CNN Distances Itself from Lou Dobbs

[scheming daemons]

http://www.politico.com/blogs/michaelcalderone/0709/CNN_not_responsible_for_Dobbs_radio_show.html

LA Times media critic James Rainey wrote today that Lou Dobbs continues raising questions about Barack Obama's birth certificate on his radio show, and in doing so, is offering "a platform for assorted wing nuts."

Rainey's piece follows Dobbs' bashing the "national liberal media" -- and specifically the LA Times -- on his radio show Tuesday. In looking at Dobbs' claims that there are still questions to be answered, Rainey spoke with Brooke Jackson, director of the Annenberg Political Fact Check, which debunked the theory last August.

"CNN should be ashamed of itself for putting some of that stuff on the air," said Jackson, who worked at the cable outlet for more than 20 years.

Besides Pilgrim's skin-back report last week, one CNN employee reminded me several times that Dobbs' most pointed assertions were made on his radio program, which is unconnected to CNN.

Indeed, CNN tells TVNewser that the network isn't involved in the radio show.

"On CNN, Lou is an independent reporter who covers stories that people are talking about, and often showcases issues that aren't being covered by the mainstream media," said the spokesperson.

[BlooInBloo]

1. Do they continue to pay him to talk? If so, they didn't "distance" themselves from him.

[damntexdem]

2. Firing is the most-sincere form of distancing.

CNN should consider it.

[quantass]

6. Exactly...meaning CNN doesnt really care what he says nt

[bigjohn16]

3. What happened to this guy?

I can remember a time when I watched Lou but he seems to have gone off the deep end since 2004.

[Lasher]

9. He's definitely jumped the shark.

I've been thinking the same thing. My guess is, he's trying to improve his ratings by saying what a radical fringe wants to hear.

[opihimoimoi]

4. Dobbs a Birther? Who coulda predicted? Fire the Asshole...he is a Traitor, un Patriotic, and a snake

Sad and Revealing at the same time...

Slug Level where the Nits are

[quantass]

5. "and often showcases issues that aren't being covered by the mainstream media"

Sounds more like CNN is saying they dont give a hoot what he says, leave us alone.

[Critters2]

7. I've been wondering about this. First, Pilgrim debunks the crazies.

Then Rick Sanchez does....but Dobbs keeps pushing this crap. CNN needs to remind this nut who he works for.

[high density]

8. Lou Dobbs a reporter??

How can they say that with a straight face?

[POAS]

17. Exactly, they have bluured the line between

commentary or editorializing and reporting!

[Uben]

10. Dobbs has shown his hand

I always suspected he was a wingnut, but now he leaves no doubt. I quit watching his show last year sometime. I also think he may be a closet racist due to his obsession with illegal immigration issues. I'm sure FOX would love to have him so CNN should let him go.

[Occam Bandage]

11. "that aren't being covered by the mainstream media."

Um, guys? You're CNN. You're like the definition of mainstream media.

[FrenchieCat]

12. CNN pays Lou Dobbs. End of story!

Oh and CNN is as mainstream as can be, and the Birther issue is today and yesterday
being covered by Mainstream media all day long!

[Thrill]

13. Dobbs is a racist. He doesn;t hide that.

.

[Raine]

14. Dobbs probably has a long term contract

with CNN but they need to get rid of him. Dobbs should go to Faux where he belongs, with the rest of the crazies.

[Born_A_Truman]

15. Dobbs & Buchanan should be kicked off the networks

Immediately.

[Phx_Dem]

16. There's no question Dobbs is racist. Remember how excited he

was when some GOPer handed him a box of "Obama cereal" (or was it pancakes?) with a picture of Obama dressed as Aunt Jemima on the box? He was grinning ear-to-ear and said something about "my wife will LOVE this!" So, clearly, racism is rampant in his family.

[classysassy]

18. Dobbs

wife is mexican,how can she sleep with that piece of----.?

[Phx_Dem]

19. Because she's no better? n/t

[Dulcinea]

20. Not gonna happen.

Lou Dobbs brings in viewers & ad revenue.

CNN will pay him as long as that continues. If people stop watching his show, and he no longer brings in the big bucks, then CNN will can him. Everything else is bullshite to the network fat cats.