CNN host hammers GOP indifference on Russia hack: 'Partisanship is trumping patriotism’

CNN's Michael Smerconish remains troubled by a Republican National Committee official's attempts to wave away concerns that Russia interfered with the U.S. election to aid Donald Trump.

The TV and radio host engaged in a contentious exchange Saturday with Sean Spicer, the RNC's communications chief, who was more interested in questioning news reports about the hack than debating evidence that intelligence officials and others have gathered.

"There's uniformity of belief that there was hacking by the Russians that impacted the (Democratic National Committee)," Smerconish said Monday on "New Day."

Spicer disputed a New York Times report that the RNC had also been hacked, which he used to cast doubt over intelligence reports showing Russia had tried to undermine Hillary Clinton's campaign.

"Let's get to the bottom of it," Smercomish said. "What I'm most troubled by is the idea that now partisanship is trumping patriotism."

The Washington Post reported that the Obama administration had presented the evidence to lawmakers in September, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made clear "that he would consider any effort by the White House to challenge the Russians publicly an act of partisan politics."

"What happened to the idea that we would unite against a common enemy, and that we would be Americans first and Republicans, Democrats and independents second," Smercomish said. "That's what has me frustrated."

.@smerconish on Russia hack conversations: "Partisanship is trumping patriotism... that's what has me frustrated." https://t.co/vXqx5Vg4Ql

— New Day (@NewDay) December 12, 2016