Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released a lengthy statement today on election etiquette, likely in response to remarks made by Donald Trump at last night's debate when asked if he would accept the results of the election.
Said Trump: “I'll tell you at the time. I'll keep you in suspense, okay?”
Said McCain:
“I didn't like the outcome of the 2008 election. But I had a duty to concede, and I did so without reluctance. A concession isn't just an exercise in graciousness. It is an act of respect for the will of the American people, a respect that is every American leader's first responsibility.”
But we already know Trump doesn't respect the American people.
McCain's full statement:
All Arizonans and all Americans should be confident in the integrity of our elections. Free and fair elections and the peaceful transfer of power are the pride of our country and the envy of much of the world because they are the means to protecting our most cherished values, the right to liberty and equal justice.
In the last days of the Cold War, a Czech protestor proclaimed, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.' He was claiming solidarity with American values and demanding a voice in governing his country as Americans have when we choose our leaders.
America has a reputation and an example to uphold in the eyes of the world that is at the core of our ability to influence world events. When a foreign adversary, like Vladimir Putin, tries to interfere with our election he's trying to undermine our standing and influence.
There have been irregularities in our elections, sometimes even fraud, but never to an extent that it affected the outcome. We should all be proud of that, and respect the decision of the majority even when we disagree with it. Especially when we disagree with it.
I didn't like the outcome of the 2008 election. But I had a duty to concede, and I did so without reluctance. A concession isn't just an exercise in graciousness. It is an act of respect for the will of the American people, a respect that is every American leader's first responsibility.
Whatever our differences we owe each other that respect, which we express by defending the democratic values and practices that protect us all.
I don't know who's going to win the presidential election. I do know that in every previous election, the loser congratulates the winner and calls them, ‘my president.' That's not just the Republican way or the Democratic way. It's the American way.
This election must not be any different.
McCain blasted Trump again last week for his remarks about women and have had well-publicized spats over POWs, the Khan Gold Star family, Judge Curiel, and other policy matters.
And Trump fired back at McCain's foul mouth:
The very foul mouthed Sen. John McCain begged for my support during his primary (I gave, he won), then dropped me over locker room remarks!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2016
On the flip side, McCain vowed to obstruct any Supreme Court nominee Hillary Clinton puts forward.
