Former First Lady Nancy Reagan has invited 16 Republican presidential candidates to take part in the upcoming Republican debate at the Reagan Library. CNN will televise the debate Sept. 16.
Former Gov. Jim Gilmore (Va.) has not been invited to participate. In order to be included, candidates must reach an average of 1 percent support in three national polls before Sept. 10, according to CNN.
Unlike Fox News, CNN will show two debates back-to-back so that all candidates who meet the criteria may participate.
"Debates are a crucial part of the election process, and I'm thrilled that so many qualified candidates have the opportunity to be heard at the Reagan Presidential Library," Nancy Reagan said in a statement, CNN reported.
One of the two debates will probably feature the top 10 candidates in the field, according to International Business Times. The debates will be held at the Air Force One Pavilion at the Library. CNN's Jake Tapper will moderate.
Reagan, 94, was First Lady from 1981 to 1989. Her husband, President Ronald Reagan, passed away in 2004 at age 93.
CNN will use polling data from July 16 to Sept. 10 to determine the ranking for the 17 Republican candidates. This will determine which of the 17 will not be at either debate and which will be appearing on the main stage, according to The Advocate. You can also see the debate on CNNgo.
