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Trending: Politicians ditch government for cable news

George Stephanopoulos of ABC News and Joe Scarborough of MSNBC.
ABC's George Stephanopoulos (L) and MSNBC's Joe Scarborough (R). Photos: Lorenzo Bevilaqua/ABC, Astrid Stawiarz via Getty Images

For some government officials, wrapping up a career in politics can lead to another public-facing position: cable news media.

The big picture: Several politicos have moved — or are trying to move — into the media arena. Outgoing Senate Republican Jeff Flake is reportedly looking for a cable news home, and former White House press secretary Sean Spicer is in the market for a talk show.

Who we're watching (or could be soon):

  • Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA) signed on with CNN as a political commentator earlier this year. (Roll Call.)
  • Former Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) resigned from Congress last year and signed on with Fox News as a contributor, working with Fox News Channel and FOX Business Network (Politico.)
  • Sen. Jeff Flake announced his retirement last fall, and has met with MSNBC and CNN (The Daily Beast.)
  • Sean Spicer has been shopping around the idea for a "relaxed" talk show, tentatively called "Sean Spicer's Common Ground" (the New York Times)
  • Joe Scarborough, former Republican congressman from Florida, has transitioned into the host of MSNBC's Morning Joe.
  • George Stephanopoulos, previously communications director and press secretary for the White House during Bill Clinton's tenure, has spearheaded ABC News programs like "Good Morning America" and "This Week with George Stephanopoulos."
Cable television