Joe Biden says he’s had intel briefings, warns of vote meddling

Washington, July 18

Joe Biden mentioned Friday evening that he’s begun receiving intelligence briefings as he warned that Russia, China and different adversaries have been trying to undermine the upcoming US election in November.

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee wasn’t particular and provided no proof whereas addressing a digital fundraiser with greater than 200 attendees.

But, within the course of, he confirmed receiving labeled briefings after saying as not too long ago as late final month that he wasn’t getting them however would possibly request one about stories of Russian bounties being provided on US troops in Afghanistan.

“We know from before, and I guarantee you I know now because now I get briefings again. The Russians are still engaged, trying to de-legitimise our electoral process. Fact,” Biden mentioned Friday.

“China and others are engaged as well in activities designed for us to lose confidence in the outcome.” The White House and National Security Council didn’t instantly reply to requests for touch upon Biden’s assertion. Reached by cellphone, a Biden spokesperson didn’t instantly present additional particulars.

Biden obtained intelligence briefings whereas vice-president however advised reporters he wasn’t getting them as of June 30. He mentioned then that President Donald Trump’s administration had not provided labeled briefings, although they’re historically offered to major-party nominees as soon as they win the first.

Biden gained’t formally turn out to be the Democratic presidential nominee till the get together’s conference subsequent month.

Biden has beforehand prompt that President Donald Trump may maintain up emergency funding to assist the Postal Service proceed regular operations throughout the coronavirus, which has devastated the company’s funds and contributed to an enormous drop in mail volumes.

Trump has repeatedly mentioned he opposes increasing mail-in balloting throughout the pandemic, suggesting with out proof that doing so may result in widespread fraud — although there’s equally no proof the president or White House will use Postal Service funding to do what Biden is suggesting.

Biden lobbed related expenses on Friday, saying Trump could attempt to “defund the post office so they can’t deliver mail-in ballots.”

“Frankly, this is the thing that keeps me up most at night,” Biden added. “Making sure everyone who wants to vote can vote, making sure that the vote is counted, making sure we’re all trusting in the integrity of the results of the election.”— AP