02-21-2020, 11:54 PM
All Trump would need to do is say something to the effect of, "Russia, if you're listening, I don't want your help and you best stay out of U.S. elections - the full weight of the U.S. government and private/government security will be watching closely and will prosecute/sanction any Russians involved in violation of U.S. and international election laws".
Trump doesn't denounce Russian election interference, however. He instead denies it even exists and lashes out when the very real threat is spoken about honestly.
Last election cycle, Trump himself stood on a public platform and said to the world, "Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing” in reference to Hillary Clinton's emails -- thereby encouraging election interference and illegal distribution of stolen property.
I'm not among those who claims that Russian interference is what got Trump elected in 2016. However, I do believe Trump's own behavior and attitude towards it is a main reason Russia felt so emboldened, and why some in Trump's camp got themselves in such hot water working covertly with Russia on behalf of Trump and lying about it (as evidenced via investigations, witness testimony, and convictions).
Trump doesn't denounce Russian election interference, however. He instead denies it even exists and lashes out when the very real threat is spoken about honestly.
Last election cycle, Trump himself stood on a public platform and said to the world, "Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing” in reference to Hillary Clinton's emails -- thereby encouraging election interference and illegal distribution of stolen property.
I'm not among those who claims that Russian interference is what got Trump elected in 2016. However, I do believe Trump's own behavior and attitude towards it is a main reason Russia felt so emboldened, and why some in Trump's camp got themselves in such hot water working covertly with Russia on behalf of Trump and lying about it (as evidenced via investigations, witness testimony, and convictions).