Sure, Republicans were willing to put up with racism, sexism, religious bigotry, raiding a charity for fun and profit, attacking a Gold Star family, attacking women, attacking women, attacking more women. But Trump’s actually bragging about being a sexual predator seems to have finally been the last straw for a lot of Republicans who up to now were willing to say “Sure, he’s a racist pig who’s likely to start World War III, but he promises to cut my taxes.”
The list of people who were with Trump right up to the “grab” moment is still growing, and the real question now is how many of them aren’t just withdrawing endorsement, they’re indulging in the fantasy of pretending someone else can take the top chair.
Then there’s the ones like Senator Kelly Ayotte, who are simply counting to ten in hopes Donald Trump goes away.
I will not be voting for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, and instead will be writing in Governor Pence on Election Day.
And then of course, there are the Republicans still wobbling because, hell, he’s still going to cut their taxes, right?
Oh, and a reminder: Trump isn't going anywhere.
But the nightmare is real: They’re stuck with a sex predator, and there’s nothing they can do about it.
Calling for Trump to Withdraw
Idaho Senator Mike Crappo joined the crew calling on Trump to withdraw.
I urge Donald Trump to step aside and allow the Republican part to put forward a conservative candidate like Mike Pence who can defeat Hillary Clinton.
Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan is also on team Pence.
As for the White House, Donald Trump should step aside. I will support Mike Pence for President.
South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard is another Pencer.
Enough is enough. Donald Trump should withdraw in favor of Governor Mike Pence. This election is too important.
As is businesswoman Carly Fiorina.
Today I ask Donald Trump to step aside and for the RNC to replace him with Gov. Mike Pence.
Out of all Trump’s primary opponents, Fiorina may be feeling the most vindicated.
Alabama Congressman Bradley Byrne is on the growing Pence heap.
In a statement distributed to multiple media outlets, Coffman said that “for the good of the country and to give the Republicans a chance of defeating Hillary Clinton, Mr. Trump should step aside.”
Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer wasn’t just a Trump supporter, she led the attack on those who failed to fall in line. But apparently her big swig of Trump-Aide has worn off.
"It would be wise for him to step aside and allow Mike Pence to serve as our party's nominee."
Yeah, another reminder: it doesn’t work that way. Still, all these “let Pence have it” statements have to really be making it super chummy at Trump / Pence headquarters.
Alabama Congresswoman Martha Roby also backed away from the orange maniac.
Donald Trump's behavior makes him unacceptable as a candidate for president, and I won't vote for him. … it is abundantly clear that the best thing for our country is for Trump to step aside and allow a responsible, respectable Republican to lead the ticket.
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski pulled the plug on her support, and gave a very weak “get out” whisper.
I cannot and will not support Donald Trump for president. He has forfeited the right to be our party’s nominee.
Utah Senator Mike Lee gave a video un-endorsement calling on Trump to step aside, but didn’t name his preferred candidate.
Utah Congresswoman Mia Love proved that there’s no one left in Utah who supports Donald Trump.
For the good of the party, and the country, he should step aside.
Illinois Senator Mark Kirk is desperate for anything that will save his flagging chances at holding his seat, and called on Trump to “drop out” so the GOP can name an “emergency replacement.”
The emergency in this case? Trump being Trump.
West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito earned a spot in Profiles in Mediocrity with a solid maybe.
“The appropriate next step may be for him to reexamine his candidacy.”
Withdrawing their support of Trump
Nevada Senator Joe Heck is in the neither / nor club.
I can no longer look past the pattern of behavior and comments that have been made by Donald Trump. Therefore, I cannot in good conscience continue to support Donald Trump nor can I vote for Hillary Clinton. My wife, my daughters, my mom, my sister and all women deserve better. All Americans deserve better.
Note that Heck was perfectly fine with Trump cheating on his wife, groping is daughter, attacking a Gold Star mom, and generally saying horrid things about women up to now. Some of whom were surely also sisters.
Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz is right there with him.
“I can not support in any way, shape or form the comments or approach Donald Trump has taken.”
“This is so over the top, it is not even acceptable in locker rooms,” Chaffetz said. “It shouldn’t be acceptable anywhere. We are talking about the president of the United States. I want someone of high moral values.”
Chaffetz idea of “high moral values” apparently included someone who bragged about cheating in his book, but not admitting to actual sexual assault. Nice to know where the line is.
Utah Governor Gary Herbert also says he can no longer vote for Trump. Honestly, Gary Johnson’s chances of carrying Utah are looking better by the second.
Mitt Romney was already NeverTrumperInChief, and now he’s busy filling out 5,000,000 “told you so” cards.
“I was offended and dismayed by what was said and done by Mr. Trump. I think it’s degrading to our women, our daughters, our granddaughters and future generations,” he said.
Jeb Bush was already on the don’t support list, and remains there.
John Kasich had been wobbling his way toward an endorsement, but is feeling pretty good about not getting there.
And Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is of course famous for his own sexual discretion and marital fidelity, thinks Trump is a star too far.
And now, Still playing for Team Sexual Assault …
House Speaker Paul Ryan who says he’s “sickened” by Trump’s statement, and withdrew from a joint event, but has neither called on Trump to resign or withdrawn his support of Trump.
Arizona Senator John McCain who said there were “no excuses” for Trump’s statements, but hasn’t provided an excuse for why he still supports Trump.
Florida Senator Marco Rubio who said Trump was “vulgar, egregious & impossible to justify” but also proved to be a very little man.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz was late to endorse Trump, but hasn’t rescinded that endorsement. When the biography of Ted Cruz’ life is written, it will not include a chapter titled “His brilliant timing.”
RNC Chairman Reince Priebus is, of course, as a soppy jerkwad as always, and his statement was as weak as he is.
Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell said … oh, who cares. It’s Mitch McConnell. He last showed political bravery on he 12th of never. Of course he didn’t withdraw his endorsement.
Oh, and Hugh Hewitt said something. But who cares?