Who Is Dana Bash, Tonight's Presidential Debate Moderator?

2 days ago

The New York Times

SKIP ADVERTISEMENT

Meet the Moderator: Dana Bash.

What you need to know about CNN’s chief political correspondent.

Dana Bash - Figure 1 — Photo The New York Times

Dana Bash during a Democratic debate in Washington in 2020.Credit...Erin Schaff/The New York Times

Dana Bash is one of the two moderators of Thursday’s presidential debate, along with Jake Tapper, CNN’s chief Washington correspondent. Their ability to guide and navigate the event may be crucial to how President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump — and CNN, which is hosting the debate — are received by the public. Here is what you need to know about Ms. Bash.

Job: Chief political correspondent, CNN. Anchor, “Inside Politics.”

Age: 53.

Bio: Ms. Bash is a CNN lifer, starting as a producer shortly after graduating from college. She became a lead congressional and White House correspondent and then a fixture of the network’s election coverage; she has reported on presidential races dating back to 2000. In 2023, Ms. Bash became anchor of the midday program “Inside Politics”; she also hosts a series called “Badass Women of Washington.”

Debates: Ms. Bash was a questioner at six of seven primary debates sponsored by CNN in 2016. She also moderated two CNN Democratic primary debates in 2020.

Style: Unlike some boisterous figures in cable news, Ms. Bash can be a more reserved presence on the air. She keeps the fireworks for her analysis, often providing pithy and incisive summaries of major political events moments after they unfold.

What to Watch For: While Mr. Trump has made clear his animosity toward Mr. Tapper, he has not said much about Ms. Bash. Since she has not been as directly in Mr. Trump’s cross hairs, she may help to defuse heated moments.

SKIP ADVERTISEMENT