If I knew, based on indictments, a special counsel report, and a special briefing, that I were a magnet for foreign interference attacking the elections, I would want to address that head on so as to not have that black cloud hanging over a possible nom or win...
...and so as to not provide further chaos fuel for the entity perpetrating the attacks.
For example, I would task a small team with publicly calling out abusive behavior by questionable accounts, and to say “our campaign is not okay with this,” then linking to a comprehensive strategy on my campaign’s website outlining my plans/stance on asymmetric warfare.
I would also task that team with telling the recipient of the abuse that I’m interested in hearing their view, even though it differs from mine. Because if I were to win, I’d be governing everyone, not just my supporters.
I would also put an expert on disinformation on my campaign team. (clarification: an expert at combatting it, not propagating it) I’d have this expert advise my campaign on how to best deal with the problem,
and I’d also have this expert work with LE to see if nefarious efforts can be dampened. Then, if I were to win, I’d be able to demonstrate that every possible effort was made to combat the problem. I’d also have provided LE with insight on various tactics being used.
If, while/prior to running, I already held a high public office, I’d use that platform to introduce legislation and awareness about disinformation and asymmetric warfare. I’d use the experience with my prior campaign to inform all of this.
I would do all this not only to protect the elections and our country, but also the things I hope to accomplish. If I were hoping to effect positive change, I’d want to be reasonably certain that my ideas have support and weren’t artificially boosted (or sabatoged).
I would also want those who wish to accomplish the same things—but perhaps have different perspectives on how to get it done—to feel that they can ask questions and offer their thoughts without fear. I’d want as much support and enthusiasm around the ideas as possible.
And given they foreign interference in our elections has been an ongoing problem for 4+ years, I would inform my campaign team that we have a strict policy against accepting foreign help of any kind; even volunteer work. I would also state this publicly.
This would especially be important, given that a dangerous person got into office using stolen data on Americans that was funneled throughout the world. I wouldn’t want Americans to have to worry about how I’d given that data to volunteers abroad, and what might happen to it.
And not only that, I’d want Americans making a very important decision—who are being bombarded with an unprecedented disinformation attack from abroad—to know that when they’re interacting with someone from my campaign, they’re talking with a fellow American.
