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Under pressure, Dobbs announces his resignation from CNN

November 11, 2009 7:18 pm ET

From the November 11 edition of CNN's Lou Dobbs Tonight:

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LOU DOBBS: Tonight, I want to turn to a personal note, if I may, and address a matter that has raised some curiosity. This will be my last broadcast here on CNN, where I've worked for most of the past 30 years and where I have many friends and colleagues whom I admire deeply and respect greatly.

I'm the last of the original anchors here on CNN and I'm proud to have had the privilege of helping to build the world's first news network. I'm grateful for the many opportunities that CNN has given me over these many years. I've tried to reciprocate with a 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 in media, politics, and business have been urging me to go beyond the role here at CNN and to engage in constructive problem-solving, as well as to contribute positively to a better understanding of the great issues of our day and to continue to do so in the most honest and direct language possible.

I've talked extensively with Jonathan Klein -- Jon's the president of CNN -- and as a result of those talks, John and I have agreed to a release from my contract that will enable me to pursue new opportunities.

At this point, I'm 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, health care, 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, D.C. I believe these to be profoundly, critically important issues, and I will continue to strive to deal honestly and straightforwardly 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'll 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 our market economy, I will strive as well to be a leader in that national conversation.

It's 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 at 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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      • Author by jjamele2880 (November 11, 2009 7:24 pm ET)
        17 1
        First thing I thought: Who loses their cushy gig over at FOX to give this guy his own hour?
        Report Abuse
        • Author by The_Cat (November 11, 2009 7:36 pm ET)
          11  
          What if it's Glenn Beck who loses his spot?!
          Report Abuse
          • Author by captfoster2 (November 11, 2009 9:19 pm ET)
            7  
            The_Cat,

            Not likely... but we can dream I suppose.

            [b][jjamele2880/b],

            I'm going with Shep Smith (as DAWUSS said) on the one being replaced... since Shep is the only half way decent person working at that whole circus
            Report Abuse
          • Author by blk-in-alabam (November 11, 2009 10:11 pm ET)
            4  
            Beck won't lose his spot.Glen Beck is like crack and meth,makes a stupid person think they are smart.There is a big market for that.Maybe Hannity trades spots.
            Report Abuse
        • Author by DAWUSS (November 11, 2009 9:04 pm ET)
             
          Shepard Smith
          Report Abuse
        • Author by mescal (November 12, 2009 2:10 am ET)
          4  
          I suspect that Dobbs is on his way to the easily forgettable Faux Business Channel.

          We can now look forward to Fauxliberal coming to Dobbs' defense.
          Report Abuse
    • Author by HumblePie (November 11, 2009 7:22 pm ET)
      12 1
      Good. May Dobbs, forevermore stay off my tv machine.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by Bad News (November 11, 2009 7:22 pm ET)
      8 1
      He should have been Fired.


      Mr. News
      Report Abuse
      • Author by reanna-mator (November 11, 2009 7:49 pm ET)
        12 1
        I have suspicions that he was "urged" to resign.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by dmhack (November 12, 2009 12:11 am ET)
          4  
          It was when the two burly latino security guards started packing up his office that Loony Lou thought it might be his time to resign.
          Report Abuse
        • Author by DellDolly (November 12, 2009 12:38 am ET)
          4  
          His boss at CNN says "Mr. Klein said in a statement that "Lou has now decided to carry the banner of advocacy journalism elsewhere."

          The NY Times said "Months ago the president of CNN/U.S., Jonathan Klein, offered a choice to Lou Dobbs, the channel's most outspoken anchor. Mr. Dobbs could vent his opinions on radio and anchor an objective newscast on television, or he could leave CNN.

          For a time, Mr. Dobbs did tone down his TV rhetoric, but on Wednesday he made a more drastic decision: He chose opinion."

          People who get booted out don't get the rest of the contract that the employer is obligated to pay. He was 'let out of his countract', which likely means he was allowed to resign before he was fired.
          Report Abuse
    • Author by raine315 (November 11, 2009 7:23 pm ET)
      16 1
      "Strong winds of change buffering the country..."

      Translation: "Those D@mn latinos cost me my &^*&^^% job. &^*&&^$%$ them all!"

