Court rulings, public records, official statements from RFK Jr.'s campaign, or CNN

RFK Jr. Excluded from June 27 CNN Debate Featuring Biden and Trump Amid Controversy

Jun 21, 2024, 01:10 PM

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been excluded from the upcoming CNN presidential debate on June 27, which will feature President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Kennedy's campaign claims that CNN, under pressure from Biden and Trump, set debate rules specifically to exclude him, despite his polling numbers meeting the required threshold of 15% support. Kennedy has called the exclusion undemocratic and illegal, and his supporters have protested outside CNN's New York City headquarters. CNN stated that Kennedy did not meet the necessary benchmarks for state ballot qualification and polling. Kennedy's campaign has suggested legal action against CNN, alleging collusion with the major parties to prevent his participation. Kennedy also criticized CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, and quoted Lincoln Chafee in his statements. He accused Biden and Trump of avoiding tough questions about issues like the $34 trillion national debt.