Though there are various sources of irony in Donald Trump’s campaign, from his assertion that competition in health insurance will lead to the coverage of pre-existing conditions to his claims that the foreign manufacturing of products that he purchases is killing American jobs, one ironic facet of his performance in the second Presidential debate is worth far more than just noting. Donald spent a decent portion of his speaking time emphasizing the horrid conditions in American inner cities and the catastrophic crime and murder rates. He referenced the recent tragedies in cities like Charlotte to drive home his point. Unfortunately for Mr. Trump, and for America should he be elected, he fails to notice that his rhetoric and his treatment of his fellow citizens are precisely what perpetuates the hatred and divide that foster violence and criminal activity.

The most apparent and relevant example of the dangerous rhetoric that Mr. Trump employs is found, ironically, in his “apology” for other horrendous rhetoric of his. Donald’s excuse that his statements about women that were leaked days before the debate were simply “locker room talk” is more damaging than just a horrible excuse for an apology. Let’s be very clear. Donald asserted that he can do whatever he wants to women because he is famous. Donald claimed that he can simply “grab them by the pussy”. Many media outlets have chosen to say that he has spoken inappropriately about women or that he mentioned grabbing them by the genitals, but if a nominee for President can say those words without repercussions, that indicates that the American public is totally fine with hearing those words. “Grab her by the pussy”. That is how the potential future leader of our nation speaks about over 50% of our population. To even imply that the young men in locker rooms after a high school football game or changing before gym class can utilize this language and have it written off as “locker room talk”, as boys just being boys takes this Trump phenomenon to a new level of horrifying. Not only would Donald Trump not advocate for women in policy, not only will he objectify us and ridicule our appearances, but Donald Trump will perpetuate, allow, and enable a culture in which men are allowed to dehumanize women because, well, that’s just what men do.

Following the lead of the Republican nominee, many will respond to this analysis on Donald’s rhetoric by asserting that Bill Clinton’s actions speak louder than Donald Trump’s words. Let me pre-empt this response with a few crucial observations:

1. Bill Clinton is not running for President. Period. It is not only irrelevant to discuss his mistakes during Hillary’s run for the office but frankly quite sexist. To blame his wife and hold her responsible for his actions is at the root of the misogynistic society that a Trump presidency would perpetuate.
2. The logical follow-up from Trump supporters is that Hillary has claimed she will heavily involve Bill in her executive branch.  That’s a debate and a discussion that can be had. Appointment to many important government positions requires further approval, and Hillary should be held to high standards when choosing those with whom she surrounds herself. Let’s also not forget that Trump has expressed his high hopes that Sarah Palin will accept a position on his cabinet, so let the debates commence.
3. Hillary’s role in Bill’s sexual assaults is unclear and likely a diversion tactic on behalf of opponents. While Juanita Broaddrick’s allegations of rape are unproven, I firmly believe in giving the victim the benefit of the doubt. Assuming that Bill did rape her, there is still no indication that Hillary was aware nor complicit with the action. Broaddrick claims that Hillary “bullied” her, though research into the claim shows that Broadrrick made this statement based on an inference she made about Hillary’s tone at a rally. Hillary thanked Juanita for everything she had done for Bill, and any assumptions about her tone are barely anything worthy of comparing with Donald’s leaked videos.
4. Even if what Bill did was absolutely abhorrent, Donald Trump is in no way excused from his actions by pointing that out. No one is innocent by comparison. Just because someone else did something worse does not in any way mean that your unrelated action is acceptable. The rhetoric that Donald Trump has used consistently, not just in the leaked video, is absolutely inexcusable from any America citizen. His position as the Republican nominee for the President of this great country simply makes his words that much more powerful and that much more revolting. A man with his influence should be utterly ashamed to have uttered such verbiage, and America should be humiliated that we let such a man attain such influence.

sources: The Political Insider;