Report: Bernie Sanders Briefed that Russia Trying to Help His Campaign

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U.S. officials have warned Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) that Russia is attempting to boost his prospects of winning the White House in 2020, sources familiar with the matter told the Washington Post.

President Donald Trump and Congressional lawmakers have also received briefings regarding the Kremlin’s efforts to help Sanders, reports the Post. In a statement to the newspaper, Sanders called Russian President Vladimir Putin a “thug” and said he stands “firmly against” any efforts to interfere in U.S. elections

“I don’t care, frankly, who Putin wants to be president,” Sanders said. “My message to Putin is clear: stay out of American elections, and as president I will make sure that you do.”

“In 2016, Russia used internet propaganda to sow division in our country, and my understanding is that they are doing it again in 2020. Some of the ugly stuff on the Internet attributed to our campaign may well not be coming from real supporters,” he added.

A spokesperson for the Sanders campaign would not comment on the nature of Russia’s attempted efforts to help the Vermont senator.

LINK: Bernie Sanders told Russians are attempting

to help his campaign

Speaking to reporters about the Post’s report, Sanders revealed that he learned of Russia’s interference a month ago and seemingly suggested that their efforts were made public Friday in a bid to hurt him one day before the Nevada caucuses.

Here’s the video: pic.twitter.com/JpOljo2PIE

— Abby D. Phillip (@abbydphillip) February 21, 2020

The development comes after Sanders raised the prospect of Russia being behind some online posts in support of the lawmaker, which have been described as toxic and violent by former Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D) at this week’s Democrat debate in Nevada. Several other Sanders detractors have made similar claims.

Read the rest of the story HERE and follow links below to other sources:

THE HILL: Sanders says he was briefed on Russian effort to help campaign

WASHINGTON TIMES: Bernie Sanders told Russians are attempting to help his campaign: Report

DAILY WIRE: BREAKING: Feds Notify Bernie Sanders That Russia Is Trying To Help His Campaign

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