Kennedy Jr. Misses Crucial Debate: Exclusion Sparks Controversy

Independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr didn't qualify for the upcoming debate in Atlanta, as he failed to meet CNN's ballot and polling criteria. This leaves the stage to Joe Biden and Donald Trump, and Kennedy alleges that CNN is colluding with them to exclude him from the debate.

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has missed the cut for next week's debate in Atlanta, hosted by CNN. The candidate fell short of both state ballot qualification and necessary polling benchmarks, CNN reported.

As a result, the June 27 debate will only feature Democratic President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. Kennedy's exclusion eliminates a significant opportunity for his campaign to gain visibility and legitimacy.

Both Biden and Trump campaign officials express concern that Kennedy could act as a spoiler in what is expected to be a closely contested election. According to CNN's debate entry criteria, candidates needed to secure a place on state ballots totaling at least 270 Electoral College votes and hit a polling threshold of 15% in four reliable national polls by June 20. Kennedy fell short in polling, securing at least 15% in only three national polls and is currently eligible for 89 Electoral College votes.