Washington: Controversial Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says he regretted causing personal pain to people sometimes by not choosing the “right words” and uttering the “wrong thing” even as his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton termed his remark a mere “well-written phrase”.
“Sometimes, in the heat of debate and speaking on a multitude of issues, you don’t choose the right words or you say the wrong thing. I have done that, and I regret it, particularly where it may have caused personal pain. Too much is at stake for us to be consumed with these issues,” Trump said at an election rally in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He also said that he is not a politician.
“I have worked in business, creating jobs and rebuilding neighbourhoods my entire adult life. I’ve never wanted to learn the language of the insiders, and I’ve never been politically correct it takes far too much time, and can often make more difficult,” the 70-year-old tycoon said.
“But one thing I can promise you is this: I will always tell you the truth. I speak the truth for all of you, and for everyone in this country who doesn’t have a voice. I speak the truth on behalf of the factory worker who lost his or her job,” Trump asserted.
Trump said his only interest is the American people. “So while sometimes I can be too honest, Hillary Clinton is the exact opposite: she never tells the truth. One lie after another, and getting worse each passing day,” he said.
In a late-night statement, the Clinton Campaign said Trump has much for which he should apologise.
“Trump literally started his campaign by insulting people.
He has continued to do so through each of the 428 days from then until now, without shame or regret. We learned tonight that his speech writer and teleprompter knows he has much for which he should apologise,” said Christina Reynolds from the Clinton Campaign.
“But that apology tonight is simply a well-written phrase until he tells us which of his many offensive, bullying and divisive comments he regrets and changes his tune altogether,” Reynolds said.
“The American people are still waiting for Hillary Clinton to apologise for all of the many lies she’s told to them, and the many times she’s betrayed them. Tell me, has Hillary Clinton ever apologised for lying about her illegal email server and deleting 33,000 emails?” he asked.
PTI
