McCain Says Russian Hacking Threatens To ‘Destroy Democracy,’ Calls For Special Committee

‘This Is Serious Business,’ Arizona Republican Senator Says

Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain called for a select committee to investigate hacking by the Russian government on Sunday, saying foreign interference in U.S. elections threatens to “destroy democracy.” Thus far, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan have rejected McCain’s calls. 

“This is the sign of a possible unraveling of the world order that was established after World War II, which has made one of the most peaceful periods in the history of the world,” McCain told CNN’s State of the Union (video above). “This is serious business. If they’re able to harm the electoral process, they may destroy democracy, which is based on free and fair elections.” 

Meanwhile, chief of staff Reince Priebus defended Donald Trump’s refusal to accept the CIA’s conclusion that Russia interfered in the election to help him win. FBI Director James Comey and National Intelligence Director James Clapper have endorsed the CIA’s report, but Priebus somehow claims the agencies haven’t been clear enough about their findings. 

“If there is this conclusive opinion among all of these intelligence agencies, then they should issue a report or they should stand in front of a camera and make the case,” Priebus told Fox News Sunday (video below). “I think that these guys should be straight with the American people and come out and say it.”