Trump's core message remains: " I represent change!"
Donald Trump will come to his second presidential debate face-off with Hillary Clinton tonight carrying a lot of pressure for him to demonstrate he remains a strong candidate following the criticisms he received from a leaked decade-old recording.
Trump, however, seems to be ready for an intense battle ahead.
" The media and establishment want me out of the race so badly— I WILL NEVER DROP OUT OF THE RACE, WILL NEVER LET MY SUPPORTERS DOWN", Trump tweeted today amidst some calls for him to quit his bid for the presidency.
Observers believe the recording controversy will be used to the hilt by Hillary Clinton in the debate to score points against Trump. Trump's allies and believers think, however, that Trump can turn things around to his advantage.
For Trump's running mate Gov. Mike Pence, it is crucial that Trump shows sincere contrition about the matter. " We pray for his family and look forward to the opportunity to show what is in his heart when he goes before the nation", Pence said.
United Kingdom Independence Party chairman and leader of England's ' Brexit' campaign Nigel Farage believes things can get " ugly" in the debates, but feels confident that Trump only needs to apologize and he will be forgiven. After all, his mistakes a decade ago pale in comparison to what he feels is the graver sin against the American people- Hillary's dishonesty as revealed in the leak emails, among others.
" At least there's honesty about Trump, he is what he is. He is not running to be Pope, he is running to be the president of the United States.", said Farage.
Trump, who said he has been preparing and studying for the second presidential debate,said his core message for the American people remains rock solid: he is the choice for change against the status quo that has disappointed the public.
" If you want to make America great again, vote for me. If you want four more years of Obama, the failed Obamacare, open borders and horrible trade deals, vote for Hillary", Trump said.
