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LAS VEGAS, the United States, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump Wednesday's refusal to concede defeat should he lose the presidential election has become a vulnerable point in his campaign.
"I think the biggest news out of the debate is that the Republican nominee for president refused to say that he would accept the results of the election," U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton campaign's communication director Jennifer Palmieri told reporters in the spin alley after the third and final presidential debate held at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.
During the debate, when asked if he would accept the results of the Nov. 8 election, Trump only said he would be looking at it.
He failed to give a definite answer, even when he was pressed by the moderator, Chris Wallace of the Fox News, but only said he would keep Americans in suspense as to whether he will accept the results.
Commenting on Trump's stance towards the election results, Palmieri said, "How dangerous and frightening is that? It's certainly unprecedented. It's certainly disturbing."
Palmieri was echoed by Robby Mook, Clinton campaign's manager, who described Trump's refusal as another "alienating statement" that's going to be disturbing to a lot of voters.
Mook said Trump's statement reenforces what people fear about him, which is "he lacks the temperament to be president, that he has trouble functioning under adversity."
He also accused Trump of disrespecting the democratic process, saying Trump "either doesn't understand or doesn't want to obey the peaceful transfer of power."
Trump's statement did shock many in a country, where the concept that defeated candidates should concede to the winner and bow out graciously and quietly has been an inherent part of its political system.
The much-contested 2000 election was so close that it had to be decided by the Supreme Court. In the end, then Democratic candidate Al Gore accepted defeat by Republican rival George W. Bush in line with the ruling.
Even Trump's own daughter as well as other Republicans had earlier said they would concede according to the results of the Nov. 8 election.` While Trump's refusal was a surprise to some, it's somewhat foreseeable considering his frequent complaints about the election being "rigged" against him.
The brash billionaire claimed that the "dishonest and corrupt" media have poisoned the minds of American voters.
However, his claims have been widely dismissed by political leaders from both parties.
Recent polls have shown Clinton has an 11-point lead over Trump after a leaked tape revealed Trump's lewd remarks about women.
The lead is even more obvious among female voters, where Clinton enjoys a margin of 61 percent against 28 percent.
Asked what Clinton will do if Trump contests the election results, Mook said the system will work, though Trump is entitled to do whatever he wants.
Palmieri noted that even Trump's own running mate, Mike Pence, as well as other Republicans, have said that Trump should concede if he did not win the race.
