Former US President Donald Trump said he would require doping tests before a debate with his successor and rival Joe Biden because he fears he could be pumped full of performance-enhancing drugs.
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The rivals agreed to hold two rounds of television debates – in June and September.
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“I’m going to demand a drug test, by the way. No, I’m actually going to,” Trump, who at 77 regularly mocks the mental and physical abilities of the 81-year-old Biden, said.
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He explained that he did not want a repeat of the situation with Biden’s speech in Congress, where he, according to Trump, was “pumped up like a balloon” and “deflated” by the end of the speech.
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The debate is expected to be staged on Biden’s terms, who have demanded a television studio where microphones are automatically turned off after a speaker’s time has elapsed in the absence of spectators or independent candidates. Trump himself is calling for two additional sparring matches with Biden and a debate between vice presidential candidates.
