Trump mocks critics: I'll accept election results — if I win

DELAWARE, Ohio -- Mocking his critics, Donald Trump pledged Thursday to accept the outcome of next month's presidential election fully -- if he wins.

The Republican said he reserved the right to contest questionable results, deepening his unsubstantiated assertions the race against Hillary Clinton could be rigged against him.

Trump's comments came a day after his refusal in the final presidential debate to say whether he would concede to Clinton if he loses.

His resistance, threatening to undermine the essence of American democracy, was rejected roundly by fellow Republicans.

Arizona Sen. John McCain, the 2008 GOP nominee, called the peaceful transfer of power "the pride of our country."

"I didn't like the outcome of the 2008 election. But I had a duty to concede, and I did so without reluctance," McCain said in a lengthy statement. "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."

With the presidential race slipping away from him, Trump repeatedly has raised the specter of a rigged election, despite no evidence of widespread voter fraud heading toward Election Day or in previous presidential contests.

His top advisers and running mate Mike Pence have tried to soften his comments, only to watch helplessly as he plunges ahead.

Asked in Wednesday's debate whether he would accept the election results and concede to Clinton if he loses, Trump said: "I will tell you at the time. I will keep you in suspense."

Clinton slammed Trump's comments as "horrifying," and fellow Democrats piled on Thursday.

"The things that Donald Trump is saying and doing is genuinely a threat to the democratic process, which is based on trust," Vice President Joe Biden said during a campaign stop for Clinton in New Hampshire.

Trump's comments overshadowed his attempts to diminish Clinton's credibility during the debate.

He entered the contest desperate to reshape the race and attract new voters who are skeptical of his brash temperament and fitness for office, but it appeared unlikely he accomplished those goals.

Campaigning Thursday in must-win Ohio, Trump tried to make light of the situation.

"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," he said. After letting that vow hang in the air for a few seconds, he added, "If I win."

The Republican nominee said he would accept "a clear election result" but reserved his right to "contest or file a legal challenge" if he loses.

He brushed off the likelihood of that happening with a confident prediction that "we're not going to lose."