Originally Posted: October 20, 2016
(This is a section of a larger SMU news release. To read the full analysis CLICK HERE)
TRUMP’S REFUSAL TO ACCEPT ELECTION’S OUTCOME A HUGE ERROR
jmwilson@smu.edu
On Trump refusing to say he’d accept the election’s outcome…
- “The biggest moment of this debate will be Trump’s equivocation on whether he’d accept the results of the election. That will dominate media coverage and is probably the final nail in the coffin of his campaign. It does, though, feed the conspiratorial grievance of the supporters who will watch the TV network that he likely plans to launch.”
- “Refusing to say he’ll accept the results of the election is bad for Trump. He needs to go along with Pence and Ivanka and accept the legitimacy of the electoral system. Trump was doing well in this debate until he refused to concede electoral legitimacy. If you want to claim fraud afterwards, with evidence, fine. But preemptively? That doesn’t play well.”
On the closing arguments…
- “There was a real contrast in the closing statements. Clinton was positive and encouraging while Trump went on the attack. That’s because she’s winning right now and he’s losing.”
On whether Chris Wallace is playing fair…
- “I’m surprised Chris Wallace let Clinton off the hook on Bill’s accusers. Why should Trump’s accusers be respected and believed but not Bill’s?”
On whether Trump admires Putin and Assad…
- “There has been discussion here tonight of Trump ‘praising’ Putin and Assad. He denies it. I think they’re talking past each other. He often says they are strong, effective leaders who have been strategically successful. Is that praising despots, or just respecting your adversary’s strengths and capabilities?”
Wilson is an SMU associate professor of Political Science with specific expertise in politics and religion