Fox News Hires Dennis Kucinich, Liberal Ex-Congressman

Dennis Kucinich, the former Ohio congressman and Democratic presidential candidate, has taken a job as an analyst with Fox News. Kucinich’s first appearance with the network will be on Thursday night’s episode of “The O’Reilly Factor.”

“Through 16 years in Congress and two presidential campaigns, Fox News has always provided me with an opportunity to share my perspective with its enormous viewership,” Kucinich said in a statement. “I look forward to a continuation of our relationship this time as a Fox News contributor.”

Kucinich, who ended a 16-year career in Congress just two weeks ago, ran for president in 2004 and 2008, losing in the Democratic primaries to John Kerry and Barack Obama, respectively. He was defeated in a Democratic primary for his seat in the House last year.

Despite Kucinich’s history as one of the most liberal members of the House, it appears that Fox News is just as excited to have him on board as he is to join the cable news network.

“I’ve always been impressed with Rep. Kucinich’s fearlessness and thoughtfulness about important issues,” Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes told the Associated Press. “His willingness to take a stand from his point of view makes him a valuable voice in our country’s debate.”

The move may seem strange to many. Fox News is mostly known for its right-leaning pundits and programs, including Bill O’Reilly’s “The O’Reilly Factor,” while Kucinich is a strongly anti-war liberal. But Kucinich is hardly the first Democrat to offer analysis to Fox News, though he may now be the most well-known. And he's one who's willing to attack President Barack Obama -- from the left.

Other prominent Democrats contributing for Fox News include former Indiana Sen. and Gov. Evan Bayh and former Howard Dean campaign manager Joe Trippi. For years, Alan Colmes was the most prominent Democrat on the network, appearing alongside Republican Sean Hannity in the popular program “Hannity & Colmes.” In 2009, the show was rebranded as simply “Hannity,” though Colmes continues to make appearances on other Fox News programs.

Before joining Congress, Kucinich was the mayor of Cleveland from 1977 to 1979. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1996, and he lost a primary last year after the Republican Ohio Legislature redrew his district, forcing him to compete with another incumbent Democrat for his seat in the newly redrawn district.