U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has aroused huge controversy again with unsubstantiated allegations of a rigged election during the last of three debates with his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton Thursday.
Trump suggested that the only election outcome that he was willing to accept was his own victory and that he would contest any other "questionable result."
His reluctance to concede fully to the outcome of the presidential election has fueled scathing criticism across America, even from fellow Republicans. The 2008 GOP nominee, John McCain, said, "A concession is an act of respect for the will of the American people, a respect that is every American leader's first responsibility." President Barack Obama said Trump's remarks undermine the legitimacy of the U.S. elections and democracy, while Clinton called them "horrifying."
After three disastrous debate performances, Trump is increasingly raising allegations of a rigged election, even though there has been no evidence of voter fraud heading toward Election Day. By suggesting that the elections are rigged, Trump is mocking the health of the democracy of his own country and the judgment of the American people.
It was wrong for Trump to highlight such ungrounded suspicions during the final debate. It shows a lack of respect for voters and that he lacks the character to be a responsible leader. On the other hand, Clinton signaled that she would respect the outcome of next month's election, saying, "We are a country based on laws. And we've had hot, contested elections going back to the very beginning, but one of our hallmarks has always been that we accept the outcomes of our elections."
The mark of any responsible candidate is to pledge a peaceful transition of power. In that respect, it is easy to determine who is the more trustworthy candidate.
The "rigged election" remarks came on the heels of a leaked tape with Trump's graphic depictions of women. Many believe that a presidential candidate who demeans women under any circumstances is just not worth voting for.
The three Clinton-Trump debates were unlike those during previous presidential campaigns, where candidates fought on opposing views but still behaved with civility toward each other. Trump, who has had a history of humiliating women, refused to address Clinton as "Secretary Clinton," opting to address her by her first name during most of the debates, and the two candidates ended the last debate without even a handshake.
During this unusual election season, there was not enough attention on real issues, but more on personal attacks. But after the three debates, one thing has become clear: There is only one candidate that has the judgment and character to lead the most powerful nation in the world and is willing to respect and work hand in hand with its allies.
Trump suggested that the only election outcome that he was willing to accept was his own victory and that he would contest any other "questionable result."
His reluctance to concede fully to the outcome of the presidential election has fueled scathing criticism across America, even from fellow Republicans. The 2008 GOP nominee, John McCain, said, "A concession is an act of respect for the will of the American people, a respect that is every American leader's first responsibility." President Barack Obama said Trump's remarks undermine the legitimacy of the U.S. elections and democracy, while Clinton called them "horrifying."
After three disastrous debate performances, Trump is increasingly raising allegations of a rigged election, even though there has been no evidence of voter fraud heading toward Election Day. By suggesting that the elections are rigged, Trump is mocking the health of the democracy of his own country and the judgment of the American people.
It was wrong for Trump to highlight such ungrounded suspicions during the final debate. It shows a lack of respect for voters and that he lacks the character to be a responsible leader. On the other hand, Clinton signaled that she would respect the outcome of next month's election, saying, "We are a country based on laws. And we've had hot, contested elections going back to the very beginning, but one of our hallmarks has always been that we accept the outcomes of our elections."
The mark of any responsible candidate is to pledge a peaceful transition of power. In that respect, it is easy to determine who is the more trustworthy candidate.
The "rigged election" remarks came on the heels of a leaked tape with Trump's graphic depictions of women. Many believe that a presidential candidate who demeans women under any circumstances is just not worth voting for.
The three Clinton-Trump debates were unlike those during previous presidential campaigns, where candidates fought on opposing views but still behaved with civility toward each other. Trump, who has had a history of humiliating women, refused to address Clinton as "Secretary Clinton," opting to address her by her first name during most of the debates, and the two candidates ended the last debate without even a handshake.
During this unusual election season, there was not enough attention on real issues, but more on personal attacks. But after the three debates, one thing has become clear: There is only one candidate that has the judgment and character to lead the most powerful nation in the world and is willing to respect and work hand in hand with its allies.
