Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has filed an election complaint alleging that CNN is colluding with Democratic President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump to exclude him from a debate the network is hosting next month. Kennedy claims that the requirements set by CNN for participation in the June 27 debate were specifically designed to ensure that only Biden and Trump would qualify, putting him at a disadvantage.
Kennedy's lawyer, Lorenzo Holloway, wrote a letter to the Federal Election Commission accusing CNN of making prohibited corporate contributions to both the Biden and Trump campaigns, which the campaigns have allegedly accepted. However, CNN has dismissed the complaint as without merit.
Biden and Trump have agreed to participate in the CNN debate and a second debate hosted by ABC, bypassing the nonpartisan commission that traditionally organizes debates. Kennedy sees these debates as a crucial opportunity to gain legitimacy for his longshot bid and sway potential supporters. Both the Biden and Trump campaigns are concerned that Kennedy could disrupt the race as a third-party candidate.
To qualify for the debates, CNN has set criteria that include securing a place on the ballot in states totaling at least 270 electoral votes and reaching 15% in four reputable polls by June 20. Kennedy's campaign claims he has met the ballot requirements in nine states with a combined 171 electoral votes, but some states have not yet confirmed his inclusion on the ballot.
CNN has clarified that as an independent candidate, Kennedy must meet different criteria than the presumptive nominees of major parties. Additionally, Kennedy has not met the polling threshold required for participation in the debates, unlike Biden and Trump who have already secured enough delegates to lock in their nominations.
While Kennedy still has time to meet the requirements, the window is narrowing as the debate date approaches. His campaign continues to work towards fulfilling the necessary criteria to join Biden and Trump on the debate stage.
