CNN’s criteria for debate participation, by its very nature, is designed to prevent alternative voices from being heard and reduce choice for the American people. The media is colluding with the Republicans and Democrats to exclude third-party and independent voices in order to ensure that only Joe Biden and Donald Trump have a realistic chance of success. Most Americans want to hear from outside of the two-party system.
CNN’s criteria for candidates to participate in the first presidential debate are objective and were set before it issued invitations to the candidates. If candidates who don’t satisfy the debate participation requirements were allowed to participate, the democratic process could actually be undermined by reducing the amount of time that those who have a realistic prospect of success have to speak.