Here's what Trump said at the debate about 2005 tape

You didn't think the early portions of the debate were going to focus on tax policy, did you?

Early on in Sunday night's debate in St. Louis, Donald Trump was asked about the explosive recording from 2005 released on Friday in which he's heard graphically discussing groping women.

Trump denied he was discussing sexual assault, claiming what he was saying was "locker-room talk."

“I’m not proud of it," he said, before trying to pivot to a discussion of the Islamic State.

“Nobody has more respect for women than I do," Trump added.

Hillary Clinton, not surprisingly, blasted Trump, saying in the past she'd disagree with Republican nominees but not questioned their fitness to serve.

As for the video, she said: “I think it’s clear to anyone who heard it that it represents exactly who he is.”

Trump in his response, as he strongly hinted he would, brought up Bill Clinton's past scandals and some of his accusers, who were in the debate audience. Before the debate, Trump held a news conference that included Paula Jones, Juanita Broaddrick and Kathleen Willey, who have all made accusations against the 42nd president.

Trump's pre-debate Facebook Live features Bill Clinton accusers

Bill Clinton was "far worse" than he was, Trump said, and Hillary Clinton was "abusive" to her husband's accusers.

“He gets to run his campaign anyway he chooses," Hillary Clinton responded.

Nastiest debate ever? Catch up on what you missed

Analysis: Donald Trump makes history again. Not in a good way