Economic Indicators

In case you weren’t paying attention, Donald Trump has always been a predator

By
Kristin Oakley
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When an Access Hollywood video of Donald Trump making lewd, predatory comments about women was released, there was outrage and shock, but not necessarily surprise. The comments were the private side of the public actions Trump has always displayed.

As Trump has become more of an entertainer and celebrity over the years, dating from his ownership of and appearances on the Miss Universe beauty pageant, to his role on NBC’s The Apprentice, his smarm and handsiness in public have become more extreme. Though he apologized for his comments, he also dismissed them as locker room talk. Still, for years now, he has been acting upon desires to kiss and/or grab the people he encounters—making his private comments a public matter.

Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner, is kissed by Donald Trump after a news conference on Tuesday Dec. 19, 2006 in New York City.
Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner, is kissed by Donald Trump after a news conference on Tuesday Dec. 19, 2006 in New York City.
Image: AP Photo/Rick Maiman
Donald J. Trump gives a kiss to Demi Moore at party at the Park Avenue Plaza in New York June 23, 2008 to introduce the Trump International Hotel & Tower Dubai .
Donald J. Trump gives a kiss to Demi Moore at party at the Park Avenue Plaza in New York June 23, 2008 to introduce the Trump International Hotel & Tower Dubai .
Image: Getty Images/AFP/Timothy A. Clary
Donald Trump kisses Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez as they arrive at the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant at the Mandalay Bay Events Center August 23, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Donald Trump kisses Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez as they arrive at the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant at the Mandalay Bay Events Center August 23, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Image: Getty Images/Ethan Miller
US Republican Presidential candidate stands behind supporter Myriam Witcher of Las Vegas after inviting her onstage at a rally in Las Vegas, Nevada October 8, 2015.
US Republican Presidential candidate stands behind supporter Myriam Witcher of Las Vegas after inviting her onstage at a rally in Las Vegas, Nevada October 8, 2015.
Image: Reuters/David Becker
US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump kisses the cheek of a young audience member onstage after honoring her request for a selfie at a campaign rally in Portsmouth, New Hampshire January 16, 2016.
US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump kisses the cheek of a young audience member onstage after honoring her request for a selfie at a campaign rally in Portsmouth, New Hampshire January 16, 2016.
Image: Reuters/Brian Snyder
A wax statue of John Wayne watches as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump kisses John Wayne’s daughter, Aissa, during a news conference at the John Wayne Museum, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, in Winterset, Iowa.
A wax statue of John Wayne watches as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump kisses John Wayne’s daughter, Aissa, during a news conference at the John Wayne Museum, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, in Winterset, Iowa.
Image: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, left, gives a supporter a kiss as he brings her up on stage because he liked her sign as Trump speaks during a campaign rally Saturday, March 19, 2016, in Tucson, Ariz.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, left, gives a supporter a kiss as he brings her up on stage because he liked her sign as Trump speaks during a campaign rally Saturday, March 19, 2016, in Tucson, Ariz.
Image: AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
US Republican presidential candidate, real estate mogul and TV personality Donald Trump kisses his daughter Tiffany after formally announcing his campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination during an event at Trump Tower in New York June 16, 2015.
US Republican presidential candidate, real estate mogul and TV personality Donald Trump kisses his daughter Tiffany after formally announcing his campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination during an event at Trump Tower in New York June 16, 2015.
Image: Reuters/Brendan McDermid
Republican presidential Candidate Donald Trump gives his running mate, Republican vice presidential nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana a kiss as they shake hands after Pence’s acceptance speech during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016.
Republican presidential Candidate Donald Trump gives his running mate, Republican vice presidential nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana a kiss as they shake hands after Pence’s acceptance speech during the third day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Wednesday, July 20, 2016.
Image: AP Photo/Mary Altaffer
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump kisses Kellen Campbell of Denver, while also holding Evelyn Keane of Castle Rock, Colo., during a campaign rally, Friday, July 29, 2016, in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump kisses Kellen Campbell of Denver, while also holding Evelyn Keane of Castle Rock, Colo., during a campaign rally, Friday, July 29, 2016, in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Image: AP Photo/Evan Vucci
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump hugs a student after receiving a bible as a gift during a campaign visit to the International Church of Las Vegas and the International Christian Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, October 5, 2016.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump hugs a student after receiving a bible as a gift during a campaign visit to the International Church of Las Vegas and the International Christian Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, October 5, 2016.
Image: Reuters/Mike Segar