Lou Dobbs and his "birthers" imbrogolio on CNN has prompted heated speculation that his Atlanta bosses may fire him. Possible? Yes. Probable? No. For a variety of reasons.
First off, yes, the whole bizarre episode has heaped a ton of embarrassment on both Dobbs and CNN itself; particularly, its US news chief, Jon Klein, who has defended Dobbs, even while acknowledging the story as "dead", but at the same time, explaining that Dobbs radio show is an independent venue from his CNN program. We'll, yes and no.
Dobbs, who insists he believes President Obama was indeed born in Hawaii and not Kenya, nevertheless gave considerable attention to the subject matter on his syndicated radio show. (The "birthers" are a right-wing, fringe group who argue that Obama has not provided a US birth certificate)
He also devoted several segments on his TV program, even after Klein's pronouncment. A TV program, whose ratings have been in freefall, but nevertheless, Dobbs presence on CNN has been a mainstay for the cabler since its inception almost thirty years ago.
Therein lies the dilemma for Klein and the higher-ups in Atlanta over Dobbs status, as his possible ouster would not be your average personnel move by any means.
For one, if Dobbs were let go, he most surely would be scooped up by Fox News. In fact, industry observers have already speculated that Roger Ailes, who heads Fox News, would love nothing more than to hire Dobbs to anchor his fledging financial network, FBN, (Fox Business network.)
For all of his dubious involvement in the "birthers" matter, Dobbs conservative views, particularly on immigration reform, provide CNN a powerful rightest voice and at times, his rantings were ratings winners, but not of late.
Nevertheless, CNN officials, at least in the short term, would figure to retain the controversial Dobbs; firing him provides ample fodder for anti-CNN bashing on radio by Dobbs, and worse yet, a probable trip to FNC.
Klein may be dumb, but he's not stupid. So yes, while Lou Dobbs has provided much derision for the late-night comedians, and while he probably has a short leash in Atlanta, it appears from this corner that his job is safe for now.
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