Photo via Slate
Outrage has erupted across the nation regarding the recent surfacing of a 2005 tape in which Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump can be heard making vulgar comments about women, such as that they “let you do whatever you want when you’re a star.” Trump initially issued a statement apologizing if anyone was offended, and claiming that the comments were nothing more than “locker room banter.” He later released a video apology that, in the words of The Huffington Post, looked like a “hostage tape.”
But many people aren’t having it, including former Republican presidential nominee John McCain (who stated that Trump’s behavior “make[s] it impossible to continue to offer even conditional support for his candidacy”) and Speaker Paul Ryan (who has not withdrawn support but is “sickened” by Trump’s remarks).
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has gone so far as to post on Facebook that Trump should withdraw from the race, a belief that is also upheld by former primary opponents Carly Fiorina and John Kasich.
Trump addressed these calls for his withdrawal, telling Wall Street Journal that he “never, ever give[s] up” and that there is “zero chance” he will quit. Trump also posted the following on Twitter:
The media and establishment want me out of the race so badly – I WILL NEVER DROP OUT OF THE RACE, WILL NEVER LET MY SUPPORTERS DOWN! #MAGA
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2016
But with a growing list of over 150 Republicans who refuse to support him, will Trump change his mind? With Election Day a mere month away, it seems that only time will tell.
