Donald Trump has continued to float the possibility of difficult the results of the presidential election if there's a "questionable result," while promising to embrace the result "if I win".
The Republican presidential candidate used a rally in Ohio to try to explain his warning in the ultimate dialogue that he may not settle for the results return November 8.
But Mr Trump brushed off the likelihood of that happening with a assured prediction that "we have a tendency to're not going to lose".
"I would like to promise and pledge to all or any of my voters and supporters and to all or any of the people of the United States that I can totally accept the results of this nice and historic presidential election," Mr Trump said.
Once letting that vow hang within the air, he added: "If I win."
He later told the rally that he would "in fact" settle for a "clear" election result, but reserved the right to file a legal challenge if there's a "questionable result", clarifying his stance every day after he refused to vow he would trust the outcome if he loses.
"Of course, I would settle for a transparent election result, however I would also reserve my right to contest or file a legal challenge within the case of a questionable result," Mr Trump said.
Mr Trump's musings about hypothetical Election Day scenarios came as his campaign was reeling from widespread astonishment over his refusal to attempt to the time-honoured American tradition of the election's loser acceding gracefully to the winner.
Mr Trump has warned repeatedly of impending, widespread voter fraud, despite no proof to support him and plenty of evidence on the contrary.
Asked at the controversy whether he would settle for the outcome, Mr Trump said: "I can tell you at the time. I can keep you in suspense."
Democratic rival Hillary Clinton referred to as the comments "horrifying", whereas many outstanding Republicans additionally denounced Mr Trump's position, and some worried his stance might create it a lot of difficult for his party to carry onto control of Congress.
'Concession is an act of respect for the American people'
Senator John McCain of Arizona, who lost the 2008 presidential election to Democrat Barack Obama, issued a sturdy statement saying that accepting the election result is "the American approach".
"I did not like the outcome of the 2008 election. However I had a duty to concede, and I did so while not reluctance," said Mr McCain, who has opened a poll lead in his Senate re-election race.
"A concession is not just an exercise in graciousness. It is an act of respect for the can of the American people, a respect that is each American leader's first responsibility."
Some different Republicans, mostly those who have not backed Mr Trump, conjointly rejected his comments.
Aides to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell declined requests for comment.
Mr Trump's statement, the foremost controversial during a dialogue that now and then descended into insults by both candidates, made banner headlines across the country and raised queries concerning whether he was committed to a peaceful transition of power, a cornerstone of American democracy.
Democrats jumped to raise Republican candidates whether they agreed with Mr Trump, who is making his first-ever run for public office and against Mrs Clinton, a former initial woman, senator and secretary of state.
Mr Trump's vice presidential running mate, Governor Mike Pence of Indiana, said Mr Trump "will settle for the outcome" as a result of he is going to win.
In recent weeks, Mr Trump has stepped up allegations that the election is being rigged, though he has not offered specific evidence, and numerous studies have shown that the US election system, which is decentralized and run by the states, is sound.
