? Can the intelligence community point to concrete examples of anything other than the "intention" of the Russians? Sorry, but it is hard to believe so many are swallowing this Russia interference story hook line and sinker.
3
Life long friend convicted.
Campaign manager in jail.
Personal lawyer in jail.
National Security Advisor awaits sentencing.
Fake charity, $2 million fine.
Fake "University," $25 million fine.
Over 15,000 documented lies, and counting.
No taxes released despite lie about "audit."
Obstruction of justice.
Impeached for seeking foreign election help.
8
I fear that the Putin-Trump combo will be very difficult to beat In the immortal words of Yogi Berra, it's deja vu all over again.
3
Meddling? Call it what it is: an attack.
9
Don't like the message? Fire the messenger. If that isn't ego-based I don't know what is. Doesn't change the fact Russia is at it again. Who is left in the cabinet who is not "acting"? That alone is abuse of power. Had the spineless GOP Senators honored their oath of office and oath to be impartial jurors, Trump would have been removed from office. Since they chose the traitorous route, murderers, shills, con-men, and grifters are back on the street. Fellow contributors are telling us to vote Nov 3rd. Do we have that long? I don't think so.
4
Honestly, people need to get up and march in their state capitols until this STOPS! This is a true crisis. MILLIONS who DIED to protect our democracy in the last 6 wars will have died for nothing if we are too lazy to to this!!
4
And when will it be enough from this rogue President? When, Republican lawmakers, when? Your complicit silence has put our nation's present and future in harm's way.
3
Dear New York Times,
PLEASE correct your headline! Russia is NOT “meddling” that’s something my mother-in-law does! Russia, IS ATTACKING our democracy!!! Please get this straight! You are smarter than this! The word meddling, is a silly word for what Vladimir Putin is doing!
America, please note, that Mitch McConnell has not allowed two House bills that would provide funding to protect the elections in 2020 to even come up for a vote in the Senate!
TrumpRussia2020
4
Why does any of this matter? We MUST remove the cancer growing in our government. Until that happens, Trump will poo poo any wrong doing on his part like any smart child will. VOTE! It is the answer here. VOTE them out.
9
To quote a fictional movie: Republicans "can't handle the truth".
Do Republicans want to be CUDDLED, and given incorrect versions of intelligence to "avoid angering Republicans"?
NYT: "Some intelligence officials viewed the briefing as a tactical error, saying the conclusions could have been delivered in a less pointed manner or left out entirely to avoid angering Republicans."
4
I’m waiting for this shirt to appear in one of Trump rallies very soon —
MAKE RUSSIA GREAT AGAIN
TRUMP • PUTIN 2020
6
So Trump fired the acting DNI for briefing Congress (which is his job) and now unilaterally (bypassing Congress) assigned a new acting DNI, one who has no experience, and who’s only qualification appears to be that he is loyal to Trump and will report to Trump, not to Congress. And it gets worse. Nunes’s aide who was with him going all over Europe trying to get dirt on Biden, and also who has pushed conspiracy theories, and wrote the Nunes memo, is the new top advisor for the new acting DNI. This after Nunes has been shown to have ties to Lev Parnas.
We are in dangerous territory here when unqualified partisan people are allowed to have control of the entire intelligence community. Who knows if they will use the powers of that office to help Trump win the election, help his allies and hurt his perceived enemies. Now Trump has control of the Senate, DOJ, and now the intelligence community. This is a scary time in US history.
“NSC aide who worked to discredit Russia probe moves to senior ODNI post Kash Patel, a former acolyte of Rep. Devin Nunes, is now a top adviser in the Office of National Intelligence.”
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/02/20/kash-patel-odni-post-116546
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/01/the-men-behind-the-nunes-memo/551825/
4
save yourselves the trouble Russia, the Democrats have this covered.
5
Impeach him all over again!
12
Donald Trump lives in fear -
That is very clear for all to see…….
AND,
What is it Trump fears?………..
Something hits band of Secret Service protectors can't defend him against……..
It is,
The TRUTH
11
Time for Republicans to remove those fake, phony little American flags from their suit lapels and replace them with adorable, deplorable Russian flags.
Grand Old Phonies
November 3 2020
24
It would be terrible to have politicized intelligence! Just imagine, the DIA could falsely say that a foreign leader had WMD, and get us into a bad war!
5
Breaking news: Petitions are being circulated in support of a Senate-led plan to change the name of the country to "Catatonia".
4
Just another reason to vote with a punch and a card. Computers are great for many things, but not for voting. As for the disinformation on social media, if we are such morons that Facebook and Twitter are our sources of information and news then we don’t deserve to have a country.
7
Sometimes the articles in The Times make no sense whatsoever. Why are the Russians so anxious for Trump to be elected over, in all likelihood, his challenger Bernie Sanders? Bernie Sanders would like to lower the defense budget, Bernie Sanders would not be so likely to give Israel everything they want on a silver platter, Israel being a critic of Russia since its creation, Bernie Sanders wants peace for the Middle East Trump wants whatever his Wall Street and AIPAC masters tells him he wants, which is definitely not peace but continual war until everyone that could possibly present a threat to Israel is obliterated. Why in the world would Russia want a Trump elected, in less The Times is still wont to believe a Trump sensibly wanted Russia as a friend rather than an enemy as he promised in his campaign: well apparently no one has told The Times that idea was shot down immediately by the pro Israel lobby across both sides of the aisle( with help from defense contractors no doubt). I sometimes wonder if the John Birch Society is alive and well in the corridors of our capital, it certainly seems so with respect to single payer healthcare: I was in a Doctors office yesterday scheduling a cataract surgery and “the closer” began explaining the cost of all the add ons, some $3,000.: I jokingly said would single payer under Bernie change that and she went into a tirade, “what are we Communists”, blah, blah, she being a solid Trump supporter.
7
Simple... Follow the money. Putin has all the compromat on Trump and the Senate already. Trump is already doing the bidding of the Kremlin. Why introduce incorruptible Bernie when you've already got the whole GOP in your pocket?
3
@Katherine
The intelligence community sans NYT is stating that the Russians prefer Trump.
Trump is an ignorant narcissistic eight-year-old and I think that is someone who is easily manipulated.
It’s turbulence and self-destruction that they want here.
5
Putin wants Trump because Trump is much less committed to NATO and has worked tirelessly to roll back US sanctions on Russia. Plus Trump is pulling America back from the world and Russia is filling the void.
2
The American Far Right teaming up with Moscow: WOW! Joseph McCarthy must spin like crazy in his grave!
Never thought I would see that in my life! I must be too old!
9
Is it time to begin another Russian collusion investigation hoax??? Democrats and main stream media, don’t put the American public down this rabbit hole, again.
5
"Vote For Russia's Candidate - Donald J. Trump!" After all, we know that Vladimir Putin has our county's best interests in mind.
8
Wake up America. On Tuesday, Nov 3, 2020 send this grandson of German barber in the dustbin of history. Defeat the incumbent POTUS.
6
Why compare men or truth with a need for lies
Enough already.
3
If we don't fix our elections, the Russicans, not the old GOP, but this new breed of the tumpera Russicans, will put him office for 4 more years. Then the Kingship begins.
1
Trump and his Republican co-conspirators don't need Russia to help them - they are perfectly capable of rigging elections all by themselves.
4
Utter nonsense! Just more Deep State lies.
The Donald Trump administration represents much more of a threat to expansionist Russia than would a President Sanders, who loved Communism and Russia so much, he honeymooned in the USSR.
3
@ BearBoy
Everything trump has done in international affairs has been at the direction of Putin. Putin is loving having his puppet in the WH. Trump owes Russian much money. He has been kaundering money for Russia for decades thru Deutsche bank, a known corrupt entity, and the only financial imstituuion who will have anything to do with Don the Con and his corrupt, defaulting family business.
Try reading something sometime.
1
Whats wrong with one party democratic rule ? All GOP senators already rubber stamped it.. 95% of GOP supports Trump .. so whats wrong.. we muffed it when we refused to vote for Hillary .
We are dealing with the Monster we have created and cannot control atleast this year in 2020 with the "Leftist revolution" planned in Dem party side now stating we in the middle as "despicable s" .. it seems all but certain the centrist dems will refuse to go vote this year like me !
1
Moscow would rather Trump than Bernie? Sure.
2
Yes, they prefer Trump. He’s easily manipulated. Also, Russia is no longer a communist country, if you hadn’t noticed. They are now an oligarchy ruled by an autocrat. Trump is perfect for Putin.
3
Instead of demanding a plan of action to stop Putin, Trump goes straight at the Democrats. Why does Trump NEVER go at Putin? Hmmm....
8
This should give all trump supporters pause. Unless they are so far gone they believe what trump says "this is fake news"..It is not fake news. Trump seems compromised by Russia and Putin. Trump is constantly attacking US Government Agencies and it's Civil servants who have served for decades but fondly supports Putin....Has America lost its collect mind? Are the republicans insane? Trump needs to GO!
4
If Trump had this data on the Dems he
would “nuclearize” it.
1
Stop telling us to believe it’s happening and show us HOW. Report.
3
I'll be brief.
Trump won't win the fall election,
Putin will win.
5
Trump weaponized it, as the public did not know about this until he fired Maguire
Please New York Times, no further references to Trump's statements and tweets unless preceded by a disclaimer like this:
Please note: Mr. Trump’s statements are a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
As far as we know, no animals were harmed in the making of them.
5
Are these the guys who can’t crack an iPhone?
1
And so many saps actually believe Russia is hijacking this election! Still can’t get over that Hillary lost and that no Democrat is going to beat Trump in November
Spoken like a typical Trump supporter and frequent Fox News viewer. When will you folks ever learn? Probably not in time to save our Republic.
3
Well, now isn’t THIS a surprise?
We have someone in the oval office who dislikes the truth, is angerend by those who voice it (will destroy a reputation at the very least) and ethics is not in his vocabulary.
You had a chance to make it right, had all the evidence, but party alliance was more important than our childrens future so we played blind and deaf. And here we are again.
A man who replaces good people with blind supporters in key positions of power.
Now we will have to deal with the consequences....
Welcome to the US republic of “the president does not approve” China. Perhaps peoples republic of Stallin of America? (Lets not forget Mussolini and all those dictators in South/central america. They all did the same)....
No one is listening.
The right is flooding the information zone with nonsense. The NyTimes is no longer a gatekeeper. We’ve lost all faith in news, truth, or consensus.
Even if they can hear the signal, people don’t believe it.
1
I believe it.
2
@Mo P there are a lot of people that believe it along with you. Truth is we have an opportunity at the election to kick Trump to the curb to defend our country against his dictatorship.
2
Republicans your wallets may seem heavier but you’d pocket is being picked. The ultimate theft is when the administration is so full of people like Trump they out right rob you of everything.
3
So Russia is putting stories on Facebook? Who cares? Thousands of dead "Democrats" vote in every election. Others vote multiple times. How about voter ID?
1
@Mike B.
I'd love to see a list of these 'dead democrats.'
Voter ID is for Republicans terrified they won't win any other way.
Did I ever think I'd live long enough to see so-called Republicans become pro-Russian?
Don't vote to re-elect this disgrace of a President.
7
How is this news playing at Facebook, enablers of much of the Russian interference? Will they come to their senses and make greater efforts to identify and remove fake posts from their site?
2
Another example of hysteria. No where in this story is a detailed example of what the Russians are actually doing other than vague Facebook campaigns to sow discord. Moral panic is spreading and the NY Times is fanning it. Has it occurred to no one at the Times that Russia and its predecessor, the Soviet Union, have tried to interfere in US elections since Stalin and we’re still here and doing fine.
2
@Padraig Lewis
As a democracy, we are decidedly NOT doing fine.
2
A Vote for TRUMP is a Vote for SOVIET AMERICA. That's where he is leading us, right into the arms of the Soviet Union. And his supporters are happy to deliver. A huge con man and a 'UGE CON.
2
"We are GOP! Resistance is futile!"
All these comments rebutting the intelligence report. I’ve never seen so many! Wait...could they be produced and posted on the NYT comment section by Russian bots? Easy to do I would think. Not so easy is to manipulate the original reporting of this story. I’ll believe that and regard comments as town gossip.
I’m not paranoid, just very careful about what I read. I would advise the same to others.
6
I guess I will start looking under my bed every night, lest some hiding Russian spy will brainwash me to vote for Trump.
1
Same old, same old
Time for another impeachment proceeding to begin. Thanks Susan Collins (and all your ilk.) This could have been avoided.
