RNC torpedoes Fiorina’s chances for CNN debate

Regular readers of this blog know that while I have endorsed Ohio Governor John Kasich for president, I have positively expressed my impression of Carly Fiorina’s campaign performance.

Carly Fiorina speaks during the Freedom Summit, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Carly Fiorina speaks during the Freedom Summit, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Fiorina clearly won the second-tier debate conducted by Fox News on Aug. 6, and her impact on the 16-member fold of GOP candidates since then has been remarkable.

Fiorina is ranked seventh in the latest Real Clear Politics average, behind Trump, Carson, Bush, Rubio, Cruz and Walker, conducted Aug. 8-25. Kasich trails her by 1.5 points.

In the Quinnipiac poll just released she is in eighth place. In the two statewide polls in Iowa and New Hampshire, she ranks fifth and third, respectively.

Despite her rise in the polls since the Fox debate, she will not likely appear on the stage for CNN’s Sept. 16 debate, because – now get this – CNN will average national polls dating back to July 16.  July 16!

In CNN’s own poll, conducted with Opinion Research, Fiorina tied for 5tth place with Carson, Kasich and Paul. It will be interesting to see how Wolf Blitzer explains that away.

It appears that the Republican National Committee agreed to the July 16, poll cutoff date for the CNN debate. Thanks, Reince.