Dobbs to run for office in 2010?

STATEMENT UPON LEAVING CNN SEEMS LIKELY INDICATION OF ENTRANCE INTO POLITICS

Political commentary John Charlton

(Nov. 12, 2009) — The transcript of Lou Dobbs statement, regarding his departure from CNN will certainly become a historical monument in American pop culture, on account of Mr. Dobbs widespread following and the profound respect payed him by Americans of all political persuasions.

Brian Stetler, who blogs at the NY Times, transcribed the entire statement.  The Post & Email will comment briefly on its implications.

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 the great understanding of the issues of our day. And to continue to do so in the most honest and direct language possible.

There seems to be little wiggle room here, other than to interpret this as a statement that Dobbs is entering politics, since that is one field of action in which “honest and direct language” is still “possible.”  There is no ignoring the fact that with these words Dobbs has condemned CNN as a pro-Obama propaganda ministry.

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

That quote explains that this decision of Dobbs is not an abrupt one, but the consequence of a long process of negotiations.  Evidently CNN did not want him to go.

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.

And once again, the above statement is clearly one expressing a political platform.

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.

And that one, just stated, is a clear indication that Lou Dobbs sees the current political situation as a Marxist threat to the American way of life.

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.

However, that last statement leave some doubt, as to whether Dobbs will develop some sort of personal, syndicated news/radio program.

If Dobbs does enter the fray of politics, it is very likely that he will have an easy time raising funds, and winning a seat in the next Congress, if he chooses a suitable district in which to campaign.

The question of the day is:  “Now that he is free of CNN’s speech constraints, will he address the eligibility issue head on?”