Public Believes RussiaGate Was Serious, But Few Expect a Reckoning

Americans largely believe that RussiaGate was more than just smoke and mirrors or a conspiracy theory, as the media suggess. However, despite this belief, only 28 percent of likely voters expect criminal charges against intelligence or Obama-era officials involved in the scandal.

In other words, only a quarter of the electorate expects a reckoning. American Spectator columnist Robert Stacy McCain agrees, recently predicting that for RussiaGate accountability, “Don’t bet on it.”

That obvious disconnect between public outrage and accountability expectations needs to be examined. The reckoning many call for appears to be out of reach.

According to the July 21–23 Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey, 60 percent of likely U.S. voters see the RussiaGate accusations as a “serious scandal." That “top officials manufactured and politicized intelligence to create a false Russian collusion narrative about Trump.” This includes 42 percent who consider it very serious. Only 31 percent say it is not serious.

Yet, despite this consensus, only 28 percent expect criminal charges to be filed against those responsible. That includes just a quarter or less of voters across the political spectrum, showing strong doubts that justice will be served.

This gap between outrage and expectations highlights two painful truths. First, the institutions responsible for holding those in power accountable, such as corporate media, the Justice Department, and Congress, have shown little desire for serious investigation or accountability.

Oversight is just a buzzword. Maybe “Democracy dies in darkness” is a fitting motto for the Washington Post, but for the federal government, it’s “The republic dies in obfuscation.”

The Robert Mueller probe and John Durham special counsel investigation found no evidence of collusion or obstruction that could be prosecuted, and congressional inquiries stalled amid partisan conflicts and procedural hold-ups.

They concluded that “mistakes were made” and “lessons learned.” Or, to paraphrase Obi-Wan in Star Wars, “these aren’t the insurrections you’re looking for. Move along.”

Second, the public has lost trust in whether real consequences ever follow such scandals. The perception is that political perpetrators can hide behind procedural technicalities, media gaslighting, or institutional complacency. Voters may see the scandal as serious, but few expect it to result in meaningful action.

Or as George Carlin reminded us, “It’s a big club and you ain’t in it.” If you or I did what Obama, James Comey, Peter Strzok, John Brennan, James Clapper, and others are accused of doing, we would be locked away until the second coming, not writing books, teaching at universities, bloviating on cable news shows, or “finding” incendiary messages created out of beach stones.

If voters see a scandal as serious but expect no accountability, what value does public opinion have? The danger is that such a disconnect fosters cynicism, not only toward individuals but also toward institutions. Without consequences, moral outrage diminishes. The very idea of principled governance weakens. History warns us that civil war and revolution may follow.

This brings to mind Benjamin Franklin’s warning that the future of a country with an unaccountable ruling class is that it is, “A republic if you can keep it.”

A genuine reckoning doesn't have to be political theater. It might start with high-integrity congressional hearings, but those often only produce sternly worded letters. Instead, let the FBI and DOJ conduct investigations and pursue charges when appropriate, not out of revenge but for true accountability. I believe their recently formed “strike force” aims to do this and isn't just another smokescreen. We shall see.

This could lead to referrals for criminal charges, including sedition and treason if applicable. We need a transparent account that satisfies a skeptical public.

After all, Democrats were quick to remind everyone during the lawfare against Trump over the past four years that “no one is above the law.”

According to Rasmussen Reports polling data, only 28 percent believe so. That low figure indicates deep distrust. In fact, even voters who see this scandal as “very serious” remain unconvinced it will lead to accountability. This cynicism crosses party lines, showing that many Americans see accountability as out of reach in this case.

If public expectations reflect reality, the consequences go beyond politics. A loss of trust in legislative bodies, justice systems, and governance weakens democratic legitimacy. And let’s be clear: the issue isn’t ideology. It’s integrity and accountability.

Political leaders who remain silent or complacent in the face of RussiaGate seem complicit. Refusing to pursue investigations or hiding behind institutional inertia or decorum only deepens voter disillusionment. In contrast, bold action, even if imperfect, signals respect for the rule of law and for voters’ judgment. So far, we have seen nothing but empty talk.

This poll reveals what many already suspect, that the public believes RussiaGate is significant. However, only a small minority expect accountability. This gap is dangerous. It indicates that when a scandal involves politicized intelligence and electoral interference, the system struggles not due to lack of evidence but due to lack of resolve.

If those in charge don’t respect the Constitution or the rule of law, why should American citizens? This is a recipe for disaster.

So yes, we need a reckoning. But few Americans believe it is coming. If America values truth over double standards, power over privilege, voters’ judgment over political convenience, then a reckoning must happen. And it should be sooner rather than later, or never.

Brian C. Joondeph, M.D., is a physician and writer.

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