CNN Sets Polling Requirements to Make Main Stage at Next G.O.P. Debate - First Draft. Political News, Now.
- 9 years ago
CNN is broadening its criteria for next month's Republican presidential debate, including polling from Iowa and New Hampshire to determine which candidates make the main stage.
The cable network said on Friday that candidates will need to have either a national polling average of 3.5 percent or higher, or be polling at 4 percent or higher in Iowa or New Hampshire, to qualify for the prime-time debate, which will be held in Las Vegas on Dec. 15.
The change comes as networks have faced sharp criticism from candidates, such as Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, who have been relegated to the so-called undercard debates and those who have been left out entirely, like Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.
The cable network said on Friday that candidates will need to have either a national polling average of 3.5 percent or higher, or be polling at 4 percent or higher in Iowa or New Hampshire, to qualify for the prime-time debate, which will be held in Las Vegas on Dec. 15.
The change comes as networks have faced sharp criticism from candidates, such as Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, who have been relegated to the so-called undercard debates and those who have been left out entirely, like Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.