The upcoming June presidential debate hosted by CNN has certain requirements that must be met in order to qualify. Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are expected to easily meet these requirements, but independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy is still working on gaining ballot access in all 50 states.
To qualify for the debate, candidates must appear on a sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold. Kennedy has made the ballot in five states and has completed petitioning in 14 states so far.
In addition, candidates must earn at least 15 percent in four national polls recognized by CNN. Other third-party candidates, like Jill Stein and Cornel West, are eligible to qualify as well, but Kennedy is considered the only one with a realistic chance based on current polling data.
Despite facing challenges with polling requirements, Kennedy remains optimistic about making the debate stage. He expressed his determination to participate and hold Presidents Biden and Trump accountable for their records during the debate on June 27 in Atlanta.
The debate will be moderated by Dana Bash and Jake Tapper, with Trump and Biden also agreeing to a separate debate on September 10 hosted by ABC News.
