Opinion

Trump hangs on in increasingly unedifying contest

No US presidential race in living memory has provided the sort of jaw-dropping, no holds barred spectacle that is the contest between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

We all know that politics can be a bruising business and no place for anyone with a thin skin, but in most democratic processes a degree of civility is expected and there are lines that are not crossed.

Not so in this gladiatorial clash between the boorish billionaire and the cool technocrat.

Mr Trump's approach to politics is one where the normal boundaries don't exist. He says what he wants, offends who he wants and doesn't appear to care about the consequences.

The result is a bizarre, unpredictable, absolutely compelling election where it seems the rule book on normal conduct has been torn up.

Even so, the past few days have seen this contest lurch into even more extraordinary territory.

The release of a tape on which Mr Trump is heard talking about women in lewd, predatory and disturbing terms threatened to completely derail his candidacy.

A video of him apologising turned into an opportunity to attack his opponent, so not as remorseful and contrite as might have been expected in the circumstances.

Meanwhile, senior Republicans lined up to denounce their party's nominee amid concerns that his toxic brand would taint colleagues running for political office.

With even his vice-presidential running mate saying his remarks were indefensible, there was speculation that Mr Trump would have to withdraw, something he dismissed in typically bullish fashion.

Against this backdrop came the second presidential debate on Sunday night which may well have persuaded millions to watch but what they saw was far from edifying.

Mr Trump insisted his remarks on women were `locker room talk' and with no sense of irony declared: ``Nobody has more respect for women that I do.''

It was a gloves off performance with Mr Trump not only attacking Mrs Clinton through her husband but threatening to jail her if he becomes president.

Amazingly, Mr Trump continues to enjoy a considerable level of support and this contest remains tighter than anyone could have foreseen.

Hillary Clinton showed she had a firm grasp of policy and detail and was calm under fire but failed to deliver a knock out blow.

It may be her campaign is happy to stand back and allow Trump to damage his own cause but this is a high risk strategy.

We are coming to the end of this tale of the unexpected but no one can say with certainty what will happen next or what the final outcome will be in November.