slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

"This is exactly what we wanted him to do"

Following the indictments of 13 Russian nationals for their involvement in meddling in the 2016 presidential election, Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-South Carolina, says the charges tell Americans what some have known all along: "Russia is not our friend."

"Russia has tried to subvert the fundamentals of our democracy. For those of us who supported Bob Mueller from day one and said, 'Give him the time and the resources and independence to do his job,' this is his job. This is exactly what we wanted him to do," said Gowdy on CBS' 'Face the Nation' on Sunday, referring to special counsel Robert Mueller.

On Friday, Mueller charged 13 Russians as well as three Russian companies with offenses relating to interference in the 2016 election. The indictment describes a sophisticated conspiracy involving the theft of U.S. identities, sowing discord on social media, communicating with unwitting Americans and even setting up political rallies from afar.

Gowdy said that all Americans must ward off Russia's attempts to use similar tactics in the 2018 and 2020 elections.

"Next cycle it could be a Republican. But Americans are the victims of what Russia did, not Republicans, not Democrats, all of us are victims," said Gowdy. "I would tell all my fellow citizens to be really skeptical of anything you read on social media and do your own independent research."

Meanwhile, just days after a deadly school shooting in Parkland, Florida left 17 dead, Gowdy said those critical of current gun laws in place need to take into account the "instrumentality by which that shooter is killing people."

"You should look at the instrumentality and magazine capacity and the speed with which the projectiles, including bump stocks. But you also have to look at the shooter," Gowdy said. "In almost half the instances of mass shootings, there was notice provided to someone that the person was going to do what, what he ultimately did."

He added, "If you only look at the instrumentality and you don't look at the person who's pulling the trigger, then I think you're doing a disservice to everyone who wants to see an end to killings, including mass killings."

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

"Next cycle it could be a Republican"?

What the heck does that mean?

moldyoldy

Russians will keep messing with us unless we stop it now.

moldyoldy

Amazing how sensible Gowdy gets when he gives up being a politician.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

It appears as though Gowdy accepts that the Russians worked primarily against Clinton, but coming from him, it certainly caught me off-guard.

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

Ha! It's funny if you think about it...I would imagine the Russians believed the hag would win like everyone else (except me, of course ). A shoe-in, a no brainer, a sure bet, a landslide.

1) Did they think they would end up with a damaged and compromised (by them) president they could blackmail even though they knew they didn't need to?

2) Can you tell me for sure any of this would have come out if the pollsters and pundits didn't get it wrong and the hag had won?

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

To quote Mark Twain...'I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I don't know."

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

Q1) The Russians couldn't lose on this one for a number of reasons I can think of pretty easily, one of which I used as the question. Suppose it didn't pan out for them and Trump actually won (keeping in mind there weren't many who thought he would) and all this came out...which he did and it did? Causes a bunch of trouble here and frees them up a bit to make trouble elsewhere...which they are. That little loose string...what they're up to while we're freaking out over internet trolls...is something folks should investigate.

Q2) I ain't for sure but I got a good idea and in a month I bet I have a better idea.

Peewee Loc: San Antonio, TX

I agree and I also remember all those military leaders Obama canned. Wonder if they convinced Trump to run? Revenge is sweet sometimes.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

It means the Russians may help a Democrat win, targeting Republicans with their misinformation/propaganda outlets, outlets such as Fox news, OPP............

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

Yes, it would have come out................because it came out BEFORE the elections occurred................. no one paid attention, including you.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

The person that can be the most confident in his or her answer/position, is the person that knows they don't know.

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

I don't think your "it" means the same as my "all this"...with due respect...and you have no idea what I was paying attention to before the elections occurred.

So...tell me what your "it" means and I'll tell you what my "all this" means.

badbobby Loc: texas

are you guilty of assumption Slat?
perhaps Gowdy will enlighten us on what he means
doubtful though

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

BB, please. BigMIke asked me "What the heck does that mean?" I told him what I thought it may mean..."It appears as though Gowdy accepts that the Russians worked primarily against Clinton, but coming from him, it certainly caught me off-guard." When he further quizzed me on the matter, I answered "....I don't know."

I'm not sure what you expected from such questions. Perhaps some are hoping to read or hear what they want to read/hear