RFK Jr. challenges exclusion from CNN debate via complaint

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has lodged a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission regarding his potential exclusion from the upcoming presidential debate hosted by CNN.

The complaint alleges that the network has violated federal campaign laws by collaborating with the campaigns of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump to establish guidelines that would effectively block Kennedy from participating. It also accuses CNN of making prohibited corporate contributions to both Biden and Trump campaigns.

The sentiments expressed in the complaint mirror those of Kennedy in an exclusive interview with Scripps News conducted a week prior to the official filing of the complaint.

“There’s substantial evidence, as reported in the mainstream media, of collusion between the Trump campaign, the Biden campaign, especially the Biden campaign, and CNN,” Kennedy remarked.

Earlier in the month, the Trump and Biden campaigns agreed to the June 27 debate. To meet the criteria for participation, candidates must have at least 15% support in four distinct polls recognized by CNN, and be on a sufficient number of state ballots to potentially secure 270 electoral votes.

“The statutes in almost every state state that the nominee of a state-recognized political party will have ballot access without the need for petitioning,” a CNN spokesperson stated in a release. “As the presumptive nominees of their parties, both Biden and Trump fulfill this requirement. As an independent candidate, RFK Jr. does not under the applicable laws.”

Kennedy is confident in meeting the set criteria to join the presumptive candidates from the Republican and Democratic parties on stage next month. However, time is running out as the deadline to meet CNN’s requirements is a mere week before the debate.

“We will have adequate signatures for 343 electoral votes, so we will qualify,” Kennedy affirmed.

Former President Trump conveyed to Scripps News earlier this month his willingness to share the platform with Kennedy if he fulfills the requirements.

“I would have no problem if he got whatever the threshold is,” Trump mentioned. “But he’s very low and seems to be heading in the other direction, in the wrong direction.”