2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Post removed [View all]noamnety
(20,234 posts)Trump: I will totally accept the results of this great and historic presidential election if I win, Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump told a rally in Newark, Ohio on Thursday.
Of course I would accept a clear election result, but I would also reserve my right to contest or file a legal challenge in the case of a questionable result, he continued."
My note: that's a pretty standard position for a candidate to take, that they don't challenge results if they win, but they reserve the right to file a challenge if the results are questionable.
Hillary's response (at a New Hampshire rally shortly afterwards): "He became the first person, Republican or Democrat, who refused to say that he would respect the results of this election. Now, that is a direct threat to our democracy."
My note: Along with her statement being frankly bizarre (many candidates throughout our history have requested recounts), requesting an audit or recount of a questionable result or a close election is not a "direct threat to democracy." It's the exact opposite of that.