RFK Jr. misses CNN debate, paving way for Biden and Trump showdown

RFK Jr. Excluded from CNN Debate

The upcoming presidential debate hosted by CNN will not feature Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., paving the way for a face-off between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

CNN Criteria and Exclusion

CNN’s announcement on Thursday highlighted that Kennedy did not meet the network’s requirements for the June 27 debate in Atlanta. Candidates had to fulfill constitutional, ballot qualification, and polling thresholds, which Kennedy failed to reach.

Reasons for Disqualification

Kennedy fell short of CNN’s polling threshold of 15% in approved national polls, only achieving this mark in three out of the required four surveys. Additionally, he did not meet the ballot criteria, needing access in states totaling 270 electoral votes, a challenging task for a third-party contender at this stage.

Ballot Status

An NBC News analysis revealed that Kennedy is currently on the ballot in 10 states, facing delays in others. This limited access diminishes his chances to compete effectively.

Legal Action and Campaign Response

Last month, Kennedy’s campaign filed a complaint against CNN, Biden, and Trump with the Federal Election Commission. Despite considering further legal steps, Kennedy’s absence from the debate raises concerns about fair representation.

Allegations and Election Strategy

Kennedy and his campaign have criticized the debate setup, alleging bias against non-establishment candidates. They have utilized this situation to advocate for a fair electoral process, investing in TV ads to amplify their message.

Potential for Future Inclusion

Although excluded from the upcoming CNN debate, Kennedy still has a chance to qualify for the Sept. 10 debate hosted by ABC News. With similar criteria, including ballot access and polling thresholds, Kennedy can leverage this opportunity to expand his presence on ballots nationwide.