December 17th, 2010

CNN and Tea Party Express join forces for presidential primary debate

2012 GOP Presidential Candidates to Face Off During Labor Day Week 2011 in Florida

CNN and Tea Party Express will co-host a primary debate among the 2012 Republican presidential candidates during Labor Day week 2011. The candidates will spar in Tampa, Florida, the site of the 2012 Republican National Convention. The debate will focus on wide-ranging topics with a specific emphasis on the issues that matter most to Tea Party Express: the economy and government spending. More details about the debate will follow.

“Over the past two years, the American people have engaged in the political process like no other time in history. The Tea Party movement continues to grow and will play an even greater role in the 2012 elections,” said Amy Kremer, chairman of the Tea Party Express. “The debate will give presidential candidates an opportunity to focus on the issues near and dear to the Tea Party and our supporters across the country.”

“The Tea Party Express is a fascinating, diverse, grassroots force that already has drastically changed the country’s political landscape,” said Sam Feist, CNN political director and vice president of Washington-based programming. “Undecided voters turn to CNN to educate themselves during election cycles, so it is a natural fit for CNN to provide a platform for the diverse perspectives within the Republican Party, including those of the Tea Party movement.”