Former FBI Director James Comey’s testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee may seem like just another step in the ongoing saga of Russia’s interference in the US elections.

In fact, Comey made it abundantly clear during his testimony that there is no doubt that Russia intervened in the US elections stating “They are coming after America... and they will be back”.

But despite opening remarks by Chairman Burr and Senator Warner calling for bipartisanship and to keep the focus on Russia’s meddling in the US elections, today’s hearings had very little to do with Russia.

Instead, Senate hearings will shift the public’s focus even further away from the question of Russia’s interference, shining the spotlight on President Trump’s effort to alter if not obstruct the course of an ongoing FBI investigation, and further entrenching partisanship in Washington over the Trump Presidency.

The "cloud" that is now hovering over the Trump Presidency is also reinforcing perceptions (also sustained by Trump’s withdraw from the Paris Accord and his failure to embrace Article 5 at a recent visit with NATO countries) that America has turned inwards, and is retreating from its role as leader of the free world.