John King Interview…

The Huffington Post’s Michael Calderone interviews interviews CNN’s John King ahead of tonight’s debate…

The CNN debate, co-sponsored by New Hampshire television station WMUR and the Union Leader newspaper, isn’t the first time that 2012 candidates have sparred on stage. Last month, Fox News hosted a debate in South Carolina. But Feist and moderator John King each pointed out that Monday’s debate is significant in that several GOP contenders — Newt Gingrich, Michele Bachmann, and front-runner Mitt Romney — will be making their first appearance in a 2012 debate.

“This is a very different field of candidates and they’re in New Hampshire, which is the state that, in many ways, may be the most passionate about the presidential primary process,” Feist said.

King was quick to point out that Fox News’ Bret Baier “did a great job” moderating “an interesting debate” last month, but said that Monday’s bigger roster of candidates, coupled with increased voter interest, makes this debate “special.”

In addition to more podiums on the stage, Feist said that Monday’s event will be “the most sophisticated debate we’ve ever produced in our history in terms of complexity.”

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