Intel & politics

Presidential Elections: A Perilous Time for U.S. Intelligence (Lawfare Research Paper Series)

Intelligence issues have intersected with presidential politics several times in U.S. history. Each instance was unique, and the effects have been mixed. Candidates have sometimes made claims based on intelligence to enhance their standing, or to attack their rivals. In other cases, unforeseen events forced candidates to express and defend a position on U.S. intelligence. There are also remarkable examples where politicians voluntarily surrendered a potential electoral advantage to preserve an important defense secret. Whether an intelligence topic is inserted into a presidential campaign on purpose or as a result of external events, there are considerable risks to both the intelligence and the political processes.