Senator backs Trump saying grabbing a woman's genitals is not as sex attack

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Republican Senator Jeff Sessions has defended Donald Trump's comments
A 2005 video released showed Trump making obscene comments about women and describing how he had tried to have sex with a married woman
Trump later apologized and dismissed the remarks as 'locker-room banter'
Rushing to his defence Senator Jeff Sessions said: 'I don't characterize that [grabbing a woman by her p***y] as sexual assault'

Published: 11:09 EST, 11 October 2016 | Updated: 12:07 EST, 11 October 2016

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A Republican Senator has defended Donald Trump by saying that 'grabbing a woman by the p***y' does not amount to sexual assault.

A 2005 video released on Friday showed Trump making obscene comments about women and describing how he had tried to have sex with a married woman.

Trump later apologized and dismissed the remarks as 'locker-room banter'.

He also claimed Bill Clinton had said 'far worse' to him on the golf course, adding 'there's never been anybody in the history of politics in this nation that's been so abusive to women.'

Rushing to his defence today Senator Jeff Sessions said: 'I don't characterize that [grabbing a woman by her p***y] as sexual assault.

'I think that's a stretch. I don't know what he meant.'

In the video tape, Trump and Bush can be heard making lewd comments about soap actress Arianne Zucker and then Bush encourages her to hug Trump

In the three-minute video from 2005 the brash Republican nominee bragged about kissing, groping and trying to have sex with women who were not his wife.

The tape was shot as Trump arrived on the set of daytime soap opera 'Days of Our Lives,' for a taping of a segment in which he was to have a cameo appearance.

In the video, he was speaking with Billy Bush, then host of the 'Access Hollywood' show about celebrities.

He recounted a story about hitting on a married woman, Bush's then co-host Nancy O'Dell.

He bragged 'I'll admit it. I did try and f*** her ... I moved on her like a b****, I couldn't get there though, and she was married.'

As they arrived at the studio, Bush spotted an actress, Arianne Zucker, who was to accompany them onto the set.

'Sheesh, your girl's hot as (expletive). In the purple,' Bush said, referring to the color of Zucker's dress. 'Whoa, the Donald has scored! Whoa, my man!'

Trump later apologized and dismissed the remarks as 'locker-room banter'

Trump then said he needed some Tic-Tacs in case he started kissing her.

'I just start kissing them. It's like a magnet. When you're a star they let you do it. You can do anything.'

'Whatever you want,' Bush replied.

'Grab 'em by the p***y. You can do anything.'

'Uh yeah, those legs, all I can see is the legs,' Bush retorted.

The tape was recorded in September 2005, months after Trump married his third wife, Melania.

In the three-minute video from 2005 the brash Republican nominee bragged about kissing, groping and trying to have sex with women who were not his wife

Among those who have turned their backs on Mr Trump are Senator John McCain, ex-Florida governor Jeb Bush and Condoleezza Rice, George W Bush's defence secretary.

House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan has also said he will not defend Trump after his controversial remarks.

TV host O'Dell said: 'There is no room for objectification of women, or anyone for that matter. Not even in the locker room.'

But his vice-presidential running mate Mike Pence told CNN suggestions he would leave the Trump campaign were 'absolutely false'.

He had earlier described the remarks as indefensible.

His election rival Hillary Clinton called his comments 'horrific'.