John King Delivers Comprehensive Election Coverage on CNN's Magic Wall

CNN's chief national correspondent John King has made a name for himself as the wizard behind the Magic Wall, an interactive map that provides granular data on election results.

Since 2008, King has been at the helm of the Magic Wall during midterm and presidential elections, working tirelessly to bring viewers up-to-date information on voting trends.

The 2020 presidential election was particularly grueling for King, with results taking about a week to tabulate. He worked back-to-back 12- to 16-hour days to ensure that CNN's coverage was comprehensive and accurate.

To prepare for the midterms, King has been traveling extensively between battleground states, conducting interviews to stay on top of the national mood.

His schedule is incredibly demanding, with an average of two weeks a month spent on the road during the midterm cycle. The last week before the election is particularly grueling, with five states visited in just five days.

King's team typically focuses on one state at a time, spending several days there to gather information and conduct interviews. However, this year's schedule has been compressed, leaving little room for error or downtime.

Despite his busy schedule, King makes it a point to stay active, often hitting the gym even when he gets little sleep. He also keeps a mental map of healthy restaurants in each state, ensuring that he can fuel up with nutritious food on the go.

King's dedication to his work is impressive, especially considering that he lives with multiple sclerosis, a chronic condition that requires careful management.

The unpredictable nature of a journalist's schedule can make it challenging to maintain a healthy diet, especially when traveling long distances between election coverage sites. King has had to drive four to four and a half hours from Detroit to central Ohio on short notice, with little control over his daily routine.

When faced with the temptation of fast food joints along the highway, King's philosophy is to indulge only occasionally, acknowledging that such choices have consequences for his overall well-being. He chooses healthier options like yogurt and granola with berries for breakfast, which he pairs with regular gym visits.

Exercise plays a crucial role in managing multiple sclerosis, a chronic condition King lives with. MS fatigue, characterized by headaches and heavy legs, is a common symptom after a long day of reporting. To mitigate this effect, King prioritizes morning exercise, often sacrificing sleep to fit in a 90-minute workout at the hotel gym.

King's dedication to his work is impressive, especially considering the physical demands it imposes on him. MS fatigue can be debilitating, but he has learned to manage its effects by exercising regularly and taking care of himself during long election coverage periods.

The grueling pace of their five-state tour in five days means that sleep deprivation is a constant companion for King and his team. Despite this, King makes time for exercise, often rising as early as 5:30 am to work out at the hotel gym before a busy day of reporting.

King's morning routine typically involves a combination of cardiovascular exercises and strength training, depending on how much time he has available. He strives to fit in at least 90 minutes of physical activity each morning to help manage his MS symptoms.

When pressed for time, King adapts his workout to suit the situation, often opting for shorter sessions or focusing on specific muscle groups that need attention. His commitment to regular exercise is a testament to his determination to maintain his health despite the demands of his job.

The hotel gym has become an essential part of King's election coverage routine, providing him with a space to exercise and manage his MS symptoms even when away from home. Despite the challenges posed by his condition, King remains committed to prioritizing his physical well-being in order to perform at his best.

The hotel gym where King works out is an old facility with outdated equipment, a far cry from modern gyms found in many upscale hotels.

Despite its limitations, King has adapted his workout routine to accommodate both physical exercise and administrative tasks.

He begins on the recumbent bike, pedaling for 30 minutes while simultaneously reading emails, news articles, or writing responses to colleagues back in Washington.

This multitasking approach allows him to stay productive while also getting some cardiovascular exercise.

After warming up on the recumbent bike, King moves to the treadmill, where he tries to clear his mind by listening to music and zoning out from the demands of the day.

He may also squeeze in a quick circuit of light weights if time permits, acknowledging that incorporating strength training is essential for maintaining overall fitness.

King's preference for biking while on the job stems from its efficiency, it allows him to tackle administrative tasks while getting some physical activity.

As he works out, King often finds himself responding to queries or writing graphics, showcasing his ability to multitask and stay focused under pressure.

As a seasoned journalist, John King has developed strategies to manage stress and maintain his mental well-being amidst the demands of his job.

