From Debate Stage, Trump Declines To Denounce White Supremacy

President Trump participates in the first presidential debate Tuesday evening at Case Western University and Cleveland Clinic, in Cleveland.

Olivier Douliery / AP

President Trump’s hesitation, once again, to denounce white supremacy during Tuesday’s presidential debate is drawing quick condemnation from anti-racism activists — as are his unusual comments directed at a white supremacist group called the Proud Boys.

During an exchange on the debate stage, moderator Chris Wallace repeatedly asked Trump if he would condemn white supremacists. Trump initially sidestepped that question, claiming that he mostly sees violence “from the left wing.”

Trump eventually responded to Wallace’s question by referring to a white supremacist group, saying, “Proud Boys, stand back and stand by. But I’ll tell you what: Somebody’s got to do something about antifa and the left.”