Vice President Joe Biden certainly had some strong words to say about Donald Trump’s remarks about former Access Hollywood anchor Nancy O’Dell, saying that Trump’s words are akin to sexual assault.
In a tweet, Biden wrote, “The words are demeaning. Such behavior is an abuse of power. It’s not lewd. It’s sexual assault.”
The words are demeaning. Such behavior is an abuse of power. It’s not lewd. It’s sexual assault. –Joe
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 8, 2016
In 2005, Trump was caught on a hot mic about his inappropriate advances towards Ms. O’Dell, who is married. He also said he has a penchant for famous women, where he feels compelled to kiss them.
“I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet,” said Trump, who was with then-Access co-host Billy Bush. “Just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star they let you do it,” Trump says. “You can do anything...Grab them by the p---y. “You can do anything.”
These remarks have caused many in the GOP to break ranks with Trump, even rescind their support of his candidacy. It’s fractured the party and adds another obstacle for the Republican nominee on the eve of the second critical presidential debate. This event is bound to be brought up Sunday and Trump’s answer to it will determine whether he’s able to kill this disastrous public relations nightmare. Throughout this election, Trump has been saved by new developments about Clinton’s email fiasco or the Clinton Foundation to pivot attention away from his antics, like when he went after a Gold Star family after the Democratic National Convention. In turn, Clinton’s polls numbers have sank, bringing this race to a statistical dead heat between the two highly unpopular candidates. The Calvary may not be coming for Trump this time.
Nancy O’Dell, who now works for Entertainment Tonight, also broke her silence about the controversy:
Politics aside, I’m saddened that these comments still exist in our society at all," she wrote. "When I heard the comments yesterday, it was disappointing to hear such objectification of women. The conversation needs to change because no female, no person, should be the subject of such crass comments, whether or not cameras are rolling. Everyone deserves respect no matter the setting or gender. As a woman who has worked very hard to establish her career, and as a mom, I feel I must speak out with the hope that as a society we will always strive to be better."
And the bleeding hasn’t stopped for Trump. Sen. John McCain has rescinded his support for his candidacy.