In a moment that stunned the hearing room, Watts flatly stated that the president himself has become a cog in such Russian measures. When asked by Oklahoma Republican James Lankford, who appeared visibly dismayed, why, if Russians have long used these methods, they finally worked in this election cycle, Watts’ answer was extraordinary.

“I think this answer is very simple and is one no one is really saying in this room,” he said. Part of the reason, he went on, “is the commander in chief has used Russian active measures at times against his opponents.”

Most coverage of the hearing is focusing on the colorful phrase "follow the trail of dead Russians."

I suspect it's getting harder and harder to view this as a partisan issue when it's becoming increasingly clear that you're not actually on the winning team.