ATLANTA — Editor's note: The video above is where to watch the presidential debate and how to dodge traffic during a hectic day
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set to debate in Atlanta on Thursday. One other candidate who did not qualify has planned his own event.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. won't participate in CNN’s June 27 presidential debate in Atlanta, a decision he decries as “undemocratic” and “cowardly.” The independent candidate failed to meet CNN's criteria, including securing at least 15% in four national polls and obtaining sufficient ballot access to potentially win the Electoral College.
"My exclusion by Presidents Biden and Trump from the debate is undemocratic, un-American, and cowardly," Kennedy said in a statement to NBC, adding that he believes Americans desire an independent leader outside the traditional two-party system.
Despite filing a complaint with the Federal Election Commission, Kennedy’s efforts to join the debate were unsuccessful. In response, Kennedy plans to host a livestream debate on X, formally known as Twitter.
The June 27 debate marks a departure from tradition, being organized by CNN rather than the Commission on Presidential Debates, with new criteria aimed at ensuring broad support among candidates.