2
I don't think Russia got Trump elected. He did it all by himself by running on a platform of racism and bigotry and promises of bringing back coal-mining jobs and building a wall on the Mexican border that Mexico was going to pay for. How was Hillary, or even Jeb Bush going to compete with that? Was Jeb supposed to send his wife back to Mexico? I don't think so. The only people that got him elected is his White Supremacist followers that flock and chant at his rallies. I'm a democrat and I hope we win!!
4
More death throttling by anti Trump elements.
The AG suppressed the information from the Mueller investigation which definitely implicates Russia meddling in our elections.Trump himself confirmed that fact with an offhanded comment directed at Putin "don't interfere in our elections".
Is it not obvious what is transpiring in our country?
A treasonous president and Republican party along with a Joseph Goebbles style propaganda led by Fox News are dismantling our democracy.
If Trump is reelected it will confirm that the USA is an oligarchy identical to that has been established in Russia .
3
Readers should remember that a Donald Trump has on multiple occasions underscored for Americans his supreme intelligence. There are none in government as intelligent as this President. So if he says our intelligence agencies don’t know what they’re talking about, who are we going to believe, the smartest human being in the known, and probably unknown, universe, or the CIA, FBI, NSA, Military Intelligence, and billions of dollars worth of surveillance and counter surveillance technology?
Gotta be Donald Trump, right?
8
“Some intelligence officials viewed the briefing as a tactical error, saying the conclusions could have been delivered in a less pointed manner or left out entirely to avoid angering Republicans.”
This is scary stuff.
Exactly how safe is a country that must censor its intelligence so as to not offend the people responsible for acting on that intelligence?
10
So many "coincidences" in this administration, and yet, there is no collusion, no corruption and definitely no help from the Russians to help get him re-elected, right?
What a sad state of affairs American politics has turned into since his election in 2016. How cynical we've all become. Like in other autocratic states, the average citizen now question the truth. Isn't that what they wanted?
Republicans along with this administration have successfully torn us apart. So sad.
3
The much larger problem is that our own billionaires and corporations are meddling to re-elect Trump.
2
"Some intelligence officials viewed the briefing as a tactical error, saying the conclusions could have been delivered in a less pointed manner or left out entirely to avoid angering Republicans."
It has really come to this: a briefing about a hostile country attempting to subvert an American election is questioned because it will anger Republicans. This current version of the GOP evidently considers politics more important than our national security.
That is an outrgage.
6
Alan Dershowitz claimed that Donald Trump's re-election is seen by Donald Trump as "in the public interest". So, based on that, it's fair to say that Trump, Dershowitz, and the rest of the GOP, would argue that Vladimir Putin has that same "public interest" in mind.
Their position is that Russia just wants to "help out" during the election out of concern for what's best for America.
The only thing that remains to be seen is how many voters out there will agree with Vladimir Putin that Donald Trump is what's best for this country?
5
How about a President is entitled to being told first when there is an intelligence report?
Trump is right to be out of patience with those who feel they have the right to exclude him from briefings to which he is entitled and to drawing conclusions that as I understand it were no robustly supported by the facts.
It has been widely known for the entirety of Trump's presidency that he will not participate in the Presidential Daily Briefings, which are comprised of important information the president should have on a daily basis, compiled and presented to the president by the intelligence community. If Trump were interested in actually running the country, he would attend these meetings.
5
@JRW
And you know he wasn’t told first because.... you work in the White House?
Donald Trump famously dislikes our intelligence agencies and maintains that he’s smarter than them in any case. Besides, he asked Vlad and Vlad told him it wasn’t so.
Who is he going to believe, an old friend, fellow party animal, and business client, or our intelligence agencies and sources?
"United We Stand."
"Divided We Fall."
It appears as per Trump having already succeeded at his goal for division in America, that America is due for a fall which will instead this time leave Americans still divided should another 9/11 tragic disaster hit this country.
But even sadder this time is the possibility that the next 9/11 tragedy could be instead of domestic nature incited by Trump's words and actions to his approving cult in being the terrorists.
After all, Trump did warn all Americans in his words some few months ago that should he be impeached, "a Civil War would hit this country like it has never seen before."
If that's not the evil Dictator inciting violence, then what is?
4
@Bill Yes and having a socialist in the WH isn't dividing? At least Trump wants a strong economy and low unemployment. Sanders and Warren just want to redistribute wealth as if that doesn't have a negative impact on everything.
Everybody knows, or should know the problem with this country at this moment in Time. It is that Trump and his Trumpublican Party are working so seamlessly with Putin’s Russia to use our unique brand of American frailty to take down our own obviously fragile political system, so easily, so quickly and so thoroughly. What really is astounding is that all it took was one person deciding he could disregard & disrupt all convention, truly believe he could break any and all written laws fully anticipating that he could ensure himself to be fully immune from any negative consequence for such bad behavior just by being himself and effectively acting the part for our amusement. The only real question is what took him & the Russians so long in deciding to activate this perfect weapon—our own national gullibility. We’ve been a perfect set up for this kind of attack for decades. What astounds me most is that there is no effective remedy against this strategy. Without appropriate levels of resolve or an immediate & complete national personality transplant, ‘resistance is futile’. We are proving not to be strong enough to win this specific challenge. We’re so proud of our ‘American Exceptionalism’ that we cannot admit our obvious vulnerability. Evil forces will win this or any similar confrontation with our America in a cakewalk. Who or what is strong enough effectively to stand against this onslaught—and prevail? Who woulda thunk it would be now that this American Experiment ends?!
5
The voting machines that are being used are themselves questionable, and Mitch McConnell refuses to establish mandatory paper ballots for all states. That, plus the fact that he refuses all bipartisan bills for election security to be voted on is like a neon sign slapped on the Republicans' forehead that, yes, indeed, the election will be rigged.
Even without any foreign interference whatsoever, without anybody breaking into voter databases, the fact that you can't even prove that your vote was cast correctly leaves the possibility for rigging wide open.
Recounts are a joke if all you are recounting are votes that were switched by the voting machine to go to a different candidate.
3
If I'm the Russians I'd prefer Sanders. He could destroy the economy which means less tax dollars for military. I don't think Sanders has much of a clue on foreign relations either. And once you implement socialist entitlements, they are near impossible to reverse. Russians know firsthand the failures of handouts to workers. The workers used to have a saying in the Soviet Union: "we pretend to work, and they pretend to pay us."
1
@Not 99pct
Deliberate disinformation. Sanders is not saying everyone should work for the Government. And many who do work for state and federal governments are quite happy with decent benefits, thank you. Sanders IS saying you shouldn't have to choose between food rent and health care payments, while the richest get richer with no social responsibility. The horror.
2
@Not 99pct
Destroy the economy? No, your boy Trump is well on the road to doing that. Hopefully *before* November so we can get rid of him out for sure.
As far as having a clue about foreign relations - oh, well.
Socialist entitlements? Like Medicare and Social Security?
Are people shocked that a guy who used the media to invite Russia to hack his opponent’s email gets annoyed by any discussions about Russian interference in elections?
Muzzling Intelligence, interfering in Justice, stripping all career diplomats from State, silencing scientists in the EPA and NOAA, moving the seat of government to his private golf palace, shutting down press briefings and trading weapons and foreign aid for dirt on opponents and having private meetings with Russian officials- why trouble Republicans with this news? Trump is dismantling the government and the corruption is evident, whether or not the Russians are helping him.
3
If Shelby Pierson had surmised that the Russians wanted Sanders or another Democrat to win or were going to interfere in the 2020, period, you wonder if Trump responds differently.
2
I think most Americans are missing the irony of what is really going on here. Putin is staging what just might be the most brilliant political coup in the history of the human race. He has actually managed to persuade at least half of American voters to exercise their voting right to go to the ballot box and elect to dissolve their own Democracy. It is really quite brilliant! Stalin could never have imagined how easy it could be to defeat democracy.
7
Russians are interfering with our elections, so be it.
But that doesn't change the reality.
In elections buck stops at voters.
Voters cannot wash their conscience and blame somebody else .
Election Buck Stops at Voters.
@SU
It most certainly *doesn't* stop at the voters when the votes themselves are unsafe.
"One of Moscow's main goal is to undermine confidence in American election systems..." (1) We have done a fine job of that on our own: the Supreme Court Citizen United and tsunamis of money as free speech; the wrecking of the Voting Rights Act; the duopoly of the two parties having built ramparts against the creation of any third party. (2) The ease with which the electorate is lead by the propaganda machine to vote against its own interests. (3) and, of course left unsaid, we, the USA, do not interfere in the elections of other nations!
"Mr. Trump has fixated on Mr. Schiff since the impeachment saga began, pummeling him publicly with insults and unfounded accusations of corruption." Let's be a bit more balanced and admit that Mr. Schiff is and has been fixated on Mr. Trump.
@Lynn
I might be fixated on a corrupt and lawless person too, particularly when they're charged with running the country.
Great whataboutism, though.
"Meddling".
This word in the the Times headline troubling. Times Editors, I fault you for continuing to use it, and for not calling a spade a spade.
Looking at the dictionary, Russia's actions go beyond "annoying" and "impertinant". Russia through Putin is *attacking* the USA. It is an act of war and should be discussed and reported as such.
Putin's decades-long effort is as aggressive and as belligerent as any kinetic war, it's just that the weapons and techniques have changed, and Putin as far as I can tell is winning by slowly poisoning and weakening us. Death by a thousand cuts is the battle plan, and it seems to me to be very effective.
Choose your analogy: we are the frog. The pot is near-to-boiling already and we aren't making a move to jump out and save ourselves. The chefs of our political and economic systems are of course holding the lid down over said pot so we're having trouble jumping out even if motivated to do so.
"Meddling to Re-elect Trump" as the headline says is an act of war. Don't minimize the pernicious but deadly intent behind that project. Do do so makes the Times complicit in the effort.
2
Whether or not it’s in an official capacity, Donald Trump is a Russian asset. The miserable division that Trump eagerly stokes, coupled with the sycophantic silence of the GOP, is music to Putin’s ears. He wants America weakened and disgraced. The conduct of Trump, Barr, and the GOP is a tragic un-American farce. Jeb Bush said, “Trump will be a chaos President”, and he was exactly right. Trump said he was going to drain the swamp. Instead, he installed a water slide, picnic tables, and a private golf club.
3
Congress needs to correct the laws pertaining to temporary positions allowing trump to sidestep and continue flagrant abuse of power. 90 days for congress to approve head of any department nominated by any president. trump playing pinball with our security is horrific.
2
Something that has not gotten enough attention is the Trump post presidency and what kind of crimes he can be charged with. Is it possible that Trump's choices are to be reelected at any cost or go to prison? And what is the consequence of healing the nation by overlooking crimes? No one went to jail for the financial crisis and the regulations are being rolled back. Iraq War? Torture? Without punishing Trump and company for breaking laws are we emboldening future political criminals?
1
The battle between Russia and America rages in America, but it looks like Russian Administration has the upper hand.
It’s frustrating to watch as our dictator in chief mocks the rule of law, with the approval and support of Devin Nunes, Mitch McConnell, Bill Barr, and all of the other swamp creatures in the Senate and on the Supreme Court.
Their oaths to support and defend the Constitution and the rule of law were never sincere and haven’t been for decades.
It has always been a quest for power fueled by greed.
Our last hope is at the ballot box.
2
For those of us who live in reality, this is old news with a timely reminder.
Individual 1 only wants to hear echoes of what's in his deluded mind.
Everything this guy does and says screams collusion.
2
WHAT did Mueller say at the Hearing on 23rd July 2019 ?
WAS NO ONE LISTENING. ??????
From a NY Times article....
".... he offered a stark warning on Russian election tampering — “They’re doing it as we sit here”
And yet, at every single step Sen. McConnell has blocked any attempts to protect America from this. And yet, nothing has changed one bit in Washington. Our Second Branch of government is being held hostage, the Third Branch is slowly being changed while donnie distracts us with all his appointments of judges with similar ideology .
I feel truly hopeless for the future of this country as we have known it.
Just because we are "America" does not mean our democracy is invulnerable.
1
It’s time we engage in a maximum pressure campaign to bring regime change to Russia. Let’s start by exposing the corruption of the Russian leaders, hold them accountable for executing their political enemies. Stop engaging and start isolating. Economic sanctions. Let’s take the gloves off.
1
@Michael
Your post reads better like this:
It’s time we engage in a maximum pressure campaign to bring regime change to the United States. Let’s start by exposing the corruption of the US leaders, hold them accountable for [executing ] tying the hands of their political [enemies] opponents. Stop engaging and start isolating. Economic sanctions. Let’s take the gloves off.
2
Trump was placed in office with massive amounts of Russian assistance. Putin has used the same digital media disinformation techniques in Britain and elsewhere to weaken western governments. He has been highly successful. Trump in the White House is a major victory for Putin. The Republican leadership is knowingly complicit in his success.
The Republican Party leadership is actually America's worst nightmare and Trump is the glaring symbol of their traitorous hypocrisy. There will never be any way to change the votes of the Trump-worshippers. The only way to restore a stable and decent government is to work hard to get out the vote and go the polls in massive numbers...numbers great enough to overcome Republican voter suppression and Russian election interference. We must cleanse our government of Trump, McConnell, Barr and all of their feckless Republican lackeys in Congress. The alternative is an endless descent into the bottomless depression of the Putin-controlled Trumpian abyss.
1
Exactly.
2
Imagine you are the head of a major U.S. company. One day you discover that a competitor has hacked into your computer networks and installed malicious software that allows them to snoop around undetected and in the most intrusive manner possible. They gather (among other things) passwords, internal strategy documents, opposition research, internal communications between employees, banking information, and sensitive personal information.
Imagine that your rival company has been caught spying on and stealing from you. Only, they will never be held accountable for their crimes because not only are they are a foreign company but the head of their company is also the President of their country and he directed the entire operation.
Now, if this weren't bad enough, imagine that this foreign country/company has shared your stolen information with another one of your competitors, this time an American company. The American competitor seizes on the stolen data and uses it to gain an advantage over your company. They, too, are caught red handed. Only, like the foreign company, they too will not be held accountable because the head of your American competitor used that stolen data to obtain a position of power over your company and is now the President of the United States.
4
It is Trump himself who is attempting to weaponize intelligence information by either hiding it or falsely claiming that it's all a conspiracy against him, thereby garnering sympathy for him and animus against democrats.
The intelligence information is the intelligence information, it is what it is.
Even before this 'disclosure', everyone should have known that a vote for Trump is a vote for Putin. Putin loves the GOP, and they love him back.
I hope someone is looking at hacking of polling company data.
Does this mean America has finally stopped meddling in other countries' elections?
The people of Latin America and the Middle East will be especially happy to hear that.
That Trump is more concerned about others finding out that Russia continues to attack us rather than the attack itself, isn't even news anymore.
You really have to wonder about the true loyalties of the Republican Party.
I support Russian help if it prevents the socialist candidate. Better Putin than a Socialist.
The choice is clear we can vote for a constitutional democracy and the rule of law and and have an America governed by loyal Americans or we can vote the Trump-Putin/Pense ticket and the Russo-American GOP.
2
ARIZONA Voter Suppression! From N. Arizona, Arizona legislature Rep. Bob Thorpe wants to stop college students from voting. House Bill 2461 would bar college students in Arizona from registering to vote using a “dormitory address or other temporary college or university.” You students who live off-campus? Don't feel neglected. He's also hoping to strip many of you of your right to vote -- in his home town, at least. (Also, Tempe and Tucson.)
He's also after students who live off-campus. The bill would bar anyone from registering to vote using "any address within this state at which the individual does not intend to reside for 12 months of each year."
His 12 month thing just canceled out every single snowbird which calls their "residence" on tax forms Arizona. Also, those who simply flee the state during the summer months.
If Arizona in-state college kids can't vote where they live for most of the year, they certainly would not be able to vote using their non-school ( Aka parents home, where they may spend summer and winter break) Arizona address because as you know, they don't live there 12 months a year either. So now college kids from Arizona can't vote at all? That is illegal. Even if you pass this stupid bill, it is illegal.
ASU has a student body of 80,000+ and a large percentage of them are from California, Illinois/Chicago, and New York. Add that to U of Arizona's 30,000 and you easily have enough votes to swing an election.
1
Trump is an out-of-whole-cloth Russian creation. The oligarchs propped up a failure in business with a gigantic ego, financially underwriting him. He was an easy mark for them. The birtherism conspiracy theory that propelled his political rise had Russian origins. "Trump the successful businessman" is a Russian invention. Putin's brand of Russian fascism has been exported via Trump to his blinded Republican enablers. Putin's explicit objective is destruction of the United States and he is well on his way to achieving this goal. Trump was a very smart bomb delivered to the middle of Washington DC
1
Trump has been weaponized against the USA.
This is why he got impeached.
Our national security is being held hostage to his re-election whims.
This is sheer, ironic, lunacy. No one in the land can claim to be surprised that Russia likes Trump. And the vast majority suspected that Russian would try to meddle in the election again. What Trump and his enablers can't see is that is that it is precisely their collective REACTION to the briefing which the Democrats can most effectively use with Independents and moderate Republicans, and they're too blind, or corrupt, to see it.
1
Note: Israel, Mexico, China, and yes Russia all meddle in our elections.
Russia less than the previous three.
It's always a hoax when it's about Trump. The real deal is that he is a hoax of a president.
1
I keep hoping that a significant portion of the GOP leadership will wake up and realize how far from patriotism and honor they have strayed. But, the fact is, starting in the early 1970's, the GOP has cultivated a mindset in their leadership that party politics matters more than national security, or the future of democracy.
6
@Aaron King China is a far bigger problem to national security than Russia. Russia wants us out of their backyard but they aren't trying to displace us militarily and economically like China is.
And who's done more to punch China in the face? That's right, Trump.
@Aaron King sorry but most Americans east of Death Valley and west of the Hudson know that it's the donkey party that has pulled ever more left and away from the best interests of the country.
So can we ALL get behind Bloomberg who has proven to care about America and has the resources to go mano a mano with a meddling foreign government?
9
Most likely Trump is quite upset with NATO allies that they don't contribute as much. To his re-election.
13
Here's a big problem: there is not enough explicit information as to HOW Russia is working to undermine elections. I say to NYT (and maybe US intelligence), I hear you, on the cyberattack/ransom part because these things affect registration rolls and election outcomes electronically. That I can understand.
But we need to bring out into the open fresh air and light the accusation about social media influence, what percentage of the disruption pie it is; because this is a hard democracy problem.
My opinion: we can't argue that "they" are infiltrating our social culture with disinformation, when suffocating in that argument are all the problems in a free speech society, lost to millions who adore Facebook and Twitter for their crack-cocaine-like opportunities to post endless pictures of poodles, graduations, etc .... and the next post be some share from sketchy sources a la Evil Hillary Hillary Democrats Obama Bad Bad. (or possibly something sketchy, evil-izing Republicans. It plays out just fine in my thinking, either way, to sow division).
Unfortunately this opportunity/problem says more about gullibility and lack of education, personal responsibility, and cynicism. That is on US.
14
Again, this could be Putin talking.
These are his thoughts on American society.
We do not have to agree or accept this diagnosis.
We Americans can decide our fate and assess our society, sans Putin and his eager army of social media propagandists.
Can’t we?
3
@American Indeed, the paradox is I could be Putin, using a NYT acct to participate! ;)
Can you think of a more promising media literate society which is blowing it so horribly?!
I am with your sentiment, wholeheartedly.
I don't see another way but to let the technology fever run its course, while locally trying to set examples for our friends and kids, of media literacy and responsibility in the so-called free information era.
@whowhatwhere well said. It's all so reminiscent of the Red Scare in the 1950's; "a boogyeman under every bed".
1
How many times do the intelligence experts have to tell us what the Russians are doing?? Over and over, we all should be on the lookout for these types of misinformation and demand from our local election offices that there is always a paper ballot. Do not be persuaded by "junk" that is posted on Facebook or other social media. Be an educated voter!
16
@smae I suggest not even trusting or even using social media and triangulating all sources of information before believing.
We have a corrupt Attorney General who does everything trump wants him to do - protect his friends and go after his enemies.
And now we have trump clearly wanting to muzzle the intelligence community completely. This is very dangerous because it puts our security and freedoms at risk.
Watch out folks because what we're seeing right before our eyes is authoritarianism slowly creeping into our system.
19
I guess that the Democrat attorney general during the Obama Administration was corrupt. Surely there were conversations with Obama and Clinton. I remember that Obama said several times before the election, that there was no evidence of Russian interference in the election. That interference only became an issue after Trump was elected.
@Henry "I'm Obama's wingman"
...Eric Holder
How do you diagnose power and weakness?
If you remember post WWII US directly influences the elections or even post election status in many nations, Iran and Chile is the most famous examples. In turn Nobody dare to interfere US elections in those era. This was the strength.
Now Many nations are trying ti influence US elections Russia, Israel, Saudi Arabia,Turkey etc.
This was the weakness.
4
It is Putin’s stated goal to return Russia to it former place of dominance. And we see the of evidence of how he intends to get there. Russia is a criminal kleptocracy, where Putin has created a cabal of billionaires who now own the national industries that formerly belonged to the people of the Soviet Union.
The billionaires he created are his puppets, and their money is his money. They are the spearhead in a war that Putin is waging using money instead of bullets. But until they are able to launder rubles into dollars once more, Putin will not win his war.
Sanctions relief for Russia is the underlying cause of Trump's actions in Ukraine and elsewhere.
And Putin’s oligarchs and their bagmen, like Lev Parnas, have pumped money into the Trump campaign, the GOP, the NRA, and who knows where else.
America knows we need to get money out of politics, but that we can’t even keep dirty Russian oligarch cash out of the White House. Seeing Trump's taxes will expose his life of money laundering for the Russians.
14
Does this all spell the start of Trump Impeachment 2.0? Should the Democrat-controlled House go after his again? My answer is, yes. After several court wins for mob boss John Gotti, his long-time lawyer, Bruce Cutler, could no longer keep his murderous client out of prison.
So perhaps it will be up to Speaker Pelosi, and Intell' chairman, Adam Schiff, to keep the pressure on Trump and his invertebrate enablers. Keep at it. Bring out the truth, no matter how many times Trump calls it fake news or a hoax or a witch hunt. Keep Trump off-balance. Keep the Senate Republicans off-balance. Keep the spotlight on Trump's corruption and his cozy relationship with Putin as the Russians continue to meddle in our elections.
Never let up. Never give up. Never forget.
5
Trump has most of the Senate on his side, so it still wouldn't work.
The problem is not disclosing the info. The problem is going to be if they try to accuse Trump of collusion. The Russians will do whatever they want. We do it too in other countries. The difference is that collusion is illegal.
This is just a way for the Democrats who can't find a candidate to beat Trump to say that the 2020 election was rigged and Trump needs to be removed.
Sorry Democrats. Put a candidate that inspires Americans and has good policies for citizens and you could win despite Russian or any interference.
4
The problem is with Trumpsters who continue to believe what ever Trump tells you to believe. You are playing right into Putin’s playbook.
Everything Trump says is a lie, especially when he tells more lies to cover up his past lies.
You may not believe in Russian interference but you really need to realize that Trump will stab us in the wallet when we lose affordable health care, education, housing, and more. You need to realize that Trump supports white collar crimes because he does it himself.
3
It sounds like you’re okay with Russian attacks on our elections. Would you feel the same way if Trump were the target instead of the beneficiary?
How is it possible that the Congress can't stop Trump for filling vacant offices that require its approval with nonentities that were "approved" for ambassadorships? That seems to me to be such an obvious abuse of our laws that there must be some way to stop it.
6
Because he has the Senate biased in his favor.
Because we have a GOP Senate run by Mitch McConnell. That’s why recapturing the Senate is so important. Without it McConnell can stall all nominations made by a Democratic president and act the Grim Reaper for all legislation coming out of a Democratic House.
THAT’S IT—
Further attempts to interfere with our 2020 election, just as the house managers warned the moribund cowering Republican senators at Trump’s trial.
And failure of the Republican Senate to remove Trump leaves us only the integrity of our 2020 election to cling to.
7
If our intelligence department is co-opted by Trump and Friends, there are other intelligence agencies in Britain and France that could supply the truth for those who actually like to know the truth. Plus there will always be some outliers in our intelligence department who will make sure the truth comes out--some patriotic citizens who do not wish our country to become a totalitarian country.
2
There isn't a day that goes by that Trump doesn't display his paranoia. The most common symptom is the sense that everyone is out to get you and EVERYBODY is out to get Trump. It is so obvious you can see it in his face. He should not be in a position of public policy because he unconsciously (he was born this way) priorities his fears over the well-being of the people, country and planet.
3
It's going to take years to rebuild our intelligence apparatus after individual 1 is gone and in the meantime other nations won't have to worry about rebuilding theirs. If this is what we call winning I'd certainly hate to see what losing looks like.
3
@Martino
perhaps you missed the Las Vegas "debate"? That's losing in full display. Back-biting, egotistical, self-centered but media approved versions of what is already in office.
This is needed so that there is again an excuse for when the consensus moderate Democratic candidate, produced by the process duly taking its course on a brokered second ballot at the Democratic National Convention, loses the election.
