Trump: A third-party candidate guarantees Clinton wins

Speaking with ABC News on Wednesday morning, Donald Trump speculated that if a third-party spoiler gained significant traction, it would only help the Democrats.

"I understand what they're saying because it's been a very tough campaign," Trump said, responding to a question about #NeverTrump Republicans who would consider voting third party if he is nominated. "But just let me tell you, a third party guarantees — not 90 percent or 99 percent, 100 percent — that Democrats will win. Probably Hillary, I guess it's Hillary, looks like it if she gets to the starting gate, which she probably will frankly."

Trump's remarks are particularly intriguing given his own history of flirtation with a third-party run. In July of last year, he told The Hill he would "absolutely" consider that option for his campaign.

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