[Reily]

He got a security clearance by being elected to office!
There is no requirement for a security clearance to run for federal offices like Congressman, Senator or President ! Let me say that again there is NO REQUIREMENT for this. The only requirement is citizenship and probably the filing fee. You get a security clearance by winning the election. The Constitution allows the voter to be a colossal fool and put an absolute traitor in office if the voter is so inclined. Why do you think there is a requirement?

Again think about it, no professional politician would ever allow the federal clearance process to be a gateway to office. Remember during the clearance investigation process, the investigating agency is required by law to report any illegalities it might uncover to the appropriate authorities. What modern American professional politician would put himself in such a potentially compromising position?

[Art in Idaho]

Call me naive, but I thought somebody would check into their background, even covertly, the CIA or FBI. My God, the person is going to be POTUS! I know I had a huge background check when I went into the USAF, I assumed they did too. Oh well, live and learn.

[El Gato]

You get a security clearance by winning the election

No, you get to see whatever you wish without one. But you have to ask to see or be told stuff.

The Constitution allows the voter to be a colossal fool and put an absolute traitor in office if the voter is so inclined.

As in the case of Red Ron Dellums, who came within a hair's breadth of being head of the House Intelligence committee, which he would have likely become if the Dems had held onto the House in '94. He's currently mayor of Oakland CA.