Real estate mogul and Republican presidential contender Donald Trump says he’s apologized to Sen. John McCain about comments mocking his war hero status.
Trump questioned McCain’s military service during a speech to supporters over the weekend saying he wasn’t a war hero.
“He is a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured,” said Trump.
But on Tuesday, Trump said it’s time to move forward.
“He’s already been apologized to. I sent the statement. I gave news conferences. The issue is really about vets and taking care of the vets. Our vets are being treated horribly. I hope people weren’t offended,” said Trump.
McCain, a Navy pilot during the Vietnam War, was shot down. He was captured and held as a prisoner of war for years.
The backlash has been intense.
The Des Moines Register, the largest newspaper in early-voting Iowa, published an editorial Monday night calling on Trump to drop out of the race.
But despite the comments, Trump is leading in the polls among the GOP.
On Tuesday, ‘the Donald’ tweeted: “Just got great national poll numbers- double digit lead! Thank you, we will all MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!’
The tough-talking New York City native has the support of 24 percent of registered Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, according to the Washington Post.
The latest poll numbers are a jump of sixfold since late May.
In early voting states like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, Trump backers are arguing the controversy is being overblown by the media and opponents who fear his sudden rise in the polls.
(AP)
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4 Responses
The only man among career politicians. You need only look to how scared the establishment is to recognize the potential here.
This means that both major parties have gone off the deep end.
The people are sick and tired of politicians who play for the gallery. While many might not agree with Trump, they are enthusiastic about someone who isn’t afraid to say what he thinks. If other Republican candidates learn a lesson from this, we might actually get someone really good in the White House in 2016.
Although even Trump is better than Hillary…
Agree or disagree with Trump, but he can’t be accused of not speaking his mind and just using political speak. After all the lies and misdirection, I’m sure it’s very refreshing to a lot of people.