President Obama’s comment to John McCain equally applies to John Brennan, “The campaign is over John.”We have a duly elected President. A strength of the United States is our democratic process, free elections and the smooth transition of power. For whatever reason however there is a desire to remove this President.
The power, prestige and respect for the office of the President are tied to the security of the nation. This hyperbolic partisan rhetoric is dangerous and fulfills Putin’s desire to divide and weaken and supports Chinese thinking the United States is in decline.
How does an adversary process divisive and derogatory rhetoric? Putin is a street fighter. He understands weakness and will act aggressively as he did in Syria, Crimea and Ukraine. The lack of follow thru on the chemical red line was the weakness Putin took advantage of to attack without fear of reprisal. Russia reconstituted a naval base in the Mediterranean Sea extending naval forces logistically. It is Russia’s only external seaport and extends influence geographically. The message received by adversaries and allies alike when someone of the governing class creates doubt of US resolve is dangerous. I am astonished someone well versed in world events, who knows the value of keeping information private, who appreciates the importance of maintaining a powerful image of the Presidency would speak with such venom particularly at this juncture when we face potential threats from Iran, Middle Eastern radical elements, North Korea, China and Russia. It is one behavior to openly debate policy it’s another to attack, degrade, weaken the person and character of the President of the United States and create a lack of confidence. This is a time for building coalitions in case of conflict overseas necessitating allies to join us. It is not in our national interest for someone with international political prominence communicating a message to the detriment of the United States no matter how partisan one feels and resentful of an election. To make statements flaming an investigation without supporting data because of personal animosity is shameful and reflects poorly. We reach a point where something negative can be said about anyone to create doubt and can’t be refuted. In the military there is a clear chain of command and an oath taken to carry out any lawful order from superiors and that includes civilian authority. We are at war and need faith in our leaders not uncertainty. To think such condemning accusations don’t impact thought in other parts of the world is naive and could weaken credibility for upcoming Korean negotiations.
Brennan knows the CIA will prop up a foreign leader because it’s important for stability but also to create division to eliminate an unfavorable 3rd world despot. It’s how regimes are changed. Is this tactic being applied by the deep state and intelligence community? What has Brennan accomplished other than public venting and minimizing a career of public service? The accusation of detrimental Russian intelligence blackmailing the President without disclosing supporting facts is unnecessary innuendo. After a year and at great expense no one has found Trump campaign collusion with Russia. Can we please tone down the rhetoric?