Pence contradicts Trump on Russian blame for hacks

Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence on Sunday contradicted running mate Donald Trump on the certainty of whether or not Russia is behind data breaches at two Democratic organizations.

Pence said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that there is “more and more evidence that implicates Russia” and called on the Obama administration to take action against Moscow.  

{mosads}That stands in contrast to Trump’s claims that those saying Russia is to blame are really trying to disparage the Republican presidential ticket. 

“The reason they blame Russia is that they are trying to tarnish me with Russia,” Trump said at the last presidential debate with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. 

Trump’s statement at the debate came days after Department of Homeland Security and the director of national intelligence released a joint statement identifying Russia as the culprit in the attacks against the Democratic National Committee and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Trump was also reportedly informed weeks ago that Russia was behind the attacks in classified intelligence briefings. 

“I think there’s more and more evidence that implicates Russia. And there should be serious consequences if Russia is violating the in the privacy and security of the American people,” Pence said on Sunday. 

“And I certainly hope what the vice president said this morning is something they follow through on. This is an administration that has too often spoken things on the foreign stage and then not followed through.”

Earlier Sunday, Vice President Biden said the administration would take counteractions against Moscow “at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact.” 

Show host Chuck Todd pressed Pence on Trump’s stance.

“Well, Donald Trump and I believe we should follow the facts,” replied Pence.