When it comes to Russian interference in the U.S. elections, House Speaker Paul Ryan continues to do his contortionist-balancing-on-a-tight-rope act. Caught between his need to be seen by the media as a serious, responsible, and reasonable Republican and his need to put Republican interests above national interests, Ryan will put Republican interests first every time, while contorting wildly to pretend he’s doing … something else. Or nothing at all. Or doesn’t even know what we’re talking about. In the case of Russia, his office released a statement that we know shows Ryan is Taking Things Seriously because of all the big words:
"Speaker Ryan has said for months that foreign intervention in our elections is unacceptable,” Ryan’s spokeswoman, AshLee Strong, said in a statement to POLITICO. “The speaker cannot comment on or characterize the content of classified briefings but he rejects any politicization of intelligence matters."
Oh, my. Paul Ryan sure is taking a stand here! Except …
Ryan’s office would not say whether he believes House committees, including oversight and intelligence panels, should investigate the matter.
Would not say. Sounds like Ryan isn’t yet sure enough which way the wind is blowing to take a position on this one, even though the position involved could simply be that he supports more investigation. When he figures out which is stronger—concern about interference in our democracy or Republican resistance to admitting how compromised their precious president-elect is—I’m sure he’ll get back to us.