Fiery exchanges mark second debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump squared off in a heated second presidential debate Sunday night at Washington University in St. Louis. The town hall-style debate came two days after the revelation of a 2005 video in which Trump is heard describing attempts to have sex with a married woman.
The debate quickly grew contentious in exchanges over that video. Trump denied ever kissing or groping women without their consent, describing his language in the video as "locker room talk". Trump went on to say, "Nobody has more respect for women then I do."
Clinton responded by saying that Trump's language in the video gave Americans a true look at her opponent. "I think it's clear to anyone who heard him that it represents exactly who he is." she said. Clinton added that she does not believe that Trump is fit to serve as President.
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Later in the debate, the candidates clashed over health care policy. Clinton praised what she described as progress made during the Obama administration, saying "I want very much to save what works and is good about the Affordable Care Act." Trump responded that "Obamacare is a disaster. You know it. We all know it."
The final question of the debate asked the candidates to name one thing they respect about one another. Clinton responded by saying that she had respect for Trump's children. For his part, Trump said of Hillary that she is a fighter and does not quit.
The debate was tense from the start, apparently thanks to the aftermath of the revelation of the 2005 video of Donald Trump talking with Billy Bush of Access Hollywood. Leading up to the debate, Trump tried to turn the focus to Bill Clinton and claims by several women that he made inappropriate advances to them, The candidates did not shake hands when they came on stage at the start of the debate.
In the video, first published Friday by the Washington Post, Trump talked about what he called a failed sexual advance toward the woman. Trump said on the video, "When you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything".
That video has left the Republican party reeling, with a number of party leaders and officeholders withdrawing support for the GOP nominee. Several Republican Senators, including Rob Portman of Ohio, Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire and John McCain of Arizona, called on Trump to leave the presidential race.
Even Republicans who continue to back Trump are condemning his comments. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani said Sunday morning, "They're remarks you certainly don't want to hear from anyone, much less a presidential candidate."
Trump's own running mate, Mike Pence, said in a statement Saturday about Trump's comments that he won't "condone his remarks and cannot defend them."
Trump posted a video including an apology for his remarks on his Facebook page, and has vowed to remain in the race.
Shortly before the debate, Trump made a public appearance with a number of women who accused former president Bill Clinton of raping them or making unwanted advances toward them.
Earlier in the day, Trump sent a tweet with a link to an interview with Juanita Broaddrick, who claimed that she was raped by Bill Clinton. Her lawsuit against Clinton was dismissed in 2001 and no criminal charges were ever filed. Clinton has denied assaulting Broaddrick.
Hillary Clinton remained mostly silent after the video was made public Friday. But her running mate Tim Kaine accused Trump of a "pattern of assaultive behavior".