      LOL See ya Lulu
      Report Abuse
    • Author by reanna-mator (November 11, 2009 7:24 pm ET)
      6  
      If only I could include an audio message, it would be facetious, operatic sobbing noises.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by dadre (November 11, 2009 7:31 pm ET)
      7  
      Lou may be venturing to "fully remove the chains of truth and reality" at a place where neither can coexist with it's inhabitants.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© (November 11, 2009 7:32 pm ET)
      11  
      This is a sad day for all nonsensical, race-bating, bigoted old white guys in The United States of America!

      *sniff!*
      ~
      Report Abuse
    • Author by Boxer1979 (November 11, 2009 7:37 pm ET)
      7  
      Next employment is:

      [http://osmoothie.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/fox-news-logo.jpg]

      OMG!!!
      Report Abuse
    • Author by Sharpe (November 11, 2009 7:37 pm ET)
      4  
      Man, if only Rupert Murdoch can go to jail and be replaced by ownership that actually cares what people think. Dobbs was bad but Fraud News is even worse. Yet, dobbs is pressured to go while these hate mongers live on.

      When he said work to combat distortions, I hope that meant he wouldnt be joining the FOX news team. Im sure they would be happy to have the added racism and bigotry but god knows, fox is in no short supply of discriminating against every minority group one can think of. When it comes to hate, fear, propaganda and all out racist, prejudice BS, FOX news is the station I trust to deliver me the worst of the venomous rage out of the nut jobs on the right. The most fraudelent and Biased news network in the country! Dobbs would probably just take them down a notch as he isnt as accustomed to spewing blatant lies as they are.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by PurpleState (November 11, 2009 7:43 pm ET)
      8  
      Retire with as much dignity as possible, Lou.

      Don't make that obvious next step.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by princeofwheels (November 11, 2009 7:46 pm ET)
      7  
      Luigi, I won't be cruel to you like others around here. All I will say is CIAO BABY!!!!

      Thank You for help the RadioEingsNutz futher cementthe demise of the Republican Party. If you join Fox, you woll only prove these wackos(tee hee) around here were right about you.

      See ya Louie, your act has fizzled out. Get a new one.

      Did I open by saying all I will say is CIAO BABY. Actually, I lied out loud. But really, it was an audition for your old job.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by Handyman (November 11, 2009 7:48 pm ET)
      7  
      Let's don't kick a man when he is down. Mission accomplished - let's leave it at that!!
      Report Abuse
      • Author by thundavolt (November 11, 2009 7:54 pm ET)
        11  
        he would have no problem with doing it to you.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by Handyman (November 11, 2009 7:56 pm ET)
          6  
          I guess that's what make us better individuals - to recognize you have accomplished your goal and to any further would put us in the same category as Mr. Dobbs
          Report Abuse
          • Author by thundavolt (November 11, 2009 8:06 pm ET)
            6  
            Just so you know. I agree. I can't help but feel joy for at least these few hours. He''l be back soon. He helped in turning the level of this hate. I don't even understand how these people have been trying to pass off being a birther as legitimate criticism.
            Report Abuse
          • Author by mycos2679 (November 12, 2009 2:59 pm ET)
            2  
            Although I'd like to see a sharp, upward spike in CNN viewership. Or at least long enough to signal the other networks that perhaps gutting their rosters of mindless old fools may also be the best way to deliver an increase in dividends to their shareholders. Toward that end, I urge others to switch over, if only for a short period.
            Report Abuse
        • Author by ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© (November 11, 2009 7:59 pm ET)
          5  
          Exactly, thundavolt (excellent name, by the way!).

          Loud Obbs has devoted his last few years to kicking people who are down.

          That is what Republicans, bigots, and such as do.
          ~
          Report Abuse
      • Author by Sharpe (November 11, 2009 8:12 pm ET)
        6  
        Oh please - many of us were the ones that signed the protests and petitions to get him fired. i KNOW i signed at least a few. This is a good thing - no reason to limit people on what they should or shouldnt say about him. Why hold back the true feelings?
        Report Abuse
        • Author by Handyman (November 11, 2009 8:27 pm ET)
          3  
          I also signed the protest and am grateful for it's outcome. I guess it's like pulling your car over to the side of the road when a funeral procession passes by, you do out of respect for the family, not the deceased. Lou has been humilliated, no sense rubbing dirt in the wound.
          Report Abuse
    • Author by Max Credits (November 11, 2009 7:49 pm ET)
      7  
      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'll be working diligently to change that as best I can.


