Chris Cuomo offers RFK Jr. an “alternative” debate platform

NewsNation host Chis Cuomo offered independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. airtime on the network on Wednesday if he does not participate in next month’s presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, an outcome that appears far from certain.

“If you can’t come on stage, we at NewsNation are happy to provide you with a platform on these issues,” he said, after mentioning issues such as fentanyl, addiction and dealing with COVID, “to mobilize Americans who want to refocus on their common causes.”

“What do you think about creating an alternative platform if you get pushed out of the game?” Cuomo asked.

Kennedy, who has accused the Trump and Biden campaigns of plotting to exclude him from all presidential debates, described ongoing discussions within his campaign team, with NewsNation and with X owner Elon Musk about the possible programming of a counter-debate.

“We’re talking to NewsNation right now, your network, and Elon Musk has offered us a platform on X, and Elon is now also talking to NewsNation about a common platform and a common debate – a kind of alternative debate,” the anti-vaccination activist said. “So that’s something we’re looking into.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Kennedy filed a complaint with the US Election Commission over CNN’s criteria for participating in debates. These criteria include that the broadcaster must be represented on enough state ballots to garner 270 electoral votes and must receive at least 15 percent of the vote in four national polls that meet the broadcaster’s polling standards.

According to CNN, Kennedy is currently running in six states and has 89 electoral votes. In addition, he has only reached the 15 percent hurdle in three polls, the broadcaster said.

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