Adam Kinzinger Scores Gig at CNN.
Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) knew he would be out of a job after the midterm elections. That’s because Illinois Democrats, in a last minute decision in late October, adopted a new congressional map which eliminated Kinzinger’s district. So he decided not to run for re-election in a newly majority Democrat district.
In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times shortly before Christmas, Kinzinger said that he had sold his home in Channahon, IL, and might not even stay in the state. He also told the Sun-Times that he might write a book. He also said that if someone did a movie about his life, he’d want Tom Cruise to play him (uh … sure). And he might run for office again, too.
But he also said that a TV gig sounded interesting. Fun, too. “I enjoy TV because I think it’s a way to be able to stay kind of out there,” he said.
CNN Comes Calling for Adam Kinzinger
In his farewell speech to Congress, Kinzinger blasted his fellow Republicans, along with some Democrats, and gave a dark warning about the future of American democracy.
Then, on New Year’s Day, Adam Kinzinger appeared as a guest on CNN’s “State of the Union,” where he blamed then-House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy for the “crazy elements” in Congress:
“He is the reason Donald Trump is still a factor. He is the reason that some of the crazy elements of the House still exist.”
He continued:
“Donald Trump should consider Kevin McCarthy his best friend because Donald Trump is alive today politically because of Kevin McCarthy.”
All this has tickled the ears of the bigwigs at CNN, because the network announced late on Wednesday that they hired Kinzinger as “senior political commentator.” He joined Erin Burnett on the evening edition of “Out Front,” where she announced his hiring:
“Now, former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger. He’s appearing tonight for the first time in his new role, which is senior political commentator. Congressman, we really are thrilled to have you on board, so welcome. People have seen you over the past couple of years on the January 6th committee, and we’re so glad to have you on board.”
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h/t Sarah Hoyt