The political world is still in turmoil the day following the tape leak of Donald Trump making misogynistic comments about women.
During an off-camera conversation with then-Access Hollywood host Billy Bush in 2005, the Republican presidential nominee bragged about aggressively groping women because of his fame. In the video, Trump is also heard describing attempts to have sex with a married woman.
“When you’re a star they let you do it. You can do anything,” Trump says. “Grab them by the p—-. You can do anything.”
Here is what we know so far:
The apology:
Trump released a Facebook video early Saturday morning apologizing, though he called the incident “nothing more than a distraction.”
“I’ve said some foolish things,” he said. “But there’s a big difference between the words and actions of other people. Bill Clinton has actually abused women and Hillary has bullied, attacked, shamed and intimidated his victims.”
Republican backlash:
Some of his own party leaders are calling for Trump to pull out of the race, and he has lost some key endorsements exactly a month before election day.
House Speaker Paul Ryan said he was “sickened” by Trump’s remarks, and revoked an invite to Trump to appear at a GOP event Saturday in Wisconsin. Yet many party loyalists like Ryan condemned Trump’s comments but did not pull their endorsements.
Trump’s running mate, Mike Pence, released a statement that he cannot condone or defend Donald Trump’s comments.
Where are the Black Trump supporters:
The likes of Omarosa, Ben Carson and Stacy Dash have yet to say anything about the incident.
Trump isn’t going anywhere:
The nominee has declared he would not give up the GOP nomination.
“Zero chance I’ll quit,” he told The Wall Street Journal on Saturday. “I’d never withdraw. I’ve never withdrawn in my life,” he told The Washington Post. “No, I’m not quitting this race. I have tremendous support.”
Debate Night:
Trump’s comments, and the leak of Hillary Clinton transcripts from private speeches by Wikileaks arrive the day before both candidates sit down for the second presidential debate. The first debate pulled record-breaking numbers at 84 million viewers, making it the most watched debate of all time.
Will you be watching Sunday’s debate?