Reuters is reporting that CNN host Lou Dobbs is leaving the 24-hour cable news network immediately because he wants a freer platform to state his opinion.
As the host of Lou Dobbs Tonight, he has been one of the most controversial figures on the cable channel for his strong views on illegal immigration and the platform he has provided for the birther movement.
Tonight I want to turn to a personal note if I may, and a ddress a matter that has raised some curiostiy. This will be my last broadcast with CNN, where I have worked for most of the past thirty years and where I have many friends and colleagues whom I admire greatly. I’m the last of the original anchors and I’m proud to have had the privilege of helping build the world’s first news network. The many opportunities that CNN has given me over these many years, I’ve tried to reciprocate with the full measure of my ability and my energy. Over the past six months it’s become increasingly clear that strong winds of change have begun buffeting this country and affecting all of us. And some leaders and media of politics and business have been urging me to go beyond the role here at CNN and to engage in constructive problem solving and well as to contribute positively to a greater understanding of the problems of our day. And to continue to do so in the most honest and direct language possible. I’ve talked extensively with Jonathon Klein. Jonathon is the president of CNN, and as a result of those talk Jonathon has agreed to a release from my contract that will enable me to pursue new opportunities. At this point, I am considering a number of options and directions and I assure you I will let you know when I set my course.
I truly believe that the major issues of our time include: the growth of our middle class; the creation of more jobs; healthcare; immigration policy; the environment; climate change; and our military involvement of course in Afghanistan and Iraq. But each of those issues is, in my opinion, informed by our capacity to demonstrate strong resilience of our now weakened capitalist economy and demonstrate the political will to overcome the lack of true representation in Washington, DC. I believe these to be profoundly critically important issues and I will continue to strive to deal honestly and straight-forwardly with those issues in the future. Unfortunately, these issues are now defined in the public arena by partisanship and ideology rather than by rigorous empirical thought and forthright analysis and discussion. I will be working diligently to change that, as best I can. And as for the important work of restoring inspiration to our great free society and market economy I will strive as well to be a leader in that national conversation.
It has been my great honor to work with each and every person at this wonderful network. I will be eternally grateful to CNN, to Ted Turner and to all of my colleagues and friends and of course to you and home.
I thank you, and may God bless you.
The news continues for the rest of this hour, and I’ll be right back after this.
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