Trump’s ‘Proud Boys, Stand Back, Stand by’ Comment at Debate Spurs Controversy

During Tuesday’s presidential debate, moderator Chris Wallace asked President Donald Trump if he was willing to condemn white supremacists and militia groups and “to say that they need to stand down and not add to the violence” in cities like Portland. Trump replied: “Sure, I’m prepared to do it, but I would say almost everything I see is from the left-wing not from the right-wing. I’m willing to do anything, I want to see peace.” Pressed by Wallace and former Vice President Joe Biden to “do it,” Trump said: ”Proud Boys, stand back and stand by. But I’ll tell you what, somebody’s got to do something about Antifa and the left.” The Proud Boys, a self-described “western chauvinist” group, reportedly celebrated Trump’s comments; Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio denied they are white supremacists. Outlets on all sides featured coverage of reactions from politicians and other public figures, many speculating on what Trump meant in saying "stand by." Coverage in some left- and center- rated outlets focused on criticisms from Twitter. Some coverage in right-rated outlets focused on requests for Trump to clarify his comments.