US President Donald Trump has refused to take part in a virtual TV debate, even after acknowledging he was 'very sick' with COVID-19 when admitted to hospital.
The second US presidential debate against Democratic opposition Joe Biden was scheduled in Miami on October 15, but on Thursday it was announced the debate will run online.
Trump refused to take part in the virtual debate, calling it a "waste of time".
"I'm not gonna waste my time on a virtual debate, that's not what debating is about, you sit behind a computer and do a debate - it's ridiculous," he said.
"They cut you off whenever they want…"
After being restricted to a twitter trail of campaigning, the COVID-carrying president now has grand plans to spend his debate day holding a rally instead.
Trump's campaign manager Bill Stepien, who has also tested positive for COVID-19, said Trump would have "posted multiple negative tests" by the time of the debate.
"We'll pass on this sad excuse to bail out Joe Biden and do a rally instead," he said.
Even though his physician Dr Conley says he's not clear of the virus, Trump believes he is cured.
"I don't think I'm contagious at all," Trump said, "and remember this when you catch it you get better and then you're immune."
However, many experts say that people can be reinfected with COVID-19 more than once.
His erratic behaviour has even prompted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to announce a commission to review his fitness for office.
"His disassociation from reality would be funny if it weren't so deadly," she said.
This comes as new case numbers rise in 31 states across the country.
On Friday, Wisconsin recorded its worst day yet - reporting more than 3000 new cases and more than 900 hospitalised.
With thousands of people fighting a virus - the president is daring them to dismiss it.
"Don't be afraid of COVID," Trump tweeted on Tuesday. "Don't let it dominate your life."
