Is the U.S. Prepared for Possible Russian Interference in the 2020 Election?
Do you feel the U.S. is prepared for Russian interference in the 2020 election?
What’s the story?
Special Counsel Robert Mueller ended his remarks Wednesday morning with these words:
"I will close by reiterating the central allegation of our indictments, that there were multiple, systematic efforts to interfere in our election. And that allegation deserves the attention of every American."
Did it get your attention? Are you concerned about Russian interference in the 2020 election?
Election Security Bills Advanced by Senate Judiciary Committee
Earlier this month, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed two election security bills on unanimous voices votes, setting the stage for their possible consideration on the Senate floor in the near future.
- The Defending Elections against Trolls from Enemy Regimes (DETER) Act (S. 1328) would make foreign nationals who engage in or seek to engage in improper interference with a U.S. election ineligible for admission or deportable. It was reintroduced by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) after passing the Judiciary Committee during the last Congress.
- The Defending the Integrity of Voting Systems Act (S. 1321) would make it a federal crime to hack voting systems used in a federal election and allow the Dept. of Justice to pursue federal charges against anyone accused of such crimes. It was sponsored by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
Trump Says He Discussed ‘Russian Hoax’ with Putin, Avoided Talk of 2020 Election Meddling
- In early May, President Donald Trump had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. It was the first conversation between the two leaders since the release of the Mueller report, which found that “the Russian government interfered in the 2016 presidential election in sweeping and systematic fashion.”
- In a tweet and subsequent interview, Trump said he discussed the “Russian hoax” but avoided talk of 2020 election meddling.
“Had a long and very good conversation with President Putin of Russia,” Trump wrote in a mid-day tweet. “As I have always said, long before the Witch Hunt started, getting along with Russia, China, and everyone is a good thing, not a bad thing....We discussed Trade, Venezuela, Ukraine, North Korea, Nuclear Arms Control and even the ‘Russian Hoax.’ Very productive talk!"
- Talking to reporters in the Oval Office following the call, Trump was asked if he warned his Russian counterpart not to meddle in the upcoming election.
- "We didn't discuss that. Really, we didn't discuss it. We discussed five or six things. We also went into great detail on various things," Trump said. He added:
"[Putin] sort of smiled when he said something to the effect that it started up as a mountain and ended up as a mouse. But he knew that because he knew that there was no collusion. Pretty much that's what it was."
What do you think?
Should Trump have warned Putin not to meddle in the 2020 election? Does the U.S. need to do more to prevent Russian interference? Should the U.S. impose sanctions on Russia? Do you support the above legislation? Take action above and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.
—Josh Herman
(Photo Credit: iStock / zmeel)
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