Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson is urging Donald Trump to apologize for his war of words with the bereaved parents of a fallen Muslim American soldier.
In an interview with radio host Charlie Sykes, the Republican incumbent — in a tough re-election battle in his home state — said Trump should go beyond the necessary "respect and honor" for the parents of soldiers killed fighting for the United States.
"I've spoken to a number of Gold Star moms and dads, and they just deserve our utmost respect," he tells Sykes. "What else can you say? I can't put myself in their position. I can't imagine losing a child. I can't imagine that sacrifice. So all you can do is respect it and honor it and that's all that you should do."
Asked what Trump should do, Johnson replied: "He should apologize," adding when questioned on whether Trump would do so, "Probably not."
The audio of the exchange was posted by Wisconsin's WTMJ Radio, which included the Associated Press report on the call for an apology.
Johnson's comments mark a change in talking points for the Republican senator.
In his original statement about the controversy, tweeted out Monday, Johnson didn't mention Trump, saying only "all the Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, deserve our deepest respect and gratitude."
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