It was an astonishing exchange. Why would any American, must less a potential president, find it so hard to accept the findings of U.S. intelligence officials and condemn a foreign country for trying to influence a U.S. election?

Worse, he refused to follow the example of House Speaker Paul Ryan and his own running mate, Mike Pence, and say that he will accept the results of the election – win or lose. No presidential candidate has ever attacked the foundations of democracy: a peaceful transition of power.

Will Trump accept the election results? Will he heed the will of the people?

"I will look at it at the time," he said.

Scary talk.