Trump’s Shameful Refusal
Donald Trump had his best debate against Hillary Clinton on Wednesday night – and yet he lost it all in one disastrous moment.
That moment came when he refused – twice – to say that he would accept the results of next month’s election if he loses to Clinton. First– he said he would look at it at the time. Then he said, “I’ll keep you in suspense.”
For most Americans, this ought to be a disqualifying statement for the Republican presidential nominee. Not, of course, for his rabid supporters – who believe Trump can do or say nothing wrong because they hate Clinton.
But what Trump has done is break with two centuries of tradition in this country — the one that involves a peaceful transition of power. Prior to Wednesday night, Trump had consistently talked about how a vast conspiracy is stealing the election from him – a conspiracy involving, apparently, both Democratic and Republican election officials in counties around the nation – involving all those big, bad American newspapers and TV networks – involving the FBI and other agencies – and – well, you know – almost everyone.
Of course, there’s no evidence of any of this — just “feelings” that “somebody, somewhere” is plotting against Trump. In his universe — and in the universe of his supporters — there are, of course, many “somebodies” plotting many “somethings.”
I wonder what Trump hopes to accomplish by stoking the worst and most ignorant instincts of his supporters. Does he want to incite violence against Clinton or the government? Does he want to de-legitimize Clinton’s election?
Whatever it is – it’s irresponsible – and you can bet even more Republican Party office holders will repudiate Trump’s comments – in a desperate effort to save down-ballot Republicans who hope to survive next month.
Yes, Trump had some good moments in Wednesday’s debate – especially when the topic of the Supreme Court came up early. In fact, in the debate’s first few minutes, Trump was more subdued, more “under control.” seemingly more focused on policy. He actually made some good points against Clinton. But those were all over-whelmed by his outrageous refusal to accept the coming election returns. That’s just shameful.
Trump needed to hit a grand slam Wednesday night in order to change the course of what increasingly looks like a decisive Clinton victory on Nov. 8. To say the least, he failed to do so, and now it will be fascinating to see how he handles these last few days of his campaign.