Take a drugs test before debate, says Trump

PORTSMOUTH (New Hampshire) — Escalating his criticism of Mrs Hillary Clinton’s debate performances, Mr Donald Trump came to a state battling a drug epidemic and suggested without any evidence over the weekend that his opponent had been on drugs during their second United States presidential debate.

“I think we should take a drug test prior to the debate,” Mr Trump told a crowd of thousands.

He continued: “We should take a drug test prior, because I don’t know what’s going on with her. But at the beginning of her last debate — she was all pumped up at the beginning, and at the end it was like, ‘Oh, take me down.’ She could barely reach her car.”

When asked for comment, the Clinton campaign directed reporters to a statement by Mr Robby Mook, the campaign manager, that was put out earlier in the day in response to Mr Trump’s allegations of a “rigged” election.

“Campaigns should be hard fought and elections hard won, but what is fundamental about the American electoral system is that it is free, fair and open to the people,” Mr Mook wrote. “Participation in the system — and particularly voting — should be encouraged, not dismissed or undermined because a candidate is afraid he’s going to lose.”

Mrs Clinton stepped away from the campaign trail over the weekend to prepare for the third and final presidential debate on Wednesday, and Mr Trump has spent the week criticising his opponent’s public schedule as too heavy on “debate prep” while he campaigns around the country.

In recent days, Mr Trump has made increasingly outlandish allegations as he seeks to fend off reports of lewd comments and accusations of sexual assault.

Among other things, he has alleged a global media conspiracy and told his followers that the electoral process is being rigged against him. He has also personally insulted and degraded the women who have accused him.

Mr Trump has often focused on Mrs Clinton’s health during the presidential race.

He claims she lacks the “stamina” to campaign, or to be president. His campaign released an ad this week focusing heavily on her health. THE NEW YORK TIMES