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Dennis Kucinich debuts as a Fox News contributor

Dennis Kucinich made his debut as a Fox News contributor on Thursday night, with host Bill O’Reilly calling the former Democratic representative the “same left-wing nut we know and love” from his years in Congress.

Kucinich — who had teased his new gig by writing on Twitter earlier Thursday that he was a “rooster in Fox lair” — made his first appearance as a contributor with Fox on “The O’Reilly Factor." Before Kucinich went on-air to discuss gun control, Reilly joked that he was introducing “another wild conservative guy” as the network’s newest addition.

“Wow, what a conversion — congressman how did that happen? You know all the people on Fox News are far right, crazy people,” O’Reilly said when Kucinich appeared on screen.

Kucinich, however, shut down the chit-chat about his new role quickly, replying, “Well, you know, together again at last, Bill. I appreciate a chance to be on with you and I’ve always enjoyed our exchanges, and let’s go forward.”

“So you’re the same left-wing nut we know and love from the Congress, right?” O’Reilly said.

Kucinich responed by praising Fox News for letting him participate in a debate during his last presidential run, noting that “there was another network that didn’t.” MSNBC excluded Kucinich from a 2008 Democratic presidential debate.

The pair then launched into a discussion about gun control and the possibility of a ban on assault rifles passing the House. The interview wrapped minutes later with Kucinich saying, “Bill, we’ll talk again."

“We’re glad you’re on board, congressman. We appreciate you being candid,” O’Reilly said.

Fox News on Wednesday announced the hiring of the former Ohio congressman, who ran for president unsuccessfully in 2004 & 2008, as a regular, paid contributor. Kucinich signed a multi-year deal with the network and will make appearances on both Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network.

During his stint in the House, the liberal congressman sued President Barack Obama in federal court over whether the president illegally circumvented Congress when he approved U.S. military action in Libya, attempted to impeach both Pres. George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney and received an “F” grade from the NRA for his pro-gun control voting record. The Fox News contributor is also well-known for his envirnomental platform and his vegan diet.