CNN will host a key Maine Democratic Senate debate next week. The event will help voters hear directly from candidates.
What We Know: CNN announced it will host the Maine Democratic Senate Debate on Thursday, July 23rd, at 8 p.m. ET. The network will partner with the Bangor Daily News for the two-hour event. Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will moderate alongside Bangor Daily News political editor Michael Shepherd. The debate follows Graham Platner’s withdrawal from the race. The event will feature candidates answering questions from moderators and a live audience. That audience will include Maine Democratic Party delegates who will select the party’s Senate nominee.
What’s At Stake: The debate gives candidates a major opportunity before Democrats gather for their July 25th convention. Additionally, 601 delegates from across Maine will decide who replaces Platner as the party’s nominee.
What Remains Unclear: CNN has not disclosed additional details about the candidates participating in the debate. It also remains unclear how much the event will impact the final delegate decision.
What It Means: CNN continues to invest in political coverage with another high-profile debate event. Meanwhile, the partnership with Bangor Daily News highlights the importance of local political reporting. The debate will air live on CNN, CNN International, and stream for subscribers. CNN will also make the event available on demand starting July 24th.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.