Former Biden adviser Symone Sanders to host MSNBC show

MSNBC has hired Symone Sanders, former aide to President Joe Biden and spokeswoman for Vice President Kamala Harris, to host shows on its television and streaming services.

The announcement Monday continues the trend of political veterans jumping to cable news, often at dizzying speeds. Sanders announced only last month that she was leaving her job as chief spokesperson for Harris.

Sanders, 32, will host a Washington-based weekend show on MSNBC, along with a program on “The Choice from MSNBC,” a news and analysis destination on the Peacock streaming service.

MSNBC President Rashida Jones, who announced the hiring, was not immediately made available for an interview.

Sanders, from Omaha, Nebraska, was press secretary for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign. She worked as a commentator for CNN following that campaign before signing on as a senior adviser to Biden’s campaign in 2020. A former fellow at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics, she wrote the book “No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America in 2020.”

She’ll have plenty of company among former political pros working in cable TV. Former George W. Bush spokeswoman Nicolle Wallace and ex-congressman Joe Scarborough are major MSNBC stars, and David Axelrod, former top aide to Barack Obama, works at CNN.

After Donald Trump left the presidency last year, Fox News quickly snapped up his ex-press secretary Kayleigh McEnany as a commentator and aide Larry Kudlow, the longtime CNBC host, to do a show on the Fox Business Network. Trump’s first press secretary, Sean Spicer, hosts a show on Newsmax.

Sanders, who is Black, is also part of NBC News chief Cesar Conde’s stated effort to boost diversity at the news division. Joy Reid, Jose Diaz-Balart, Alicia Menendez, Joshua Johnson, Mehdi Hasan, Ayman Mohyeldin and Jonathan Capehart have all begun hosting roles at MSNBC since Conde announced new diversity goals in mid-2020.

“I don’t know what to say. I have no words. Bob was one of the best humans beings I’ve ever known in my life. I loved him so much.” — Candace Cameron Bure, who played Saget’s daughter on “Full House,” via Twitter.

“Bob was the most loving, compassionate and generous man. We are deeply saddened that he is no longer with us but know that he will continue to be by our side to guide us as gracefully as he always has.” — Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, in a statement.

“I don’t even know what to say about Bob Saget. I loved him and was so lucky to work with someone so funny, soulful and kind. His role on himym was a voice in the future, looking back on all of life’s complexity with a smile, and that’s how I’ll always remember him.” — “How I Met You Mother” co-creator Craig Thomas, via Twitter

“I’m endlessly grateful that HIMYM brought Bob Saget into my life. I’ll hear his voice in my head for the rest of my days.” — “How I Met Your Mother” star Josh Radnor, via Twitter.

“Four decades of friendship. Had Thanksgiving with Bob once when we were coming up. He cooked the turkey but had no idea you were supposed to take the innards out. We completely lost it....Love you, my friend.” —George Wallace, via Twitter.

“Oh god. Bob Saget!!! The loveliest man. I was his TV daughter for one season and he was always so kind and protective. So so sorry for his family.” — Kat Dennings, via Twitter

“You couldn’t find a nicer or sharper wit than Bob Saget. Shocked and devastated.” — Kathy Griffin, via Twitter

“R.I.P. buddy....Life can turn to (expletive) in one moment. My heart aches for his whole family. In often a ruthless business he was historically not just hilarious but more importantly one of the kindest human beings I ever met in my career.” — Richard Lewis, via Twitter

“I had the pleasure of a once in a lifetime candid interaction with Bob Saget and Norman Lear a few months ago that had a warmth generally reserved for long time friends. Every story I heard about Bob was confirmed that night. His dark humor, generosity, and love for ppl.” — Jeremy O. Harris, via Twitter

“Oh no. RIP Bob Saget. Truly one of the nicest guys and so funny. Very sad.” — Marc Maron, via Twitter

“He had a big, big heart and a wonderfully warped comic mind. He gave the world a lot of joy and lived his life for goodness’ sake.” — Jim Carrey, via Twitter.

“Still in shock. I just spoke with Bob a few days ago. We stayed on the phone as usual making each other laugh. RIP to friend, comedian & fellow Aristocrat Bob Saget.” — Gilbert Gottfried, via Twitter

“I know that people lose loved ones, good people, every day. No one gets a pass. But the loss of Bob Saget hits deep. If you didn’t know him, he was kind and dear and cared about people deeply. He was the definition of “a good egg”. Too soon he leaves.” — Jason Alexander, via Twitter.

“The only people who said terrible things about Bob Saget were his best friends. — Tom Arnold, via Twitter.