Trump Mocks RFK Jr. for Debate Exclusion Over Criteria Shortcomings

Former President Trump took to his private jet on Thursday to release a video mocking independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for failing to meet the requirements to participate in the first presidential debate. Trump addressed reports that Kennedy lacked adequate support in national polls and could not secure enough state ballot appearances to qualify for CNN’s upcoming debate.

“I know RFK Jr. wants to try to get onto the stage on Thursday, and I’d love to have him frankly, because I don’t think he’s much of a debater, and he’s got some very liberal, radical left ideas,” Trump remarked in the video. “But you have to get certain numbers; that was the criteria, and he’s way below those numbers. He’s not coming close.”

To qualify for CNN’s debate, candidates must achieve at least 15% support in four separate national polls and be on the ballot in sufficient states to potentially win 270 electoral college votes. Kennedy, the leading 2024 candidate outside the major parties, fell short of meeting these criteria by the network’s Thursday morning deadline, as confirmed by a CNN spokesperson.

President Biden speaks to the press in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Despite Kennedy securing the necessary 15% support in three national polls, according to CNN’s release, his insufficient state ballot presence hindered his eligibility for the debate stage.

In response to his exclusion, Kennedy criticized both Presidents Biden and Trump, accusing them of influencing CNN’s decision. “My exclusion by Presidents Biden and Trump from the debate is undemocratic, un-American, and cowardly,” Kennedy stated. He emphasized Americans’ desire for independent leadership to break the two-party dominance and address societal issues such as economic disparity and public health challenges.

The Trump campaign and RNC raised $141 million last month. Getty ImagesKennedy expressed his commitment to providing alternative leadership focused on healing national divides, revitalizing the middle class, promoting peace-oriented foreign policies, and combating chronic diseases.

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