      Your resignation helps, Mr. Dobbs. Thanks!
      Report Abuse
      • Author by rkp (November 11, 2009 8:03 pm ET)
          11
        Lou Dobbs is a great American and I hope he finds a place where his thoughts and ideas will be welcome. CNN was clearly not the place. CNN is a sinking ship and only the rats are left.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by Boxer1979 (November 11, 2009 9:36 pm ET)
          5  
          Lou Dobbs is a great American

          He might be a great american as far as law following, but his racially motivated rants secured his demise.

          I hope he finds a place where his thoughts and ideas will be welcome.

          Um look at my above post at (November 11, 2009 7:37 pm ET) for his next employment. OMG!!!
          Report Abuse
        • Author by DellDolly (November 12, 2009 12:41 am ET)
          5  
          Yeah, months ago his boss said "save the vitriolic opinion for your radio show, and be straight on this show or else." He chose "or else". And you still want us to believe that CNN is the loser here?
          Report Abuse
        • Author by bintx (November 12, 2009 9:12 am ET)
          2  
          Sean, is that you? Sean Hannity is the only person I've ever heard who calls lying racists like Dobbs "great Americans."

          His thoughts and ideas are repulsive to thinking people.
          Report Abuse
        • Author by mikehuck1976 (November 12, 2009 2:01 pm ET)
          2  
          Lou Dobbs is a great American and I hope he finds a place where his thoughts and ideas will be welcome. CNN was clearly not the place. CNN is a sinking ship and only the rats are left. - rkp

          That is funny stuff, rkp. You could be a Daily Show writer. I almost thought you were serious for a second. Well done. Lou Dobbs is a great American - that is hilarious.
          Report Abuse
    • Author by worrierking (November 11, 2009 8:00 pm ET)
      7  
      Another modern day Jesus suffers and dies on the cross of right wing extremism.

      I think Lou will be a terrific professional martyr.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by DellDolly (November 11, 2009 8:08 pm ET)
      7  
      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 in media, politics, and business have been urging me to go beyond the role here at CNN and to engage in constructive problem-solving, as well as to contribute positively to a better understanding of the great issues of our day and to continue to do so in the most honest and direct language possible.

      Okay so he's saying that his language can go on beyond where he's already gone? That he can get more xenophobic and more rightwing when he's not constrained by CNN?

      Watch out. He sounds pretty dangerous already.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by Sharpe (November 11, 2009 8:16 pm ET)
      1  
      Obama is giving FOX an interview with Major Garrett

      http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/11/obama-to-give-interview-t_n_354457.html
      Report Abuse
    • Author by night-n-day (November 11, 2009 8:16 pm ET)
      3  
      Either FOX or this

      [http://www.minutemanproject.com/images/buttons/BorderWatch.jpg]
      Report Abuse
    • Author by ProgLib (November 11, 2009 8:35 pm ET)
      12 1
      job well done by media matters and others to expose this nutjob for his lies, and he obviously couldnt stand the heat. now he has to suffer the consequences of his decision to spew such rhetoric. however, he still has his radio show, where most of this hate is spewed, but at least we dont have to hear it on TV. good riddance.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by oscar the grouch (November 11, 2009 9:13 pm ET)
        8
      Note to MMFA: Don't dislocate shoulder or elbow in patting yourself on the back on this one. He'll be back, probably riding on the proceeds of a book deal or such.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by rybalgin (November 11, 2009 9:22 pm ET)
        11
      Thank you Mr. Dobbs for your many years. Personally, you were the one remaining strong-hold of truth on CNN despite Turner.

      May your journey for the values of this country continue.

      God bless you and be with you.


      Report Abuse
      • Author by thundavolt (November 11, 2009 10:22 pm ET)
        6  
        Why do you think invoking God will make this guy good? What thinks it make you good?

