Trump makes fun of RFK Jr. for not meeting debate stage requirements.
Former President Trump took to social media on Thursday to mock independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s failure to qualify for the first presidential debate. The video, recorded on Trump’s private jet, highlighted Kennedy’s lack of support in national polls and insufficient presence on state ballots.
Trump, known for his blunt and controversial statements, openly expressed his thoughts on Kennedy’s chances of making it to the debate stage. “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 said 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.”
According to the debate rules set by CNN, candidates must receive at least 15% support in four separate national polls and be on the ballot in enough states to potentially win the 270 electoral college votes required to secure the presidency. Unfortunately for Kennedy, he did not meet these requirements by the deadline set by the network.
Despite Kennedy’s efforts, he only managed to reach the 15% support threshold in three national polls and did not qualify for the ballot in enough states. This setback led to his exclusion from the debate stage, much to the disappointment of his supporters and followers.
Kennedy, however, did not stay silent in response to his disqualification. In a statement released on the same day, he criticized Presidents Biden and Trump for allegedly influencing his exclusion from the debate. “My exclusion by Presidents Biden and Trump from the debate is undemocratic, un-American, and cowardly,” Kennedy stated.
The independent candidate went on to express his commitment to providing a different kind of leadership to the American people. “Americans want an independent leader who will break apart the two-party duopoly,” Kennedy remarked. “They want a President who will heal the divide, restore the middle class, unwind the war machine, and end the chronic disease epidemic.”
Former President Trump’s remarks and Kennedy’s response have sparked discussions across social media platforms and news outlets. While some view Kennedy’s exclusion as a result of unfair political influence, others see it as a necessary consequence of not meeting the established criteria.
As the presidential race heats up, with more debates and campaign events on the horizon, the public eagerly anticipates how the candidates will address key issues and present their visions for the country’s future. Whether Kennedy’s absence from the debate stage will impact his overall campaign remains to be seen, but it is clear that his message of independence and reform continues to resonate with many voters.
