CNN changes criteria for GOP debate, likely sending Carly Fiorina to prime time

On Tuesday, CNN changed the criteria for its upcoming Republican presidential debate on September 16, making room for former HP CEO Carly Fiorina to squeeze onto the big stage. The original criteria would have used an average of poll numbers from between July 16 and September 10 to narrow the field of candidates at the prime-time debate, reducing the impact of Fiorina's widely praised performance at the "kid's table" on Fox News in August. CNN will now accept any candidate who ranks in the top 10 in polling between August 6 and September 10, giving Fiorina a much healthier shot at the main show. According to RCP's polling average, Fiorina comes in seventh among GOP presidential hopefuls, with 5.8 percent of the vote.

Fiorina's presence will likely make for a better debate too, The Washington Post points out. In addition to being the only woman on stage, she is also a counterpoint to Donald Trump — another political outsider from the business world. Of course, Trump isn't one to tread lightly — a "you're fired" jab might be in the works, seeing as Fiorina was removed as CEO of HP in 2005. That being said, if Fiorina can out-debate her fellow business-minded competition on live TV, it will likely be her best shot at making a lasting mark in the race.

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