An independent presidential candidate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., held his own debate after he was barred from Thursday’s CNN presidential debate.
While standing alone on a stage in Los Angeles, Kennedy answered the same questions posed to main contenders. This event labeled ‘The Real Debate’ live streamed on X social platform entailed Kennedy reacting in real time to queries concerning inflation, abortion and Covid-19 response.John Stossell ensured that Kennedy adhered to strict time constraints just like Biden and Trump.
Kennedy began ‘The Real Debate’, a process that accused CNN of colluding with Republican and Democratic parties so as to exclude him from the main event.” It is important for our democracy because Americans feel like it is rigged system. This is exactly the kind of merger of state and corporate power that I’m running to oppose,” he said according to AP.
By engaging with the audience for 90 minutes through this online broadcast, Kennedy facilitated addressing their inquiries.
CNN invited candidates with strength demonstrated on four reliable polls and had ballot access in enough states to win the presidency during Thursday’s debate. This was not achieve by Kennedy. Kennedy made an official complaint against Federal Election Commission threatening legal action as well.
Though absent from the debate stage, some of Kennedy’s supporters announced themselves around the room of discussion. “CNN Lemons = Kennedy Lemonade” read a sign next to a lemonade stand set up by some people few blocks away in front area of Journalists. Others were displaying “Heal the Divide” signs while a bus bearing Kennedy campaign messages played music nearby.
Sujat Desai, a 20-year-old College student from Pleasanton California pointed out how it has been difficult without him participating in such debates. “I don’t think there’s any way to get awareness if you’re not on the debate stage,” Desai said. “I think it’s a pretty lethal blow not to be in this debate, and it would be detrimental not to be in the next.”
Christy Jones, a holistic health and mindfulness coach from Glendora, California worried that Kennedy was not getting enough attention. “I do feel like he could still win if people choose to be courageous. If all the people that actually want change voted for him, he would be in. People are asking for change,” she said pledging her support behind Kennedy.
Recently, Kennedy had been advertising various events on his website well ahead of time including public rallies as well as private fund raisers. In Michigan and Tennessee, he even organized comedy nights featuring top comedians. However since attending the premier of a film about addiction on June 15th, Kennedy has had a very low profile although he has been promoting virtual as well as in- person organizing events for his followers.
However, Kennedy insists that being see by the public is important for his campaign since his chances of winning grow with voter awareness and belief in their choice of him over Biden and Trump.
