U.S. Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-Missouri) is withdrawing her support for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and wants him to pull out of the race. A firestorm of reaction, including from Missouri, has erupted on Twitter about a video disclosed that captures Trump making vulgar comments about women. The tape, which Trump says is from 2005, reveals him bragging about groping women and having his way with them because of his fame.
Wagner released a statement Saturday on Twitter:
Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R)
“I have committed my short time in Congress to fighting for the most vulnerable in our society. As a strong and vocal advocate of victims of sex trafficking and assault, I must be true to those survivors and myself and condemn the predatory and reprehensible comments of Donald Trump,” says Wagner. “I withdraw my endorsement and call for Governor Pence to take the lead to defeat Hillary Clinton.”
Other current U.S. Congressional members have come out saying they cannot endorse Trump for President as a result of the video. Senators John McCain (R-Arizona), Mike Lee (R-UT), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Kelly Ayotte (R-New Hampshire) and Congresswoman Martha Roby (R-Alabama) are among the list.
Senators John Thune (R-SD), Mark Kirk (R-Illinois), Ben Sasse (R-Nebraska) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) have all called for Trump to drop out immediately.
Trump dropped plans to attend a rally scheduled Saturday in Wisconsin. He says on his Twitter page that he’s moving forward.
“The media and establishment want me out of the race so badly – I WILL NEVER DROP OUT OF THE RACE, WILL NEVER LET MY SUPPORTERS DOWN! #MAGA,” says Trump.
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt wouldn’t go as far to say on Twitter that he’s not endorsing Trump:
“Donald Trump’s statements were disrespectful and inappropriate, and he was right to apologize,” says Blunt.
Two of Missouri’s Democratic Congressional members have plenty to say about the Trump tape. Senator Claire McCaskill calls out on some Missouri Republicans via Twitter to respond.
“All together now Mo R candidates “And we support this man who did this shocking, disgusting, repulsive, wrong thing” Wagner & Hartzler too?”
Congressman William Lacy Clay (D-Missouri) has made several comments on Twitter about Trump’s news:
“Two phony non-apologies from #HumptyTrumpty. It’s not just a “distraction.” It’s predatory dehumanizing conduct,” says Clay. “#unfit #vulgar #NeverTrump #HumptyTrumpty is a #vulgar fraud. #NeverTrump Trump bragged on hot mic about being able to grope women @CNNPolitics. Enough…this man is #vulgar #unfit #NeverTrump Trump caught on tape making crude, demeaning comments about women.”
Trump, who has refused to apologize for other recent comments that some find offensive, has publicly apologized about the comments revealed in the video. Some critics say Trump’s apology wasn’t really an apology.
“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 this more than a decade old video, are one of them. I was wrong and I apologize,” Trump says. “I’ve said some foolish things but there is a big difference between the words and actions of other people. Bill Clinton has actually abused women.”
The leaked video could throw Missouri into the national political spotlight even more. Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton are scheduled to participate on Sunday in a town hall style debate at Washington University in St. Louis. Some say Trump’s public apology included an indication that he could mention Sunday sex scandals involving Bill Clinton.
In an official statement from Trump’s campaign, Trump is gearing up for Sunday:
“I will be spending the day in New York in debate prep with RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, Gov. Chris Christie and Sen. Jeff Sessions, and then flying to St. Louis on Sunday for the 2nd Presidential Debate” says Trump.
Missourinet will have reporters at Washington University getting reaction from the debate.
