2020 Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden will attend a town hall on October 15, the night scheduled for his second debate with U.S. President Donald Trump, ABC News announced on Thursday. 

The primetime event will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the former vice president will answer questions from voters, and be moderated by anchor George Stephanopoulos, according to the broadcaster.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump refused to take part in a virtual TV debate following an announcement by the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) that the event will take place virtually.

A statement from Biden's deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield accused Trump of not wanting to face up to the electorate over his handling of key issues.

"Joe Biden was prepared to accept the CPD's proposal for a virtual Town Hall but the President has refused, as Donald Trump clearly does not want to face questions from the voters about his failures on COVID and the economy," the statement read in part.

"As a result, Joe Biden will find an appropriate place to take questions from voters directly on October 15th, as he has done on several occasions in recent weeks."

The statement added that it hoped the CPD will reschedule the Town Hall to October 22 so that Trump is not able to "evade accountability."

"Every Presidential candidate since 1992 has participated in such an event, and it would be a shame if Donald Trump was the first to refuse."

Bill Stepien, Trump's reelection campaign manager, defended the Republican presidential nominee's remarks, arguing in a statement that "the American people should not be deprived of the chance to see the two candidates for president debate face to face two more times." 

Meanwhile, Stepien urged the debate panel to reschedule the second face-off between Trump and Biden for October 22 and the third for October 29, both in person.

Speaking to Fox Business Thursday morning, the president said he is feeling "perfect," while appearing eager to hit the campaign trail as Biden's lead over him in national polls is widening. 

"I think I'm better ... to a point where I'd love to do a rally tonight. I wanted to do one last night," Trump said. "I feel perfect. There's nothing wrong.

The White House physician  announced Thursday that Trump should be able to resume "public engagements" from Saturday, saying the U.S. leader has responded "extremely well" to COVID-19 treatment.

(With input from agencies)