Mattis on Russian Election Interference

So the President tells us that Russian meddling in the election is "Fake News", his supporters lap it up, and they tell us to move on. They also tell us to be thankful for all the great apppointees in the administration, like Secretary of Defense Mattis.

Mattis, who possesses both a brain and character, was asked a direct question about Russian interference in the election, and he gave a direct answer. The same answer--by the way--that THEN ENTIRE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY gives to the same question.

There is simply no persuasive or informed argument that counters this. A hostile government attempted to interfere in our Presidential election. This fact alone should animate a significant and sustained response across the spectrum of national power. Instead, we have a President who objects to tough measures against Russia, and who seems emotionally dependent on his authoritarian buddy for validation.

Now--Russian interference does not mean collusion with the Trump campaign. This must be a very difficult concept to understand for Trumpkins, as whenever the interference is brought up, they immediately move to "no evidence of collusion".  There is certainly plenty of evidence of contact between Russians and campaign personnel, but it remains to be seen if there were actual cooperation.

That said--the Russians messed around in our democracy. Don't let anyone tell you different.