Ron Johnson, the Wisconsin GOP senator who is frequently in the news for his repetition of conspiracy theories and disinformation, had audience members at his debate with Democratic Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes laughing out loud after he complained that the FBI had exhibited “corruption” by briefing him about being the target of a Russian disinformation campaign.
After Mr Barnes, who is challenging the two-term senator in this year’s midterm elections, criticised Mr Johnson for praising Russian president Vladimir Putin as “a smart guy” and pointed out that the FBI had told the senator he was a target for Russian operatives, Mr Johnson lashed out at the federal law enforcement agency.
