Obama condemns Trump’s remarks about rejecting result

Republican says he reserves right to contest outcome if there is a ‘questionable result’

US president Barack Obama speaks during a rally for Hillary Clinton at Florida Memorial University, in Miami Gardens, Florida. Photograph: Cristobal Herrera/EPA
US president Barack Obama speaks during a rally for Hillary Clinton at Florida Memorial University, in Miami Gardens, Florida. Photograph: Cristobal Herrera/EPA

Donald Trump has said he would "totally accept" the result of the US presidential election – "if I win" – mocking his critics who condemned his refusal in Wednesday night's final debate to concede defeat if he lost.

President Barack Obama chided Mr Trump for his remarks.

“This is dangerous,” he said at a rally for Hillary Clinton in Miami. “When you try to sow the seeds of doubt in people’s minds about the legitimacy of our elections that undermines our democracy.”

The Republican candidate suggested at the debate he might not accept the result, preferring to wait until election day on November 8th and to keep the country “in suspense”.

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Mr Trump yesterday joked with supporters in Ohio: "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", before pausing to add with a grin, "if I win."

Mr Trump said he would “accept a clear election result” but would “also reserve my right to contest and file a legal challenge in the case of a questionable result”.

Mrs Clinton called his remarks “horrifying”.

Simon Carswell

Simon Carswell

Simon Carswell is News Editor of The Irish Times