However, Kennedy answered the same questions about inflation, the COVID-19 response, and abortion that were asked of Biden and Trump. He did this during a live stream on the social platform X, hosted by John Stossell, who made sure Kennedy followed the same time limits as the other candidates.
Kennedy stood alone on a stage in Los Angeles and started his event, called The Real Debate, by accusing CNN, which hosted the main debate, of working with the Republican and Democratic parties to exclude him.
Kennedy said in his opening speech, "This is important for our democracy because Americans believe the system is unfair. This merger of government and corporate power is exactly what I'm running against."
Besides the livestreamed debate response, Kennedy has no public events planned for the next few weeks. His running mate, philanthropist Nicole Shanahan, also has nothing scheduled.
After a busy spring traveling around the country for political rallies, fundraisers, and unique campaign events, Kennedy seems to be taking a break.
Kennedy's absence from the main debate and campaign events is risky for his attempt to challenge the Republican and Democratic control of U.S. politics. He doesn't have enough money for lots of TV ads and needs to use most of his funds to get on the ballot. Public appearances are a cheap way to energize supporters and get the media attention he needs to stay relevant.
Kennedy says he can't win unless voters know he's running and believe he can beat Democrat Biden and Republican Trump. This issue will become more serious as the debate and the major party conventions in July and August get more voters interested in the race.
Despite this, Kennedy keeps posting regularly on social media and continues to give interviews, the most recent being with talk show host Dr. Phil.
"Mr. Kennedy has a busy July planned with many public events, mostly on the East Coast, including a big rally," said Kennedy campaign spokesperson Stefanie Spear. "We'll start announcing the events next week."
For CNN's debate on Thursday, the network invited candidates who demonstrated strong support in four trusted polls and had secured ballot access in sufficient states to potentially win the presidency. Kennedy did not meet these criteria.
He has complained about the rules, accusing CNN of working together with Biden and Trump. Kennedy filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission and threatened to take legal action.
Kennedy wasn't on the stage, but his supporters were clearly visible on the streets near the debate venue.
Some of Kennedy's supporters set up a lemonade stand a few blocks from where the press gathered in the spin room. A sign on the stand said, “CNN Lemons = Kennedy Lemonade.” Others held signs saying “Heal the Divide.” Nearby, a bus from Kennedy's campaign played loud music.
Sujat Desai, a 20-year-old student from Pleasanton, California, who backs Kennedy, said Kennedy not being at the debate is a significant challenge for him to overcome.
"I don’t think there’s any way to raise awareness if you’re not on the debate stage," Desai said. "Missing this debate is a serious setback, and not being in the next one would be harmful."
However, Desai mentioned that he will still vote for Kennedy even if he seems unlikely to win in November.
"I think this is the most impressive I've seen an independent candidate in a long time, so I'll acknowledge that," Desai said. "I believe he's performing well. His policies are strong and could lead to victory, but I'm unsure if enough people know about him."
Independent and third-party candidates such as Kennedy face very slim chances of winning, but his campaign has worried supporters from both major parties. Biden supporters fear his well-known Democratic family name and environmental activism could attract left-leaning voters. Trump supporters are concerned that his unconventional views, especially his skepticism about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines supported by scientific consensus, might appeal to potential Trump voters.
Christy Jones, 54, a holistic health and mindfulness coach from Glendora, California, is concerned that people won't be aware that Kennedy is running if he's not on stage with Biden and Trump during the debate. However, she mentioned that she sees him frequently on her social media and believes he is making efforts to stay visible.
"I think he could still win if voters are brave," she said. "If everyone who wants change actually voted for him, he could win. People want change."
Until recently, Kennedy's website advertised various events scheduled weeks in advance, such as public rallies and private fundraisers. He also hosted comedy events featuring well-known comedians in Michigan and Tennessee.
Since attending the June 15 premiere of a film about combating addiction, Kennedy has been less visible, but he still promotes both in-person and virtual organizing events for his supporters.
SOURCE: AP News