1
Of course they are. We’ve known this since at least 2016, yet Trump has done NOTHING about it. Why? He invites their help, wants it. Bottom line, we can’t be sure this election will be legitimate.
2
Trump can't get his way without cheating.
This is what happens when the Senate refuses to allow an actual impeachment trial that calls witnesses and allows relevant documents to be introduced to ascertain the truth. Trump publicly asked Russia to intervene in the 2016 election requesting it to hack into his opponent's emails ("... and Russia, if you're listening... you'll probably be rewarded mightily by our press...").
A fair trial would have resulted in his removal for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. A fair trial would have prevented him from requesting and receiving interference from Russia to make the 2020 presidential election appear compromised, at best, and illegitimate, most likely.
3
"Russian agents are trying to ensure that the Americans repeat and spread misinformation themselves. According to us officials, this strategy allows the Russians to circumvent the requirements of social network operators that prohibit "inauthentic statements".
I remember a few years ago there were statements that Russia is actively interfering in the European elections. After an investigation, it was revealed that the sources of "inauthentic statements" were a British plumber and a Finnish housewife who criticized the policies of their governments.
The article is a masterpiece. I don't know if it's more schizophrenia or paranoia. The term "inauthentic statements" alone is worth something. Soon the US will have its own article 58.
1
“On Wednesday, the president announced that he was replacing Mr. Maguire with Richard Grenell, the ambassador to Germany and an aggressively vocal Trump supporter.”
Our new Intel agency. Trump simply gives Grenell a list of Trump truths (like the Democrats are really behind the election interference), and the DNI uses his assets to show how Trump is absolutely correct. (Has he EVER been wrong?) Any other conclusion is part of the Deep State conspiracy.
2
Obama tried to persuade McConnell to join him in writing a bipartisan letter about Russian interference in 2016, but McConnell refused to inform Americans about the Russian attack. Bolton has stated the Ukraine shakedown is one of many examples where Trump and Republicans put personal interest above protecting our homeland. Trump message to drain the swamp was simply deceitful because he attracted people who thought he meant draining the lobbyists when he really meant to dismantle public service. As Ben Franklin said, "We either hang together or we'll hang alone." I hope enough Americans hang together and send politicians who put private greed above the public good home.
7
Putin's dream of bringing back the Soviet Union has come true and we're living in it. High ranking party officials selected for their loyalty to the leader. Someone who's previous job experience was hawking hot tubs can rise to become acting attorney general and someone who donates a million dollars to the cause can become an ambassador.
Explain to us again Republicans how Trump has learned his lesson.
6
4 more years of Trump will result in disarray of America's intelligence services and foreign service. America also will not have any foreign friends left. Hence, Russia can increase their influence and dominance in the world. So, ofcourse they want a Trump presidency.
4
Where is Mitch McConnell in all of this? Is he standing idly by watching, waiting, hoping, for Russian to help him get re-elected? Seems that way. It is quite clear he cares not one whit for the nation that he took an oath to serve and protect. He cares only for himself and by extension Trump and Putin. Devin Nunez is right there with him. They don’t salute the American flag anymore. They are clearly taking orders from Trump/Putin.
3
Seriously, how do we have a Democratic Party engaged in a circular firing squad when this is going on? Get it together. Now is a time for unity and running as a combined force to end this rotting of our country. If Bloomberg wants in, let’s figure out how we can help. This is going to take a united team. We need to return the basic fundamental principals to our democracy before we worry about much else. It’s really that serious.
4
Do the Republicans want to stay in power so much, that they will compromise national security?
Of course.
7
The bottom line here:
The president, who openly asked for Russian assistance for his 2016 campaign, then received it, is now trying to hide Russian support for his 2020 reelection. And his congressional surrogates are helping.
Vote Blue no matter who 2020.
5
Career” officials doesn’t mean “non-partisan” officials.
Except for a very thin layer on the top that a new President gets to appoint, most of these DC bureaucrats are entrenched partisan
Democrats, they are the deep-state.
And long may they live! You owe your freedom to them!
1
And your fake data come from where exactly....
Bast as I remember, ALL of our nation’s 17 spy agencies confirmed that Russia, under the direction of their government, worked to influence the 2016 election.
Now indeed, there were independent hackers around the world, including from Ukraine and probably most of our 50 states, running faked sites and dispersing truly fake news.
But once again, why is trump so paranoid about ... most everything that might have even a minuscule negative relationship to his circle?
Not being convicted does not mean a crime was not committed.
3
Is Russia the only country meddling in our elections? Israel, China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, North Korea and other countries manipulate public opinion all the time.
We really don't know whether actual vote numbers in 2016 were nudged a bit in a few critical precincts by Russia using data provided by the GOP via Manafort. It may have been sufficient to get thousands of Bernie Bros mad enough to vote for Trump instead of Clinton. The margins in those areas were razor thin.
Why would Russia stop with its mischief when Trump has clearly signaled his approval?
2
PLEASE can we retire "MEDDLING?" This is not meddling. This is criminal interference.
8
Another thing to wake up to and wonder if our democracy will survive. Am I the only one who has stray thoughts about what to pack if I need to leave the US?
2
I am at a loss. Aside from gerrymandering, poll taxes, software glitches, partisan voter purges, deep fake videos, and basic dirty tricks, we now have the specter of sophisticated intrusion by a foreign power with the aim of tipping the election scales. Elections have never been perfect, but I fear that we will never know again who actually won an election. To the extent that our democracy depends on free and fair elections we are in deep trouble, not that that would bother Putin.
288
@PJM That is why we have the electoral college. Direct Democracy is an absurd form of governance that has been avoided from thousands of years.
4
@Nana - Except the Electoral College doesn't protect us from that kind of interference. The EC votes for whoever wins the most popular votes in each state and gives small states an outsized advantage in electing the president. If a blue voter is in a majority red state, or vice versa, their vote will never count. Is that fair? National elections should be decided by the national popular vote, not state by state electoral votes, a holdover from slavery days to give small population states an advantage over large population states. The small states get an advantage in the Senate, so why do they get a second advantage?
29
@Nana, We had an electoral collage so slavery could grow and prosper, we maintain it so that racism and bigotry can remain entrenched and prosper. Your criticism of direct democracy mirrors the slave owners / colonies of the pre and post revolutionary periods, now how absurd is that? & what does that say about your point of view.
15
So can anyone tell me if my vote is good anymore? Will it count? Will it go toward the person I vote for? Will outsiders have any influence over the machines. Will there be paper ballots or receipts to prove who I voted for?
7
If "the Great Divider" Trump wants to complain about truth-tellers like Adam Schiff receiving intelligence briefings, I want to complain about our national disgrace of a president receiving them. We know that he blames the messenger as much as the message. We know that he serves himself and not the truth. And we know our intelligence services have enuf courage to confront all public officials with the truth. Just give him the memo and remove the mike from in front of him.
Folks, this election is not about politics, it's about integrity. When are those of both parties, with creds of pursuing truth--and there are some--going to come together and loudly and consistently confront and call out the Trumps, the Chris Stewarts, and the Tucker Carlsons (who said on Fox last nite that Judge Jackson lied in her pronouncement of justice v Roger Stone). These are the verifiable anti-democrats, along with Putin, Assad, Chairmans Xi and Un, Maduro, and Orban, and they need to be marginalized for the threats they existentially pose.
11
Why would Russia want to see Trump re-elected? Trump is a walking time bomb, while Putin is very rational and disciplined.
Trump did not need Russians to help him get elected, maybe his friends, Russian Oligarchs, paid to hack the computers, they have enough to fund hackers if needed. There is no hard evidence of who really meddled. Maybe it was just the usual routine of election meddling and maybe just cold war propaganda.
2
@ARL Trump is the last person running that the the Rookies want to see elected.
This is just a case of the Paper of (Broken) Record’s desperate attempt to kickstart RUSSIA MANIA 2.0 because the Dems got nothing.
1
@ARL
Sure. And maybe the Easter Bunny really leaves us jelly beans.
The question is: Why would anyone tolerate interference in our elections by any foreign power? And why would the Senate refuse any legislation to counteract it?
1
No he’s the first they want elected. Clinton was the last.
1
"Some intelligence officials viewed the briefing as a tactical error, saying the conclusions could have been delivered in a less pointed manner or left out entirely to avoid angering Republicans."
WHAT?!
14
I believe that Mr. Trump is becoming more and more unfit to be leader of our country.
11
The White House go to phrase these days to explain just about any choice they make, most especially employment status change is, "It's a coincidence". They may have memories no longer than a nano second but of us keep a tally on their deceptions. Vote Blue!
5
The White House go to phrase these days to explain just about any choice they make, most especially employment status change is, "It's a coincidence". They may have memories no longer than a nano second but of us keep a tally on their deceptions. Vote Blue!
2
I am troubled by how easy it is for foreign governments to manipulate not only elections but information in general. The Russian government is very good at editing history; they have been doing since winning their revolution. Other than making very sure that the actual vote count is correct and not corrupted, I am not sure what our government can do to prevent such disinformation from appearing in the media and on the internet. It would go a long way if newspapers, broadcast media and social media would at least accurately identify where information was coming from and post it along with the so called news. That's a big ask but it would at least allow us to consider the source. Also, there has always been the problem that people tend to believe what they see in print (internet) or information that is repeated often. Critical thinking skills are always needed. There is no cure for stupidity other than that provided by natural selection.
3
I'm impressed with the many comments acknowledging Russia's malign intentions, not just in the U.S. but in Britain and throughout continental Europe. Quite a difference compared to five years ago. Then, many comments came from Russian posters (their English syntax, grammar and vocabulary were decidedly from east of Minsk) -- with an all-American head photo, apple-pie user name, Iowa hometown, and a sincere concern for improved U.S.-Russia relations.
5
Republicans who repudiated the intelligence briefing into 2020 election interference tout Trump being harder on Russia than Obama. Possibly. But it's not all about sanctions.
Trump has a natural animosity to alliances. Especially with Europe. Therefore, in his estimation NATO is on the block. He's also not fond of South Korea and Japan, Mexico and Canada who he sees as fleecing America through trade disparities and security agreements.
Breaking up those alliances are infinitely more important to Putin than sanctions against oligarchs. This is the inherent effect of Putin perhaps aiding Trump. Observe what occurred in Syria. Trump left, Putin moved in. Kurds were abandoned and then punished further by Turkey. Obama did not help matters by allowing Russia to gain the first foothold, but Trump cemented those choices.
Republicans have become a curious breed. They are no longer the GOP, rather simply Trumpers, and whatever direction Trump points them to, they put noses to ground and sniff away.
The next DNI has a simple task. Find out Trump's temperature that day, and deliver news that won't cause it to rise. You don't need expertise in intelligence to do that. Hence, Grenell. Contrary to popular belief, he is the perfect person for the job. It's not about truth telling. It's about admiring the naked Emporer and telling him his clothes, Trump branded and probably manufactured in China, are beautiful.
4
Notice to federal employees: Do not bring information to this president that he does not want to hear, and never share it with Congress and/or the courts. He fires those who bring bad news, especially if it is true, then comforts himself with a few more hours of Fox News.
8
So, now once more the democrats say if Trump wins it is because of Russia. The Ukraine can help Democrats families get rich, but not even Russia can get the Democrats elected.
1
After the 2016 election, when it came to light that US intelligence was aware of Russian activity on behalf of candidate Trump during the campaign, Obama was criticized for not bringing the matter to light. Now, in 2020 it is being brought to light and the same people are complaining that it is being brought to light. Which is it boys and girls?
4
READ IT AND RAGE:
House republican Devin Nunes tells Trump that Putin is meddling in the 2020 election.
For hearing this from a "congressman", Trump angrily condemns Acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire for not having delivered the news himself, and fires him.
Trump and Nunes triumph in having executed yet another perfectly choreographed Trumpian coup; clink glasses in a toast to Loyalist Richard Grenell, whom Trump, in a lavish back-room coronation, awards the National Intelligence directorship .
Putin rejoices about his "boys": Soviet-style politics to a tee.
6
There is a simple answer to trump’s continued pushback against the intelligence that Russia wants him re-elected : show us your tax returns.
5
Trump is such a sad and insecure man he won't accept it that he won in 2016 with Russian help. His attacks on intel, FBI, Brennan, Comey and Mueller all stem from this, plus his own fear of exposure. Here we have the president of the United States failing to defend the country against a foreign enemy, Russia, because Trump sees Russia helping him. This is grounds for removal from office per se. Furthermore Trump is obstructing Congress in its duty to oversee the intelligence community for his own political reasons. Again this warrants removal from office. Lastly, Trump appoints people to the intel community whose only qualification is loyalty to him personally. This undermines our national security, and is grounds from removal from office.
