Trump Drops Bombshell, Implodes In Final Debate

By Lorin McLain

Donald Trump seems to be pretty effective by now in inflicting damage mostly onto himself in the heat of debate. The GOP candidate started off the last of three debates Wednesday night again with what appeared to be a solidly focused performance; but then he unraveled while falling into Hillary Clinton’s craftily rehearsed diversions. He also burned his establishment supporters by refusing to say he would acknowledge the election results if he loses.

Asked by Fox News moderator Chris Wallace if he would honor the tradition of conceding to the winner, and to a “peaceful transition of power,” the former reality show star said “I will tell you at the time,” adding “I’ll keep you in suspense, okay?” By the time Thursday’s news cycles were churning, it seemed highly unlikely that the GOP candidate’s chances of reviving his campaign in the less than 20 days remaining until Election Day. It was the pinnacle of accusations on which he’s based his campaign, claiming the cornerstone of our democratic system is among the laundry list of items he says is rigged. Trump’s accusation only opened Clinton’s opportunity to spell out the psychology of his strategy, reminding viewers that Trump even accused the Emmy’s of being rigged when his “Apprentice” show was snubbed years ago. Trump cheekily responded, “I should of gotten it.”

Trump appeared to learn nothing from criticisms of his interruptions in earlier debates while easily falling into the trap laid by Hillary, who managed to quickly turn the discussion from her Wikileaks scandal into Vladamir Putin’s alleged efforts to swing the election. Clinton referred to the findings of U.S. intelligence agencies that have traced the Democratic Party email hacks to the Kremlin, calling Trump a puppet for Putin. “No puppet. No puppet. You’re the puppet!” Trump quipped.

The disruptions followed the same pattern as debate number two. He shot out “Wrong!” – when Clinton referred to past statements he made about nuclear weapons. “Wrong!” – when she noted his mocking of a disabled reporter. When Clinton was asked a tough question, he blurted out “Correct!” to Wallace. Trump then went into overdrive, accusing Clinton and “her sleazy campaign” of orchestrating the nine women who have accused him of sexual misconduct. As the debate drew toward it’s final moments, Trump interrupted Clinton at one point calling her “such a nasty woman.”

For Trump, it was on with the show the next morning at a campaign rally in Ohio. The crowd grew silent as he took the podium appearing to make a major announcement, and proclaimed, “I will totally accept the results of this great and historic presidential election… lf I win!” Trump said by not declaring that he would concede to a winner after the election, he now reserves his right to a legal challenge if he sees anything questionable in the results.