Donald Trump took the gloves off less than ten minutes into the Republican debate, but it wasn’t to go after a fellow GOP candidate.
Fox News moderator Megyn Kelly listed off a number of disparaging remarks that Trump previously made towards women, then asked how the New York businessman plans to “answer to Hillary Clinton” when she accuses him of perpetuating the “war on women.”
“You call women you don’t like “fat pigs,” “dogs,” “slobs,” and “disgusting animals,”” Kelly said. “Does that sound to you like the temperament of a man we should elect as president?”
After interrupting Kelly to quip that the only time he used those words was to describe former “Celebrity Apprentice” contestant, Rosie O’Donnell, the real estate magnate said a big problem the U.S. has is “being politically correct.”
“I’ve been challenged by so many people and frankly, I don’t have time for political correctness and to be honest with you, this country doesn’t have time either,” he said.
Before Kelly could respond, Trump went on to defend his characteristic off-the-cuff remarks and criticize her treatment of him.
“Frankly, what I say, often times it’s funny, it’s kidding, we have a good a time… but what I say is what I say,” Trump said, adding, “Honestly, Megyn, if you don’t like it, I’m sorry. I’ve been very nice to you although I could probably maybe not be based on the way you have treated me.”
“But I wouldn’t do that,” he added.
The former reality TV host took the stage at the beginning of the night as he leads in the average of polls over the nine other GOP contenders to make it into the prime-time debate.