5
I'm sure the US Defense industries are paying attention to this and I'm privately wishing our military will reach the point that they see it's necessary to remove Trump from office. It's very clear that Trump is a Russian operative. I think a militaristic trial to expose and punish all who aided and abetted Trump to undermine our vital intelligence system would be a great lesson to everyone.
4
@ClydeMallory The funny thing is that Trump doesn't even know what being a "Russian Operative" means
The alarm bells are ringing louder and the lights are flashing brighter while Trump and the Republicans are doing their best to pull the batteries out.
8
Of course the Democrats will "weaponize" this information and use it against Trump. That's what happens when you have a President who ignores the facts and only worries about his own interests. Any rational politician would get out in front of this story and take some actions, however symbolic, that would truly demonstrate to Putin that his interference has to stop. Trump is trapped in his bromance with tin-pot rulers like Putin, Orban, Duterte, MBS, Xi and Kim.
5
I am curious to know exactly how the Russians are interfering again. It would be nice to know what to be on the lookout for.
2
@Allison : I believe the article noted 3 ways: Moving servers to the US, using more American based trolls, and using Iranian based posts to muddy things up.
2
@Allison
You could start with some of the comments on this thread excusing Trump, sneering denials, claiming Russia didn't change votes or interfere, demanding proof, making excuses, telling us to look the other way and attacking "Trump hating Democrats" and invoking false equivalence. Read the NYT pick from Mitchell Myrin for example.
Yesterday I wrote a comment on an article about the Democratic Debate and a poster repeatedly accused me of secretly being a "Bernie Bro" and attacked Bernie supporters. This "person" clearly did not know that Bear Lass is female. This is how they work to undermine and twist the conversation.
3
@Allison
Easy. Look out for propaganda and don't buy it. Try using logic.
2
what country do we live in?
"the president's anger" isn't an excuse or a permissable reason to take many of the actions trump has exercised as being "perfectly legal" because "he is allowed to anything."
he is NOT allowed to undermine democracy. he is NOT entitled to disregard the constitution.
where is the response? are the congressional republicans so weak and scared that they will let trump destroy the country? i didn't think one person could do it. and one person isn't doing it. he is abetted by every single official - elected or appointed - that doesn't take action.
trump's actions are those of a mentally ill individual. invoke the 25th amendment. NOW!
9
As Republicans bash the intelligence community in our post-Trump world, it is important to remember that before Trump, Americans would have been almost unanimous as seeing the intelligence community as bastions of conservative ideology.
What has changed is that the intelligence community, like the state department, like the justice department, are filled with patriotic Americans devoted to the truth and to serving our country. Which is a big problem for our corrupt president who wants them to serve him only.
5
Again? How can this be? The House has been over this with everything they've got-- and ever had. Yet, Russia is still influencing people to good governance; that, is why Democrats hate. Russia is a beacon of light for Christianity.
1
Obama interfered in an Israeli election because of his disdain for Netanyahu, tried to prevent Brexit via his speechifying before the UK vote, and infamously promised Putin he would be "More flexible" after his re-election. What more would Trump-despisers want from President Trump who is tough on Russia which Putin must respect.
Trump is correct. It is being used as a weapon against Trump - this article proves that. No surprise there
1
I’m sure you are one of the Trump supporters who insisted that Russian interference and the Mueller investigation were hoaxes. By contending that the Democrats will “weaponize” this new information (brought forth by a Republican Trump Appointee, I’ll add) you just admitted that Russian interference in our elections is real, is intended to get Trump re-elected and that Trump welcomes the help from a foreign adversary! Thanks!!!
1
Trump won the presidency in a tainted and illegitimate way. Everyone knows that, starting with him. He's spent the last 3 years trying to change history, lying, shattering the Constitution, destroying lives, breaking the country apart to pretend that it didn't happen. Now he allowing it to happen all over again. Why would he do that? He must not think he can win legitimately. I agree.
6
Angela Merkel. If you're listening. Find us
Trump's Deutsche Bank tangled financing records. All's fair now, right?
4
So let me get this straight, Bernie is the communist we should all be running from when it is Trump who is, once again, being assisted by the authoritarian leader of Russia himself?
4
They are at it again- more Russia bashing! Apparently, Democrats are incapable of addressing any issues that directly impact working families- affordable healthcare, housing, education, childcare, cheaper and better public transportation and ending costly wars in the ME and bringing out troops home. Instead what have Democrats done? They spent 2 year on ‘Russiagate’, a year + on ‘Ukrainegate’ as a basis for impeaching the POTUS- they failed. Barely a week following the failed impeachment vote in the Senate, the American public was treated to the spectacle of Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff joining Mark Esper and Mike Pompeo bullying and threatening China at the Munich Security Conference. Is it China’s fault that US corporations have for decades spent money on mergers, share buybacks rather than investing in education, product development and new state-of-art manufacturing facilities in the US? The result- Boeing can no longer build a plane that can stay in the air, US telecommunication firms are not competitive with Huawei’s 5G technology, Lockheed-Martin has squandered circa $500 billion of taxpayer money on the [not so stealth]-F35 strike fighter that will never be suitable for combat. US Government debt exceeds $23 trillion and growing $1 trillion/year, while corporate debt exceeds $10 trillion. The DNC is going into overdrive to insure Bernie Sanders does not get the Democratic nomination. Truly pathetic.
1
Oh, I dunno. Seems to me that getting Trumpists to scream out a long string of bizarrities arranged in no particular order so that adults can get a good look at what they’re dealing with is a bit of a public service.
4
@Paul :Let's just see if we can get our Republic back for a start, then we can get back to the important matters you enumerate. And there ARE almost 300 bills on Mitch's desk.
1
Can we _PLEASE_ stop calling it meddling? It sounds like some schoolboys playing a prank! Let's call it what it is. The Russians have declared war on US democracy. Cyberwar may look different than one with tanks and bombs, but it is still an invasion and the goal is still overthrowing the government.
So let's call it what it is. It's a war.
7
After Trumps famous private pre-televised chitchat with Putin have to wonder how close the POTUS is to Putin. Would be nice if Russia wasn't considered an enemy and could be incorporated into NATO as a friend with open doors. Unfortunately the alt-right is taking over many European countries with the same selfish chant of 'their first' as Trump introduced and they want to close doors thinking they're so special. What a shame for the entire world.
1
Of course the Russians are interfering in our elections. Of course the Republicans are trying to hide that fact. They have worked for decades to allow foreign interference. After all, who else is going to put up the money to support a party whose ideas are so unpopular, and and so destructive to this country? If you hate the American people so much, you will of course seek the aid of foreign dictatorships who would like nothing more than to see the U.S.A. destroy itself and save them the bother.
3
Can we please find a stronger and more emphatic word than "meddle"? It undersells what's going on.Words like "attack" "psyops" "cyber warfare" etc. are more apt and more accurately capture what's going on.
4
The problem is not Russia or Putin. The problem is a broken, corrupted, hyper-partisan electoral system where voter purges, secretive PACs, black money, dumped votes, hackable voting machines and biased media with no credibility pushing disinformation, narratives and pre-decided "electability" make a mockery of the process feeding cynicism, turning off would-be voters and making the system more vulnerable to both domestic legerdemain and foreign meddling.
We have met the enemy . . .
1
"Mr. Trump has fixated on Mr. Schiff since the impeachment saga began, pummeling him publicly with insults and unfounded accusations of corruption."
Pummeling? Come on. Why empower a bully with a lexicon of a middle schooler. Anyone can speak fiercely of others when he is surrounded by bodyguards and sycophants, especially when their pockets are stuffed full of money from other peoples hard work.
1
It say much about how deplorable this president is that he’s only worried that the Dems will use this against him, rather than being outraged at Russian interference in our elections...and let’s not ignore this inane corrupt repub party that refuses to protect the integrity of our elections.
We must vote Blue if we desire to keep our democracy as neither trump or this repub party have any democracy values.
3
I trust our intelligence agencies more than Trump, or any congressional Republican. Truth is more important than the pathetically fragile egos of Trump and his Republican lapdogs. It's infuriating to see such a blatant security risk unfolding before our eyes, while Trump rages and the Republican party sits on its hands. The GOP has proven they are willing to open our nation to any attack or interference, no matter what damage it causes, if it benefits them politically and aids their lust for power. There isn't a patriot among this sick crew, and they can no longer be trusted with the governance and security of our nation.
Moreover, it's crucial that we see Trump's full and unredacted tax returns. I'd also like to know what was said between Trump and Putin in all those private meetings they had together. (At minimum, our elected officials must be allowed to know this). it wouldn't surprise me at all if Trump were up to his eyes in debt to Putin and other Russian oligarchs, and/ or that Trump is selling out the security of our nation for the possibility of future "deals" in Russia, China, or Saudi Arabia.
This administration is a clear and present danger to the security and integrity of our nation.
3
Two things:
• Trump sided with Putin over 17 US Military and Intelligence Agencies
• Trump flew into a rage not because Russia continues to meddle in the US election but because this interference was forwarded to Congress by his own head of intel (who got canned as soon as he did his job of sounding the alarm)
Clearly Trump is a patriot who puts the interest of US first and has learned his lesson — just ask Sen Collins.
8
I thought I heard "I Got You Babe" on my radio alarm this morning. For you younger readers, this is a reference to the movie "Groundhog Day".
Now why was social media a good thing in the 2012 presidential election but a bad thing going forward. Given Obama's comment caught on a hot mike to Medvedev, would I be off base to conclude the Russians interfered via social media in that election to reelect the president. Enough is enough. Let's accept that Americans are bright enough to make an informed decision.
"THE president, ... complained that Democrats would “weaponize” the disclosure."
Mr. President, patriotic citizens, not just "Democrats" are vigorously protesting your denial of the role a foreign power in your election. The propaganda changed votes in your favor.
Perhaps you could be more circumspect so that your behavior does not betray how well you realize that you cannot win an election without massive inappropriate involvement of a foreign power that is no friend of the US, its citizens or its national interests.
4
Way to bury a real crisis under Trump's usual anger and histrionics. Good grief. Russia is again interfering in our elections and all we care about is the toddler in chief's reaction. Yes, he has no bottom, we get it.
4
Nope, I not doing it again. Second hand sources leaking information. Show the people everything. Show us everything Russia is doing across all media platforms out and open. declassify everything. Show the people what Russian disinformation looks like. Show the people the evidence backing it up.
5
apparently Tweetler can't win on his own even with all the GOP gerrymandering, voter disenfranchisement, and disinformation campaigning at the State and local levels. Sad!
3
Why would Russia want Trump? Wouldn't they prefer someone who is spineless and would pay money rather than back up threats? Makes no sense.
1
Russia loves Trump for these and more reasons than I have time to list: dividing America, separating us from our allies, hightailing out of Syria, giving Mideastern control to Russia, trying to rid Ukraine of those that outed Russian puppets. Trump doesn’t spend a dime on infrastructure- let’s America crumble to 3rd world status.
If I wanted to destroy a robust country with top allies that historically has been a thorn in my side- I’d plant Trump. I know he wasn’t planted, but he was cultivated by Russia over years.
2
Actually, your second sentence answers your opening question rather well.
1
@Barry,
Putin loves Trump because Trump is chaos personified — and when there is chaos, it is easier to plunder the nation’s coffers and weaken the country.
1
Well. That’s the last time we will hear about Russian interference (or any possible remedy) for 2020 elections. The same way we have heard nothing recently about Gulliani’s corrupt activities in Ukraine. Buried. NYTs - please keep investigating.
9
US under trump is like a deck of cards with only trump cards. It’s completely useless. The only thing you can do is to start with a new deck of cards.
5
Oh great, now we all get to obsess again over Russians trolling Facebook some more but rather than logically suggest that maybe shutting it down would be a good first start, rather instead wax idealistically about how free markets and exchanges of ideas in a completely unregulated format is what makes America so great because it's so free and civilly liberated albeit such an enormous sucker with a wide open front door.
2
This is truly terrifying for our country. Where Russia is concerned both parties should be equally trying to protect U.S. elections and Kansas City Mo now has KCXL "Radio Sputnik" 102.9 FM and 1140 AM funded by the Russian government and spewing propaganda as "Local News." Can you write another article about what IS being done, if anything, to stop Russian intrusion into our politics and daily life? Even as a politically aware moderate Democrat I am shocked that Republicans are so cavalier with our country's future.
12
Democrats who are thinking of running with the Trump Is A Russian Stooge meme ought to consider that their likely nominee is a socialist who honeymooned in the Soviet Union. Trump haters won’t care about the incongruity but everyone else will.
1
@BobK, An absolutely ridiculous comparison.
