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 The cable network, which is sponsoring the Sept. 16 debate, said
any candidate who ranks in the top 10 in polling since the first
debate on Aug. 6 would be included in the next prime-time debate.
CNN originally had planned to include poll results dating to July 16
to determine the participants, but Fiorina criticized that plan
because it would not have taken into account her surge in support
since the first debate.
Fiorina was widely viewed as the winner of the "undercard" debate of
low-polling candidates that took place hours before the
higher-ranking rivals competed in Cleveland.
"I really look forward to the debate," Fiorina said in an interview
with radio talk-show host Hugh Hewitt after the announcement.
 Asked if the debate was shaping up as a showdown between her and
Donald Trump, who leads in polls among Republican contenders,
Fiorina said: "I don’t know about that, but certainly Trump is the
front-runner. He is someone that I look forward to discussing and
debating with."
CNN said the adjustment might mean additional candidates would
participate in the debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
in Simi Valley, California.
CNN said in a statement: "In the event that any candidate is polling
in the top 10 in an average of approved national polls released
between August 7th and September 10th, we will add those candidates
to our top tier debate, even if those candidates did not poll in the
top 10 in an average of approved national polls between July 16th
and September 10th,"
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Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus welcomed the
step.
"I applaud CNN for recognizing the historic nature of this debate
and fully support the network’s decision to amend their criteria,"
he said.
Retired brain surgeon Ben Carson, another Republican who has gained
ground in the 17-strong pack of candidates chasing front-runner
Donald Trump, also said he was pleased by the changes. He urged CNN
to allow all the candidates to appear in the prime-time debate.
"Carly has proven her viability and standing and deserves the same
platform as the rest of the candidates," Carson said.
(Reporting by Steve Holland; Additional reporting by Peter Cooney;
Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
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