Kennedy’s candidacy has not been certified in at least 10 states, potentially affecting his eligibility for the upcoming debate. Despite this, he is diligently working to secure a spot on all 50 state ballots and the District of Columbia by the June 20 deadline set by CNN for debate qualification. So far, Kennedy has achieved ballot access in 19 states, with 278 Electoral College votes. The Kennedy–Shanahan ticket is officially on the ballot in nine states, and the campaign has gathered enough signatures for ballot access in 10 other states.
To qualify for the June 27 debate, candidates must meet certain criteria, including appearing on enough state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold and obtaining at least 15 percent in four national polls. Kennedy has met the requirements for three of these polls, with recent polls showing support for candidates outside the two major parties in this year’s debates.
Despite Kennedy’s efforts, both President Biden and former President Trump, the presumed nominees for their respective parties, have agreed to participate in the debate, which may exclude Kennedy. Kennedy has expressed frustration at being left out and has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission, alleging collusion between CNN, Biden, and Trump to keep him out of the forum.
The complaint argues that CNN’s criteria for the debate are biased towards pre-selected candidates and violate federal campaign finance laws. Kennedy remains determined to meet CNN’s requirements and participate in the debate, but the situation remains uncertain as the deadline approaches. Kennedy’s complaint requests that the FEC halt the June 27 debate until the parties comply with the Federal Election Campaign Act. Stefanie Spear, Kennedy’s press secretary, confirmed that he will participate in the event if he qualifies. CNN disputes Kennedy’s claims in the complaint, stating that both Biden and Trump, as presumptive nominees, will meet the requirements. However, CNN notes that RFK Jr. does not have the same presumption, as merely applying for ballot access does not guarantee placement on the ballot in any state.
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