Trump vows to hit Clinton harder in the next debate

Republican Donald Trump has vowed to hit rival Democrat Hillary Clinton harder in the next US presidential debate after she put him on the defensive by accusing him of being racist, sexist and a tax dodger during their first matchup.

Mr Trump, making his first run for public office, praised himself for not attacking Mrs Clinton about the marital infidelity of her husband, former president Bill Clinton, during the debate at Hofstra University.

But he said in a morning interview with Fox News he may take up the attack line going forward.

"I may hit her harder in certain ways," Mr Trump said. He added that when Mrs Clinton criticised him for his treatment of women, he resisted.

"I was going to hit her with her husband's women. And I decided I shouldn't do it because her daughter was in the room," he said. Mrs Clinton brushed off Mr Trump's promise, saying: "He can run his campaign however he chooses."