Trump seeks to challenge the 3:40 election results
(CNN) -
Republican Party leaders nervously watch President Donald Trump's erratic handling of an election that is slipping away from him.
And they delicately urge the president and his team to present clear arguments about electoral irregularities that denounce or accept the will of the American people.
As they watch Trump make one baseless claim after another, Republicans are concerned about the lasting ramifications of the president's barrage of baseless attacks on a cornerstone of America's democracy.
Especially when they prepare for two months of intense battles for two hugely important races in Georgia that will determine the next majority in the Senate.
LEE: The demands of Trump and the Republican Party on the elections
But leading Republicans are also wary of a volatile president who has enormous influence at the base of his party.
Many are unwilling to directly challenge your dubious claims and instead urge you to lay out your arguments in greater detail.
Republican Party sources said Friday that the idea is to give Trump and his team a chance to present their arguments and allow the disputes to resolve themselves in court.
They argue that if the lawsuits fail, then Trump will have no choice but to grant the election without them having to confront him.
"It is up to the Trump administration to present the specific arguments on electoral irregularity," said South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who also defended Trump's unsubstantiated claims about possible fraud.
"They are reviewing the electoral files now," predicting more details in the next 48 hours.
Republicans' different reactions to fraud accusations
Trump would not recognize Biden if he wins the election 6:08
Republican leaders approach him cautiously.
Some, like House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, publicly defend their claims.
Others, like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, try to find a middle ground.
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McConnell, a cautious but purposeful leader, carefully crafted a public message about Trump's allegations that respects the concerns of the president and his ardent supporters, but does not endorse his nebulous allegations of voter fraud.
On Friday, McConnell declined to say anything beyond his delicately worded statement.
Republicans argue that it is now up to the president to provide the public with details about allegations of widespread voter fraud in several crucial states that have left former Vice President Joe Biden on the brink of presidency.
"I think the president should leave this discussion to his attorneys," said Senate Rules Chairman Roy Blunt.
Its commission is in charge of supervising the elections.
"And if they have arguments to present, there is a process in which they do so and that process is timely."
Donald Trump 2020 United States Elections Republican Party