CNN’s Michael Smerconish talks to the Washington Post about his desire to appeal to “Americans who don’t skew to the extreme right on politics and don’t skew to the extreme left.” Smerconish says that was the impetus for his transition from MSNBC to CNN:
By the time the CNN opportunity came up, Smerconish and MSNBC were ready to part ways — it was clear he wasn’t going to be getting his own show anytime soon, though he says he could have continued as a guest host. “They made it clear that liberal and nerdy was what they want to be,” Smerconish says. “That’s not who I am.”
In an e-mailed statement, MSNBC President Phil Griffin said: “We had a wonderful, decade-long run with Michael and loved having him on MSNBC. When Michael came to us saying he wanted to go to CNN, we were supportive. We continue to wish him well.”
AdvertisementBut even getting his own television show — something he says he’s long wanted — hasn’t been entirely smooth. His name was recently mentioned in reports as a possible replacement for Piers Morgan, who is leaving CNN. It didn’t happen. “So, I’m no longer the guy who finally got his own show,” Smerconish laments. “I’m the guy who didn’t get the Piers Morgan gig.”