In a rare moment, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Thursday expressed some remorse for his divisive rhetoric and personal attacks.
“Sometimes, in the heat of debate and speaking on a multitude of issues, you don’t choose the right words, or you say the wrong thing,” he said at a rally in North Carolina. “I have done that, and I regret it, particularly where it may have caused personal pain. Too much is at stake for us to be consumed with these issues.”
As for what he regrets, Trump did not specify which of his many offensive comments he was referring to. But the apology itself was noteworthy, given that the real estate mogul has staked his reputation on being unapologetic.
Trump also pledged to “always tell you the truth.”
The GOP presidential nominee was speaking from prepared remarks, the third such speech he has delivered in a week. The more disciplined approach comes during a tumultuous week for the campaign, which featured a major shakeup in leadership as well as more flagging poll numbers.
But it remains to be seen if the shift will have a lasting impact on the race. Previous Trump “pivots” have not lasted more than a few days.
Editor’s note: Donald Trump regularly incites political violence and is a serial liar, rampant xenophobe, racist, misogynist and birther who has repeatedly pledged to ban all Muslims — 1.6 billion members of an entire religion — from entering the U.S.