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Republicans throw Trump under the ‘Access Hollywood’ bus after leaked comments about women

Will Trump drop out? Some Republicans say he should.

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Andrew Couts

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Posted on Oct 7, 2016   Updated on May 25, 2021, 8:27 pm CDT

Donald Trump may want to start thinking about a plan B. 

The Washington Post on Friday published leaked audio recorded in a bus outside the set of Access Hollywood in 2005 in which Trump described his pursuit of a married woman and boasted his ability to do “anything” he wants with women because he’s “a star.” 

“You know I’m automatically attracted to beautiful—I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait,” Trump said to Access Hollywood host Billy Bush. “And when you’re a start they let you do it. You can do anything.”

“Grab them by the pussy,” Trump continued. “You can do anything.”

Condemnation of Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, came swift and strong. First from Democrats, including his opponent Hillary Clinton, then from members of his own party. Here is a running list of the Republican lawmakers and other leaders who have distanced themselves from Trump.

Reince Priebus, RNC Chair

“No woman should ever be described in these terms or talked about in this manner. Ever.” (via Politico)

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.)

“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. In the meantime, he is no longer attending tomorrow’s event in Wisconsin.” (via Paul Ryan)

Sen. Ted Crus (R-Texas), 2016 GOP presidential candidate

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), 2016 GOP presidential candidate

Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R), 2016 GOP presidential candidate

Fmr. Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R), 2016 GOP presidential candidate

Fmr. New York Gov George Pataki (R), 2016 GOP presidential candidate 

https://twitter.com/GovernorPataki/status/784567126984126464

Fmr. Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R), 2012 GOP presidential nominee

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), 2008 GOP presidential nominee

“There are no excuses for Donald Trump’s offensive and demeaning comments. No woman should ever be victimized by this kind of inappropriate behavior. He alone bears the burden of his conduct and alone should suffer the consequences.” (via John McCain)

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R)

Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.)

Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.)

Fmr. Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman (R)

“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 [Trump running mate] Governor Pence to lead the ticket.” (via Salt Lake Tribune)

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R)

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R)

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory (R)

Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah)

Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.)

Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.)

“This is disgusting, vile, and disqualifying. No woman should ever be subjected to this type of obscene behavior, and it is unbecoming of anybody seeking high office. In light of these comments, Donald Trump should step aside and allow our party to replace him with Mike Pence or another appropriate nominee from the Republican Party. I cannot in good conscience vote for Donald Trump and I would never vote for Hillary Clinton.” (via Washington Post)

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa)

Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.)

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)

Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)

Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H)

Rep. Joe Heck (R-Nev.)

Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.)

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South Dakota Gov. Dan Daugaard (R)

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.)

Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Penn.)

Rep. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)

Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska)

Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.)

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval (R)

Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.)

Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio)

Fmr. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam (R)

“It is time for the good of the nation and the Republican Party for Donald Trump to step aside and let Gov. Mike Pence assume the role as the party’s nominee. If he does not step aside, I will write in a Republican for the office of President.” (via the Tennessean)

We will continue to update this list as new denouncements arrive.

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*First Published: Oct 7, 2016, 6:21 pm CDT

Andrew Couts

Andrew Couts is the former editor of Layer 8, a section dedicated to the intersection of the Internet and the state—and the gaps in between. Prior to the Daily Dot, Couts served as features editor and features writer for Digital Trends, associate editor of TheWeek.com, and associate editor at Maxim magazine. When he’s not working, Couts can be found hiking with his German shepherds or blasting around on motorcycles.

Andrew Couts