2
To me the shockingly enormous surprise is that the republicans have quietly allowed the ‘new’ soviet union to enter thru the back door of their party
Putin couldn’t be happier how easily he’s taken candy from the baby (u.s)
Putin/Trump 2020
7
I think the Republicans that are presently in office love Russia because it’s the oligarchy/dictatorship they want. Do nothing for the common man except divide them among themselves while you pocket the spoils of government.
1
No surprise. This is what Trump and Putin are bound to do. And it's what Zuckerberg/Sandberg allow. Shame on them.
6
Clearly the Russians interfered in the 2018 midterm election helping the Democrats take control of the House of Representatives and thereby ensuring President Trump would be impeached. LOL Could we get real here folks. I feel like I'm in a Pink Panther time warp.
2
Election security really must be our number one concern after the fiasco that occurred in the 2016 election.
If Congress won't act to ensure that every state is protected, then Americans, regardless of their political affiliation, must take to the streets to let elected officials know that we won't stand by and let a rogue state undermine our democracy.
6
By virtue of gerrymandering, voter suppression and collusion with outside influence to hack into political campaigns, it is very clear that republicans just do not like democracy, real democracy. Allowing the people to decide how we govern ourselves instead of the powerful is not their idea of what's best for the USA. What is best is to see to it that republicans are sent packing in the next election-- provided they don't hack that too, which all signs seem to suggest that they will.
10
The comments that either normalize Russian interference in US elections as common practice of all governments or claim that it had no effect on the 2016 election miss a crucial point: Donald Trump has openly welcomed the interference of Russia, has openly asked other countries, Ukraine and China specifically, to gather dirt on a political opponent, and condemns government officials who are working to make our elections free from such interference. Donald Trump actively seeks out the support of foreign governments for his re-election. This outrageous behavior is fully document by the Mueller report and the articles of impeachment.
5
The fact that Mr Trump has simplified everything down to party politics and his enemies in the Democratic Party, speaks volumes about Trump's worldview. Everything revolves around Trump's self-image. He doesn't care about American political discourse. He doesn't care about what type of country our children will inherit. He cares only about how Donald Trump is seen around the world.
Putin is delighted with how Trump has managed to pull the American people apart and will do everything he can to see that he gets another 4 years of a Trump administration to further divide America while Putin plays his political games in the Middle East and elsewhere in Europe and Asia. Putin could not be more delighted with Trump's performance during his first 3 years as POTUS. All Americans who want the United States to become a client state of Putin's Russia should work to get Trump re-elected in 2020.
5
I’ve read so much. I’m closely following the news. I’m retired and I realize that I am compulsively searching here and other good news sources - for some solution, but instead of any solution all I find is that the danger to this nation is deeper, wider, worse than anything I could have imagined. And it’s happening on a daily basis. Getting worse day by day. If I’d written those words at any other time in our nation’s history, I suspect I would soon be picked up as psychotic, in need of medication/hospitalization.
But no longer.
I’m now almost convinced that there is only a tiny chance of this election making any difference. I hope I’m wrong. But I almost feel as if I have to prepare myself - that the rest of my life is fore-ordained already: A cruel dictatorship in a nation the Free World will shun and revile, arm itself against.
Think I’m crazy?
I wish it were so.
10
For heaven’s sake, is U.S. intelligence helpless in this matter? Can’t we assume they are using their considerable resources to interfere with Russia’s interference?
If what the Russians really want is what the Republicans say, chaos in our country, electing Trump was a sure path, And getting the Democrats to nominate Bernie, who is not even a Democrat, will give them the Trump victory they seek. So why would the Republicans want to do anything about Russian interference?
1
What’s to be done? What CAN be done?
Is there a solution to this?
Given the history of this presidency, it doesn’t seem like anything can be done to resolve this.
“I’d challenge anyone to give me a real-world argument where Putin would rather have President Trump and not Bernie Sanders,” Mr. Stewart said in an interview, referring to the nominal Democratic primary race front-runner.
It doesn't take a genius to see the damage that Trump is inflicting upon the United States, both domestically and internationally. What more could any adversary of the U.S. want?
We need to rethink "deep state." It seems to me the real meaning of those words refer to career government servants who swear to uphold the Constitution and the law no matter the prevailing political winds.
On the other hand, we should refer to this administration as the "shallow state." For obvious reasons.
If Congress is told the truth, fire the truthteller.
We just watched the History channel's three-part series on George Washington. During it, we kept wondering how on earth we ended up with Trump as president. What a contrast.
2
I still think it’s an open question of whether Trump truly won the election in 2016. I remember reading that there was proof that Russia had done successful trial runs breaking into voting systems prior to the election. If they did successful trial runs prior to the election, logic follows that they would use knowledge gained from that successful trial run to break into the voting systems as voting was taking place, or just after. The deeply surprising presidential election results in 2016, combined with proof of Russian hacking, should have made all of us question the validity of the election results. Similarly, though no proof has been offered yet, we should all question whether the app mishap in Iowa was truly just a random glitch, or whether it was carefully orchestrated by Trump’s Russian supporters.
5
Impeach him again
25
Okay, Adam Schiff.
1
And not a single word on Fox News website about this. Surprise, surprise.
25
@Caroline Everett Right - we continue to live in different worlds, which sadly explains those who continue to support Trump.
1
Again come the Russians and Trump is attempting to cover it up. Via being thus engage with them Trump has involved himself in the overthrow of our republic of government of the people, by the people and for the people. This until now, no one dared call it TREASON!
15
"A classified briefing to House members is said to have angered the president, who complained that Democrats would “weaponize” the disclosure."
This secondary headline tells the real truth perfectly: Trump cares about what will affect him directly, and not the country or election.
Pathetic.
621
@Big Daddy And how do you "weaponize" the truth? The truth is already a weapon--the weapon that scares Trump (and his GOP henchmen) the most.
54
@Big Daddy How about a President is entitled to being told first when there is an intelligence report?
Trump is right to be out of patience with those who feel they have the right to exclude him from briefings to which he is entitled and to drawing conclusions that as I understand it were no robustly supported by the facts.
2
@Big Daddy I hope that people remember this (along with all his other dirty deeds) when they vote.
6
What is it gonna take for Republicans to wake up!
22
@LAM -- there is no antidote for their sleeping pills.
3
@LAM
Why they need to wake up.
They do not have any skin in the game, they are 1% people party. Rest of us are not their concern.
1
The New York Times assigned four reporters and two additional contributors to this earthshaking bombshell.
Where is Robert Mueller when we so desperately need him? Where is James Comey? The Nation Turns Its Lonely Eyes to You.
8
Duh. And no one cares...
1
@atb
Speak for yourself only.
TRUMP
——————
PUTIN
——————
2020
A Russian in every pot!
10
Hahaha
1
where all the bodies are buried
3
Surprised this isn't big and bold - HOUSE IS WARNED THAT RUSSIA IS MEDDLING TO RE-ELECT TRUMP - running across the computer screen. Maybe it is big and bold running across the front page of the print edition? Or maybe we're so exhausted we'll just shrug and turn to today's weather report.
11
Right! BUT it’s not “meddling” it’s war! Putin has planned to damage our democracy, weaken our government all along! It’s PUTIN IS ATTACKING US AGAIN!
2
By the way, Trumpists, you might want to look down sometime—or at least pay attention to the loud cracking sounds—and notice just how thin the ice you’re clumsily skating on really is.
Oh, we’ve sort of gotten away with it so far. By which I mean that the consequences are either shoved off into the future (where your kids will be picking up the check), or ignored because they seem to be stuff other countries have to worry about and you’re not even sure where they are anyway, or written off as business as usual, or written off as all part of some fantasized Great Stable Genius Plain, or just plain screamingly denied altogether.
But the luck always runs out, as anybody who’s ever been to Vegas knows. Sooner or later, Something Bad is coming. And to recognize it, we’ll have incompetent or cowardly intelligence services because Trump’s run everybody good out of there, and presidential advisors who can’t find the Suez Canal on a big crayon map, and a military and police force that knows just how stupid and greedy Trump really is, and a president (lower case intentional) who’s gonna shout a lot about how great he is, and then bet the ranch on something imbecelic.
YOUR ranch, that is. YOUR family. YOUR future. YOUR country. That’s what he’ll throw on the table.
And then when it blows up, it’ll be everybody else’s fault.
Actually it already has blown up; the ice is already cracking.
21
The country is sick. As evidenced by Trump and the republicans. Sick, sick, sick.
28
@Deborah
Bumper Sticker!
4
This certainly, by any definition, seems treasonous, this blatant plan to make Russia great again. Could Democrats invoke Article 25?
11
. @PatrickMcGowan, unfortunately only Trump’s cabinet along with the VP can invoke the 25th. How I wish, We, the People could!
Just livid. Listened to C-Span callers this morning, realized how many have been brainwashed to believe the Russian interference in 2016 was a hoax, didn’t have any affect, wasn’t a threat because it was ‘proven’ trump didn’t collude with Russia.
Putin and the FSB have succeeded.
Trump supporters’ willful ignorance has led them straight down the rabbit hole.
30
Richard Grennell, another Trump Toadie, with no experience is going to step into the shoes of a career NSC guy? Reminds me a bit of Sondland, who was another TrumpToadie, whose sole political experience was writing a big check to Trumps campaign, securing himself the Ambassadorship. This doesn’t give anyone else some pause?
16
Not to mention he’s another of the legions of ‘acting’ secretaries and executives of whatever that Trump, the evil genius, has installed to run our government so that they may be immune to oversight and control by any one but his corpulent self.
2
I see we are just choosing to allow our biggest enemy to help elect a Manchurian Candidate now. I’ll allow the R Team to tell me what possible good comes of that? I’m sure if Hillary was in office due to Putin everyone would celebrate right?
6
Nothing is more desirable than having imbecile, incompetent leaders at the helm of one's enemies.
14
And McConnell is refusing to take up election security bills......
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/07/us/politics/election-security-mitch-mcconnell.html
22
Shhhhhh! Don't tell the Democrats! They might try to stop it!
9
If this is true, the CIA should topple Putin.
2
Our "precedent" - poor victim.
4
And the GOP does absolutely nothing.
13
And guess which Democratic candidate the Russians are hoping for?
5
@pat
Since they prefer Trump, my guess would be anyone who loses to Trump in the general election. Bernie beats Trump by larger margins than anyone else, so whoever the Russians back must not be Bernie!
2
It will take catastrophe to wake Americans up. Most likely a Trump Depression, without Social Security and Medicare. Then the marches in the street begin and a FDR type leader emerges. History may not repeat itself, but it certainly rhymes.
6
Are we soon to be the (Un)United States of Russia?
7
The only problem Republican Senators see--other than how best to cash in on the Russian subversion of our election--is how to blame Obama for the hoax.
12
It seems that Grenell was selected to give a heads up to Dmytro Firtash (Kremlin linked oligarch) by Giuliani.
So now we will have Kremlin operatives leading our intelligence services as well as the White House.
12
So fighting off a disease is a disease?
You know what the deep state is to Trump? People with convictions and higher standards and duties.
How do Christians and Jews, and anyone who subscribes to higher standards, buy into and support Trump? The phenomena of such people supporting Trump is completely twisted!
15
So one more competent professional (McGuire) is fired for doing his job and telling the truth, only to be replaced by an unqualified lickspittle (Grenell) who will conceal the truth and subvert the mission of the agency he heads.
I wonder how much more the country can take.
12
TRUMP/PUTIN ticket for the 2020 re-election campaign.
11
@Jacquie More accurately, PUTIN/TRUMP ticket for 2020. trump is Putin's puppy.
Trump is an agent of degeneration.
8
There need not be a direct line between the Kremlin and the White House. Trump’s amoral know nothing nativist administration by its very nature has undermined the alliances of the west. That has always been Putin’s number one objective. Of course he wants to see the ignoramus re-elected.
10
@Colonel Belvedere no direct line? I'm sure there is a direct back channel.
All of Trump’s administration acolytes have temporary, “acting” status because no sane congressional oversight would ever grant them its approval.
Just like Trump is the acting prez, a manchurian puppet, controlled for all the world to see, by Putin. We’re a laughing stock now, a republic gone bananas!
15
Look to Igor Panarin and his theories on the dissolution of the United States, Moscow as the ‘new Rome’ and the break up of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics caused not by Gorbachev but by the American intelligence community. It’s all there. All you need is a little research.
2
Here's an alternate interpretation of what happened in that hearing:
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/why-the-trump-russia-intelligence-report-doesnt-quite-add-up
1
Could someone please tell me why ALL Americans are not outraged by this administration's collusion with Russia? The GOP of the past would be impeaching and convicting in an afternoon if this had happened in the 70's or 80's. Now...they DEFEND this "president"?! MAGA folks...THIS is something to be angry about.