He reveals that he often disconnects from work-related activities when traveling, adopting what he calls the 20-minute rule to allow himself time for personal reflection.

King's approach involves stepping away from his duties for short periods, usually around 20 minutes, to clear his mind and recharge. This break can be as simple as taking a walk or admiring local architecture.

He recalls an instance during a trip to Estonia where he was covering the Bush-Putin meeting, which sparked controversy over President Bush's comments on Putin's character. Despite being exhausted from a long day of broadcasting, King took time to appreciate the country's historical landmarks and architectural beauty.

Growing up in Dorchester, Massachusetts, with limited financial means, King never had the opportunity to travel extensively until he landed his current job. As a result, he now feels fortunate to have experienced diverse cultures and environments through his work.

King believes that taking short breaks from work is essential for maintaining productivity and mental health. By giving himself permission to disconnect, even if only for a brief period, he can approach his tasks with renewed focus and efficiency.

As an individual who has spent years covering high-pressure events in the White House, King understands the importance of self-care. He acknowledges that his job requires him to be constantly on call, but he also recognizes the value of taking time for personal interests and relaxation.

King's commitment to mental health extends beyond work-related activities; he also prioritizes spending quality time with family, such as keeping up with his son's reading list. This balance enables him to maintain a healthy perspective and approach his responsibilities with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Travel plans are crucial when it comes to reporting on major events, and John King's upcoming trip is no exception. He needs to pack light while ensuring he has all the essentials for a five-day stay, which will be followed by another two days in New York City.

John King prefers packing a carry-on bag whenever possible, as it eliminates the risk of luggage being lost or delayed. However, with his extended travel plans this time around, he has to check his bag due to the longer duration of his trip.

Packing efficiently is key for John King, who aims to bring only what's necessary while keeping his belongings organized. He considers himself a tight packer and tries to fit everything into one carry-on bag whenever possible. This not only saves time but also allows him to move quickly through airport security checks.

On this particular trip, John King had to compromise on his usual packing style due to the extended duration of his stay. With six days on the road followed by two more in New York City, he decided it was better to check his bag rather than risk running out of clothes or essentials.

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for John King when traveling across time zones. He operates on East Coast time all the time and tries to keep his body and brain adjusted accordingly. This approach helps him avoid jet lag, which can be debilitating.

John King acknowledges that he gets tired after international trips but attributes this to his attempts to keep a consistent schedule rather than actual jet lag. Exercise plays a significant role in helping him cope with fatigue, as does drinking plenty of coffee, although he admits this can sometimes have negative effects on his body.

One unexpected benefit of covering campaigns has been John King's ability to nap during short breaks. He now finds it easier to take 20-minute naps when needed, which helps him recharge and refocus. This newfound skill is a welcome addition to his coping mechanisms for dealing with the demands of reporting.

John King's travel plans are often dictated by the demands of his job, but he tries to make time for personal events as well. His daughter recently got engaged, and he will be celebrating this milestone in New York City over the weekend.

As the demands of election night coverage intensify, John King's dedication to his job is unwavering, even if it means sacrificing some personal time.

Despite the grueling schedule, King still manages to find moments for self-care, albeit brief ones, and prioritizes his physical health amidst the chaos.

A recent trip looms ahead, with a packed itinerary that will leave little room for relaxation, but King is mentally prepared for the challenge.

In fact, he has already made plans to squeeze in a visit to the gym during a rare window of free time over the weekend in New York City.

King's daughter's upcoming wedding celebration will be a welcome respite from the stresses of work, and he looks forward to sharing this special moment with his loved ones.

However, King acknowledges that finding healthy options on the campaign trail can be a significant hurdle, particularly when it comes to accessing fresh fruits and vegetables or hotel menus.

To cope with these challenges, King relies on a few trusted go-to spots, such as The Trade in Wisconsin, which consistently offers high-quality breakfast options like yogurt parfaits.

In other cases, he has learned to adapt by opting for salads at lunch and making do with what's available at gas stations during long road trips.

While King tries to stick to healthier choices like almonds over potato chips and water over soda, he doesn't deny himself the occasional indulgence, including a cold beer after a long day.