Google regularly manipulates search results in their best interests. They even modify their browser to behave differently around sites which they want to discourage or demote. And Google is proud of it. Regularly informing people of how Google will prioritize sites using Google's mobile framework or Google's definition of what's mobile friendly. Or preferring and promoting HTTPS websites, which are more expensive to operate and primarily from users with larger disposable income, over potentially equally valuable voices without. Far outside of content quality and relevance, the only things that should matter, Google regularly manipulates results to reward or punish behavior they want from the entire Internet.

When the chairman of Google's board is directly funding a startup with the mission of electing Hillary Clinton, and a Alphabet subsidiary CEO is one of Hillary's former aides, and Google has an incredible shield from prosecution under the current government leadership, I think we can safely assume Google considers it important to it's interests to ensure she's elected.

The article often cited isn't really a solid proof of Google manipulating results, but that doesn't mean it's true that they aren't. And of course, with Google's search algorithm one of the most guarded secrets at the company, some of the only code that regular rank and file Googlers aren't allowed to see, even you, a Googler who's failing to disclose your bias here in these comments... can't prove otherwise.