Ohio Governor Denounces Hate Groups; Says Better Debates Needed

COLUMBUS, OH —

COLUMBUS, OH — Following a contentious presidential debate in Cleveland, Gov. Mike DeWine said Ohioans and Americans deserve better discussion from the nation's two presidential candidates — Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

"The name calling by both candidates is certainly not helpful. The name calling by both candidates is not productive," DeWine said at his daily news conference Thursday. He urged both candidates to focus instead on the issues that will vex the candidate elected by the American people.

While avoiding addressing either candidate specifically, DeWine then assured Ohioans that there will be a peaceful transfer of power following the election. He also assured residents that the upcoming election will be safe and people can trust the results.

"Elections are sacred. There is a sanctity to our election process. We give them proper respect," DeWine said. "We will not tolerate any interference in this sacred process. We will, as we have done in the past, protect each citizen's right to vote and have their vote counted."

Addressing Hate Groups

One of the talking points coming out of Tuesday night's debate was Trump's decision not to denounce white supremacist groups, like the Proud Boys, and instead to tell them to "stand back and stand by."

DeWine spent part of his Thursday afternoon address condemning hate groups, though he was careful to say there were "fringe groups" on both the left and right of the political spectrum.

"There are fringe groups and individuals — of both the right and left — who do not share our common values, the great values of this country. There is no place in America for that," DeWine said.

He said violence is not an appropriate mechanism for achieving political ends.

" It sickens me that there are people who work to divide us. We cannot let these fringe groups — on the right and left — divide us," he said.

DeWine concluded his discussion of hate groups by issuing a plea for care and compassion.

"We have a responsibility to each other. We have a responsibility to our country. In all aspects of our life, we must not allow hate to prevail over love, kindness and compassion, especially in these times of uncertainty and division," the governor said.