It is reported that the Saudis have made very substantial contributions to the Clinton campaign. I think the Saudis have contributed about a third of the entire Clinton campaign budget, an amount that is greater than the entire Trump primary campaign budget. I am not positive on this, but their contributions have been substantial.

Never mind your beliefs that Bush lied, the reasons we fought the Gulf Wars was to keep the Saudis happy. We have defense treaties with them to ensure a supply of oil. It is that simple. Saddam made them nervous. I believe Obama assisted Iran with their pursuit of of the bomb to achieve a certain parity in the region. He probably believed we unfairly assisted the Saudis.

So what are the Saudis to do? They are now at a regional disadvantage. Obviously their plan is to invest in the next administration. They need more influence in the region. It may be military or diplomatic influence, or more likely both. In addition they need to assure that they will have a market for their products. Domestic energy security on our part would not be good for them.

A Saudi influence in the next administration would probably mean less energy security for our country. Additionally we would be at a greater risk of military intervention in the Gulf to protect our, and the Saudi interests.