Former President George W. Bush mentioned Monday "we all need answers" on the extent of make contact with amongst President Donald Trump's group and the Russian government, and did not rule out the idea that a unique prosecutor could be important to lead an investigation.
The Republican also defended the media's role in keeping planet leaders in verify, noting that "power can be addictive," and warned against immigration policies that could alienate Muslims.
"I am for an immigration policy that is welcoming and upholds the law," Bush told NBC's "These days" show.
Bush's comments came following a prominent Republican in Congress, Rep. Darrell Issa of California, named for a special prosecutor to investigate whether Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election and was in touch with Trump's top advisers throughout the campaign.
Bush said he would trust Senate Intelligence panel Chairman Richard Burr to choose if a specific prosecutor is needed.
But, Bush added, "I think we all want answers ... I'm not sure the appropriate avenue to take. I am positive, though, that that query wants to be answered."
The former president, who is promoting a book of his paintings of wounded veterans, also took problem with Trump's characterization of the media as an "enemy of the people today." Bush said the U.S. won't be able to convince authoritarian governments, like Russia, to open up their governments to media scrutiny if U.S. leaders attempt to discredit their own press.
"We have to have an independent media to hold men and women like me to account," Bush mentioned. "Power can be really addictive, and it can be corrosive. And it's crucial for the media to get in touch with to account men and women who abuse their power, no matter whether it be right here or elsewhere."
On the challenge of immigration and Trump's recent try to ban travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations, Bush warned that if the U.S. freezes out other countries and turns inward, that would only make it a lot more difficult to fight the Islamic State group and other foreign extremists.
"I consider it is incredibly hard to fight the war on terrorism if we're in retreat," he stated.
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