Most Republicans believe Russia is attempting to influence the US presidential election, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, despite comments by the party's nominee, Donald Trump, downplaying the possibility. Some 55 per cent of US adults, including 51 per cent of Republicans and 65 per cent of Democrats, said they thought Russia was trying to tip the scales in the November 8 presidential election, according to the survey. Most American adults - 62 per cent of Democrats and 48 per cent of Republicans - think Putin is supporting Trump for the White House, the poll found. Some 71 per cent of those who suspect Russia of meddling believe Moscow is doing so through the recent hacks of Democratic emails, according to the October 18-24 survey. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused US politicians on Thursday of whipping up "hysteria" about a nonexistent threat in order to distract voters.

Source: The Star October 28, 2016 10:37 UTC