CNN’s Lou Dobbs abruptly resigned last night, astounding viewers with a vague explanation that he’d be devoting more time to “constructive problem solving.”
Eight minutes into “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” the veteran anchor, who joined the cable network when it was founded by Ted Turner in 1980, announced his departure without saying exactly where he’s going.
“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,” said Dobbs.
“And some leaders of 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.”
Dobbs’ anti-immigration rhetoric has made him one of the most divisive figures in TV news.
Fox Business News had reportedly sought to lure Dobbs, 64, from CNN. He met with Fox News Channel President Roger Ailes in September, but a Fox representative said last night the network hasn’t had serious talks with Dobbs.
“We have had not had any discussions with Lou Dobbs for Fox News or Fox Business,” a network spokeswoman said moments after Dobbs’ dramatic on-air resignation.
Dobbs — who had a contract with CNN through 2011 — told viewers he and the network’s president, Jonathan Klein, amicably agreed the pact could end immediately.
“I’m considering a number of options and directions, and I assure you I will let you know when I set course,” Dobbs said.
He added he’s interested in issues of middle-class growth, job creation, health care, immigration, climate change and the military.
“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,” he said. “I’ll be working diligently to change that the best I can.”
Klein hailed Dobbs’ “appetite for big ideas, the megawatt smile and larger-than-life presence he brought to our newsroom.
“Lou has now decided to carry the banner of advocacy journalism elsewhere,” Klein said. “We respect his decision.”
Dobbs said he’d be “eternally grateful” to Turner.
“I’m the last of the original anchors here at CNN and I’m proud to have had the privilege of helping to build the world’s first news network,” he said.
He plugged his personal Web site and syndicated radio show — and then, in a nod to the signature sign-off of CBS’s Charles Osgood, bid farewell saying, “I’ll see you next on the radio!”