As it’s New Hampshire town hall event with former President Donald Trump looms, CNN is keenly aware of the opportunity it has with conservative viewers and also to repair its arguably damaged reputation as a news organization. By many accounts, it is in good hands with moderator Kaitlan Collins.
The CNN This Morning co-host has been absent from the program since last Friday to prepare for the event with the former President. There is an undeniable pressure to perform, and yet according to those close to the situation, the 31-year-old isn’t feeling it.
“She’s f—ing fearless,” a person involved in the event told Politico. “I’m nervous for her, but it’s almost like I’m annoying her by asking (how she’s doing)…she’s like ‘I know the pressure. I’m fine’.”
Collins has received high praise in the run-up to the New Hampshire event. Former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly lauded her ability to be a fair and impartial moderator last week, calling her a “professional journalist”.
CNN colleague Michael Smerconish called Collins “perfect” for the role she’ll play Wednesday night.
“She’s firm, she’s fair, she’s consistent. She’ll ask tough questions of Donald Trump,” Smerconish said. “He’s not gonna get one over on her.”
The event moderated by Collins will mark the first time Trump has appeared on CNN — a network he has routinely mocked and clashed with — since 2016.
