Abby Huntsman (Image via Twitter).
Abby Huntsman is leaving HuffPost Live to become a co-host and resident Republican on MSNBC's The Cycle. Ms. Huntsman, who has been a host at Huffington Post's 12-hour live-streaming news network since it launched last year, announced her departure on a segment about major moves in media on HuffPost Live this afternoon.
"It’s a very bittersweet moment," Ms. Huntsman said. "I'm leaving; you heard it here first. I am joining MSNBC’s The Cycle."
Ms. Huntsman will join Ari Melber, Touré and Krystal Ball (who is currently on maternity leave) on MSNBC's afternoon political roundtable. Ms. Huntsman, who is the daughter of Republican presidential primary candidate Jon Huntsman, will fill the empty chair left by S.E. Cupp. Ms. Cupp left MSNBC for CNN earlier this summer.
“I’m excited to bring a dose of moderate rational conservatism to The Cycle,” Ms. Hunstman said. “I think that’s needed today in the discourse.”
"I have to ask you—so essentially, you're now a Democrat," said HuffPost host Ahmed Shihab-Eldin.
“They may try. No, you know me, I’ve been a lifelong Republican," Ms. Huntsman responded. "As I said, they need a dose of rational conservativism.”
“In a year, you are going to be an independent, I’m calling that,” replied Mr. Shihab-Eldin.
“I don’t think so,” Ms. Huntsman said.
HuffPost Live video below: