like ted kennedy goes over to russia and talks smack or jimmy carter goes to some third world nation and criticizes the u.s. and makes all of these statements. but in this case, we have a guy who is going to be the most senior intelligence official in the country, de facto, at least, go to the russians before the election -- or before the inauguration -- and say we're going to lift these sanctions, don't worry about it, don't overreact, help me help you. >> right. right. >> and the fact of the matter is, that is something that is a very bright line, i think. ani think you're going to see the leaks continue because the intelligence community is quite obviously thnumber of sources in both the "times" and the "post" stories today were astounding. and these are folks who see this guy as a security threat. >> right. and what you're referring to is just something that can't be emphasized enough. there is a fundamental distinction between arguing a case or a point in the united states and trying to use elicit or covert meanings to undermine the position of the u.s. government, whether you agree with it or not.