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The linchpin to a case that could in theory lead to former President Donald Trump seeing the inside of a jail cell stems from a scandal the American public had almost forgotten: the Access Hollywood tape, which emerged way back in 2016.

The tape, in which Trump crudely describes groping women, is not allowed to be played at the former presidents criminal hush money trial, as New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan does not want jurors to hear the words in Trumps own voice. But it can be described and quoted from for the jury, and it has loomed large over the case.

Trumps scandals can fill books. Over his nearly eight decades on this planet, the man has been variously accused of being a slumlord, a racist, a cheat and a rapist. But it was after he gained the powers of the presidency that interest in his misbehavior really ratcheted up, as reports of his outrageous behavior felt like they came every five minutes. From the way he picked on U.S. allies and cozied up to longtime adversaries, to the way his remarks sowed confusion and outrage while Americans dealt with the rapidly spreading coronavirus pandemic, to his attempt to fan the flames of insurrection on his way out of office, to his multiple criminal trials for actions during and after his presidency the American people have had a lot to pay attention to.

Now, for one of those trials to remind the public of how this lone scandal almost derailed his presidency before it even happened well, its a reminder of what seems like a quainter time.

First published by The Washington Post , the tape, which was recorded in 2005, became front-page news in October 2016, one month before the presidential election. It was obscene. Caught on a hot mic speaking with Access Hollywood host Billy Bush, Trump could be heard talking about an unnamed woman who he failed to seduce. He and Bush were on a bus, going to meet an actress who would escort them onto the set of a soap opera that was expecting Trump to make a cameo. His reality show, The Apprentice, had become a hit since its first season aired the year before.

I did try and fuck her. She was married, Trump tells Bush on the tape. I moved on her like a bitch, but I couldnt get there. Once the pair see the actress, they react: Your girls hot as shit, Bush tells Trump. Woah! Trump says. Woah!

Ive got to use some Tic Tacs, just in case I start kissing her, Trump says. You know Im automatically attracted to beautiful I just start kissing them. Its like a magnet. Just kiss. I dont even wait.

Then came the famous quote: And when youre a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab em by the pussy. You can do anything. In the background, Bush is heard cackling.