NEW YORK (AP) — The stakes are high for Joe Biden and Donald Trump for Thursday’s first presidential debate. But they’re not the only ones on the stage: CNN’s Dana Bash and Jake Tapper will be with them, carrying the hopes of a network that could use a boost. Like many news outlets, CNN is struggling to find an audience amid signs this presidential campaign isn’t driving interest like the last two. Cable cord-cutting and a preference among politically-minded viewers to see their opinions reflected also handicap CNN. But it’s a network with a proud legacy as the first all-news outlet, and hopes that a good showing on Thursday can be a shot of good news.
