Hot mic video comments that were released this week show Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump making lewd comments about women. The tape was recorded during preparation for an interview with reporter Billy Bush. Trump boasts casually that because of his celebrity status he could reach out to women and “Grab them by the p—y. You can do anything.” Trump continues to make misogynistic comments towards women in the recording. The political backlash has been devastating for Trump and his campaign, as prominent republican figures have called for an end to his campaign and support, including former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice who posted to Facebook:
“Enough! Donald Trump should not be President. He should withdraw. As a Republican, I hope to support someone who has the dignity and stature to run for the highest office in the greatest democracy on earth.”
Trump’s comments even caused his own vice presidential running mate Mike Pence to release the following statement ahead of tonight’s second and final Presidential debate:
“As a husband and father, I was offended by the words and actions described by Donald Trump in the eleven-year-old video released yesterday. I do not condone his remarks and cannot defend them. I am grateful that he has expressed remorse and apologized to the American people. We pray for his family and look forward to the opportunity he has to show what is in his heart when [he] goes before the nation tomorrow night.”
More than 30 top republican politicians have denounced Trump. Among these names are former presidential candidate Ben Carson, RNC Chair Reince Priebus, Republican Speaker Paul Ryan and many other powerful figures.
Ryan said he was “sickened” by the comments:
“I am sickened by what I heard today. Women are to be championed and revered, not objectified. I hope Mr. Trump treats this situation with the seriousness it deserves and works to demonstrate to the country that he has greater respect for women than this clip suggests.”
Now, according to a report issued by the Wall Street Journal, the Republican National Committee plans to cut funding for Donald Trump. The RNC plans to focus on down-ballot candidates, according to an unnamed party official. It is a devastating blow, unprecedented in modern American politics on a national level. It is inconceivable that the national Republican party has turned its back on a duly nominated presidential candidate with less than a month before the national election. A raucous RNC convention confirmed and nominated the Trump-Pence ticket and any move at this point to drop Trump is practically impossible.
