Mark DeMoss

My fellow Americans, early in my campaign for the Republican nomination for president, I was asked by a reporter whether I had ever felt the need to ask for God’s forgiveness. I responded by saying I didn’t think I ever had. That was a stupid thing for anyone to say — but especially me! I’ve now concluded I not only need to seek God’s forgiveness for many things, I also need to ask for forgiveness from so many others.

But let me start with God. I’ve said that his book — the Bible — is the greatest book I’ve ever read; yet I’ve largely ignored what it teaches us about pride. God hates pride. The New Testament says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Without a doubt, my life has been marked more by pride than by humility. I have come to the realization that everything I have or have accomplished is because of God — for it is he who blesses us with intelligence, health and the ability to make wealth. Today, I publicly confess my pride and ask for God’s forgiveness.

I also confess that I have, far too often, used language better associated with a construction site than with the White House — or any house. I am not proud of much of the language I have used, and I apologize to Americans everywhere — especially to young people who should be able to look up to anyone running for president. I commit to no longer speak in a way that would diminish the dignity that the office of president rightly merits. America deserves better.

Next, I want to apologize to reporter Serge Kovaleski for publicly mocking your physical disability. I showed tremendous disrespect to you and the millions of Americans living with a disability of one kind or another. I wish I could take it back and hope you will forgive me. I’m sorry.

Sen. John McCain, I’m sorry for disparaging your service to our country by mocking your capture. I was wrong and offer no excuse for it. I know I’m late, but I’m asking you to forgive me. What you sacrificed for our nation and my freedom is beyond heroic, and I salute you, sir!

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Megyn Kelly, I apologize for calling you names and mistreating you; please forgive me. I realize that you, along with thousands of men and women who choose to be reporters, are just trying to do your job. In putting myself forward to run for president, I should have been more respectful of you and all those trying to provide the public with information and insight on this important campaign. I’m sorry I mistreated you; I’m sorry I have repeatedly called the press such ugly names. I have been to parts of the world that don’t have a free press, and I am thankful for our system. I also recognize I was blessed with hundreds of millions of dollars of media attention I didn’t have to pay for, so I certainly should not protest every story I don’t like.

I’m sorry I treated Jeb Bush so poorly during the primaries. Jeb, you and your family have an admirable record of public service to our nation, and I apologize for calling you names and not showing you the respect you deserve. Please forgive me — you would have been a fine president.

I’m sorry for things I said about most of my Republican primary opponents — Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, John Kasich and others. Just because politics is a contact sport is no excuse for behaving the way I have far too often. These men and women might have been political adversaries — but they are also people, people who sacrificed much to seek the same office I now seek, and all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. I don’t deserve their forgiveness, but I’m humbly asking for it.

Mitt Romney, I now know just how hard it is to run for president — and you did it twice! Please forgive me for calling you a loser and a choke artist — two labels many will no doubt place on me, should I be unsuccessful on Election Day. You, sir, exemplify class, dignity, character, integrity and faith. You are a national model of a good husband, father and grandfather. Frankly, I’m sorry we aren’t all working for your re-election this year!

Then, I want to apologize to the people of Mexico for painting an entire nation with the kind of broad-brush stereotype that has no place in political discourse — or modern life, for that matter. I’m sorry, and win or lose, I hope to earn your respect and trust. That anyone from Mexico — or any other country — would risk everything to seek the kind of opportunity and freedom this land has to offer is a tribute to America, and those who pursue it should not be disparaged. From now on, I will discuss and debate policy without ascribing negative labels or cheap stereotypes to those most affected by it.

I must also apologize to the loving parents of a slain Muslim-American soldier. Just because Khizr and Ghazala Khan appeared at the Democratic convention in support of my opponent does not mean they are not deserving of my utmost respect and appreciation for their son’s sacrifice to protect the freedoms I enjoy every day. Mr. and Mrs. Khan, I take my hat off to you, and all of our Gold Star families — regardless of political affiliation — and respectfully ask for your forgiveness.

It’s past time to apologize for demeaning women as I clearly have by talking about them as objects to be exploited for personal pleasure. This behavior should not be dismissed as “locker room talk.” It is vulgar and reprehensible, and has no place in public or private life. I’m ashamed and I’m sorry. I don’t expect forgiveness for this one, but I’ll ask anyway. I owe Alicia Machado a public apology as well; please forgive me for judging any woman by her physical appearance or weight, rather than by her inner spirit and heart. I’m sorry, Alicia.

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Throughout this campaign many of my surrogates, staff members and supporters have tried to explain my hurtful words and often mean-spirited behavior by saying things like, “He’s not a trained politician; he’s not politically correct; he just says what’s on his mind.” Or, “He’s a counter puncher; he just hits back when someone hits him first.” None of us would accept these excuses from our children or co-workers, and you should not accept them from or on behalf of me.

So, I also want to apologize to all of these folks who have sacrificed personal reputation and credibility in their efforts to make excuses for behavior of mine that was simply inexcusable. While much of my own behavior and speech have had many defenders, I must be honest — it simply has no defense. I especially apologize to the many evangelical leaders who defended and promoted me against their own moral and biblical convictions and beliefs about character, for I have no doubt cost you much moral authority in future elections.

Secretary Hillary Clinton, I want to apologize for calling you names and inciting hatred toward you and your husband. Our political differences are many, but you have given your life to public service, and that is still a noble calling. If I win, I will want your help. If you win, you can count on my support. America deserves our cooperation.

My candidacy for this nomination was launched, and succeeded, in response to deep-seated anger from people across this land — people who believe their government has been taken from them and no longer serves and protects them. I was upset when many of these people supporting me were referred to as deplorables — yet I recognize now, I am the one who has been deplorable. I’m sorry!

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I realize that the best way to make America great again is to appeal to our collective better angels, not to our shrillest tones and most divisive words. For nearly 70 years I’ve been blessed far beyond anything I could have imagined, and certainly beyond anything I deserve. I want to now give back and serve the country that has provided so much opportunity and blessing for me. I want to serve in a way befitting of the office I seek in the land that is still the greatest on earth.

Finally, I fully expect many people to be skeptical of these apologies and appeals for forgiveness — after all, I’m trailing nationally in the final weeks of a presidential campaign. I understand such skepticism and have no doubt my sincerity will be questioned across this country. Believe me, I am well aware that my own actions in the days and weeks ahead will have to prove my sincerity, and I intend to work hard to earn the benefit of the doubt. I’ll let you be the judge. This much I know — win or lose, apologizing and asking forgiveness is the right thing to do and I’ll be better for it.

Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless America.

Mark DeMoss is founder of DeMoss, an Atlanta-based public relations firm representing faith-based organizations since 1991. He served as senior adviser to Mitt Romney’s campaigns in 2008 and 2012.

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