When we heard that Sen. Jeff Flake was retiring, we made a lot of jokes about how he would end up as a contributor at either CNN or MSNBC — it seemed the next logical step, after all. That’s where politicians go when they’ve shown they’re worthless as politicians.
Turns out we were close: Flake has taken a gig with CBS News, where he announced that he will not run for president in 2020 and siphon votes from President Trump just like Howard Schultz threatens to do with the Democrat nominee. We have no doubt John Kasich will announce he’s running, though, and be the spoiler for Trump.
Just Announced: Former Senator @JeffFlake will join @CBSNews as a contributor. pic.twitter.com/j4Em76I49Y
— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) January 29, 2019
It’s perfect, really. Flake is exactly the type of “Republican” networks like to hire to provide balance to their otherwise all-liberal panels.
Jeff Flake announces on @CBSThisMorning that he will not run for President in 2020
— Alan He (@alanhe) January 29, 2019
That’s a shame.
Jeff Flake announced that he wont run for President… as if anyone cared that he would.
— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) January 29, 2019
And here’s Donald Trump Jr. with the zinger:
Shocked that Jeff flake who wouldn’t have come close to winning his home district isn’t going to run for president.
I thought he was a real contender?
Maybe try for dog catcher!
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 29, 2019
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For once, we actually agree with ThinkProgress’ Ian Millhiser:
This is the most perfect Jeff Flake move that ever Jeff Flaked. He's going to be paid to say mean things about Donald Trump but do nothing about it. https://t.co/e2hCRJ5SjS
— Ian Millhiser (@imillhiser) January 29, 2019
Liberals were really counting on Flake to be the one Republican senator to hold the president’s feet to the fire, and he always let them down, making him a disappointment to both parties.
All those Jeff Flake 2020 people are devastated today. #lulz
— Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) January 29, 2019
Please just disappear for good
— Micki Wing (@Mickiwing) January 29, 2019
Jeff Flake not doing anything relevant is the political equivalent of Brett Favre is staying retired news.
— Jason Thompson (@JThom5) January 29, 2019
Obviously Flake has a firm grasp on the obvious – his race was lost before he left the gate. He will fit in just fine at CBS.
— karenbull (@ksbull) January 29, 2019
Yeah. He was always just running for a TV job.
I thought that was obvious.— Kevin Durant? (@markand4503) January 29, 2019
Thank God. Go away, Jeff.
— Patrick Cannady (@CannadyPatrick) January 29, 2019
Live shot of Jeff Flake in the “CBS This Morning” green room:
— chris scarboro (@ChrisScarboro) January 29, 2019
No one cares, said everyone. ?
— Nandilyn W. (@nandilyn) January 29, 2019
I wasn't running either and I have the same chance of winning.
— Michael (@SpkFromHeart) January 29, 2019
I love that Jeff Flake thought it was necessary to announce he wasn’t running for President. It takes some severe narcissism on his part to believe literally anybody cared if he ran. In that spirit though I’d like to announce I’m not going to pursue the CEO job at Amazon.
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) January 29, 2019
Related:
NOTHING MATTERS: CNN hires Florida Dem who is under investigation for violating ethics laws https://t.co/TaAY5diKP5
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) January 29, 2019
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