Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. failed to meet CNN's polling and ballot access thresholds to qualify for the network's first 2024 presidential debate between President Biden and former President Trump on June 27th. Kennedy had only reached the 15% polling mark in three approved national polls, short of CNN's requirement of four polls. He also had not secured ballot access in enough states to gain 270 electoral votes. Kennedy is on the ballot in 10 states but is awaiting verification or application windows in others. Kennedy's campaign has filed an FEC complaint against CNN and the Biden and Trump campaigns over the debate criteria and says it may take further legal action.