Trump calls for Clinton drug test

WASHINGTON: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump called yesterday for Hillary Clinton to take a drug test before the candidates face off in their third debate next week.

“I think we should take a drug test prior to the debate. Why don’t we do that?” Trump told a rally in New Hampshire before declaring of Clinton, “I don’t know what’s going on with her”.

Trump implied that Clinton had begun the last debate “all pumped up” on some sort of drug but could barely make it to her car by the end of the 90-minute contest.

Trump has repeatedly sought to raise questions about Clinton’s health, questioning her stamina and pointing to a recent bout of pneumonia as well as a concussion she suffered while serving as secretary of state.

Trump and Clinton will square off in their final televised debate on Wednesday evening ahead of Nov 8 elections.

Trump has struggled in opinion polls since a poor performance at the first debate followed by controversy over a 10-year-old video tape showing him talking lewdly about women and allegations by several women that he had sexually assaulted them.

Trump has charged repeatedly in recent days that the election is rigged against him and that Clinton and the media had colluded on false sexual assault charges.

“Nothing ever happened with any of these women. Totally made up nonsense to steal the election,” he tweeted.

The Clinton campaign yesterday called Trump’s attempts to paint the election as unfair as “shameful attempts to undermine an election weeks before it happens”.

“Participation in the system – and particularly voting – should be encouraged, not dismissed or undermined because a candidate is afraid he’s going to lose,” campaign manager Robby Mook said. – dpa