Hillary Clinton has issued a warning about the potential for Russian President Vladimir Putin to meddle in the upcoming 2024 elections. Speaking on MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki,” Clinton expressed her concern that Putin, who she believes interfered in the 2016 election, could once again attempt to influence American politics.
She stated, “The Russians have proved themselves to be quite adept at interfering, and if he has a chance, he’ll do it again.” Clinton emphasized that despite denials from some quarters, there is no doubt in her mind that Putin interfered in the 2016 election, partially because he did not want her to become President.
In the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, cybersecurity experts uncovered evidence of Russian-based actors breaching Democratic National Committee emails. Russia was also suspected of running a troll farm to amplify discord and anger on social media during the same election.
Former President Donald Trump vehemently denied any allegations of direct coordination between his campaign and Russia in the run-up to his election victory. In contrast, some Republicans later accused Big Tech companies of interfering in the 2020 election by restricting the circulation of certain news stories.
Since the 2016 and 2020 elections, Russia has faced increasing isolation and Western sanctions due to its actions in Ukraine. Putin has even had an International Criminal Court warrant issued for his arrest, which has limited his participation in international events.
Despite their political differences, both Putin and Trump have exchanged kind words at times. Putin has criticized the prosecution of Trump, calling it emblematic of the “rottenness of the American political system.”
In her interview, Clinton warned of a “creeping fascism” and “wannabe dictators” on the U.S. political horizon, although she did not provide specific names.
The interview also touched on House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s challenges in dealing with a fractious Republican caucus and the looming possibility of a government shutdown if Congress fails to pass a funding resolution by September 30, 2024.
