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Kennedy Accuses DNC of Debate Exclusion

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/09/kennedy-accuses-dnc-of-debate-exclusion.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 22:08 GMT by The Raw Story
      Locales: California, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - February 10th, 2026 - Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has leveled serious accusations against the Democratic National Committee (DNC), claiming a deliberate effort to exclude him from upcoming presidential debates. Kennedy, who launched his independent bid after initially challenging incumbent President Biden for the Democratic nomination, voiced his frustration on social media today, asserting that he meets the established criteria for participation but is being systematically blocked.

"They are deliberately blocking me from the debate stage to prevent me from presenting a different perspective on the issues," Kennedy stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He further emphasized that his polling numbers exceed the threshold currently set by the DNC, a benchmark designed to limit debate participation to viable candidates.

The DNC currently requires candidates to achieve 15% support in five national polls to qualify for the first debate. While the precise polling data is subject to ongoing scrutiny and variation across different firms, several independent analyses suggest Kennedy is nearing, and in some cases exceeding, this threshold. This is a significant development, especially considering the historical dominance of the two-party system in American presidential elections.

Kennedy's claims are not simply about personal access to a platform. They raise broader questions about the fairness and inclusivity of the debate process, and whether established parties are attempting to stifle independent voices and limit voter choice. His campaign has resonated with a segment of the electorate disillusioned with traditional politics, appealing to voters across the political spectrum who feel underserved by both major parties.

The DNC has yet to issue a formal response to Kennedy's accusations, but sources within the committee suggest the criteria are being applied consistently and that any decision regarding participation will be based solely on objective polling data. However, critics point to a history of the DNC actively shaping the narrative and supporting preferred candidates, raising concerns about potential bias.

Kennedy's campaign has been consistently marked by controversy. His long-held skepticism about vaccines has drawn fierce criticism from public health officials and established medical organizations. He has also publicly questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, aligning him with a segment of the population that continues to harbor doubts about the integrity of the electoral process. These controversies have undoubtedly complicated his path to gaining mainstream acceptance, but they have also solidified his appeal to a base of supporters who view him as a truth-teller willing to challenge conventional wisdom.

Beyond the immediate debate access issue, Kennedy's candidacy presents a unique challenge to the two-party system. Historically, independent and third-party candidates have struggled to gain significant traction in presidential races, largely due to systemic barriers like ballot access laws and limited media coverage. However, the current political climate - characterized by deep polarization, widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo, and the rise of social media - may be creating more fertile ground for an independent challenge.

Experts suggest that Kennedy's ability to maintain momentum will depend on several factors, including his fundraising capabilities, his ability to build a broad-based coalition, and his performance in any debates he is ultimately allowed to participate in. The coming weeks will be crucial as the DNC prepares to announce the official list of debate participants and Kennedy continues to press his case for inclusion.

This situation also brings into focus the role of media in covering independent candidates. Will mainstream media outlets provide Kennedy with fair and equitable coverage, or will they continue to prioritize the established candidates of the two major parties? The answer to this question could significantly impact his campaign's trajectory and the overall health of American democracy. The debate surrounding RFK Jr.'s eligibility underscores a growing demand for alternative voices in a political landscape often dominated by entrenched interests. This isn't simply about one candidate; it's about the future of political discourse and the right of voters to hear a full range of perspectives before making their choices.