We're supposed to refer to the endless slew of bureaucrats testifying in the impeachment proceeding as "patriots" and "public servants." But are we allowed to wonder whether they're stupid?

Former National Security Council official Fiona Hill apparently doesn't understand that it's possible more than one country interfered in the 2016 election. In fact, we know that at least two did.

In her opening statement Thursday, Hill denied that Ukraine had inserted itself in that election with the explicit purpose of harming President Trump's campaign.

"Based on questions and statements I have heard, some of you on this committee appear to believe that Russia and its security services did not conduct a campaign against our country — and that perhaps, somehow, for some reason, Ukraine did," she said. "This is a fictional narrative that has been perpetrated and propagated by the Russian security services themselves."

Who is she talking about? Not a single person on the House Intelligence Committee has denied that Russia meddled in the election. Republicans have, however, rightfully noted Ukraine's involvement and Trump's reasonable resentment over it.

Does Hill know it's possible to believe that both Russia and Ukraine were trying to influence the outcome of the election? It doesn't have to be one or the other. The New York Times and Politico both reported on Ukraine's interference at the time. It's a matter of public record. Why does Hill deny that it happened?

Maybe she's a patriot, but maybe she's also not very smart.