Growing evidence says Russia poses major threat to 2020 election, while US government focuses on Iran

During the second and final presidential debate between incumbent Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden, the candidates faced questions about foreign interference in the election. It was an issue four years ago as well.

Earlier this week, the director of national intelligence detailed how Iran is allegedly interfering in the election by sending intimidating emails to some voters while pretending to be members of a far-right group. But national security officials say Russia still poses the biggest threat, spreading disinformation about Joe Biden and generally trying to sow chaos.

As votes are being counted and Election Day looms, the biggest question that concerns intelligence officials is whether Russia will interfere with the U.S. election systems themselves.

Credits

Guests:

  • David Sanger - White House and national security correspondent for The New York Times, author of “New Cold Wars: China’s Rise, Russia’s Invasion, and the Struggle to Save the West” - @SangerNYT
  • David Levine - elections integrity fellow at the Alliance for Securing Democracy

Host:

Madeleine Brand

Producers:

Sarah Sweeney, Michell Eloy, Amy Ta, Rosalie Atkinson, Brian Hardzinski, Angie Perrin