Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has failed to qualify for next week’s debate in Atlanta, according to host network CNN, falling shy of benchmarks both for state ballot qualification and necessary polling. The missed markers mean that the June 27 showdown will be solely between Democratic President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. That denies Kennedy a singular opportunity to stand alongside the leading candidates in an attempt to lend legitimacy to his longshot bid and convince potential supporters that he has a shot at winning.
Quick Read
- Kennedy Fails to Qualify: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did not meet the requirements to qualify for next week’s CNN debate in Atlanta.
- Biden vs. Trump: The June 27 debate will feature only President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.
- Missed Benchmarks: Kennedy did not meet CNN’s criteria for state ballot qualification and necessary polling.
- Debate Requirements: Candidates needed to secure a place on the ballot in states totaling at least 270 electoral votes and reach a polling threshold of 15% in four national polls.
- Kennedy’s Campaign: Claims to have ballot access in 22 states with 310 electoral votes but not all states have confirmed his listing.
- Polling Threshold: Kennedy achieved 15% in three qualifying polls but needed four.
- Election Complaint: Kennedy alleged CNN is colluding with Biden and Trump to exclude him, claiming the participation requirements were unfair.
- CNN’s Response: The network dismissed Kennedy’s complaint as without merit.
- Upcoming Debates: Biden and Trump have agreed to a second debate on Sept. 10 hosted by ABC.
The Associated Press has the story:
Kennedy fails to qualify for CNN’s debate. It’ll be a showdown between Biden & Trump
Newslooks- COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) —
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has failed to qualify for next week’s debate in Atlanta, according to host network CNN, falling shy of benchmarks both for state ballot qualification and necessary polling.
The missed markers mean that the June 27 showdown will be solely between Democratic President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. That denies Kennedy a singular opportunity to stand alongside the leading candidates in an attempt to lend legitimacy to his longshot bid and convince potential supporters that he has a shot at winning.
Both the Biden and Trump campaigns fear that Kennedy could play spoiler in what’s anticipated to be a close general election.
According to the criteria set out by CNN, candidates would be invited to participate in the debate if they had secured a place on the ballot in states totaling at least 270 votes in the Electoral College, the minimum needed to win the presidency.
Biden and Trump have easily cleared the polling threshold but won’t be certified for the ballot until their parties formally nominate them later this summer. Both have secured enough delegates to lock in their nominations.
Kennedy’s campaign says he has satisfied the requirements to appear on the ballot in 22 states, with a combined 310 electoral votes, though not all have affirmed his name will be listed. California, the largest prize on the electoral map with 54 votes, will not certify any candidates until Aug. 29.
Candidates were also required to reach a polling threshold of 15% in four reliable national polls by June 20, another metric CNN said Kennedy failed to meet. According to the network, Kennedy has received at least 15% in three qualifying polls so far and is currently on the ballot in six states, making him currently eligible for 89 Electoral College votes.
Last month, Kennedy filed an election complaint alleging CNN is colluding with Biden and Trump to exclude him from the June 27 debate, alleging that the participation requirements were designed to ensure only Biden and Trump would qualify and claiming that he is being held to a higher standard.
CNN has said the complaint is without merit. Kennedy’s campaign did not immediately respond to a message Thursday seeking comment on CNN’s announcement and asking if he planned to take any further action about his exclusion.
Last month, Biden and Trump agreed to the CNN debate and a second on Sept. 10 hosted by ABC, bypassing the nonpartisan commission that has organized debates for nearly four decades.
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