Wolf Blitzer is synonymous with election night on CNN, the bearded M.C. whose booming pronouncements (“CNN is ready to project…”) have guided Americans through some of the most momentous political events of their lives.
This year, however, Mr. Blitzer will be just another member of the pack.
On Tuesday, for the first general election night since 2004, Mr. Blitzer will not be the anchor entrusted with announcing CNN’s electoral projections during the network’s on-air coverage.
That responsibility now belongs to Jake Tapper. In fact, Mr. Blitzer may not appear on CNN during prime time at all. He went on the air at noon and was scheduled to participate in coverage until 4 p.m. on the East Coast.
For many viewers, Mr. Blitzer’s authoritative baritone has been as much a part of CNN’s election night furniture as John King’s “magic wall” and those whooshing on-screen graphics.
Mr. Tapper has been making CNN’s race calls for gubernatorial and primary races since 2021, when he was officially made the network’s “lead anchor for all major Washington events.”
But Mr. Blitzer’s changed role has received little notice, and casual viewers may discover it for the first time when they turn on their television sets or streaming apps on Tuesday night.
Mr. Tapper and Anderson Cooper will serve as CNN’s primary co-anchors, with coverage starting at 4 p.m. Eastern and continuing into the wee hours. Mr. Blitzer remains the host of “The Situation Room” on weekdays.
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