Russia appears to be involved in the 2020 election...but who they’re trying to “help” or “harm?” That likely depends on your side of the political aisle.
President Trump calls the latest Russia news "another misinformation campaign" by Democrats. A senior intelligence official reportedly briefed lawmakers about Russian plans to interfere in the upcoming presidential election. The President has tweeted that Dems are pushing the story that Russia prefers him over Democratic presidential candidates. He’s called it "Hoax number 7."
Then came the report that the Russian government is trying to help Bernie Sanders get to the White House. U.S. intelligence officials have reportedly told the Vermont Senator about the country's push to aid in his campaign. It's part of Russia's efforts to interfere with the Democratic primary election. Sanders responded by calling Russian President Vladimir Putin an "autocratic thug" and he stands "firmly against their efforts." The report comes after Sanders had a strong showing in both Iowa and New Hampshire.
So which is it? Again, depends whom you ask. But apparently, the depth of the alleged interference may be overblown. Sources are telling CNN that the US does not have evidence that reelecting Trump is the goal of any Russia's interference.
"The intelligence doesn't say that," one senior national security official told CNN. "A more reasonable interpretation of the intelligence is not that they have a preference, it's a step short of that. It's more that they understand the President is someone they can work with, he's a dealmaker."
Source: CNN
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