DAVE ROSS

The real suspense will come if Trump loses by just a few votes

Oct 20, 2016, 5:41 AM | Updated: 6:52 am

Last night was not Hillary’s Clinton’s best performance. She dodged questions, regressed to her prepared talking points, and talked over the moderator.

But none of it mattered after this question: “Do you make the same commitment that you will absolutely accept the result of this election?”

“I will look at it at the time,” Donald Trump responded.

Fact check: Trump, Clinton and their debate claims

This is not the answer he gave when he was asked the same question during the first debate. Here’s what he said then:

“The answer if she wins I will absolutely support her.”

Trump could have said that last night. He did not. He implied massive voter fraud was underway.

“Millions of people are registered to vote, that shouldn’t be registered to vote,” he claimed.

He then declared that Hillary Clinton was an illegitimate candidate.

“She’s guilty of a very, very serious crime. She should not be allowed to run.”

Chris Wallace, the debate moderator, then reminded him what we’re talking about here — that is, refusing to obey the will of the voters.

“One of the prides of this country is the peaceful transitions of power,” Wallace said.

Trump could have responded, “Of course I agree to the peaceful transition of power,” but he did not say that.

“Are you saying you’re not prepared now to commit to that principle?” Wallace asked.

“What I’m saying is that I’m telling you at the time. I’ll keep you in suspense,” Trump said.

Now, if he loses in a landslide, I doubt there would be trouble. But if Trump loses by a few electoral votes that’s where the suspense would come in. What would he say on Nov. 9? What would his millions of followers do?

Not that I’m really worried. I’m sure if there’s trouble, Vladimir Putin, being the effective leader that he is, would be happy to fly in a few hundred thousand friendly troops to set up safe zones.

Dave's Commentary

Dave Ross on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
  • listen to dave rossTune in to KIRO Newsradio weekdays at 5am for Dave Ross on Seattle's Morning News.

Dave Ross

drivers data insurance...

Dave Ross

Ross: As cars release driving data to insurance, is your driving my business?

Every move you make, every swerve you take, every lane change you fake – someone’s watching you. Do drivers have a right to keep driving data private?

16 hours ago

rent control...

Dave Ross

Ross: Rent control was never the answer in Wash.

The rent control bill died in the Washington State Legislature this week, even though Democrats control both houses.

21 days ago

end of democracy...

Dave Ross

Ross: Conservative activist earns applause for pledging an ‘end of Democracy’

The theme from Jack Posobiec's speech is that Jan. 6 was a righteous attack not on democracy, but on those who threaten democracy.

22 days ago

Image: Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado, is seen on Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, 2023. (Photo: Alex Brand...

Dave Ross

Ross: Voters can help cull bad politicians from the herd early

Let's remember that just about every occupant of a higher office once occupied a lower office, and was put there by us, Dave Ross says.

29 days ago

Super Bowl celebration...

Dave Ross

Ross: The NFL does it again

The NFL once again put on a show that was able to keep me tuned in for four hours even though I had no stake in either team.

1 month ago

social media...

Dave Ross

Ross: Is the Wild West of social media over after Senate hearing?

The original social media business model was genius -- get ordinary people to create content for free, sell ads and give the content creators a cut.

2 months ago

The real suspense will come if Trump loses by just a few votes