        I don't like these people that say God is on their side. Who told them that? As a human are you not supposed to be praying God is on your side in the decisions you make with no way of knowing. People who are so quick to turn to this are usually the dirtiest because they try to demonize everyone else to hide the truth about themselves.
        Report Abuse
      • Author by ProgLib (November 11, 2009 11:35 pm ET)
        5  
        what values? racism?
        Report Abuse
      • Author by ex-punk (November 12, 2009 2:16 am ET)
        4 1
        rybalgin: which God are you talking about?
        Report Abuse
      • Author by bintx (November 12, 2009 9:14 am ET)
        2  
        Dobbs was caught in numerous lies [which he denied were lies] . . . apparently, it's "truth" if you agree with the lies.

        I find the fact that this man who has an Hispanic wife and children CONSTANTLY denigrated Hispanics to be unconscionable. UGH!
        Report Abuse
      • Author by mikehuck1976 (November 12, 2009 2:03 pm ET)
        1  
        Despite Turner? What do you think Ted Turner has to do with it? Wow. That is a special brand of crazy paranoia.
        Report Abuse
    • Author by wolf kotenberg (November 11, 2009 9:59 pm ET)
      4  
      Cut an run....to FOX
      Report Abuse
      • Author by eweston8542983 (November 11, 2009 10:19 pm ET)
        5  
        Strange, no 1st ammedment shrieking yet.
        I've got earplugs, and I'm not afraid to use them!
        Report Abuse
    • Author by onarga (November 11, 2009 10:14 pm ET)
      4  
      Maybe he should go to work for the Bush Channel and their weapons of mass deception.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by princeofwheels (November 11, 2009 11:50 pm ET)
      2  
      DOBBS-PALIN PALIN-DOBBS

      DOBBS-BACHMAN BACHMAN-DOBBS

      DOBBS-LIMBAUGH LIMBAUGH-DOBBS

      DOBBS-HANNITY HANNITY-DOBBS

      Think happy thoughts.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by steeve (November 12, 2009 12:31 am ET)
      3  
      "some leaders in media, politics, and business have been urging me to go beyond the role here at CNN and to engage in constructive problem-solving"

      If I were to ask Dobbs if he's one of the top one million smartest people in the US, he'd probably say no. So why does he feel like he should be solving our country's biggest issues? Shouldn't he get out of the way instead?

      Don't our pundits see that the smart people are invariably far, far away from our highest-profile debates? Doesn't the imbalance strike them?
      Report Abuse
    • Author by rikntx (November 12, 2009 12:37 am ET)
      1  
      Maybe CNN and Faux can work out some sort of deal, Dobbs and a xenophobe to be named later for Shep Smith.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by faster (November 12, 2009 2:37 am ET)
      1  
      After the first flush of euphoria that this bigot no longer pollutes CNN, came the crushing thought: "I bet he wants to try for President!" Egad.

      He might actually win the nomination, too. He knows the Republicans are at a loss for any significant leadership. They've tried to plug in Sarah Palin, but she's such a truly whacked out woman that even the Republicans shiver at times. And while having brains and a good education are desirable, the Republicans have been content for a long time now with the "appearance" of brains. Palin can't even swing that much.

      So very likely, Dobbs is already hearing "Hail to the Chief." Brrr.

      Could someone enlighten me and tell me what "advocacy journalism" IS? I had a standard good education. I learned that journalism's prime focus is supposed to be objectivity. You know, the ABSENCE of bias. I'd think "advocacy journalism" was a contradiction in terms. I guess that, and many other standards of democracy, has undergone a revision somewhere, and I didn't know until it had already happened. Silly me.

      I know it's a contradiction to say someone is "beneath contempt," but I yield to the temptation where Dobbs is concerned. He flatly HATES Latinos, particularly Mexicans. His "oh-so-patient-and-tolerant" sighs nauseated me. Yet ANY time the issue of immigrants came up, CNN gave it over to DOBBS. That was despicable of them.

      I have lived in Mexico for 15 years. I've met some of their own wingnuts, hairballs, maggots and bigots, but they are NOTHING compared to ours. As I watch the generosity of spirit leaching out of our society (and with radical theocratic religion leading the way), it makes me all the more grateful that I am here.

