Tempers rose in the US election with Joe Biden, the vice president, saying he wished he could sort out Donald Trump behind the gym.

Speaking in Pennsylvania Mr Biden described Mr Trump’s taped lewd remarks about women as disgusting.

“The press always asks me: don’t I wish I were debating him,” Mr Biden said. “No, I wish we were in high school—I could take him behind the gym. That’s what I wish.”

Loud applause erupted as Mr Biden who at 73, is three years older than the Mr Trump, suggested that they settle their differences in a more traditional physical manner.