Tom Reed (left) and Donald Trump
WASHINGTON – Rep. Tom Reed (R-Corning, NY 23) issued the following statement Saturday morning, Oct. 8 via his reelection campaign, regarding crude comments made in a leaked hot mic of Donald Trump from 2005.
“Women are never to be talked about in this way. As someone with eight older sisters, a wife and daughter I care deeply about, it is disappointing and offensive to hear these words,” Reed said. “It is not right and these comments must be called out for what they are, just wrong.”
There was no indication from Reed’s statement that he plans to withdraw support form the Republican presidential candidate.
Reed was one of the first members of Congress to endorse Trump for president. He also serves as the Trump campaign committee’s co-chair for New York State.
On Friday the Washington Post released a video in 2005 with audio of Trump making lewd comments about women. Trump apologized for the comments during a recorded video statement released Friday night.
“I’ve never said I’m a perfect person, nor pretended to be someone I am not,” Trump said. “I’ve said and done things I regret, and the words released today on this more than a decade old video are one of them. Anyone who knows me, knows these words don’t reflect who I am. I said it, I was wrong, and I apologize.”
Trump then went on the attack, raising issue with opponent Hillary Clinton and husband, former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
“I’ve said some foolish things, but there’s a big difference between the words and actions of other people. Bill Clinton has actually abused women and Hillary has bullied, attacked, shamed, and intimidated his victims. We will discuss this more in the coming days,” Trump said.
RESPONSE FROM REED’S OPPONENT
John Plumb
Reed’s opponent in the 2016 Election, U.S. Navy Commander John Plumb (D-Lakewood), responded to Reed statement Saturday afternoon, via a statement from his campaign.
“Congressman Tom Reed has support for Donald Trump that knows no bounds,” Plumb said. “In light of the events of the past 24 hours, leaders from his own political party across the country are calling for a change. In contrast, Congressman Reed is refusing to give up his position as Campaign Co-Chair of Trump’s campaign in New York State. This shouldn’t surprise us. Congressman Reed will do and say anything to advance his own self-interests at the expense of all of us here in the Southern Tier. And it is clear that he made a self-serving political calculation that this is the best way to advance his Washington career and the special interests that he protects.
“This dangerous doublespeak of pretending to stand with victims while advancing a candidate that demeans women and promotes sexual violence is damaging to our entire country.”
Plumb’s accusation that Reed made a self-serving political calculation is based on a video recorded in August 2016, when Tom Reed flew to Miami to introduce Trump during a campaign appearance. Trump responded by telling him that he would not forget.
Reed and Plumb will be the only two candidates for New York’s 23rd Congressional District appearing on the 2016 General Election Ballot. Election Day is Nov. 8, 2016.
One can tell much more by actions than words.After Trump’s latest media presence, there’s nothing left to know – but what about Tom Reed? Reed can denounce a few statement’s of Trump’s and think all is OK?
Tom Reed stands up for Trump, and Reed must go.
Reed continues to support Trump? Reed questions his opponaunt’s eligibility to run for Congress because he served his country? It’s time for a change!
It interests me that the people who endorsed Trump are suddenly shocked by his latest remarks and behavior. You have let your constituents down Mr. Reed pretending that this man was someone worth our support for your political gains. We are disappointed in your judgment. Your attacks on your opponent are mean spirited and without merit. For some reason I thought you would hold yourself to a higher standard.