Sunday Night's Countdown to Election Day

Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer hosted a special edition of Countdown to Election Day on CNN Sunday night. 
The latest CNN-ORC Poll released on Sunday have Present Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney in a tie at 49% each.

John King was working the maps and also joined in the anaylsis with Dana Bash, David Gergen, Van Jones, Alex Castellanos and Gloria Borger. Jessica Yellin was with the President in Ohio and 2 other States today.Jim Acosta reported from Pennsylvania while traveling with the Romney campaign.

Anderson checked in with Don Lemon in Ohio, Poppy Harlow in Iowa and Kyung Lah in Colorado. Tom Forman reported on the Senate campaign from CNN's 'virtual Senate'.  Portions of POTUS speech in Ohio were shown live and sound bites from Romney's speeches today were shown also.

Tuesday night's coverage starts at 6PM ET.  Here's the rundown for CNN's election coverage this week:

• Monday, November 5
• Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin and Starting Point with Soledad O’Brien air live from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., respectively, from Washington.
• The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer airs live from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Erin Burnett OutFront airs live from Columbus, Ohio, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Anderson Cooper 360° airs live from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. from Washington.
• Erin Burnett OutFront airs live from Columbus, Ohio, from 11 p.m. to midnight.
• Piers Morgan Tonight airs live from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. and midnight to 1 a.m. from New York.
• Tuesday, November 6: ELECTION DAY
• Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin and Starting Point with Soledad O’Brien air live from Washington from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., respectively.
• Election Day in America editions of CNN Newsroom will provide live coverage from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with updates from CNN’s correspondents in the final battleground states.
• A special one-hour Election Day in America edition of Erin Burnett OutFront airs live at 2 p.m. from Columbus, Ohio.
• A special one-hour Election Day in America edition of Anderson Cooper 360° airs live at 3 p.m. from Washington.
• A special Election Day in America edition of The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer airs live beginning at 4 p.m.
• ELECTION NIGHT IN AMERICA full team coverage begins at 6 p.m. and continues through night and early morning to 3 a.m.
• Wednesday, November 7
• America’s Choice 2012 coverage will begin at 3 a.m. with Early Start anchors John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin and Starting Point anchor Soledad O’Brien. Sambolin will be live from Chicago, Berman and O’Brien are live from Washington.
• At 9 a.m. America’s Choice 2012 continues with Kate Bolduan and Joe Johns from Washington.
• At noon, post-election day editions of CNN Newsroom continue with anchors Wolf Blitzer, Suzanne Malveaux, John King and Brooke Baldwin from Washington and Atlanta.
• Post-Election Day editions of The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, Erin Burnett OutFront, Anderson Cooper 360°, and Piers Morgan Tonight will air live at their regularly scheduled times.

AC360 Transcript
AC360 Podcast
ANDERSON

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CNN Convention Site Tour

Wolf Blitzer, Dana Bash, Erin Burnett, Jim Acosta, Candy Crowley and Anderson Cooper gave viewers a quick overview of the set up at the Tampa Convention Center for delegates, guests and members of the media during Sunday night's America's Choice 2012: Countdown to the Republican National Convention.

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CNN Promotes Jim Acosta to National Political Correspondent

CNN Promotes Jim Acosta to National Political Correspondent

Jim Acosta has been named national political correspondent, it was announced today by Sam Feist, Washington bureau chief and senior vice president. Acosta begins his new assignment as national political correspondent immediately.
“Jim has been an outstanding addition to the political team,” said Feist. “He has emerged as one of the key reporters on the campaign trail and his astute reporting skills will only help to position the network to dominate this important election cycle.”
“Having grown up just outside of the nation’s capital, I’m very excited about this new assignment,” said Acosta. “I am honored to be part of CNN’s political team, which is second to none.”
In this new role, Acosta will work closely with the network’s political unit to provide coverage of the 2012 campaign including the primary races, the presidential debates, and the political conventions. He will also cover important stories on policy and culture for various CNN programs, including The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and John King, USA.
Previously, Acosta served as a CNN correspondent reporting from the field and within the beltway on a wide-range of national stories including, the 2010 midterm elections and 2008 presidential election, when he covered the campaigns of then-Sen. Hillary Clinton, Sen. John McCain and then-Sen. Barack Obama. In 2009, Acosta traveled to Cuba to report from Havana on the effects of the Obama administration’s policy change to American travel restrictions in that country. Prior to CNN, Acosta was a correspondent for CBS News, where he contributed to CBS Evening News and covered stories including the Iraq War from Baghdad, the 2004 presidential campaign of Sen. John Kerry and Hurricane Katrina.

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Ed Henry Interviews Education Secretary Arne Duncan

CNN's Sr. White House Correspondent
interviews Ed. Secretary Arne Duncan

CNN’s Ed Henry, Sr. White House Correspondent, sat down for an interview with Ed. Secretary Arne Duncan to talk education on Friday, December 11th’s CNN Student News broadcast. The show asked their student and teacher audience to submit their questions to the show’s blog and Facebook fan page. A snippet of the interview can be seen on www.CNNStudentNews.com, by clicking the link for the day’s show or the full interview can be heard at Ed Henry’s 44 podcast, http://podcasts.cnn.net/cnn/services/podcasting/audio/44EdHenry1210.mp3.

