What’s the caffeine requirement to survive election night?

“I would lose count of my fingers,” admits CNN anchor and chief correspondent John King. “I start early in the morning and just keep it going.”

While John King relies heavily on black coffee or espresso to power through Election Day and into the night, he acknowledges that the real driving force behind his marathon work sessions is adrenaline.

“Let’s be real; anyone in this field will say that adrenaline plays a huge role,” King shares via video call with YSL News from his home. “Sure, I consume copious amounts of coffee, probably more than I should during election week, but it’s also adrenaline. This is my work and my passion.”

Preparing for the Election: ‘It’s Not a Single Night’

Though he’s fueled by adrenaline, enthusiasm, and a bit of humor, King fully grasps the weight of his responsibilities.

“I take on this responsibility, especially in times when the integrity of our elections and news media is often questioned,” King states. “This level of scrutiny necessitates that I prepare thoroughly and think about how I communicate effectively. There are many out there who doubt your credibility while others work to undermine it. Ensuring clarity in communication and maintaining trust in both my personal brand and the broader CNN brand is essential.”

As Election Day approaches, King has been fully engaged. He transitioned from anchoring “Inside Politics” in April 2023, passing the role to Dana Bash to focus on voter dynamics in key battleground states for the 2024 presidential election, as per CNN’s announcement.

King shares with YSL News that for the past 15 months, he’s been traveling across the nation and will keep doing so until just before the election.

“Study, prepare, and get fit,” he continues. “This isn’t just about a single day; it involves a lot of preparation leading up to the election. With 2024, we have some insight into what to expect, so it’s crucial to be ready. It’s a blend of journalism, homework, and ensuring you’re in great shape to perform well on air.”

However, he plans to dedicate the weekend before the election to quality time with his 13-year-old son, a child he shares with Bash.

Managing with MS

With such a demanding schedule, how does King, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2008, handle everything?

“Living with MS is challenging, but everyone has their battles,” King states. “I take pride in my situation. It’s a part of my life and fuels my motivation in an odd way. It encourages me to work harder and think critically about what I do. My MS is triggered by various factors — typically heat, stress, and intense physical exertion, all of which coincide during election week.”

He emphasizes the importance of daily exercise, even if it requires early mornings at hotel gyms, maintaining a healthy diet, and ensuring his medications are always stocked when he travels.

“It varies depending on the day,” King explains. “I consider myself fortunate among those who have MS. It’s part of my daily life and presents challenges, but it never stops me from functioning, and that’s integral to my routine.”

King humorously points out that his MS mainly affects his thighs, and he admits, “I haven’t felt anything below my thighs since Bill Clinton was president,” he quips.

To ensure he stays fit and can tackle the physical demands of covering the election, King incorporates treadmill workouts and focuses more on leg exercises like squats and While on the move, King mentions he enjoys outdoor walking whenever the weather permits, exploring “all these wonderful locations we visit.”

He humorously adds, “You can ask me after the election whether I made the right decision or messed things up.”

‘Magic wall’ Gets Ready for the Election

As King gears up for the election, his well-known “magic wall,” a favorite on social media during the last election cycle, “is currently at the beach sipping on some delightful frozen drinks, taking time to relax.”

“It’ll be back soon and ready to go,” King quips. “I often joke that I treat it like a person. The crew thinks I’m a bit odd when I start conversing with it, but it is truly a groundbreaking invention.”

Describing the “magic wall” as “the most powerful tool for information” he has ever used, King explains that the software brings all data to him and enables an engaging and clear presentation of information to viewers.

“Every election cycle, with a fantastic team, we strive to enhance it,” says King.

King notes that one significant lesson he learned while covering election cycles is that people “enjoy the journey.” The “magic wall” allows him to take his audience to various parts of the country, providing insights into the voting processes there.

King explains that the “magic wall” also serves as a means to ensure transparency and to earn viewers’ trust.

“Transparency is crucial,” King states. “All major institutions face scrutiny, which is unfortunate but true. Trust is incredibly valuable.”

Earning the Audience’s Trust

So, how does King go about gaining the trust of his viewers and ensuring the accuracy of the information he presents?

“Preparation plays a vital role,” he explains. “I strive to be prepared enough to say, let’s hold off on reporting that right away. If anything raises doubts, don’t share it until you’re certain.”

King also took the opportunity to urge voters to be patient as results come in, noting that each state has its own vote counting methods, and results won’t be final until everything is tallied.

“The early results might seem unexpected or confusing,” he warns. “But we don’t yet have a complete picture; only a small part is clear right now. Let’s exercise patience. The results we see tonight might not represent the final outcome, and it could take days.”

Post-Election Plans

Once the election concludes and America elects a new president, King plans to unwind at the beach. However, he doesn’t have any concrete plans due to the uncertainty of election outcomes.

“I haven’t made any arrangements since we can’t predict what will happen,” King states. “We don’t know how long the election process will take, and there may be legal disputes, similar to prior events. So, when will I get a chance to relax?”

Nonetheless, as a father of three, he hopes to “reach a beach as soon as I get the chance, even if it’s only for a couple of days.” While a beach on the East Coast, like Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard, is likely, King adds he would love to getaway to “some more tropical location” if time allows.

“Sure, it’s cold and windy in November, but I love it,” says King. “I enjoy the coast in winter for the fresh air, a chance to escape and contemplate. But I have no idea when that will happen, and I’m not overly concerned about it.”