Kennedy fails to qualify for CNN's debate in Atlanta. It'll be a showdown between Biden and Trump

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has failed to qualify for next week's debate in Atlanta, according to host network CNN.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks during the Libertarian National Convention at the Washington Hilton in Washington, May 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has failed to qualify for next week’s debate in Atlanta, according to host network CNN, falling shy of benchmarks both for state ballot qualification and necessary polling.

The missed markers mean that the June 27 showdown will be solely between Democratic President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. That denies Kennedy a singular opportunity to stand alongside the leading candidates in an attempt to lend legitimacy to his longshot bid and convince potential supporters that he has a shot at winning.

Both the Biden and Trump campaigns fear that Kennedy could play spoiler in what’s anticipated to be a close general election.