Ed Henry had this to say about the questions he received from the students, “I thought what better way to cover these substantive education issues -- which affect every family -- than by highlighting the fine work of CNN's Student News. It was important to put the questions of real students and real teachers directly to Secretary Duncan. Plus THEIR questions were better than mine!”

CNN Student News provides educators, parents and students with a 10-minute news program anchored by Carl Azuz. In addition to airing on HLN each Monday through Friday at 4 a.m. ET, the newscast can be viewed on-demand at www.CNNStudentNews.com and is available for free download in the video podcast section of the iTunes store.

Source: CNN Press Release, December 11, 2009

Here's the CNN Student News from Friday. In addition to Ed Henry, it also includes a report from Jim Acosta.

Talking Education

CARL AZUZ, CNN STUDENT NEWS ANCHOR: CNN's Ed Henry sat down with Secretary Duncan to talk about some of these educational issues and answer some of the questions that you posted on our blog. Here's part of their conversation.

(BEGIN VIDEO)

ED HENRY, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: CNN Student News put the fact that we were going to do this interview on their blog and on Facebook, and we got a lot of questions from students and teachers. So, I wanted to jump right in, because a lot of people wanted to ask about year-round education as an initiative. And in fact, there was one student named Fern who wanted to know if students have to go to school for more days per year under your vision, under the President's vision, would this mean you would compensate by having them go to school for less hours each day?

U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION ARNE DUNCAN: When I talk to students, this isn't the line that gets the most applause. Actually, I get booed occasionally. Let me explain, Ed, what I think. I've said repeatedly our current academic calendar is based upon the agrarian economy. The vast majority of students in our country aren't working the fields anymore. So, it's really an outdated, outmoded model. The biggest thing though is I'm worried that our students are at a competitive disadvantage with their peers in India and China. Students in those other countries are going to school 210, 220, 230 days a year. Our students are going to school 180 days a year, generally. And I think our students are absolutely smart, absolutely committed, can do extraordinary things. But we have to level the playing field. And if in a sports contest, one team is practicing three days a week and one team is practicing five days a week, the team that is practicing more is going to do better.

HENRY: Most of the people who wrote into our blog for CNN Student News, teachers and students, said that they were against this proposal, at least as they've currently heard it, and that's why I want to give you a chance to talk about it and address their concerns. Another student named Elizabeth wrote in, "Do you have any idea how hard it would be to go to school in a longer day? It's hard enough to muster up enough motivation to go to school now." You can't deal with every student's motivation, but obviously it's part of what you want. How do you address that, when there are going to be some students out there saying, "I can't do it."

DUNCAN: Again, it's a different concept of what going to school means. If you talk about an extended day, I've been arguing, Ed, that I think schools should be open 12, 13, 14 hours a day. And not just more of the same, but in the after school hours: drama and art, some sports and music and chess, and debate, and academic decathalon. So, it's about a very different conception of what our schools can offer to our children and to the broader community.

HENRY: Something that we don't hear a lot about is special education. And Todd wrote in on CNN Student News something that I wanted to raise with you, because you're obviously very powerful and it's an issue that not a lot of people get your ear on. He said, "I see a lack of funding in special education. Our school is well-funded but the special ed" -- and he said he's a special ed student himself -- "department lacks funding. We're given second-hand items. I believe we deserve an equal opportunity to have equal standards as if it were like the rest of the students. How are you going to help us?"

DUNCAN: First of all, I just appreciate his passion and what he is asking for he shouldn't have to ask for. For him to be getting second-hand anything is unacceptable. These are our students. It doesn't matter; race, class, doesn't matter; special ed, non special ed, doesn't matter. English language learner or not. Every child deserves a world-class education. While it's never enough, thanks to the president's leadership and the bipartisan support of Congress, we have put more than $10 billion this year into increases specifically for special education students. Obviously, long way to go, historic levels of new revenue, new funding going into special education to try and address some of those unmet needs.

Source: CNN Student News Transcript, December 11, 2009

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Saturday's Scoop

The Toronto Star recently wrote an article on Ali Velshi's career from Toronto to CNN. Click here for the article.

Dana Bash and John King with Rahm Emanuel from last Saturday's White House Correspondent's Dinner Party. Check out the Vanity Fair article on the event.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta spoke at the University of Michigan, his alma mater, on Friday, 5/8. His advice to students: "Never lose sight of your truest and your best intentions." Click here for the full article which also contains a short interview.

Earlier this month the Huffington Post did an article on Jim Acosta's reporting from Cuba and talks about what his father, who is from Cuba, thought of his son returning to the island he left back in 1962. Click here for the article.

This past Tuesday John King was at the Atlanta Press Club. Here's an article on his talk.

Well, that's my first blog - ever. A momentous occasion for me. Just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who posted well wishes on ATA a couple weeks ago for my wedding. They are much appreciated. Have a great week everyone! ~Julie

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Look Who Is On The Catwalk

BA here! Cyn has the night off. She will return on Monday and will have her "Where in the World" segment for you as well.

