Trump's VP running mate Mike Pence condemns lewd comments

The whirlwind reaction surrounding Donald Trump's recorded lewd comments regarding women has forced his vice presidential running mate, Governor Mike Pence of Indiana, to issue a stunning rebuke of his own political partner.

In a statement posted on Twitter from his official account on Saturday, Pence said:

"As a husband and father, I was offended by the words and actions described by Donald Trump in the eleven-year-old video released yesterday. I do not condone his remarks and cannot defend them. I am grateful that he has expressed remorse and apologized to the American people. We pray for his family and look forward to the opportunity he has to show what is in his heart when he goes before the nation tomorrow night."

Pence's decision to issue the statement has already led some in GOP circles to speculate that he should be at the top of the ticket instead of Trump.

Similarly, on Saturday, a growing list of GOP members publicly denounced Trump's statements, with some like Governor George Pataki even calling for him to step down and end his campaign. GOP heavyweight John McCain also took the rare step of taking back his endorsement, releasing a lengthy statement on his website.

"There are no excuses for Donald Trump’s offensive and demeaning comments in the just released video; no woman should ever be victimized by this kind of inappropriate behavior. He alone bears the burden of his conduct and alone should suffer the consequences," wrote McCain.

"Donald Trump's behavior this week, concluding with the disclosure of his demeaning comments about women and his boasts about sexual assaults, make it impossible to continue to offer even conditional support for his candidacy. Cindy, with her strong background in human rights and respect for women fully agrees with me in this ... Cindy and I will not vote for Donald Trump. I have never voted for a Democratic presidential candidate and we will not vote for Hillary Clinton. We will write in the name of some good conservative Republican who is qualified to be President."

However, Trump confirmed on Saturday, in an interview with the Washington Post, that he has no intention of dropping out of the race.

"I'd never withdraw," Trump told the paper that first reported the profane conversation, recorded in 2005, between Trump and the television personality (with his own political ties) Billy Bush. "I've never withdrawn in my life ... No, I’m not quitting this race. I have tremendous support."

The latest drama surrounding the candidate comes just a day before Trump is expected to face off against presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in a town hall style debate on Sunday.