(CNN) – Prominent conservative commentator and RedState.com editor Erick Erickson will join CNN as a political contributor, appearing primarily on CNN's new show John King, USA¸ the network announced Tuesday.
Erickson, a self described "obsessive news junkie" who grew up in Dubai and rural Louisiana, will also provide perspective and commentary on other programs across the network.
"Joining CNN is like coming home, and being in Atlanta makes the decision right for me and my family," Erickson said in a statement.
Under Erickson's leadership, RedState.com has become the preeminent right of center community online. Prior to leading RedState.com, Erickson practiced law for six years and managed a number of political campaigns, and he currently serves as a member of the Macon, Georgia, city council. He studied political science and history and earned a bachelor's degree at Mercer University in Macon. Erickson also earned his law degree from Mercer's Walter F. George School of Law.
"Erick's a perfect fit for John King, USA, because not only is he an agenda-setter whose words are closely watched in Washington, but as a person who still lives in small-town America, Erick is in touch with the very people John hopes to reach," said Sam Feist, CNN political director and vice president of Washington-based programming. "With Erick's exceptional knowledge of politics, as well as his role as a conservative opinion leader, he will add an important voice to CNN's ideologically diverse group of political contributors."
From CNN Politics
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Oh good, I hope he packed his vitriol and craziness, it's about all he's got. If you're looking for reasoned information and content, look away, you won't find it with Erickson.
It's a shame to see CNN slide to the depths of Fox "News".
Wow,another "smacked bottom" to go along with John King.Looks like CNN is on a race to the bottom with Faux News.
Even though the people who post here don't like John King, CNN knows they need a balance to their programing and King is the fairest commentator they have. I watch him because its not the usual cheerleading for the dems you find on most of CNN's broadcasting. Much like Tim Russert, King asks good questions and will not take the sound-bite answers from anyone.
RedState?
Why not just invite Glenn Beck back as a contributor?
CNN is really becoming quite the FoxLite, isn't it?
The world only needs one conservative commentator, because they all say they same thing.
John King, Mary Matalin & Ed Rollins are conservative enough for the entire CNN. Why add another whacko to the bunch?
Erick is as good at political analysis as his parent's were at naming children. I can't wait to here all of his insightful ad hominem attacks and calls for him to send props through his Amazon store (see Sen. Snowe's rock salt and Rubio's back wax, etc.).
I saw this guy on a news show last week (don't remember which network). He's dumb as a post, somewhat of a bully, and does nothing but spout rightwing talking points – the vast majority of which have been proven WRONG!
Maybe some balance will be restore in your shop!
Just what CNN needs, another so called "conservative" to keep the spin spinning to the right...
CNN really is FOX Light Fodder for the masses...What, CNN's way to battle obesity?
Poor guy. He's a conservative, meaning he'll be immediately ostracized by 90% of the commentors in this blog.
Figures. CNN is moving totally to the right and soon will be as distorted as Fox News. A shame for the Centrists that are still there. Go to MSNBC. They are too far to the left and could use some new talent. Then America could choose between two right, one left and maybe a centrist for the Independents.
No surprise that a Republican would appear on John King's show.
I sure hope they don't engage / endorse in the types of mindless obstructionism that FOX news does. I have no problem with Republican points of view as long as they are consistent with the principles of this nation. But the hipocracy must stop.
I am so glad that a minister from the United Church of Christ called out Glen Beck for his anti-Christ-like behavior. No more letting the "Conservatives" hijack religion and the christian agenda.
Diverse..You have to be kidding!!!
Way to go CNN, you hired another far-right rich white "pundit". You'll be like Fox in no time.
CNN) – Prominent conservative commentator and RedState.com editor Erick Erickson will join CNN as a political contributor, appearing primarily on CNN's new show John King, USA¸ the network announced Tuesday.
WE ALL KNEW JOHN KING WAS FOR THE REPUBLICANS. I AM SO GLAD JOHN KING IS NOT DOING STATE OF THE UNION. I will never watch his show at 7pm becasue I like Chris Matthew better.
John King = REPUBLICAN
Now where is your new liberal commentator?
Don't you folks remember what this idiot said about retired Supreme Court Justice Souter? He called him a goat **ing child molester.
What are you THINKING?
Ecrikson needs to be on fox news not CNN – he is a racist red neck that will make sure nobody watch CNN at 7pm.
Well, you've got a fine crew of center-right and hard right wingnuts now. When are you going to add a liberal or two to the network to balance them out?
You're not going to out-Fox Fox. It can't be done. Having a superior news operation (reality-based) would be a distinguishing feature, but you're not interested in that, you're interested in pandering to the teabaggers. Awesome!
There's nothing like a watered-down version of Fox's right-wing jihad, brought to you by AOL Time Warner CNN!
C'mon... I truly enjoy CNN and appreciate the in-depth analyses on many subjects. So why give this guy a forum to spiel his propaganda narrative? This is the first dissapointment for John King's show that I was looking forward to watching. With narrow-minded fools like this guy providing daily insight, etc... it makes me wonder why Lou Dobbs left the network. I'd rather listen to Lou's cantankerous populist rantings every night than listen to the smart-allaky viewpoints of this RedState person. I'm really disgusted. CNN – just continue to rotate the show among various network personalities at 7:00 as an extension of the Situation Room. I've really enjoyed this hour of news since Lou departed. It seems to be a shame to ruin a good thing.
Oh great... another right wing nutcase to offer unchallenged nincompooppery on a national stage.
Well, CNN has been trending more and more right for months now, so it's no surprise that you brought this douche bag on board. I've watched my last broadcast until you get back to reporting the news. And I think it just might be time to find a new homepage, too.
Uber partisan Erickson does not "the political team" make. Just the opposite–it lowers CNN standards. Sad.
Erick might be the least crazy of the RedState bunch. But that's not really saying a lot.