CNN's Sanjay Gupta, potential candidate for U.S. Surgeon General, received an endorsement from someone who once filled that position. Here's an excerpt from the article the US News and World Report article:

Sanjay Gupta, CNN's on-air doctor now bidding to become President Obama's U.S. surgeon general, has won the endorsement of the most controversial doctor to hold that position: Jocelyn Elders. The former surgeon general who supported teen masturbation and condom use calls the TV doctor an excellent communicator. "This country needs a surgeon general," she told our Suzi Parker. "It needs someone to be able to stand up and be an advocate for the people of this country. You aren't the Congress's surgeon general. You aren't the president's surgeon general. You're the people's surgeon general."

With Gupta, she says, "I think he understands the problems." What's more, Elders, an advocate for universal healthcare, dismisses critics, saying Gupta can learn on the job. "He has enough well-trained, well-qualified public health people to teach him the things he needs to do the job."

John King had breakfast in Lansing this week. Below is an excerpt from a Lansing State Journal article about the stop at the Fleetwood Diner.

Lights, camera, breakfast.

John King, anchor of CNN's State of the Union with John King, sat down with three Lansing residents today at the Fleetwood Diner on South Cedar Street to tape a segment for the Sunday news program.

"We try to visit every week a community that is the neon light of our big issue," King said.

And this week that big issue is the economy and related topics such as the housing crisis, hardships for automakers and high unemployment in Michigan.

"This is exhibit A," he said of Lansing.

The show runs Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST, said CNN senior producer Laura Bernardini. The footage from the diner will likely air at around 11 a.m.

Photo credit: Ryan Loew/Lansing State Journal

>

And in today's Lansing State Journal there was a follow up article:

Ralph Harmon Jr. said he typically shies away from reporters and their camera lenses.

But on Friday morning, on a spur-of-the-moment trip to the Fleetwood Diner on South Cedar Street for breakfast, he encountered a CNN news crew and decided he would accept their invitation to share his thoughts on today's dire economy.

"I'm angry enough," the 54-year-old said.

John King, anchor of CNN's "State of the Union with John King," sat down with Harmon and two other Lansing residents at the diner to tape a segment for the Sunday news program.

"We try to visit every week a community that is the neon light of our big issue," King said.

And this week that big issue is the economy and topics such as the housing crisis, hardships for automakers and staggering unemployment.

"This is Exhibit A," King said of Lansing.

In addition to shooting at the diner, King said he and his crew stopped at locations such as a local Saturn dealership and the General Motors Corp. Lansing Grand River assembly plant during their two-day visit to Lansing.

They also interviewed Gov. Jennifer Granholm, CNN Senior Producer Laura Bernardini said.

This week has been fashion week in New York. CNN's Alina Cho and Soledad O'Brien were spotted at Nanette Lepore's show. Here's an excerpt from an article on AM New York:

The front row of today’s bohemian chic Nanette Lepore show was filled with TV newscasters. There was the Today show’s Natalie Morales and CNN’s Soledad O’Brien and Alina Cho. Cho and O’Brien nudged each other and whispered that they loved a black mini dress with a very low back.

Photo credit: Jerritt Clark/WireImage

More pictures:

Photo credit: Left top & bottom: Jerritt Clark/WireImage; middle: Amy Sussman/Getty Images; right: Katy Winn/Getty Images

Going to fashion week isn't all fun and no work for some. In a report that aired on American Morning, Alina Cho spoke with designer Jason Wu:

Cho also took a lesson on walking the cat walk.

ONN TV's Kevin Cook recently spoke with Ali Velshi in Chicago.

To wrap things up tonight, a few more clips from American Morning, Jim Acosta reported on the elimination of the muscle car from GM's line up.

John Roberts wants to walk while doing American Morning:

I want to see Alina or Kiran try that in heels!

This report from Carol Costello on dating and debt. The conversation turned into a debate about public displays of affection.

President Bill Clinton was interviewed by CNN twice this past week. First, John Roberts spoke to him in Austin, Texas.

Then Larry King interviewed the former president.

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Politcs From Chris Rock....And More

This weekend on CNN News Room, Becky Anderson spoke with Chris Rock in London. Chris spoke about the upcoming US election, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton as well as the one person who is off limits to him in his comedy act (which is too bad because there is just so much he could use with Oprah).

To read the entire interview, click here (scroll towards the bottom)

Ballot Bowl '08 continued this weekend with Jim Acosta and Mary Snow leading the way. Jim was in Nevada, Mary was in Michigan, Susan Candiotti was in Florida.

Jim Acosta & Mary Snow

Susan Candiotti

This upcoming Tuesday night Lou Dobbs will be having a special called Independence Day: Awakening the American Spirit". The show will air at 8PM EST.

Tonight Larry King Live aired special coverage of the Golden Globe Awards. CNN's Brooke Anderson was one of the presenters.

Larry had a panel including A.J. Hammer, Kareen Wynter, Debbie Matenopoulos, Melissa Rivers, Brooke Anderson, Danya Devlin.

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