Kennedy fails to qualify for CNN debate in Atlanta. It will be a showdown between Biden and Trump – WABE

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. failed to qualify for next week’s debate in Atlanta, according to host network CNN, falling short of the criteria for both qualification for state and poll voting required.

The missed markers mean the June 27 showdown will be solely between Democratic President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. This deprives Kennedy of a unique opportunity to stand alongside major candidates to try to legitimize his long-shot candidacy and convince potential supporters that he has a chance of winning.

Both the Biden and Trump campaigns fear that Kennedy could play a disruptive role in what is expected to be a close general election.

Under criteria established by CNN, candidates would be invited to participate in the debate if they earned a spot on the ballot in states with at least 270 Electoral College votes, the minimum required to win the presidency.

Biden and Trump easily crossed the ballot threshold, but will not be certified for the ballot until their parties formally nominate them later this summer. Both secured enough delegates to secure their nomination.

Kennedy’s campaign says he met the requirements to appear on the ballot in 22 states, with a total of 310 electoral votes, although not all said his name would be included. California, the biggest draw on the electoral map with 54 votes, will not certify any candidates until August 29.

Candidates also had to reach a 15% threshold in four reliable national polls by June 20, another benchmark Kennedy failed to meet according to CNN. According to the network, Kennedy has received at least 15% in three qualifying polls so far and is currently on the voting rolls in six states, making him currently eligible for 89 Electoral College votes.

Last month, Kennedy filed an election complaint alleging that CNN colluded with Biden and Trump to exclude him from the June 27 debate, alleging that participation requirements were designed to ensure that only Biden and Trump would qualify and claiming that he was held to a higher standard. standard.

CNN said the complaint was baseless. Kennedy’s campaign did not immediately respond to a message Thursday seeking comment on CNN’s announcement and asking whether he plans to take further action regarding his exclusion.

Last month, Biden and Trump agreed to the debate on CNN and a second Sept. 10 hosted by ABC, bypassing the nonpartisan commission that has held the debates for nearly four decades.

Kinnard can be contacted at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP