Donald Trump’s 2005 comments about groping women were apparently the last straw for Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who has rescinded her support of Donald Trump.
“I wanted to be able to support my party’s nominee, chosen by the people, because I feel strongly that we need a change in direction for our country,” she posted on Twitter. “However, I’m a mom and an American first, and I cannot and will not support a candidate for president who brags about degrading and assaulting women. I will not be voting for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton and instead will be writing in Governor Pence for President on Election Day.”
I will not vote for Donald Trump. Read my statement here: pic.twitter.com/F8zajgDZpg
— Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) October 8, 2016
The Washington Post published a tape Friday of Trump boasting to Access Hollywood host Billy Bush about kissing, groping and having sex with women, saying that “when you’re a star, they let you do anything … I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything,” he said. “Grab ’em by the p-y.”
He apologized in a taped message he posted on Facebook on Friday night:
“I’ve never said I’m a perfect person. I’ve said and done things I regret, and the words released today in this more than decade old video are one of them. Anyone who knows me knows these words don’t reflect who I am. I said it, I was wrong, and I apologize.”
He added: “I pledge to be a better man tomorrow and will never, ever let you down.”
Many Republicans joined Democrats in condemning Trump, and House Speaker Paul Ryan canceled plans to appear with Trump this weekend.
Meanwhile, Tuesday’s debate between vice presidential candidates Tim Kaine and Mike Pence scored points for Trump’s running mate, who came off so well that a poll showed many Republican voters wished that Pence was in the top spot rather than Trump.
Pence also now tops the list for whom Republicans would like to see as their nominee in 2020.
Trump, meanwhile, faces his second debate with Hillary Clinton on Sunday. It should be interesting.
