Ohio: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump promised on Thursday to accept the outcome of the election — if he wins. The declaration came just hours after he stirred up the final presidential debate by leaving open the possibility he may challenge the results.
Trump said Thursday he would accept a "clear election result" in November, but he also basked in the speculation he stoked during the final presidential debate about whether he would honor the outcome.
"Ladies and gentleman, I want to make a major announcement today," he said at a rally at the Delaware County Fair in Ohio.
Thank you Delaware County, Ohio! Remember- either we WIN this election, or we are going to LOSE this country!#DrainTheSwamp #TrumpPence16 pic.twitter.com/0Z5x5mhEE0— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 20, 2016
Why didn't Hillary Clinton announce that she was inappropriately given the debate questions - she secretly used them! Crooked Hillary.— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 20, 2016
"I would like to promise and pledge to all of my voters and supporters and to all of the people of the United States that I will totally accept the results of this great and historic presidential election if I win."
When asked at Wednesday night's debate whether he would "absolutely accept" the results of the election, regardless of the outcome, Trump responded: "What I'm saying is that I will tell you at the time. I'll keep you in suspense."
On Thursday, Trump elaborated by saying: "This is having nothing to do with me, but having to do with the future of our country. We have to have fairness."
"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 said.
"And always, I will follow and abide by all of the rules and traditions of all of the many candidates who have come before me. Always."
The Republican nominee also renewed an accusation he made earlier in the day that Hillary Clinton "inappropriately" received debate questions ahead of time.
