The biggest damage the Russians can do to an American political candidate is to let it be thought that they might prefer them over their opposition. They are quite aware that their endorsement is toxic and that's why I think they are so clumsy about their meddling. A bunch of Twitter and Facebook accounts? Please. I would expect something far more sophisticated and effective from KGB Putin and company.
As for the Intelligence professional community I'm thinking that they need a serious purge. First off 17 agencies are way too many. Secondly they are becoming increasingly statist in their belief that they should be the ones in charge, not the elected officials they report to. That sentiment needs to be stamped out. The Intelligence Professional Community does not and should never be allowed to dictate policy.
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