First, let's agree that the previous administration knew of the Russian interference. Let's also agree that Trump and his minions had the same information. As the Republican nominee and later as President-elect, Trump was given that information. Whether he understood or believed those briefings is immaterial.
So what did Obama and Trump do with that information?
Trump completely denied the Russian interference until recently. He called it fake news, a hoax, and a Democratic excuse. He tried to get it off the media's radar.
Meanwhile, Obama banished Russian "diplomats" and seized property thought to being used for spy operations. He also applied more severe sanctions on Russia and certain Russian businesses and individuals.
Obama never publicly stated that those actions were because there was overwhelming evidence that the Russians hacked the DNC and were trying to harm Clinton's campaign. He was concerned that revealing those reasons would look like an attempt by his administration to aid Clinton's run. Instead, he privately told Putin face to face to "cut it out". He had many of the same concerns Comey had about revealing the Clinton email server case. Obama did a much better job of keeping his reasons a secret. Now Trump wants to throw both under the bus.
Why didn't Trump say anything about the intel he received on this matter or even admit it's validity? For the exact same reasons. To admit that the Russians were trying to undermine Clinton's campaign and thereby boost his would probably have hurt his own campaign. An endorsement from Putin is no great feather in your hat. It ranks right up there with KKK or white supremacist endorsements, oh, he did get those too. Trump also wants to return the seized US property Russia. I assume so they can help him in 2020 and maybe the Republicans in the 2018 mid-term elections.
Recently, Trump has softened his stance that the whole Russian interference issue is a hoax. Is that because he now thinks he can pin it on Obama? Does he think that when the hard evidence becomes public that we will all forget that Trump denied it for months? Maybe those who drink the Trump kool-aid will, most of us won't.
The US Senate recently passed a bill with additional sanctions and make it harder for Trump to rescind current sanctions against Russia. The vote was 98-2 in favor of the sanctions. Trump's White House is now trying to stop the bill and he has some support in the Republican controlled House. Why? Is it payment for debts or favors owed? Maybe forgiveness or reduction of debts for Trump's business or his in-laws or cronies.
There is an awful lot of smoke and innuendo in the air. I hope Mueller can quickly, definitively, and satisfactorily get to the bottom of this whole Russia situation.
One thing is clear to me, Obama didn't do it.
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