[ksk]

Its hard to believe Google would do that. There is so much risk of being exposed. As an alternate hypothetical - A Google engineer who has knowledge of their internal systems could suggest a means of external manipulation, that would accomplish the same goal, without the risk.

[hidamon]

With conflicts of interest like this http://qz.com/520652/groundwork-eric-schmidt-startup-working... it's easy to believe Google would do that.

[valarauca1]

Also Google may have violated ethics rules with its hiring practices of Obama Administration Staff.

http://thenextweb.com/google/2016/04/29/if-you-want-to-work-...