Huckabee to Be Political Commentator on FOX News Channel
Today at 2:08am
HUCKABOOM HITS TV
By Howard Kurtz
Mike Huckabee may have flamed out as a presidential candidate, but his glibness and humor did not go unnoticed.
The former Arkansas governor has signed a one-year deal as a political commentator for Fox News, where he will sound off on a variety of programs. A knowledgeable source says an announcement is expected soon.
Other cable channels had been pursuing Huckabee, who provided commentary on MSNBC during one of its primary-night broadcasts. Fox has given a platform to such former Republican politicos as Newt Gingrich and Karl Rove.
Huckabee honed his broadcasting skills during his years as a Baptist minister, and his underfunded White House campaign relied heavily on TV appearances, from his constant calls to MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” to his stint playing air hockey with Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert. His first job, at 14, was reading the news and weather at a radio station.
The deal keeps Huckabee in the spotlight as he contemplates a second run in 2012, a tactic perfected by Pat Buchanan, who hosted CNN’s “Crossfire” between presidential campaigns.
No word on whether the deal calls for Huckabee’s band to play while Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity kick off their programs.
