Donald Trump claims he 'easily won' last debate and says rules shouldn't be changed

(Independent)

Donald Trump claims he ‘easily won’ Tuesday night’s presidential debate against his rival in the 2020 US election, Joe Biden. 

Mr Trump made the claim in a tweet on Thursday in which he disagreed with calls to change the rules for the remaining two debates. 

“Why would I allow the Debate Commission to change the rules for the second and third Debates when I easily won last time?” Mr Trump tweeted. 

On Wednesday, the commission that oversees the presidential debates during the general election said it planned to change the format of the remaining two debates.

The announcement was made after the first debate, during which Mr Trump consistently talked over and interrupted Mr Biden and ignored the instructions from moderator Chris Wallace. 

Outside of the ring-wing media universe, many analysts argued that Mr Biden came out on top in the debate, if for no other reason than not appearing as brash, out of control and defensive as Mr Trump did during the debate. 

The president was also heavily criticised - even by his own party - for failing to condemn white supremacy and for telling SPLC-designated hate group the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by” rather than denouncing them.