Trump’s lewd remarks on women in 2005, may cost him dear

The video, obtained by the Washington Post, captures Trump having an extremely lewd conversation about women. “I just start kissing them...Just kiss. I don’t even wait,” Trump is quoted saying. “And when you’re a star they let you do it,” he says in the recording.

The 70-year-old business tycoon bragged in vulgar terms about kissing, groping and trying to have sex with women during the conversation caught on a microphone.

The video captures Trump talking with Billy Bush, then of “Access Hollywood”, on a bus with the show’s name written across the side. They were arriving on the set of ‘Days of Our Lives’ to tape a segment about Trump’s cameo on the soap opera.

Following outrage over his comments, Trump said, “This was locker room banter, a private conversation that took place many years ago. Bill Clinton has said far worse to me on the golf course – not even close.” 

Making a rare apology, Trump said, “I apologise if anyone was offended.” 

Trump’s Democratic rival Hillary Clinton was quick to slam him for his remarks, saying, “This is horrific. We cannot allow this man to become president.” 

“This kind of behaviour is disgusting. It makes me sick to my stomach,” Democratic vice presidential nominee Senator Tim Kaine said.

Later, in a taped apology posted on his Facebook page Saturday morning, Trump said, “I’ve never said I’m a perfect person, nor pretended to be someone that I’m not. I’ve said and done things I regret, and the words released on Saturday on this more than a decade-old video are one of them.” 

“Anyone who knows me, know these words don’t reflect who I am. I said it, it was wrong, and I apologise,” he said in the 91-second video.

Appearing apologetic, Trump said he has travelled the country talking about change for America. “But my travels have also changed me”. Trump pledged to be a better man tomorrow, and said will never, ever let the countrymen down.

“Let’s be honest. We’re living in the real world. This is nothing more than a distraction from the important issues we are facing today. We are losing our jobs, we are less safe than we were 8 years ago and Washington is broken,” he said as his tone soon appeared to be combative.

However, the reality TV star quickly pivoted from his own crisis to attack the husband of his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. “I’ve said some foolish things, but there’s a big difference between the words and actions of other people.” 

“Bill Clinton has actually abused women, and Hillary has bullied, attacked, shamed and intimidated his victims. We’ll discuss this in the coming days. See you at the debate on Sunday,” Trump said.

The video could impact Trump’s campaign bid significantly as it has emerged just days ahead of the second presidential debate scheduled for Sunday.