Sen. John McCain never mentioned Donald Trump by name in a statement Thursday "regarding the integrity of the U.S. election system."
But McCain, the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, seemed to be speaking to Trump and urging a graceful concession of defeat should Trump lose the presidential race as McCain did.
"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. "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."
McCain, who is seeking reelection next month, said Arizona voters should be confident in the integrity of the election.
"Free and fair elections and the peaceful transfer of power are the pride of our country, and the envy of much of the world because they are the means to protecting our most cherished values, the right to liberty and equal justice," he said.
"America has a reputation and an example to uphold in the eyes of the world that is at the core of our ability to influence world events."
