Overall, when it comes to matters of state, Clinton would set a stable course. She may not be an inspiring leader, but she is steady, sober and well-informed. She would govern much like Obama and Bill Clinton, whose administrations didn’t steer the country into new wars or economic downturns. She can be trusted with the powers of the presidency.

That stands in sharp contrast to Trump, who is so irresponsible in his statements and behavior that many stalwarts of his own party — including past presidents, secretaries of state and presidential candidates — decline to support him.

Trump’s recklessness

Some of his pronouncements are chilling. He promises to seek a criminal prosecution of Clinton if he’s elected and says she’d already be in prison if he had his way. He claims the election will be rigged against him and declines to say he’ll accept the results. “I will tell you at the time. I’ll keep you in suspense,” he told moderator Chris Wallace during Wednesday night’s debate.

Two of the pillars that support American democracy are the principles that losers of elections are not locked up and that all candidates respect the outcome of the vote. Trump is creating a dangerous climate where significant numbers of Americans may reject the legitimacy of the next president.