Trump challenges Biden to 'no holds barred' debate

Former President Donald Trump has challenged President Joe Biden to a rematch debate in the wake of a CNN matchup that saw Biden's performance subjected to considerable scrutiny.

During the debate, Biden often stumbled over his words and appeared lost on stage. The spectacle prompted calls for him to step aside as the party nominee, though he has steadfastly refused to do so.

Trump, for his part, suggested that the president could revitalize his public image by participating in a rematch, albeit with fewer guide rails than in the CNN showdown.

"I have the answer to the Crooked Joe Biden Incompetence Puzzle — Let’s do another Debate, but this time, no holds barred - An all on discussion, with just the two of us on stage, talking about the future of our Country," Trump posted on Truth Social. "The ratings were massive for the First Debate, record setting, in fact, but this one, because of the format, would blow everything away!"

"Let Joe explain why he wants Open Borders, with millions of people, and many violent criminals from parts unknown, pouring into our once great Nation, or why he wants Men Playing in Women’s Sports, or demand ALL ELECTRIC VEHICLES within five years, or why he allowed INFLATION TO RUN RAMPANT, destroying the people of our Country, and so much more," he went on. "It would also, under great pressure, prove his 'competence,' or lack thereof. Likewise it would be yet another test for me. What a great evening it would be, just the two of us, one on one, in a good, old fashioned Debate, the way they used to be. ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, ANYPLACE!!!"

The first debate saw CNN impose terms designed to limit interruptions from either candidate, namely the ability of the moderators to mute the microphones of candidates should they speak out of turn.

The pair are next scheduled to square off in an ABC News debate on Sept. 10.