'You have to do better': Donald Trump jibes at RFK Jr for not meeting June 27 CNN debate criteria

WASHINGTON, DC: Former President Donald Trump has released a new video poking fun at the independent candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr for falling short to meet the prerequisites to participate in the upcoming first presidential debate. 

The short clip recorded on the business mogul's private jet addressed the scuttlebutts that the environmental lawyer and activist didn't get enough acknowledgment in national polls or on state ballots to be considered for the highly-anticipated CNN debate, scheduled on June 27.

Donald Trump mocks Robert F Kennedy Jr, says 'he's not coming close'

"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, according to Fox News. "But you have to get certain numbers, that was the criteria, and he's way below those numbers. He's not coming close."

"So I hope to see him up there someday, but it looks to me like he's not going to qualify on many fronts," Trump continued. "They say he hurts Biden more than he hurts me, and I don't know if that's true or not. They say he hurts Biden because he's a serious left person. If he is, that's good — I don't really care."

The criteria required to be eligible for the CNN debate

At least 15% of voters must support each candidate in four different national polls for them to be eligible for the CNN-hosted debate.

Additionally, there must be enough candidates running in enough states to allow for the possibility of earning the 270 electoral college votes required to win the election.

Robert F Kennedy Jr was the highest-performing independent candidate despite falling short

Kennedy Jr, the top-performing 2024 contender, who is not affiliated with either the Democratic or Republican parties, did not fulfill the requirements by the deadline on Thursday morning, June 20. A CNN spokesperson confirmed the outlet that the independent candidate did not qualify.

"You have to do better than six or seven points. Maybe someday he'll be there, but I doubt it," Trump concluded in his Thursday video.

The independent candidate was only able to generate the required 15% of the vote in three different national polls, per a CNN news release.

Moreover, according to the network, Kennedy Jr did not receive enough qualifying votes from states to reach the 270 electoral college votes needed to win.

Robert F Kennedy Jr's statement after failing to meet the CNN debate prerequisites

"Presidents Biden and Trump do not want me on the debate stage and CNN illegally agreed to their demand," Kennedy Jr said in his statement on Thursday, June 20. "My exclusion by Presidents Biden and Trump from the debate is undemocratic, un-American, and cowardly."

"Americans want an independent leader who will break apart the two-party duopoly," he added. "They want a President who will heal the divide, restore the middle class, unwind the war machine, and end the chronic disease epidemic."

Internet says Robert F Kennedy Jr is 'completely irrelevant'

Netizens gave mixed responses after Trump took a shot at the 70-year-old candidate for not qualifying in the upcoming debate.

One user opined, "RFK Jr is completely irrelevant. He should just suspend his campaign and support Trump."

Another asked, "Oh damn, think Trump considers him to be a contender?"

"Yeah, because nothing screams 'presidential' like trash-talking a guy who's actually done some good in the world. Meanwhile, Trump's still trying to make up for his lack of substance with more empty boasts," stated one user.

"Focus on the main thing - reenergizing America by making it great again!" advised a user.

Another voiced support for Kennedy Jr, "It is crucial to follow RFK Jr.s offerings and potentially sell out this election as well."

"Oh, neither side likes him? That's who I'll vote for then!" commented one.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.