Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has unfortunately not met the requirements to participate in the upcoming presidential debate with President Biden and former President Trump. The debate, scheduled to be hosted by CNN in Atlanta on June 27, has specific criteria that candidates must meet in order to qualify. One of the requirements is to appear on a sufficient number of state ballots to potentially win 270 electoral votes. Kennedy is currently on the ballot in five states, totaling 42 electoral votes. Additionally, he is a nominee in California and Hawaii, adding up to 100 potential electoral votes.
Despite submitting petitions for ballot access in various states, some of Kennedy’s applications are still under review by state election offices. In addition to ballot requirements, candidates were also expected to reach a polling threshold of 15% in four major national polls by June 20. Kennedy fell short of this requirement, as indicated by CNN.
Kennedy expressed his disappointment in being excluded from the debate stage, accusing Presidents Biden and Trump of influencing CNN’s decision. He believes that the debate criteria were unfairly applied to him compared to the major party nominees. In May, his campaign filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission, alleging that CNN, Biden, Trump, and their campaigns violated federal election laws.
The Kennedy campaign argues that the debate, taking place before the official party conventions, constitutes an illegal campaign contribution to Biden and Trump. They claim that CNN’s criteria for participation were different for Kennedy than for the major party nominees, which they believe violates FEC laws. Kennedy stated that he is unable to file a lawsuit until the FCC complaint is resolved, and the FEC has not yet made a decision on the matter.
As the debate approaches, both Biden and Trump are preparing for their first debate of the 2024 election season. Kennedy, despite his exclusion, remains determined to continue his campaign for the presidency. The upcoming debate between Biden and Trump will be a significant event leading up to the election, providing voters with insight into the candidates’ platforms and visions for the country.