Flashback: Obama Asked The Russians To Interfere In A U.S. Election

Did a moment caught on a hot microphone in 2012 rise to the standard of seeking foreign influence in an election? Let's explore.

Hot microphones are a hell of a thing. In 2012, speaking with Dmitry Medvedev, who was then president of our great rival Russia, President Obama said, “After my election I have more flexibility.” Medvedev responded that he would transmit this information to Vladimir. As in, you know, Putin.

Oh, what a time it was. Russia was great friend; we had pushed the Staples reset button and were looking towards the future.

Let’s break this down. “After the election we have more flexibility.” Huh. This sounds a lot like asking a foreign leader to play a role in an American election. Let’s go a step further: this was an election in which Obama mocked his opponent, Republican Mitt Romney, for criticizing Russia. Remember that? Remember the debate when Obama said “the 1980s wants its foreign policy back”? But now, suddenly Russia is our greatest foe again. Funny how things work out.

So what was the deal with that conversation that nobody was supposed to hear? What exactly was Obama asking for? Was he asking the Russian president to act in a way that would help him in his reelection? It sounds like it. Was that an impeachable offense — asking a foreign power for help in a campaign? Was that a request for foreign interference in our elections? Who can say, right?

The question here is, when does an ask from a foreign power that can be considered a political win rise to the level of election interference? This is something Democrats should consider as they march off the cliff of impeaching President Trump. Was Obama asking the Russian president for “dirt” on Romney? No. But was he asking for actions that would help him win an election? It sure sounds like it.

If Obama wasn’t looking for a favor to help him win, then why mention the election at all? Was this flexibility, whatever it referred to, official U.S. policy? Had Obama been told by brave career diplomats to offer Medvedev more flexibility after the election? Or did Obama just make this offer on his own? Was it for his own benefit?

Read the rest from David Marcus HERE at The Federalist.

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