Security briefings are a tradition not a law.

[Cattledog]

Started by Truman. They are the sole discretion of the President. Obama should not provide briefings to either candidate. Briefings can start after the election.

[auntpurl]

1. Why shouldn't Hillary get them?

She hasn't made any treasonous statements.

[leftofcool]

5. Yea, but what could she possibly find in a briefing that she doesn't already know?

[Hortensis]

7. Is that a joke, Leftofcool? I'm sure Obama has chatted

with her on various subjects at times, his discretion, but the gap between what someone on outside knows and and information in the president's daily national security briefings has to be enormous.

[auntpurl]

8. Top-level security new info?

Although I guess she could just drop by the Oval Office and POTUS could be like, "Oh, gotta go to the john, just read whatever's lying around while you're waiting".

[Cattledog]

2. Can't do one without the other...

That would cause a shit storm from Trump and actually help him when he screams "rigged system".

[Hortensis]

10. No need. The "briefings" can be of very different

content, just need to be about the length of time. Could have a little fun with the Kremlin, putting out some obviously bad info as a joke.

[geek tragedy]

11. he hasn't released his taxes yet, he can't pass a security clearance then no classified info nt

[Bradical79]

16. That's how I would like to do it

Make it part of a security review investigating his finances and possible ties with Russia. Not sure the shitstorm from Republicans and the media would be worth it, but I bet it's something on President Obama's mind. Trump getting these briefings is concerning for reasons beyond typical election year party politics.

[renate]

17. oh, I DO like the idea of having to pass a security clearance!

[PearliePoo2]

3. It's up to the President?

Trump can NOT be allowed to get ANY secrets or briefings. He's fucking unhinged and mentally unstable beyond words.

[workinclasszero]

14. Here's a thought..He could get a bunch of security briefings then drop out of the race later

and use the info for profit or for his pal Putin.

I got to adjust this hat..

[Koinos]

4. I think Hillary will do fine without them.

She should decline if it helps keep Trump in the dark.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

6. Would it be illegal to hand him 'creative' briefings talking about UFOs and th threat posed by

the lizard people, written in crayon? Then just wait to see how fast he turns around and blabs about it all........ OK I answered my own question.

[unitedwethrive]

9. He shouldn't totally eliminate them, that would send the wrong message

about his views on Hillary's trustworthiness. He should, however, greatly modify them. Maybe use them as an opportunity to educate Donald on geography or history? (I'm guessing Donald wouldn't even recognize that he wasn't getting any secret information.)

[randome]

12. Politically, though, he needs to be careful.

He can't let the GOP make the accusation that he's trying to influence the election by branding Trump "unworthy" -which we all know he is, not to mention clumsy and stupid.

That being said, he might be able to get around this by withholding national security briefings from both candidates, just to knee-cap those accusations.

Clinton is already well-versed in national security matters and could no doubt 'catch up' relatively easily. Plus, she likely still has her own reliable sources of info.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Stop looking for heroes. BE one.[/center][/font][hr]

[Princess Turandot]

13. Only Trump...

If they also withhold briefings from Hillary, it will absolutely be spun by the Republicans and the media as being connected to the server investigation horse manure. It will not be treated as merely an attempt to be even-handed, no matter how many times the WH insists that it is.

[reggieandlee]

15. Good stuff

thank you for sharing