After his poor debate performance, Trump desperately needed to cut down Clinton's gain in the polls. However, with the election only a month away, the unthinkable happened: A tape from 2005 was released by the Washington Post. In the tape Trump is heard saying sexual remarks including grabbing a woman "by the p*ssy" and him being able to do anything because he was famous. The video caused immediate backlash and set back his campaign in multiple ways that may cost him the election.
The Democrats immediately capitalized on Trump's video, with Hillary Clinton tweeting that it was "horrific" and that it was why Trump should not become President. Also, during the 2nd presidential debate, Clinton brought it up multiple times in order to paint an image of Trump as a repeated sexual assaulter. Because the Democrats used the tape as a weapon, some Republicans decided to escape the blame. Multiple people in the Republican Party, including John McCain, two senators, and other top figures claimed that Trump's behavior in the video was inexcusable. Even Trump's wife, Melania Trump, and his running mate Mike Pence had some harsh words for Trump.
Although Trump has had multiple scandals and controversies over the past year or so, this tape scandal is different. The tape scandal brings Trump to a new low as he is clearly heard saying how he wanted to have sex with other women and "grab them by the p*ssy". Trump, who has been sinking in the polls since the first debate, is now in a precarious situation where he has a low chance of winning the election if something happens. Even though this scandal is directed at Trump right now, it might be used later by the Democrats against the Republican Party in general as an example of how Republicans choose candidates of bad morals. However, Trump supporters remain steadfast and there is still one month left before Election Day. Trump is claiming that he will never quit, even after multiple pleas from Republicans to step out of the race. The polling is still close enough that Trump can make a comeback. While this scandal has severely damaged the Trump campaign, Trump and his supporters are still going strong.
