All you had to do was go through this list and answer the questions.
But you refused...
So don't wonder why the thread was derailed.
You chose to go with loaded b..s from post one.
"Then you would have to explain that getting campaign intelligence on the other side is illegal and why."
Your problem is that you refuse to go beyond your own BS.
If it was not illegal - why did Trump lie about the meeting, why did he and his family leave it out of security clearance forms and then lie about it again by creating a false media report when NYT got hold of the emails?
It's not the crime, it's always the coverup that gets you. Not to forget that there is a big difference between getting your info from EX Russian government agents who had specific info on Trump when you go looking versus getting your info from the CURRENT Russian government when they come knocking since then you are privy to blackmail.
But you guys don't do subtle, you guys don't even think, desperation works only on your dumb base like the caravan shit, it doesn't work in the court of law as you will soon find out.