Last night, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton faced off in their second presidential debate.
And it was…interesting.
The Town Hall style debate, moderated by CNN’s Anderson Cooper, left many frowning in disgust when Trump wrote off derogatory remarks in response to him allegedly sexually assaulting and debasing a woman as “locker room” talk.
“It’s locker room talk, and it’s one of those things,” Trump said before moving on to another topic. “I will knock the hell out of ISIS.”
Trump’s response follows leaked video that captured him saying that because of his fame, he could “grab women by the p**sy.”
What ISIS has to do with this disturbing, crass discussion has yet to compute for me.
I’m not proud of my locker room talk. But this world has serious problems. We need serious leaders. #debate #BigLeagueTruth
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 10, 2016
Needless to say, people—including professional athletes—were not here for Trump’s excuse, and took to social media to voice their opposition.
We’re now normalizing sexual assaulted, brushing ignorance off as locker room talk is very dangerous and encouraging boys to talk vulgar!
— Mr. Weeks (@MrDane1982) October 10, 2016
Every time you accept “It was locker room talk.” as an excuse, a #BrockTurner gets let out of prison.
— (((Julian Miller))) (@JulianMiller) October 10, 2016
Stop saying that bragging about sexual assault is “locker room talk” men shouldn’t be bragging about assault n locker rooms!!! #Debates2016
— ShiShi (@ShiShi_Rose) October 10, 2016
PSA: sexual advances without consent is NOT locker room talk.
— Kendall Marshall (@KButter5) October 10, 2016
@dahntay1 I guess we have no choice but to vote for Hillary, the woman who attacked all the victims of her serial rapist husband.
— Art Sartrus (@ArtSartrus) October 10, 2016
Since the scandal, Republicans have noticeably distanced themselves from Trump.
“I strongly urge his campaign to consider what’s best for the future of our country and our party, and step aside so that we can defeat Hillary Clinton,” House Speaker Kurt Daudt said.
According to political experts, stepping aside is likely the only way Trump could be replaced as the Republican nominee for President under the Republican National Committee’s Rule 9.
