RFK Jr., Third-Party Candidates Host Parallel Debate

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and several other third-party presidential candidates, such as Jill Stein, found themselves excluded from CNN’s debate due to their failure to meet the network’s stringent criteria. CNN required candidates to achieve at least 15% support in four national polls approved by the network and to appear on enough state ballots to potentially secure 270 Electoral College votes. Kennedy, running independently with Nicole Shanahan, fell just short, garnering 15% in three qualifying polls and appearing on ballots in six states, totaling 89 Electoral College votes, as reported by the Associated Press.

In response to their exclusion, Kennedy announced the “Real Debate,” scheduled to air at 9 p.m. EDT on X (formerly Twitter) and therealdebate.com. Hosted by John Stossel, this alternative event aims to run concurrently with CNN’s debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Kennedy emphasized his determination, stating, “I’m going to be on that debate stage with or without their permission.” Following CNN’s event, Kennedy plans to provide live responses and engage with questions related to the Biden-Trump debate on NewsNation.

Jill Stein, representing the Green Party, opted for a different approach, planning to live-tweet during CNN’s debate and host a Live Debate Response at 10:30 p.m. EDT on X, Facebook, and YouTube. Stein’s team criticized CNN and the Biden-Trump campaigns for what they view as exclusionary practices, asserting their commitment to amplify voices advocating for people, the planet, and peace.

Independent candidate Cornel West will contribute to the post-debate analysis on theGrio, a media outlet focused on the African American community.

CNN’s debate, set for 9 p.m. EDT and moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, will depart from tradition by excluding an audience. Both candidates will stand at podiums, with their microphones muted when not speaking, and interactions with staff prohibited during commercial breaks.

A recent PBS News/Marist poll highlighted significant dissatisfaction among Americans, with 55% expressing discontent with the major party presidential candidates.

In a broader context, Trump and Biden finalized their agreement in May to participate in debates, accepting CNN’s invitation for the first debate and committing to a second one hosted by ABC News in September. The 2024 debates lack oversight from the Commission on Presidential Debates, contrasting with the circumstances of the 2020 debates. Initially scheduled for three encounters, the second debate was canceled after Trump declined to participate in a virtual format proposed by organizers. Thursday’s debate is expected to delve into contentious issues such as immigration, abortion, the economy, and Trump’s legal challenges.