Yesterday we told you what the network Sunday morning shows were up to this weekend, now it is the cablers turn to put their focus on Iowa. With the Iowa Straw Poll slated for Saturday, the cable channels are sending some of their top talent to the state, and planning special coverage on Saturday.
Details after the jump.
CNN already has the CNN Election Express bus on-site, along with deputy political director Paul Steinhauser. Don Lemon and Candy Crowley are also en route. Lemon will anchor “CNN Newsroom” fro Iowa all weekend, with Crowley anchoring “State of the Union” on Sunday there as well. Lemon and Crowley will provide live coverage of the straw poll results Saturday evening. Much like the network Sunday shows “SOTU” will feature guest Michele Bachmann.
MSNBC is sending Chuck Todd and Andrea Mitchell to Iowa to lead its coverage. The channel will also forgo some of its usual taped fare on Saturday for live coverage. Alex Witt will anchor from 7 AM-1 PM, Chris Jansing will anchor from 1-4 PM, Mitchell will anchor from 4-6 PM and Todd will anchor a special “Daily Rundown” analyzing the results from 6-8 PM.
Fox News–which is hosting a Republican debate in Iowa tonight– will have be live from 6 AM-10 PM on Saturday. bret Baier will anchor a two-hour special from there from 5-7 PM, while Mike Huckabee will be hosting his show live from Iowa Saturday night at 8 PM. A special “Hannity” will follow. Carl Cameron and Steve Brown are also in Iowa, reporting on the straw poll for the channel.