All common sense indicates Sanders Russiagate is nonsense.

The mainstream media has latched onto a new but familiar story. Russia. Reports from intelligence officials have claimed Russia has been interfering to aid the Sanders campaign. When approached by journalists, Bernie Sanders acknowledged being briefed on the matter and denounced Russia in his statement. He called Vladimir Putin an “autocratic thug” and reaffirmed his stance against foreign interference in American elections.

Despite the vague present details, media outlets have rushed to connect conspiratorial conclusions about the interference. Among them, pundits have clung to two potential explanations. One, Bernie would be Trump’s easiest opponent; therefore, Russia wants to win Sanders the Democratic Party nomination. Two, a socialist president is exactly what Russia wants.

Frankly, these are moments in which mainstream media is disappointing. I believe that these types of moments are precisely why people have lost trust in journalism, deny facts, and #FakeNews gains steam.

Foremost, the current report is tremendously opaque. How is Russia interfering? To what magnitude have they interfered? Who is interfering — the government or Russian individuals? These are all unanswered questions. Interference could be minimal with little impact on outcomes. They could be conducted by rogue Russian actors. Russia could be interfering with all campaigns — who’s to say they back Sanders the most? Without the answers to these questions, it would be irresponsible to give weight to any speculations regarding Russia’s involvement. Details would dramatically alter potential explanations about Russia’s interest. However, political talking heads have ignored all these points, immediately jumping to the narrative that paints Bernie to be a pseudo-Russian asset. Frankly, it is not surprising. Sanders: What Russia Wants? is a quite eye-catching news ticker. As voters, it is essential to treat these rumors for what they are: baseless media sensationalism.

Moreover, the speculations have little to no backing. The first claim, that Trump is dying to face Bernie, has consistently been debunked. Trump has admitted to this. On a leaked recording, Trump discussed the 2016 election with his donors. “Had she [Clinton] picked Bernie Sanders, it would have been tougher,” Mr. Trump said. “He was the only one I didn’t want her to pick.” Polls have backed Trump’s fears. Sanders is said to be likely to beat Trump in a general election as well. It seems unlikely Sanders would be a Trump sandbag come November. The claim that Russia wants a socialist president also makes little sense. Bernie has been consistent in his anti-authoritarian foreign policy. His vocal opposition to Saudi Arabia is a clear example of this. In Sanders view, Putin’s Russia is an authoritarian regime as well. Putin would receive very few favors from a Sanders presidency. Both claims are not reasonable accusations.

Mainstream media claims reckless rumors and conspiracies from Russia are foreign interference. Ironically, they perpetuate exactly that. In my opinion, allowing these types of narratives to decide your vote would be true interference.