January 05, 2017 11:02 AM UTC

McCain, Graham Lead Questioning on Russian Hacking Allegations

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• by: Colorado Pols

As the Washington Post reports:

The country’s top intelligence official said Thursday that Russia’s meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign consisted of hacking, as well as the spreading of traditional propaganda and “fake news.”

“Whatever crack, fissure, they could find in our tapestry . . . they would exploit it,” said Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr., testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee on foreign cyberthreats, and especially Russian hacking and interference in the campaign…

…Every American “should be alarmed by Russia’s attacks on our nation,” McCain said at the opening of the packed hearing.

“There is no national security interest more vital to the United States of America than the ability to hold free and fair elections without foreign interference,” he said.

Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) asked Clapper if he was ready to be challenged by Trump, and Clapper said he is. Graham also advised Trump, “Mr. President-elect, when you listen to these people, you can be skeptical, but understand they’re the best among us and they’re trying to protect us.”