10
Are these the same intelligence agencies that predicted the 9/11 attacks? The presence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq? That have not come up with any substantive proof of "Russian" interference in the 2016 election? That failed to note the substantial interference of Ukraine in the 2016 election? If so, perhaps the US taxpayers should demand their tax money back that is spent on these agencies.
10
@nikolai burlakoff
Right. Sounds like propaganda to me, right here in the New York Times. Especially the part about Ukraine in 2016.
Please.
Where's George Orwell when you need him.
3
@nikolai burlakoff
It's odd how Russian propagandists and Republicans get the same talking points.
8
Uh, the CIA and weapons inspectors war ended there were no WMD in Iraq, Bush and Cheney ignored them and Powell was duped, as he admits. Ukraine interference is a Trump fantasy. one of the definitive conclusions by Mueller, and repeated in his testimony, was Russia interfering, the evidence is overwhelming and the stakes ... destruction of our democracy ... could not be higher. knock off the partisan nonsense and recognize this threat. Trump never will because it doesn’t favor Trump.
3
SICKENING:
The Mueller Report:
Utter waste of taxpayers' money.
House Impeachment Hearings:
Utter waste of taxpayers' money.
Senate Impeachment Trial:
Utter waste of taxpayers' money.
Americans' faith in the rule of law in the face of Corrupt Trump:
Destroyed by the Law's refusal to harness Corrupt Trump.
15
Oh look, the Russian propaganda machine is already at work here.
7
Trump’s impeachment was not a waste of money. It was Congress doing its job and the honorable State Department patriots that testified gave us a rare proud moment in the midst of a bleak time for America.
2
@Suz s
I think you misread Ken--note the final paragraph. The proceeding he lists were a “waste” because things are already too out-of-control to stop this corrupt conspiracy-driven white nationalist inspired machine.
2
The Russians have been trying to meddle with the internal politics of adversaries for decades, just like the US has done. The US has engineered coups, revolutions and meddled in democratic elections all over the world. That is what spies do. It is best left alone for the professionals to take care of. Politicising it on either side will just backfire, as it weakens the ability of the intelligence committee to counteract these efforts, and in fact sows mistrust in the democratic system, which is exactly the outcome the Russians wish to see.
298
@Erica Chan Putin is old style KGB and did not get over the fall of the USSR. Likely he has been looking for payback over the US's involvement.
As another poster said, the Democrats should be looking for a 'new vision'. What US policies would benefit from is disinvolvement in international elections that often involve the interests of corporations and foreign governments that favour these interests.
It is difficult to justify the outrage when then other foreign powers attempt to influence US elections.
10
@Erica Chan The difference being that our own President sows mistrust in our own Democratic system, undermines our own intelligence apparatus, and is obstructing any and all questioning into the matter. Because, in fact, he has welcomed foreign interference in our own elections over and over, as long as it helps himself. This is exactly what Putin wants him to do. And he is doing it. The difference is, this is Treason.
129
The intelligence people told the truth.
Trump’s willingness to accept Russian help is what makes it a political problem.
Don’t kill the messenger.
26
Here we go again. The idea that Russia was responsible for the election of Trump never had enough proof to be taken seriously, the Mueller report came up empty and the Grand Impeachment sham flopped. So rather than come up with a viable, electable candidate, the Democrats hit "replay" and are determined to put the country through the wringer again. It's popular on the left to accuse Trump of making the US a laughingstock on the world stage. Perhaps the Democrats should look at all their abortive efforts and get a better grasp on just who is actually responsible.
9
Go back to the shadows.
25
@beefrits You speak the to the facts - and look how many agree. Nobody is interested that Mueller found the whole case to be vacant. Sections of US intel is very poor and looks to be corrupted by money, if judged on objective criteria. I find it very scary how easily whole populations are being manipulated. I fully expect by the year end a body of opinion to come out for some kind of "retribution" on Russia after Trump is re-elected.
1
Post again when have actually read the Mueller Report. Your current post is useless and factless.
6
Lawmakers Are Warned That Russia Is Meddling to Re-elect Trump.
What needs to be asked is not why Trump refuses to admit to Russian meddling to get Trump elected and ask what they use to control Trump; "Money".
Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank were in merger talks, which means due diligence on all liabilities, including taxes and bad debt which is either called in or sold on the open market. Trump owed Deutsche Bank over $1.2 billion and he paid all but 400 million back; where did he get the money when, according to Deutsche Bank, he was only worth $780 million.
Putin bought Trump's debt; and that's why Trumps wants his finances buried deep.
It really is a win-win for the Russians because getting Trump elected practically gives the keys to the White House and just as important, Trump and his assets are literally a laundromat for Putin and because the New York Times reported in May 2019 that anti-money laundering specialists in the Deutsche Bank detected what appeared to be suspicious transactions involving entities controlled by Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, for which they recommended filing suspicious activity reports with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the Treasury Department.
One specialist noted money moving from Kushner Companies to Russian individuals and flagged it in part because of the bank's previous involvement in a Russian money laundering scheme.
The bank was leaving Putin exposed so he basically bought Trump and reduced his exposure.
9
@Mike : you are not thinking that theory through. It's stupid.
Why would Putin spend $1.2 billion of his own money to prop up an aging TV reality show host? because that's all Trump was back when the money was changing hands (if it was -- you have no actual PROOF Putin bought Trump's debt -- it's a THEORY).
It is more likely that Trump renegotiated the terms of his (massive) debt. He's deep in debt, I am sure. After he's out of office, I suspect he will declare another bankruptcy -- personal, this time.
But that doesn't mean that Russians own him. Or that they had the psychic powers required to KNOW that a washed up TV host would win the US Presidential election -- something NONE OF THE EXPERTS ever predicted! (In fact, they all predicated the exact opposite -- a massive Trump loss.)
If the Russians WANTED a stooge in office, they could have done a whole lot better than Trump.
Your theory doesn't hold up, because there was NO WAY the Russians could have ever known Trump would win -- a story all the best experts at the NYT and mainstream media totally missed.
Trump should say:
"I don't need or want the help of the Russians or any other country. Our security agencies will be doing everything within our power to shut down foreign efforts to interfere with US elections in any way."
7
"Some intelligence officials viewed the briefing as a tactical error, saying the conclusions could have been delivered in a less pointed manner or left out entirely to avoid angering Republicans."
We can't know the truth because Republicans might get mad about it? This should scare us all. But it won't.
19
My impression of the USA election is that it is becoming a casino gambling for foreign countries to play with. Sad and tragic for Democracy.
9
@Klaus So many of us wish we could move back to where our ancestors came from. Mine happens to be Denmark!
@Liberal Hack
Do it.
I love it. The same paper that told me Hillary was a sure thing on Election Day, then told me after the results how the Russians threw the election by messages in plain sight is now going to tell me the Russians have influenced the Democratic presidential race without any proof of anybody changing their vote or not voting. Wow.
2
@Shamrock Perhaps changing your source of news would be helpful for you.
Let's stop calling it interfering in our elections. Let's call it what it is, "manipulating" US elections.
9
@lmm : how many elections worldwide has the USA interfered in?
A lot.
Obama campaigned against Benjamin Netanyahu in 2016.
Obama campaigned FOR Angela Merkel.
The US has actually overthrown governments so they could not hold democratic elections (Iran, Central America) and installed dictators who answered to US!!!
Hello! POT MEET KETTLE!
"Some intelligence officials viewed the briefing as a tactical error, saying the conclusions could have been delivered in a less pointed manner or left out entirely to avoid angering Republicans."
Yeah, let's leave out all pertinent information that might anger Republicans. We can't have that! Just report the good-sounding stuff, you know, the stuff that makes the president's and Republican's worldview look correct.
Now that's how you run a government!
7
I don't believe it. It is something concocted by Pelosi and her team to win the election for the Dems. Trump swill win this election and the thought of it upsets the Pelosi-Schiff-Nadler Democrats.
2
@NIKOS
This is sheer paranoia combined with misinformation.
Pelosi didn't concoct the raw intelligence. The intel came from our manifold intelligence agencies not from the Speaker.
Mueller is not a Pelosi puppet; he warned that the Russians were going to hack 2020; Barr obstructed the Mueller Report - not Pelosi.
Why are you so blind? And why do you think it's ok that a person loathed by the majority of American voters is "elected?" He wasn't "elected." He was appointed by the Electoral College, never having close to a winning number of votes.
That is wrong and you shouldn't be happy about it. It means our democracy is seriously compromised if not broken.
Should the minority, led by a corrupt and hateful person, rule in a democracy?
8
Yes, “Teump swill,” might. Also Russian swill, and just plain stupidity.
"'I’d challenge anyone to give me a real-world argument where Putin would rather have President Trump and not Bernie Sanders,' Mr. Stewart said in an interview, referring to the nominal Democratic primary race front-runner." Once more, we must turn to George Orwell to unpack this: When he was a candidate, trump repeatedly encouraged Russian support for his campaign. He also mused (well, what passes for musing with him) how wonderful it would be to have good relations with Russia—without a peep of what that would cost modern democracies. In trumplandspeak, such statements and sentiments are not in the "real world," and hence have no validity in any argument. It's not true unless I say it is, and even then it's true only as long as I want it to be. And the running dogs, deaf to any other noise, follow along.
5
In the normal course of events, a President would be expected to defend the American system from an outside security threat, and to rise above the politics of the moment. But the accounts being described by sources suggest that Trump was more interested in suppressing the information for his own political gain.
8
This is probably the one conversation that will blow up for sure. Trump is already claiming Russian interference is a lie, which means Americans will find no middle in this conflict. I can't think of anything more dangerous come November.
But the public has a role to play. Why not stop whining and get off social media? For the election season? Why not decide that nothing there is reliable and go to reliable sources only? Why not make sure your reliable sources are from both sides of the election fence?
As for FB/Twitter, why not black out in some way before the election? Why not flag any political commentary for the next six months? Why not have a running banner on every single page that says no political commentary has been verified? Like the warning on cigarettes? Election meddling might not be new, but the digital environment has changed the nature of it, and providers of that environment have a duty here too.
I understand the addiction is severe and the Big Brother influence is a warm blanket to some. If that level of (frightening) co-dependency is with more of us than fewer, we are doomed.
4
I've been trying to figure out who issued these to the GOP House and Senate members.
Peril Sensitive Sunglasses.
Joo Janta 200 Super-Chromatic Peril Sensitive Sunglasses have been specially designed to help people develop a relaxed attitude to danger. At the first hint of trouble, they turn totally black and thus prevent you from seeing anything that might alarm you.
It also seems some 40-45% of out country now have these.
2
Trump cannot get rid of current officials in every phase of government fast enough, in order to replace them with "ardent supporters". Heaven help us!
5
Classified briefing to Congress rapidly leaked to the media. The media then proceeds to make Trump’s point about “weaponizing” the information. Prosecute the leakers.
1
@Bayricker
The fact that so many people here are blind to the ulterior motives behind leaking such information to the press is disappointing. Are you really still buying the Russia story after 3 years? Have you been influence to vote for Trump? Is there anything that anyone could ever say that would influence you? How many people do you honestly believe are still on the fence about who they are voting for?
How much classified information has to be leaked before someone is held responsible? Information classification doesn't seem to mean much to democrats when it's dissemination reinforces their narrative. It's all so transparent, after 3 years of the same failed tactics, it's starting to get annoying.
1
So when you don't like the intelligence you're getting, hide it from key congressional committees, fire the person who provides the information to those committees, and intimidate everyone else in the intelligence community who thinks it's important for policy makers to understand what security threats exist. Supposedly the annual Worldwide Threat Assessment meeting has been cancelled. So for Trump's political benefit, we're now flying blind, on a collision course with serious security breaches involving our elections and who knows what else.
Fasten your seatbelts.
6
The scariest thing about Donald Trumps behavior is he is acting as if he owns the United States, as if it is a company he has bought and taken over.
In many aspects, he has taken over the government and turned it into a private corporation with one goal: To appease Trump and his needs. The most recent evidence of this is in his appointment of Richard Grenell to head the intelligence community.
Trumps greatest insatiable need is to be in charge. He is a control freak.... plain and simple. He wants to control everything from government agencies to you and me, on a daily basis.
He wants to control the conversation and the thinking behind it too......
These are the traits of most despicable despots. To want to control every aspect of their societies, and have all roads lead to them.
Generally, under these types of leaders, who engage in this type of behavior, it doesn't end well for anyone. Especially when truth is the first casualty.
