Trump holds surprise pre-debate press conference with women who have accused Bill Clinton of assault
Donald Trump held a surprise pre-debate press conference with three women who have accused Bill Clinton of sexual misconduct, and one woman who was a victim in a rape case in which Hillary Clinton defended the accused.
Appearing on stage with Trump were Paula Jones, Kathleen Willey, Juanita Broaddrick, and Kathy Shelton.
It's a hint of how nasty the second presidential debate in St. Louis, Missouri, Sunday night could get, with fallout still ongoing over Trump's lewd 2005 comments about women caught on tape.
Reporters at the conference, which was broadcast on Facebook live, asked Trump at the start of the press conference about the recording.
"Mr. Trump does your star power allow you to touch women without your consent?" a reporter asked.
Trump brushed aside the question and immediately launched into a prepared statement.
"These four very courageous women have asked to be here, and it was our honor to help them," Trump said.
Jones, Willey, and Broaddrick have all accused former President Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton's husband, of sexual misconduct.
All of the women expressed their support for Trump at the conference.
"Actions speak louder than words," Broaddrick said. "Mr. Trump may have said some bad words, but Bill Clinton raped me and Hillary Clinton threatened me."
"I don't think there's any comparison," she continued.
As Trump wrapped up the conference, a reporter asked, "Why did you say you touch women without their consent, Mr. Trump?"
Paula Jones replied to that: "Why don't you ask Bill Clinton that?"
The four women will appear in the debate hall Sunday night.