Security experts from both parties want to see strong action if the U.S. concludes Russia is meddling in the election.
But Clinton supporters worry that Russian-backed hackers may indeed have free rein to try to influence the November election, depending on what information they’ve stolen and when they plan to release it. (The Aspen group also warned that the hackers may “salt the files they release with plausible forgeries” to worsen the fallout.)
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, whose site released the DNC emails July 22, has refused to confirm or deny their origins but has told CNN that he might release “a lot more material,” noting that “they are having so much political impact in the United States.”
Democrats like veteran political strategist Craig Varoga can easily see the worst-case scenario. “In all likelihood, Russia and Assange are already planning an October surprise to influence our election and otherwise destabilize the Western alliance,” he said in an interview.
.. Presenting this evidence in court could also expose valuable secret surveillance footholds in Russian intelligence agencies.
Raj De, a former National Security Agency general counsel, said spy agencies are typically “very reticent to burn sources and methods for any activity.” Revealing such tactics could even open up the NSA to lawsuits over its surveillance operations.
.. “It’s easier to level sanctions than to prosecute someone without jeopardizing intelligence sources and methods,”
.. But current and former officials say the White House is gradually favoring a public outing of foreign hackers.