Former Sen. Joe Lieberman joining conservative think tank

Former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman will be joining the American Enterprise Institute, the conservative think tank announced on Monday.

Lieberman, a Democrat-turned-Independent, will join former Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) as a co-chair of the American Internationalism Project, which advocates for a strong U.S. presence in world affairs.

"There is an urgent need to rebuild a bipartisan -- indeed non-political -- consensus for American diplomatic, economic, and military leadership in the world," Lieberman said in a statement. "That's why I am grateful to AEI for initiating and sponsoring this project and why I look forward to leading it with my friend Jon Kyl."

Lieberman infuriated Democrats by endorsing much of the foreign policy of former President George W. Bush, including the war in Iraq. He has also called for the United States to adopt a more aggressive stance towards Iran, including a military strike against the country if it refuses to halt its nuclear program.

After losing his Senate primary race in 2006, Lieberman ran as an Independent and was re-elected. He did not seek re-election in 2012.

"Opinion leaders in both political parties seem much less willing to support U.S. involvement around the world and the military requirements of an engaged United States," Kyl said in a statement. "This project will help us persuasively make the case for such a role and concomitant military strength to keep the United States positioned to protect our vital interests."

[H/T: Talking Points Memo]