Kennedy to hold dueling event during debate that gives 'Americans the debate they deserve'

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign announced Tuesday that it will host a dueling event that will air online at the same time President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump take their stage.

Biden and Trump are expected to debate for the first time this election cycle on Thursday, in Atlanta, Georgia. The debate will air live at 9 p.m. EST and will be moderated by CNN hosts Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. 

Kennedy's campaign said the new debate will give "Americans the debate they deserve," after CNN determined Kennedy failed to meet its criteria, which included candidates polling at at least 15% in four national polls. Kennedy only polled at or above 15% in three national polls the outlet recognized, according to Mercury News.

"The Kennedy campaign is restoring the rights of American voters to see the presidential debate as it is supposed to be — Biden, Trump, Kennedy — and to decide for themselves which candidate will best serve them over the coming four years," the campaign said in a statement. "Since 71% of Americans want to see Kennedy on the debate stage, the campaign will give them what they want."

The campaign said Kennedy's debate will take place in Los Angeles, and be aired live on X, and on TheRealDebate.com, at 9 p.m. on Thursday, but other details on how the event will work have not been released. 

“The American people want leaders who trust them to make up their own minds,” Kennedy said in a statement. “Instead, our last two presidents are restricting voters from choosing anyone other than themselves. Presidents Biden and Trump have sucked trillions of dollars from the pockets of working people and Americans deserve to hear from the one candidate who can hold them to account.”

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.