5
Russia has and will do anything to keep trump in office because he is their stooge. Real Presidents do not take the side of our enemies as trump did during the press conference with Putin siding with him against our own intelligence agencies. trump wants to invite him to the oval office and bring him back into the G7 because that is what friends do. trump has been a sorry president but a very successful entertainer. I hope the people who have been entertained are prepared for the mess that will come from trump's mismanagement of our country.
7
Putin has nothing to lose and everything to gain by continuing to stir the American voters pot of dissent. The resulting turmoil will cause a level of fear than can easily weaken our fragile democracy by those voters unable to think for themselves. The rally rants, illogical tweets and boldfaced lies while on Fox News by an unstable and unhealthy trump will be more than enough to upset a proper 2020 election by the easily swayed, poorly educated voters. Putin is just throwing some more fuel on the bonfire of insanity that is gripping us.
3
Does it strike anyone as odd that the Russians are trying to achieve exactly the same thing Trump is? Stoke division, spread fake news, create distrust in the press, and create mistrust in the voting system?
When are the Republicans going to tire of using the Russian playbook to Russia's advantage and not to ours? Haven't they heard of the "divide and conquer" strategy? Are they truly so blinded by their pocketbooks and positions that they have completely forsaken the welfare of the State?
5
You can’t hack paper ballots.
We need as a country to unite around the fact that the Foreign interference is against our Federal laws
I would think that one issue that would unite both Parties would be our free and open elections.
Shame in any Republican or Democrat who thinks it’s okay that Russia is allowed to interfere in our elections
4
Let's say Putin has doubled-down on his surreptitious propaganda campaigns. For arguments sake let's suppose Trump is welcoming Putin's help with open arms, even helping him every way he can. What could anyone do to stop Trump? Checks were built into the constitution to stop a foreign power from establishing an "asset" relationship with US leaders but they are meaningless if they are willfully ignored by greedy cowards in the Senate.
2
@PVW paper ballots is the only thing I can think of
1
"But Republicans have long argued that Moscow’s campaign was intended to sow chaos, not aid Mr. Trump specifically"
For some reasons, I believe the two are equivalent.
7
The interference in politics is all over the world now. No walls can protect us. We opened the Pandora's box with social media and the internet and dare I say networks like Fox News.
This box cannot be closed but it should be monitored and regulated. Everyone in advertising knows how powerful media is. Our countries are at risk. Democracy is foundering because foreign countries who think a liberal democracy is threatening have a way to dismantle us from the inside.
3
So... what are our Congressional Democrats going to do now that they have this information? I'm weary of complacency and complaining on the part of our Democrats... I want to see bold and strategic responses. Democrats also need to be creative about getting media attention to this issue. Too many Americans will remain uninformed unless you enlighten them.
3
The Russians would have to be desperate to pick someone as unreliable as Trump and Grenell, whom I observed as the US ambassador in Berlin, was also not known to be a friend of Russia.
They might want to meddle, if the believe that the DNC will push another hawk like Hillary in a brokered convention. Basically, like the US with its long history of meddling and sometimes assasinations, they are only looking out for their own best interests. In case the DNC ditches Sanders, they might just have to pick the lesser of two evils.
That's funny; as if Trump needed an ounce of outside help 4 years ago, and essentially all he needs to do to win re-election is to be breathing in November. Let's do everything possible to take attention away from the Democratic primary circus, a true reality comedy show.
Even if it was not clear in 2016, it is pretty clear now why the Russians want Trump to be President -- he distrusts our own intelligence agencies, he sows division within the US, he has alienated European allies, he is committed to having US troops leave Syria, he abandoned the nuclear arms deal with Iran. In other words, he is making the US weaker internationally and is weakening Europe in the process.
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@EMiller -- Very succinct. The West is in bad form, further divided by contributions from Donald and Boris. It takes only Matteo in Italy, Marine in France, and a "Putinfreund" as the new chancellor of Germany, and Russia commands the chessboard for all intents and purposes.
President Trump still worries more about himself then the Constitution. Upholding the Constitution seems to be too much for him to comprehend.
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Let's just assume the Russians and others are going to try and influence via social media vs. hacking into voting apps and machines. a) is it possible for the US to stop or severely limit their influence? Maybe, but as Americans: b) we know that other parties will try and influence us for their benefit, so as responsible voters its on us to figure out what we believe and don't and vote accordingly. Perhaps the Russians goal is not so much the election of Trump but the paranoia and division that it causes in 1/2 the electorate making taking actions delayed if not impossible? Its within our power what we choose to listen to or not and to trust our fellow citizens to do the same without all the hyperbole of "Trump as a russian agent" which only encourages people not to listen
Moscow’s support of Trump shouldn’t be a shock to anyone, Democrat or Republican. The complete chaos and division throughout the U.S. since the election of DJT could only make Putin thrilled. That Putin would want more of that is obvious. All Americans should weigh the destructive nature of the current administration on the well-being of our nation when voting this November. We do not have to live like this.
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Correct.
In this, Putin and Trump are on the same page — when there is chaos, it is easy to plunder the nation’s coffers.
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Lovely. Our Commander in Chief is more concerned about a rival party leveraging this knowledge than the fact that a foreign influence is trying to meddle with our elections...AGAIN.
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I suspect if Bernie is nominated the Russians will choose him over Trump. A Sanders presidency will facilitate Soviet expansion on all fronts.
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@Bill What do you base your assertion on? Tin foil hat theories?
You folks that decry Sanders as one who will foster “communist style socialism” fail to see what the grifter from Queens is visiting on this country-third rate banana republic-style governance.
Well then why don't intelligence officials stop the Russian interference rather than announcing to the world before the election that our elections are invalid and that there's nothing we will do about it . . . . unless of course it's who we want to win that does.
To a lot of Trump's supporters news of Russia's attempt to help Trump is very welcome. The Corn Belt may want to become the new Borscht Belt.
It's astonishing that this hearing was controversial. How did we get here? How did republicans become so locked down on protecting their president that they will accuse an intelligence report as biased and refuse its conclusions? Doesn't that put us at risk? Doesn't that move us into autocratic territory?
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Oh lord.
Vote blue no matter who.
Please.
I, for one, love this experiment in democracy and do not wish to see it end.
To all those who must fight trump & co. daily - thank you, you have our deep appreciation.
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If we have left ourselves subject to outside interference, why haven't the NSA, FBI, CIA or Homeland Security done something about it? We are not innocent ourselves. Obama was frank when he put sanctions on Russia because of Crimea. He said he wanted to put pressure on the Russian people so they would reject Putin in the next election. Didn't work. Obama was openly against Netanyahu in an effort to stop his reelection. Didn't work. We got caught bugging Merkel's car.In any case with all these alphabet agencies, we should be able to prevent such antics.
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@Ron : so…you ADMIT that US was involved in interference in other nation's legitimate elections…..
So tell me again why everyone is hysterical that Russians wanted to influence OUR elections!
Why was it OK for Obama to try and influence Israel or Germany????
Of course it angered Trump. He doesn’t want anyone to stop them. And if you are naive enough to think the Russians aren’t being aided in their efforts, there’s a bridge in Brooklyn I’d like to sell you.
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A vote for Trump is a vote against the longest running successful Democratic nation, the USA.
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Trump the artful dodger is at it again.
Who knew that the love affair with Putin would keep popping up? I wonder how many condominiums the Russian oligarchs had to buy in order to put a leash on Trump.
What happened in the New York Feds' investigation into Trump's accountant, Weisberg? I thought that investigation was looking into whether the Trump business was a criminal enterprise.
Trump University was a Rico action that looked like a criminal enterprise. I guess the artful dodger got rid of it.
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Do you think Facebook is a player here? The I’ll-do-anything-for-money twins Zuckerberg and Sandberg are proudly adamant in their refusal to take down egregiously false political information that harms democracy and supports authoritarianism. Makes me wonder if they, like Trump, are Putin’s puppets.
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A much more accurate headline would read:
Lawmakers Are Warned That Russia With the Assistance of the Entire Republican party Is Meddling to Re-elect Trump
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At least we get rid of ambassador Grenell... You got to celebrate the small things these days, right? Besides: I don't think that anyone exept the extreme right here in Germany will shed a tear over his departure.
I only hope that Trump is busy golfing, watching TV or rambling at a rally and doesn't bother to send another one of his cronies to further wreck the relationship between our countries.
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@Nicolas
Apparently Ambassador Grennell will now "take care" of both jobs for Trump, short term, that is, at least until January, 2021.
Mr. Putin will be pleased.
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One of these days, this mad-man-in-chief is going to stop complaining and start taking real vengeance on his supposed enemies. It won't be enough to discredit them. He'll want to destroy them. Some people are worried about socialism. They should be worried that this guy is about to become our dictator.
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Politics is a sham, where the rich buy their way in, and the popular vote is disregarded.
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Trump is a clear and present danger to our country, along with his Republican enablers. The withholding of intelligence info about Russian election interference to please Trump is treachery against their own country, antithetical to the concepts this nation was founded on, anti-American. Thank you NYT for putting the truth out here. Down with tyrants!
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Trump was angry because his Intelligence chief did not stop this, that’s why he fired him.
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Trump, being a full-scale amateur himself, is nonplussed that our new security director is an amateur (at best).
The immediate full-scale allegiance 45% of us provide to these amateurs is truly bizarre. Trumpists are willing to kiss the US and its 240 years history adios, for the want of a highly stained shallow dictator.
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Devin Nunes has once again betrayed his oath of office while engaged in less than honorable activity on behalf of Donald Trump. At what point is the DOJ going to step up and take him in to custody? Seriously he was testilying from his seat on the very same committee whose security he has breached again, during the impeachment hearings while he was also actively engaged with Lev Parnas in trying to complete the deal he was so furtively denying any aspect of had ever taken place!
When will there be accountability for the criminal GOP?
This isn't about opinions it is about facts, empirical facts.
Hari Shrinavasin did an interesting interview on Amanpour last night, look it up. These Trump people have no regard for Truth Justice or the American Way.
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@magicisnotreal
I'm sure that Thoroughly Independent Bill Barr will get right on the case. He stood right up and told Trump to stop tweeting about DOJ business, didn't he?
The destruction that will occur because of the Republican Party's total subjugation by Trump will be difficult to repair.
It appears the price of giving up all to Mother Russia is full access to their propaganda knowledge and active cyber assistance to mislead. And the Republicans are OK with this ?
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The President is angry because the Democrats will “weaponize” this disclosure?
And why in earth wouldn’t they when it is an attack on our a country.
One more example why Trump belongs in Prison
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The liberals are the only ones helping Trump get elected in 2020. Just look at their desperate attempts. Instead of being good enough to win they try to bring the winner down to their level.
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How's that change in Trump's behavior working out for you, Sen. Collins?
It's working terrible for us.
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So Trump is again welcoming Russian propaganda and appointing completely unqualified people while drumming the qualified out. Remember the "acting director" of the DOJ before the corrupt Barr? Whitaker? Who was under investigation for fraud when he was the nation's top law enforcement official?
Know that the only way any of this is possible is because one political party says nothing. Nothing. Vote blue.
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“Intelligence officials warned House lawmakers last week that Russia was interfering in the 2020 campaign to try to get President Trump re-elected, five people familiar with the matter said, a disclosure to Congress that angered Mr. Trump, who complained that Democrats would use it against him.”
They should use it against him. It’s called protecting our democracy. Meanwhile, the other newspaper sees it a bit differently:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-berated-intelligence-chief-over-report-russia-wants-him-re-elected-11582243738?mod=mhp
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Is Trump ticked because Russia is doing this or because the House was warned?
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You are promoting news without proof! The Russian hoax is over! The far left liberals and news outlets are desperately trying a new ploy to take Trump out! Why does it take so long to report DNC election figures? That’s what they should be investigating. You want to talk about election interference, this is where you need to start! It will only get worst. The DNC is determined to pick the candidate of their choice, just watch and see! By the way, eligible voters are the people who elect the president of the United States of America, not Russia!
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This....AGAIN? The voters are sick and tired if hearing about this.
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Impeachable offenses are coming rrgularly now. Assange, Stone, firing of intelligence chief with news of foreign sabotage...take your pick. Any of these would have destroyed any other president in the past. The Democrats cannot stop this but the people can.
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Other than Devin Nunes once again breaking the security of the House Intelligence Committee it might help for you all to know the facts in this report on Amanpoyur & Co 2-20-20.
https://www.pbs.org/wnet/amanpour-and-company/video/one-largest-disinformation-campaigns-ever-conducted-mun5ip/
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As Iago puts it so succinctly in Alladin, "Why am I not surprised?". Only last week the Senate killed bills intended to protect 2020 elections. Sonn Russia will not only be listening, but telling us what to do with its chosen puppets in the WH and Senate, perhaps the House. And the Dems are debating...
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