Evan McMullin, the former Republican policy guru who launched an independent bid for presidency, said his campaign won’t hurt Donald Trump’s chances because the Republican nominee is going to lose.
“It’s so likely that Donald Trump will lose, my entrance into the race doesn’t affect that,” McMullin said during an appearance on ABC’s This Week, noting Trump’s recent campaign missteps.
Calling Trump a “not credible candidate,” McMullin pointed to low poll numbers and the Trump’s inability to “control what he says” to illustrate that Trump will lose whether McMullin entered the race or not.
“He’s never had to control what he says … it’s unrealistic to expect him to do that now,” McMullin said.
McMullin, who formerly served as a CIA operative and Republican House chief policy director, said his candidacy provides a change many citizens want, saying “82% of Americans think we’re on the wrong track.”
“I am the only candidate in this race now that has any firsthand experience fighting terrorism,” he said.
McMullin’s comments echoed his words when he announced his candidacy last week. In a letter on his campaign website, the candidate said he believed Americans need an alternative to Clinton and Trump.
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Write to Mahita Gajanan at mahita.gajanan@time.com