‘I Believe in Redemption’ Pence Says, Insisting Trump Did Not Grope Women Even Though He Said He Did

‘I’m Honored to Be Standing With Him’

Mike Pence says he believes that Donald Trump did not grope women, as the GOP nominee described in a 2005 video that has forced many in the GOP to denounce their candidate. Trump had, now infamously, said because he is a celebrity he could get away with anything, even kissing women without their consent, and even grabbing them by their genitals.

“I believe in redemption and I believe the American people believe in grace,” Gov. Pence told MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle Monday morning after Sunday night’s second presidential debate. 

“Is grabbing a vagina, or using your power to kiss a woman whether she wants it or not an act of ‘grace’?” Ruhle asked as a closed-lipped Pence shook his head.

“Donald Trump made it clear those were words, only words last night, that he hadn’t engaged in any of that behavior, and I believe him,” Pence insisted.

In one stunning moment during Sunday’s debate, Trump actually denied that he had sexually assaulted women, as he described in the 2005 video. 

“You bragged that you have sexually assaulted women. Do you understand that?” Anderson Cooper point-blank asked Trump.

“No. I didn’t say that at all,” Trump immediately responded, denying that he had sexually assaulted women.

Pence insisted “this is just not where the American people are focused,” despite polls showing that many Americans think Trump should quit the race in response to his remarks and actions described in the video. Overall, polls show about 40 percent of Americans think Trump should end his White House bid, but those numbers are drawn largely along partisan lines. Many Republicans don’t think Trump’s remarks and actions are disqualifying.

“I’m honored to be standing with him,” Pence said of his running mate, echoing a tweet he posted after the debate: