Politics

CNN provides free Anderson Coopers to press

Jamie Weinstein Senior Writer
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LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Press covering the CNN Western Republican presidential debate in Las Vegas were greeted with a treat in the press filing room: a free Anderson Cooper-shaped bookmark.

The Cooper bookmark came along with a free notebook and pen. The host of CNN’s “Anderson 360” will be moderating tonight’s GOP debate. (RELATED: Cain has most to gain, lose at Vegas debate, say GOP strategists)

The back of the bookmark advertises Cooper’s show as occurring weeknights at 10:00 p.m. ET. Cooper’s show, however, now airs at 8:00 p.m. ET as well, meaning that either an error had been made in their printing or CNN is providing the press with old goodies.

Tonight’s debate from the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas begins at 8:00 p.m. ET and will feature seven Republican contenders for the GOP nomination: former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Godfather’s Pizza CEO Herman Cain, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, and former Pennsylvania Gov. Rick Santorum.

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman was invited but decided to boycott the debate in protest of Nevada moving its caucuses to Jan. 14, jeopardizing New Hampshire’s traditional status in the primary hierarchy.