Donald Trump on Friday sarcastically dismissed women accusing him of sexual misconduct -- even as two more came forward with lurid accounts -- and denounced what he called an international political and media plot against him.
President Barack Obama warned meanwhile that America's very democracy is at stake in the November 8 election because of the Republican presidential candidate.
As Trump spoke at a rally, Summer Zervos -- an ex-contestant on his reality TV show "The Apprentice" -- came forward to accuse him of kissing, groping and thrusting his genitals at her during a meeting at a California hotel in 2007.
The Trump campaign said in a statement that he "vaguely remembered" Zervos and that she continued to email his office for help after the show ended, but shot down her accusation.
Also Friday a former aspiring model, Kristin Anderson, told the Washington Post that Trump had sidled up to her in a nightclub in the early 1990s, reached under her skirt and touched her vagina through her panties.
They were the latest in a stream of women accusing Trump of predatory sexual behavior, adding to the woes of his now free-falling presidential bid.
His Democratic rival Hillary Clinton on Friday called the election "incredibly painful."
"I take absolutely no satisfaction in what is happening on the other side with my opponent," she told a crowd at a campaign field office in Seattle, Washington. "I am not at all happy about that."
"It hurts our democracy."
- 'Lies, lies, lies' -
The torrent of allegations against Trump was unleashed by last Friday's release of audio from 2005 in which Trump bragged that he could get away with grabbing women's crotches because he's famous.
"Lies, lies, lies," Trump thundered at a rally Friday in Greensboro, North Carolina, referring to sexual misconduct allegations reported by the New York Times and other media.
"I love those signs, 'Women for Trump,'" he told another crowd later in Charlotte.
"I actually think I'm doing well with women," Trump said, as a smiling blond woman in an iridescent silver top hoisted up a poster.
The latest Quinnipiac poll has the Republican candidate trailing his Democratic opponent among women voters by 20 points.
In Greensboro, Trump also had words for Jessica Leeds, who said he groped and kissed her as they sat next to each other on a plane in the 1980s.
Said Trump: "Believe me, she would not be my first choice, that I can tell you," eliciting laughter from the crowd.
- 'Corrupt media' -
Trump also targeted Carlos Slim, the Mexican billionaire and the New York Times' largest shareholder, saying he is plotting against Trump.
"The corrupt media is trying to do everything in their power to stop our movement," Trump said.
"Carlos Slim as you know comes from Mexico. He's given many millions of dollars to the Clintons and their initiative," Trump said alluding to the Clinton Foundation.
Slim's son-in-law and spokesman, Arturo Elias, said Slim has never met Trump and "is not interested in his personal life in the slightest."
In reference to Clinton's accusation that Trump was "stalking" her during last Sunday's debate, the bombastic Republican told his supporters she had simply walked in front of him.
"When she walked in front of me, believe me, I wasn't impressed," he said, appearing to hint at the Democrat's physique.
Obama, campaigning for Clinton in Cleveland, warned that much is at stake in the election.
He blasted Trump as a dictator-in-the-making, but also voiced concern about how Trump's legion of supporters might react to defeat.
"Tolerance is on the ballot," Obama told a group of largely young voters in the swing state of Ohio. "All the progress we made in the last eight years is on the ballot."
"Democracy itself is on the ballot right now."
- 'C'mon man!' -
As his poll numbers slip Trump has been claiming that the media and a "global elite" are working against him.
"Hillary Clinton meets in secret with international banks to plot the destruction of US sovereignty in order to enrich these global financial powers, her special interest friends and her donors," Trump told supporters in Florida.
Obama gave that claim short shrift on Friday.
"C'mon man!" he said, ridiculing Trump's repeated claim that the election is "rigged."
"You don't start complaining about the refs before the game's even done," Obama said. "You just play the game, right?"
Many elected Republican officials, worried about their re-election prospects, have distanced themselves from Trump.
Some, though, have since reversed their stance, citing fears that Clinton's appointments as president would move the Supreme Court sharply to the left.
AFP
Sat Oct 15 2016
Summer Zervos speaks to the press with her attorney Gloria Allred on October 14, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.