To make CNN’s debate stage in June, candidates need to poll at least 15% in four separate national polls.
Topline
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have agreed to participate in two debates ahead of the November election—and based on current polling and ballot access, it’s likely they will be the only two on the stage, leaving out Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other third-party candidates.Key Facts
In order to qualify for the first debate, scheduled for June 27 on CNN, the network said candidates’ names must appear on enough state ballots that they are able to reach the 270 electoral votes required to win the presidency, and they must receive at least 15% in four separate credible national polls from March to June—a policy that’s roughly similar to past debate rules.
Kennedy was polling at just over 10% on average in national polls as of Wednesday, according to FiveThirtyEight, and he had 10% support in the latest New York Times/Siena poll and 14% in a Marist College poll released in April, and across national polls.
Kennedy has stated he plans to be on the ballot in all 50 states, but his team has thus far only submitted formal requests to appear on the ballot in six states, which—for now—leave him well short of vying for the 270 electoral votes required to both appear in the debate and win the presidency.
In this week’s New York Times poll, Green Party candidate Jill Stein polled at 1% and Cornel West polled at less than 0.5%, an indication that it’s highly unlikely either of them will make the debate stage, either.
Candidates also must meet the requirements for president outlined in the Constitution and they must agree to the rules and format to participate. What Polls Count As Qualifiers?
CNN said polls that meet its standards and will be considered as qualifiers include those by: CNN, ABC News, CBS News, Fox News, Marquette University Law School, Monmouth University, NBC News, The New York Times/Siena College, NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist College, Quinnipiac University, The Wall Street Journal, and The .
