1/This terrific piece from @maddow is significant as a reminder that Vladimir Putin told the America people and the world he directed people to help Trump in 2016, and our President continues to call the investigation into Russia's interference a hoax.
2/Think of the extraordinary efforts made by Trump/GOP over past 2 years to deny that Russia's interference took place, something we already knew in summer of 2016. It has been their central project. Perhaps most irresponsible use of federal/Congressional power in US history.
3/The yrs of Trump-led lying abt the Russian attack has prevented normal organic societal response to such an event. No big commission to understand what happened was allowed to form. No legislation to address was passed. DHS/FBI still seem unprepared, our DHS Sec confused.
4/Trump's ongoing denial of Russian attack also allowed other US institutions to not examine their role in furthering Russia - NRA, Fox News. But also the Republican Party itself which played a hugely important role in success of Russian efforts in 2016. usnews.com/opinion/thomas…
5/Yesterday the President said he was worried abt Russian interfering in our elections again this year. And so, given this, it is time for the GOP to step and take responsibility for what has been a huge and ongoing betrayal of the country. What can Rs do? A few things:
6/First, there are 3 things Congress/Trump can do right now - 1) pass some of bipartisan bills McConnell has buried in Senate, bring to Trump. 2) Appt an elections protection coordinator in WH. 3) Restore c4 donor reporting requirement. nbcnews.com/think/opinion/…
7/Next, GOP political orgs, lead by RNC, need to publicly pledge to allow the American people decide their elections, not foreign governments or nationals. This pledge should include concrete steps they are taking to prevent re-occurrence of their open collusion w/foreign govt.
8/Finally, every Dem Senate/House member should sign simple joint letter to Trump, McConnell, Ryan demanding they take long-overdue steps to protect our elections fr interference the President says he believes is likely. Failure to act at this point is tantamount to treason.
