Dobbs for president? Firebrand TV anchor weighs 2012 bid (Roundup)

Nov 24, 2009, 22:08 GMT

Washington - Lou Dobbs, the controversial former news anchor of US broadcaster CNN, is mulling a bid for the White House in 2012.

The news from Dobbs, who has long been an intensely partisan figure in the US because of his far-right views on immigration, was greeted with derision Tuesday by Hispanic groups.

Dobbs made clear his intentions on the radio talkshow of former senator Fred Thompson on Monday. Asked if he was considering a run for the presidency, Dobbs answered unequivocally: 'Yes, is the answer.'

Dobbs, who has long styled himself as 'Mr Independent,' did not say whether he would run as a candidate for a specific political party.

'I'm going to be talking some more with some folks who want me to listen in the next few weeks,' Dobbs said. 'Right now I'm fortunate to have a number of wonderful options.'

Dobbs has fiercely criticized Obama over the past year and lent his voice to conspiracy theories questioning whether Obama is a US citizen. His protectionist and anti-immigration views suggest a conservative ideology, but his advocacy for the 'middle class' and workers rights likely put him to the left of the Republican Party.

Dobbs left his own future hanging in the balance when he suddenly announced his departure from CNN earlier this month. His resignation, reportedly the result of disagreements with CNN's management, was welcomed by Hispanic groups.

One of the founding anchors of the network, Dobbs originally led business coverage but became more outspoken on political issues in recent years.

Adam Luna, of the pro-immigration lobby group America's Voice, said he doubted that Dobbs had enough of a national following to launch a presidential bid.

'When the only thing you offer is lying on television and lose your job as a result, it will be very difficult to gain the trust of hundreds of millions of Americans, including those Latinos you offended for years,' Luna said.