Who is John King? What you need to know about CNN’s ‘Election Night’ host

His Election Day Voting is in full swing across the country as Americans choose their next president between Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

Among those covering the election live and analyzing the results in real time is John King, who will anchor CNN’s election coverage. King, his “magic wall” and use of the word “fun” have been the subject of many memes and social media chatter during the last election cycle.

While The magic wall will return This election cycle, King told USA TODAY last month that he would shift from using the word “fun” to using the word “exciting” or “challenging” because “people watching at home are going to get angry at (him) and the closed-doors to them. elections are not “entertainment.”

Here’s what you need to know about CNN’s anchor and chief national correspondent.

Who is John King? Current work, show

John King is CNN’s chief national correspondent, anchor and “an integral part of the network’s coverage of American government and politics”, his Biography on CNN says.

He previously hosted Domestic Politics and left that position in April 2023 to “take on a new role focused on voters in battleground states in the 2024 presidential election.” according to an April 2023 CNN press release.. In a recent interview, King told USA TODAY that he has been on the ground and traveling around the country for the past 15 months to understand the views of voters, and will continue to do so until the week before the election.

On Election Day, King will report the election results to his government. the famous “magic wall” which he called “the most powerful information tool” he has ever worked with, adding that the software allows him to have everything at his fingertips and helps present information to viewers in an interactive and transparent manner.

“It’s just an incredible tool every election cycle, and with the help of a great team, we try to make it better,” King says.

The king who was covering elections for almost 40 yearssaid one of his biggest takeaways from working in the field and covering election cycles is that people are “enjoying the journey,” and “magic wallgives it the opportunity to take its viewers to different parts of the country and give them an insight into the voting process there.

Need a break? Solve USA TODAY’s daily crossword puzzle.

John King College, history of education

A native of Boston, King earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Rhode Island. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from URI, American University, and Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

Before joining CNN in May 1997, King worked for the Associated Press for 12 years, the last six years as chief political correspondent, according to his CNN biography. King has reported from all 50 states and more than 70 countries.

More about John King

King has three children: two – a son and a daughter – with his first wife Jean Mackie and one with a fellow CNN anchor. Dana Bash. King and Bash married in May 2008 and had a son, Jonah, in June 2011. In March 2012, the couple separated.

Saman Shafik is a popular news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.