Donald Trump's 'half-apology' unlikely to calm political storm

In the early hours of Saturday morning Donald Trump released this poorly-produced video in an attempt to salvage his candidacy.

It is this simple: His campaign has been plunged into a major crisis. The audio and video tape revealing Trump's lewd and predatory language and behaviour is a devastating blow.

After nearly 12 hours of anguished debate inside Trump Tower, we have this half-apology. I would expect this to fail to calm the political storm.

So all eyes will be on Sunday's presidential debate in St Louis.

Republicans who have backed Trump must now make an epic decision: do they abandon him and withdraw their endorsements, throwing the party into chaos?

There are 31 days to go. This will go down as perhaps the worst night a presidential candidate has endured in recent memory.

It may prove fatal, especially if he fails to show profound humility and regret on Sunday night, in front of the nation.