Harris on whether Russian interference could cost Biden election: ‘Theoretically, of course’

Sen. Kamala Harris (Calif.), the Democratic vice presidential nominee, said Sunday that Russian interference in the upcoming election poses a potential threat to her and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s bid to unseat President Trump in November. 

“I am clear that Russia interfered in the [presidential election] of 2016,” Harris said on CNN’s “State of the Union,” noting that she serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which has published reports on the interference. 

“I do believe that there will be foreign interference in the 2020 election and that Russia will be at the front of line,” Harris added. 

Asked if Russian interference could cost the Biden-Harris ticket the election in the fall, Harris said “theoretically, of course.” 

“We have to be a realist, and I’m a realist about it. Joe’s a realist about it,” Harris said. 

In addition to potential Russian interference, Harris noted issues surrounding voter suppression, highlighting the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder that she said “gutted” the Voting Rights Act as well as what she called Trump’s efforts to “convince” voters not to believe in the integrity of the voting system. 

“These things are all at play,” Harris said. 

She added that she and Biden are “very realistic” that “obstacles” will be placed in front of American voters until the Democratic ticket wins and can “put some teeth back” in the Voting Rights Act and bring confidence back to the elections system. But she said the Biden campaign will “surpass” those challenges. 

Trump has repeatedly denied the accusation that Russian interference helped his 2016 presidential campaign, calling it a “hoax.”