DELAWARE – During a campaign trip to central Ohio Thursday, Donald Trump stepped back only slightly from his refusal to say during presidential debate the night before whether he would concede if he loses to Hillary Clinton on Election Day.
“I will totally accept the results of this great and historic presidential election,” he told supporters.
“If I win,” he added to the cheers of about 1,000 people in a building at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.
He later said he would accept “a clear election result” but still reserves his right to “contest or file a legal challenge” if he loses.
But Trump says he won’t lose.
During his hour-long speech, Trump repeated claims of widespread voter fraud in the face of evidence that such cases are rare.
NATIONAL: Polling safeguards stepped up after Trump’s “rigged” election claim
Recent revelations about Trump‘s lewd comments about women, recorded on video during a taping of a segment of “Access Hollywood,” and accusations of sexual harassment and assault have damaged the Republican nominee’s standing in polls, both nationally and in Ohio, but had done nothing to damped the ardor of the supporters who turned out on a drizzly day to hear the candidate.
“He excites me, his plan, his goal for the country,” said one voter, named Cindy.
“I don’t think Hillary is the one who’s going to save our country,” said another, named Nancy, who says she believes the nation is at “a crossroads.”
RELATED: The candidates trade barbs, get booed, at charity dinner
Earlier in the day, former Ohio State quarterback Stanley Jackson and Ohio Rep. Andrew Brenner (R-Powell) addressed the enthusiastic crowd which chanted “Lock her up,” referring to Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, and “We want jobs.”
Clinton was scheduled to attend a get-out-the-vote rally in the Cleveland area late Friday afternoon.