 The debate will be hosted by CNN, but every major network, including C-SPAN, has been allowed to simulcast it. Our coverage starts 8 p.m. Eastern on Thursday. The debate is scheduled for 9 p.m. and then after, somewhere around 10.30 p.m., C-SPAN will get your reaction by phone, email, and social media. Speaker Johnson today said he has spoken to Donald Trump and the candidate is confident.