RFK plans "Real Debate" to counter Trump-Biden matchup

Reality check: Kennedy didn't meet CNN's standards including one requiring he reach at least 15% in four national voter polls.

• He also didn't achieve ballot access in enough states to have a chance at winning 270 electoral votes.

What they're saying: "The Kennedy campaign is restoring the rights of American voters to see the presidential debate as its 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.

State of play: Kennedy's event will be moderated by John Stossel, a Libertarian media personality.

• It will go live at 9pm ET, when the debate starts.

Zoom out: Jill Stein, also still in the race as a Green Party candidate, will comment on X during the debate and will go live right after, her campaign said.

• Stein's campaign said she was locked out of the debate, "but they can't silence her voice for people, planet and peace."

Go deeper: How to watch Biden and Trump in first 2024 presidential debate

Editor's note: This story has been updated with more explanation of why Kennedy did not qualify for the CNN debate.