Advertisement

Trump’s comments on women are what it took for these Republicans to withdraw their support

The list is growing. Who’s next?

Erica Hellerstein
Screenshot via Fox 13
Screenshot via Fox 13

The Trump campaign is reeling after an incriminating video uncovered by Washington Post reporter David Fahrenthold caught the Republican nominee bragging about sexually assaulting women.

“When you’re a star, you can do anything,” Trump said in 2005 as he rode on an “Access Hollywood” bus with the former host of the show, Billy Bush. “Grab them by the pussy.”

The presidential hopeful also gloated about his unsuccessful attempt to sleep with a married woman — several months after he had married his third wife, Melania Knauss.

“I moved on her, and I failed. I’ll admit it. I did try and fuck her. She was married,” he said.

The video comes in the middle of an already grueling week for the candidate. After spending several days following a dismal debate performance doubling down on former Miss Universe Alicia Machado, who claimed that he mocked her for gaining weight, he also came under fire when he suggested veterans with PTSD are not “strong.” Then, last Saturday, the New York Times reported that the real estate tycoon may have avoided paying federal income taxes for 18 years, based on 1995 tax returns sent by an anonymous source.

Advertisement

The latest round of comments, some say, could deal the final blow to a campaign struggling to find footing. A Trump campaign source told CNN that the remarks “could be a death knell.” Another one added, “Ugh.”

The comments also drew harsh criticism from a number of Republican politicians who have endorsed the candidate, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Arizona Senator John McCain, New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte, and Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey.

But some Republican leaders have gone further than condemnation. They have withdrawn their support of the candidate.

Trump doesn’t seem swayed by the growing calls to step down, however. “I’d never withdraw. I’ve never withdrawn in my life,” he told the Washington Post Saturday morning. “No, I’m not quitting this race. I have tremendous support.”

THE LIST

On Friday, Jon Huntsman, the former Governor of Utah who ran for president in 2012, called on Donald Trump to drop out of the race and instead allow Indiana Governor Mike Pence to lead the ticket.

“In a campaign cycle that has been nothing but a race to the bottom — at such a critical moment for our nation — and with so many who have tried to be respectful of a record primary vote, the time has come for Gov. Pence to lead the ticket,” he told The Salt Lake Tribune.

Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, chairman of the House oversight committee, also withdrew his support of Trump, saying that the candidate’s remarks were “some of the most abhorrent and offensive comments that you can possibly imagine” and that he could “no longer in good conscience endorse this person for president.”

In Facebook video on Friday night, Utah Senator Mike Lee also called on Trump to drop out of the race.

“I respectfully ask you, with all due respect, to step aside. Step down, allow someone else to carry the banner of these principles… rather than weighing down the American people.”

Unknown iFrame situation

Meanwhile, Utah governor Gary Herbert called Trump’s statements “despicable” and confirmed that he would not vote for the candidate, either.

Alabama congresswoman Martha Roby withdrew her support on Saturday morning, tweeting: “Donald Trump’s behavior makes him unacceptable as a candidate for president, and I won’t vote for him”

Utah Rep. Chris Stewart also called on the candidate to step down.

Idaho Senator Mike Crapo also withdrew his support.

After calling Trump a “role model” in a debate earlier this week, New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte finally announced that she would not support Trump, as well.

Nevada Rep. Joe Heck, locked in a tight senate race, also called on Trump to step down.

South Dakota Senator John Thune:

South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard:

Missouri Rep. Ann Wagner:

Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis:

Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan:

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval:

Alabama Rep. Bradley Byrne:

“Donald Trump’s comments regarding women were disgraceful and appalling. There are absolutely no circumstances under which it would ever be appropriate to speak of women in such a way.It is now clear Donald Trump is not fit to be President of the United States and cannot defeat Hillary Clinton. I believe he should step aside and allow Governor Pence to lead the Republican ticket.”

Nevada Rep. Cresent Hardy:

Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer:

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley:

“I certainly won’t vote for Hillary Clinton, but I cannot and will not vote for Donald Trump.”