Former national security adviser John Bolton said Tuesday he was "very troubled" by President Donald Trump's insinuations that he would only lose in November if the election were stolen.
Bolton, who departed the White House in September and has since been deeply critical of Trump, stopped short of saying Trump would try to reject the election's results in a bid to stay in office. But he said he was alarmed at Trump's comments Monday during an event in Wisconsin where the president said "the only way we're going to lose this election is if the election is rigged."
Bolton drew parallels between Trump's comment and undemocratic regimes that sow doubt in elections to stay in power.
"To try to say in advance that the only fair outcome is when I win is something that we should pause over," Bolton said during a talk hosted by the National Press Club.
Still, Bolton added "this is not a moment to get apocalyptic" and said he didn't want to flatly state that Trump would try to keep a grip on power and reject the election. He said he hasn't seen evidence that the president is trying to sabotage the election — an accusation several Democrats have levied as Trump discourages mail-in voting amid the coronavirus pandemic and as his postmaster general has issued major changes to the U.S. Postal Service.
But Bolton said Trump "may attempt anything" and that "there are no rules" with the president.
Bolton called on fellow Republicans to accept the results of the November election, regardless of who wins. He touched on his memories in Florida following the 2000 election and said contested elections could come from either party.
"I don't look forward to an election where we have 10 Floridas all around the country," he said.
Bolton said he wasn't planning on voting for either Joe Biden or Trump — the first time in his career he has opted not to vote for the Republican nominee. He said he would think of a conservative to write in on his ballot.
Bolton departed his post last year amid conflicts with Trump over U.S. foreign policy. He has since written about his experiences in the White House in a book, where he portrayed a chaotic administration struggling to keep in check a mercurial president. The Trump administration tried unsuccessfully to stop the book's release.
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Bolton says he's 'troubled' by Trump suggesting he would only lose a 'rigged' election - POLITICO
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