Again, these tactics are nothing new. There are several times U.S. presidents have attempted to restore their image by reconciliation, which may qualify as apologetic rhetoric ("Revisiting ‘The Age of Apology’” 2). For example, George W. Bush tried to restore his national reputation after the tragic incidents at the Iraqi prison Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo; Bill Clinton attempting to repair his image after the Monica Lewinsky Scandal; and Richard Nixon giving a speech in regards to the Watergate incident in 1972 (2).

There’s an issue with acknowledging these political statements as apologies. The issue is that there isn’t any real effort in making amendments with the direct victims, rather there is use of persuasive speech that aims to gain a positive reputation to serve a political agenda. In Trump’s case, he does not apologize to to the women he’s insulted nor does he refer to what he’s apologizing for; rather, his objectives are to gain supporters that will vote for him in the election.

Take a look at an apology Obama had made when he was president. Note not only the sophistication and sincerity, but how he directly apologizes to the victim, and states how they would like to make amendments in a corporative and professional matter.