Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did not qualify for the first presidential debate set for next week, CNN said Thursday.
Why it matters: Qualifying for the network’s debate would have given the independent candidate a national platform to propel his long-shot presidential bid.
The last independent candidate to make the presidential debate stage was Ross Perot in 1992.
Driving the news: To qualify for the June 27 presidential debate, candidates had to hit at least 15% in four national polls that meet CNN’s standards, and achieve ballot access in enough states to have a chance at winning 270 electoral votes….