Clinton: Electors should get intel. briefing on Russian hacking

Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, who suffered a stunning defeat in the November 8 presidential election at the hands of President-elect Donald Trump, has encouraged Electoral College voters to demand an intelligence briefing on Russia’s alleged intervention in the vote.

A group of 10 presidential electors have requested a briefing on Russia’s role in Trump’s election ahead of the Electoral College’s vote on December 19.

Clinton’s top political adviser John Podesta said in a statement on Monday that the democratic presidential nominee was in favor of the effort.

“The bipartisan electors' letter raises very grave issues involving our national security,” Podesta said. “Electors have a solemn responsibility under the Constitution and we support their efforts to have their questions addressed.”

The letter came after the White House confirmed the findings of a CIA probe that showed Russia interfered with the election to Trump’s benefit.

In the run-up to the election, Democrats and the administration of President Barack Obama claimed that some Republican and Democratic organizations were hacked by Russian hackers in favor of Trump.

“Each day that month, our campaign decried the interference of Russia in our campaign and its evident goal of hurting our campaign to aid Donald Trump,” Podesta said, charging that the CIA’s findings should “distress” every American.

EA