      Mexico - and Mexicans - have been extremely good to me. I wish my countrymen could be likewise to them. The level of generosity of spirit exceeds any I have ever known. Grocery stores and pharmacies that will not only deliver, but will grant credit when you're strapped. At one grocery store there were hundreds of "chits" tacked to a board, and I knew the owner wouldn't get repaid by most of them. The people who signed the chits were too poor, and probably still are. But the basic humanity and kindness is a thread that runs through the population, in spite of their own rotten apples. Seeing it feels like oil on a burn.

      Sometimes, when I'd listen to Dobbs, I'd actually growl! The man is a fine example of what an American should NOT be. He shames himself, shames his country, and shames me. I've met LOTS of Americans down here, who share Dobbs' mindset, like the maggot who sang and danced to his version of "Hooray for Hollywood," substituting his own lyrics: "Hooray for Poverty." I came within a hair of smacking him. But he represents a whole LOT of the Americans who come here, expecting to be treated like visiting royalty. Grrr.

      I'm SO glad to see Dobbs going, but I worry that he may have higher and nastier things he'll want to shove down our throats.

      But still, hope springs eternal! Today, Dobbs. Tomorrow, Beck, Limbaugh, Hannity and Palin? Could we ever get THAT lucky?
      Report Abuse
    • Author by faster (November 12, 2009 3:10 am ET)
      1  
      Yeah, I'm glad I'm not the only one who gagged at the phrase, "rigorous, empirical thought and forthright analysis and discussion"! Of all people, who is least qualified to know that those things mean? Maybe Sarah Palin? But she probably doesn't know what "empirical" means.

      Obama is a scholar. He is also a hard-core realist, though fortunately without the hard heart that often accompanies it. Moreover, he is a Freethinker, like my dad. This is a time-honored Scandanavian tradition, which seeks to learn the realities of things, regardless of how difficult it is. It is a self-discipline, and a harsh one. You have to keep an eye open for your own biases, and set them aside. You have to study more intensely the views you like least, actively seeking any merit they contain. This can sometimes be painful to do. Obama had no Scandanavian dad to teach him; he probably worked it out on his own. It's not hard to learn or figure out; the hard part is applying it to yourself. But I recognize my dad in him.

      Now THAT is what I call a person capable of "rigorous, empirical thought and forthright analysis and discussion," and Dobbs doesn't even approach the standard. Nor does he want to try. He wants to spew bigotry and call it rigorous, leap to biased conclusions and call it empirical, and buy totally into the lies, smears and debunked propaganda of the far right, and call it forthright.

      LOL.

      Taken in isolation, we can laugh at such abysmal ignorance, but when you realize that it is completely in tune with millions on the right, it becomes more serious.

      Something has been twisted backward, when haters' votes count for more than people who really DO think, study, and try to make the best of their abilities, without needing hate or callousness.

      I guess when it gets right down to it, it is the callousness of the right which is scariest of all. They call us Dems tree-huggers or bedwetters - all are attacks on our compassion. When compassion becomes a negative in a culture, it is doomed.

      And that IS serious.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by leporello (November 12, 2009 4:00 am ET)
        2
      Thank you, Mr. Dobbs. You are one of the few people in mass media who really care about the future of America. Sooner or later the immigration problem will be taken care of one way or another and your position will be always remenbered. Good luck with your further work.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by muffeletta (November 12, 2009 9:40 pm ET)
           
        I am replying about all blogs above! I am very glad to have witnessed by reading for myself the attitudes expressed. I am also glad that the hate speech legislation that was linked to military effort spending has become law for I feel it applies to a lot of what I read on these blogs and what I have heard from all factions (ie. conservatives, liberals (excuse me, they like the term progressives) and indepentdents alike. I have also read here the blogs of several from apparently different persuasions that resisted the urge to malign others for their beliefs about the person of Lou Dobbs and only used expressions which attempt to mitigate the ill will of 'hate speech'. Those that wrote or spoke in this manner should be able to form a group the deliberations of which would be extremely meaningful in advancing a truly just cause.
        Report Abuse
    • Author by DallasLEMinister (November 12, 2009 7:27 pm ET)
         
      THIS is excellant news...
      IMHO , Lou Dobbs is one of the LAST great muckrakers...and I am glad to see him , and his twiated form of "newsmaking" and 1/2
      truths,,,,go

      David R. Lyon
      Dallas Texas 75235
      Report Abuse