Last night in the first Trump-Biden debate (or rather "debate"), this exchange occurred:
[Chris] Wallace: You have repeatedly criticized the vice president for not specifically calling out antifa and other extremist groups. Are you willing tonight to condemn white supremacists and militia groups and to say that they need to stand down and not add to the violence in a number of these cities, as we saw in Kenosha and as we’ve seen in Portland?
Trump: Sure, I’m willing to do that. But—
Wallace: Are you prepared to specifically—?
Biden: Do it. Trump: I would say almost everything I see is from the left wing, not from the right wing.
Wallace: So what are you saying?
Trump: I’m willing to do anything. I want to see peace.
Wallace: Well, then do it, sir.
Biden: Say it. Do it. Say it.
Trump: You want to call them—what do you want to call them? Give me a name. Give me a name.
Wallace: White supremacists and—
Trump: Who would you like me to condemn?
Biden: Proud Boys.
Wallace: —and Proud Boys.
Biden: Proud Boys.
Trump: Proud Boys, stand back and stand by. But I’ll tell you what, I’ll tell you what. Somebody’s got to do something about antifa and the left. Because this is not a right-wing problem. This is a left-wing problem.
Donald Trump refused to condemn white supremacy. Every republican - every office holder, every candidate, every party member - needs to be confronted with this. Each needs to be asked whether THEY denounce white supremacy. And if they do, whether they're supporting Trump for president and if they are, then why are they supporting someone who refused to condemn white supremacy?
And then at the end of the "debate" this occurred:
President Trump said he would not “go along” with conceding the election if he believes the results have been “manipulated,” continuing to press unfounded conspiracy theories about voters casting ballots by mail.
“Will you urge supporters to stay calm during this extended period not to engage in any civil unrest and pledge tonight that you will not declare victory until the election has been independently certified,” asked moderator Chris Wallace.
“I’m urging supporters to go into the poll and watch very carefully,” Trump said tonight, beginning to slam vote by mail. “If it’s a fair election, I’m 100% on board. But If I see tens of thousands of ballots being manipulated, I can’t go along with that.”
Biden responded to the question by agreeing to “not declare victory” until the election if certified.
Every republican - every office holder, every candidate, every party
member - needs to be confronted with this as well. Each needs to be asked if they will accept the results of an "independently certified" election.
Every Trump supporter needs to be asked: Do you denounce white supremacy? Will you accept the results of an "independently certified" election? If you do, then why are you supporting someone who doesn't?
