Donald Trump’s refusal to commit to accepting the outcome of the presidential election quickly became one of the most the important moments of Wednesday’s presidential debate.
“I will look at it at the time,” Trump said, later adding, “I will keep you in suspense.”
Trump has ramped up accusations in the past week that the presidential election will be rigged, presenting without evidence a claim that undermines the legitimacy of the democratic process. Election officials and members of both parties have condemned and dismissed Trump’s claims. President Obama on Tuesday called them “irresponsible” and “unprecedented.” Asked on Wednesday whether her father would concede if he loses, Ivanka Trump said he would accept the outcome either way.
Both Republicans and Democrats raised concerns about Trump’s answer, warning that it was a dangerous contradiction of democratic principles.
Ring the bell.
Donald won't commit to a peaceful transfer of democratic power.
Nothing else matters in post debate coverage.
He's a loser— Tim Miller (@Timodc) October 20, 2016
Trump's suggestion that he may not accept the results of this election shows what a danger he poses to our country. #Debates
— Barbara Boxer (@BarbaraBoxer) October 20, 2016
This. This, Spkr Ryan, will define your legacy. How you react when your nominee refuses to commit to a peaceful democratic transfer of power
— Tom Perriello (@tomperriello) October 20, 2016
Donald won't commit to support our election outcome, won’t condemn Putin, and won't defend American democracy. Yet he wants to be president.
— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) October 20, 2016
https://twitter.com/jonfavs/status/788924735639859201
Nothing in this debate is as important as the fact that Trump just affirmed that he will not support the US election system.#debatenight
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) October 20, 2016
Again: Trump said he doesn't know if he'll accept outcome of election. The most important, & frightening, story of the night. #debatenight
— Joshua DuBois (@joshuadubois) October 20, 2016
Glad to see more substance tonite but headline is Trump refusal to say he will accept outcome of election. @CNN#debate
— David Gergen (@David_Gergen) October 20, 2016
He should have said he would accept the results of the election. There is no other option unless we're in a recount again.
— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) October 20, 2016
Great answer from Clinton on why we all need to recognize results of elections. Essence of democracy .
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) October 20, 2016
Trump refuses to promise to respect results of this election. Astonishing. And, as Trump would say, just sad. sad. sad. sad. sad. sad.
— Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof) October 20, 2016
I don't accept the results of Trump's answer that he will look at election results before accepting them. Accept that! #debate
— Ed Helms (@edhelms) October 20, 2016