INSTITUTE OF POLITICS TO CO-HOST CNN TOWN HALL FEATURING FIVE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES.

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Introduction

Buttigieg, Harris, Klobuchar, Sanders and Warren To Take Questions From Live Student Audience  

CAMBRIDGE, MA – The Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School today announced it will co-host a primetime event featuring five Democratic presidential candidates in CNN’s first youth-focused town hall of the 2020 Democratic Presidential primary.

On Monday, April 22, beginning at 7:00 pm ET, candidates will participate in back-to-back town halls at St. Anselm’s College in Manchester, New Hampshire. Organized by the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School and the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, this event will provide an opportunity for young voters to engage with presidential candidates and ask questions on topics driving the youth agenda. The audience will consist of 500 young voters, including more than 200 Harvard University students.

“The votes of young Americans could be the determining factor in this election. Young voters are eager to be engaged and speak directly to those seeking the presidency,” said Institute of Politics Director Mark D. Gearan. “We are grateful to our colleagues at St. Anselm’s New Hampshire Institute of Politics for co-hosting this event with us and look forward to the exchange of ideas.”

CNN Town Hall | April 22, 2019

Town halls will be moderated by CNN anchors Anderson Cooper, Don Lemon, and Chris Cuomo. The schedule of candidate appearance is as follows:

  • 7 pm ET: Sen. Amy Klobuchar
  • 8 pm ET: Sen. Elizabeth Warren
  • 9 pm ET: Sen. Bernie Sanders
  • 10 pm ET: Sen. Kamala Harris
  • 11 pm ET: South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg

“Young voters across the country are looking for presidential candidates to address the most pressing issues important to our generation,” said Anna Duffy ‘21, Student President of the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School. “This is an opportunity for candidates to share their policy platforms, showcase their values, and make the argument for why young voters should support their candidacy.”

By election day 2020, the Millennial and Gen Z generations will represent more than a third of eligible voters. As indicated by the unprecedented youth turnout in the 2018 midterm election, the youth vote is likely to play a historic role in the upcoming primary and general elections.

In conjunction with the CNN Town Hall on Monday, April 22, the Institute will release its Spring the Harvard IOP Youth Poll results and key findings on young Americans’ views toward climate change, economic inequality, gun violence, lowering the voting age, foreign policy, trust in institutions, and the political system. Since 2000, the Harvard IOP Youth Poll has examined the political opinions, voting trends, and views on public service held by 18- to 29-year-olds in America.

About the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School

The Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School was established in 1966 as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. The Institute’s mission is to unite and engage students, particularly undergraduates, with academics, politicians, activists, and policymakers on a non-partisan basis to inspire them to consider careers in politics and public service. With a broad array of 15 student programs, the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum, and Fellows Program; the Institute blends the academy with practical politics and offers students the opportunity to engage on current topics, to have access to key policymakers and to acquire skills and perspective that will assist in their postgraduate choices.

For more information on the Institute of Politics visit: iop.harvard.edu.

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