Christie will appear on main stage for next GOP debate

Some welcome news for Gov. Chris Christie's floundering presidential campaign.

Christie has officially qualified for the main stage of the second GOP debate, avoiding the embarrassment of being relegated to the so-called kiddie table.

CNN, which will broadcast the debate on Sept. 16, made the announcement Thursday night. Christie will appear with 10 other candidates, including front-runner Donald Trump.

Former businesswoman Carly Fiorina, who has seen her campaign gain traction after a strong performance at the Aug. 6 debate on Fox, will also be part of the pact.

During an August appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon," Christie threatened to "go nuclear" this time around if he doesn't get enough speaking time. In the last debate, 10 questions went by before Christie was able to speak.

The Sept. 16 debate will be hosted by CNN and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation.