Erick Erickson joins CNN

Atlanta-based CNN has hired Red State founder and Peach Pundit editor Erick Erickson to provide commentary for the network’s programs, with a weeknight gig on the soon-to-air “John King, USA” show.

So sayeth the press release that trumpeteth the arrival of Erickson:

“I grew up in Dubai and then in rural Louisiana as an obsessive news junkie. CNN was the only place to go for nonstop news,” said Erickson.  “Joining CNN is like coming home and being in Atlanta makes the decision right for me and my family.”

“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 Feist. “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.”

“John King, USA” — which is a beautiful place, we hear — premieres March 22.

(Photo by Joeff Davis)