President Donald Trump defended Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore, and went on the attack against his Democratic opponent. Speaking to reporters outside the White House Tuesday, Mr. Trump discounted sexual misconduct allegations against Moore, saying he has "totally denied" accusations that stretch back to 1977. "He totally denies it. He says 'it didn't happen.' You have to listen to him also. He says, '40 years ago this did not happen.'" Mr. Trump noted that Moore has run for office multiple times since then, adding that the accusations had "never come up."
Mr. Trump also blasted Moore's opponent, Democrat Doug Jones: “We don’t need a liberal person in there, a Democrat - Jones. I’ve looked at his record, it's terrible on crime, it’s terrible on the border, its terrible on the military. I can tell you for a fact, we do not need someone who is going to be bad on crime, bad on borders, and bad with the military, bad for the Second Amendment." Jones sidestepped questions about the president's criticism, saying, "I feel like my record speaks for itself."
The President made his comments as the Moore campaign disputed the allegations, and offered witness statements contradicting the claims.