Former CNN anchor Lou Dobbs has never been elected to any government office, but he said Monday he’s considering a run for the White House in 2012.
During an interview on WTOP radio in Washington, Dobbs fueled rumors he’s seeking a bid for public office, possibly the highest office in the land, when asked if speculation about an Oval Office bid is “crazy talk.”
“What’s so crazy about that?” Dobbs, 64, replied. “Golly!”
So, is it crazy talk or is it real, the radio station persisted.
“Well, I’ll tell you this much — it’s one of the discussions that we’re having,” he said. “For the first time, I’m actually listening to some people about politics.”
“I don’t think I’ve got the nature for it,” he added. “[But] we’ve got to do something in this country and I think that being in the public arena means you’ve got to be part of the solution.”
Dobbs, a controversial and outspoken critic of the nation’s immigration policy, said he is reaching out to Latino groups in attempt to bridge differences and identify public policy solutions.
Dobbs abruptly resigned from CNN earlier this month after agreeing that he could no longer operate under the network’s push to avoid airing anchor opinions in prime time. He was a founding member of the network in 1980 and one of its most high-profile personalities.
On the radio show, Dobbs dismisses the notion that he’s a “fall guy” for CNN’s rating troubles.
“I feel liberated. I feel emancipated. I’m exhilarated,” he said. “I am looking forward to moving ahead in the public arena — journalism, public policy and public life.”
“Whatever it may be, I’m going to be engaged in the national debate,” he declared.
Dobbs has long been criticized as anti-immigrant. In an interview with CBS’ Lesley Stahl, he complained that the Congressional Hispanic Caucus suggested he was anti-Hispanic by asking him, “If [he had] ever eaten a taco before, for God’s sake.”
Dobbs also drew criticism for aligning himself with so-called “birthers”, who do not believe President Obama was born in the United States. Dobbs has demanded Obama produce a birth certificate proving he can legally hold the office of president.
In addition to speculation about a White House bid, there is buzz that Dobbs is considering a bid for the U.S. Senate in New Jersey. He is reportedly eyeing a 2012 run for the Senate seat currently held by Robert Menendez, a Democrat.
