Lou Dobbs Leaves CNN, Joins News Anchor Merry-Go-Round -- But Why?

Lou Dobbs knows what's troubling the nation, and to prove it he's joined the unemployment line -- effective immediately. Emigrating from his anchor home of more than 30 years, Dobbs has announced his departure from CNN in light of his controversial views on, amongst other things, illegal immigration and President Barack Obama's birthplace.

In a statement reported by the New York Times, Dobbs cites the political climate as part of the reason for his resignation: "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."

This is the second time Dobbs has resigned from CNN. He previously resigned in 1999 after a clash with then-CNN president Rick Kaplan to start up Space.com, a website concerned with, as one might expect, the final frontier.

But what's Dobbs' big rush this time around? What could possibly be on his agenda that would warrant leaving his employers in the lurch?

There is early speculation that he'll leave his post as anchor of 'Lou Dobbs Tonight' and find his way to Fox News, but those rumors have not been confirmed. So if that's not the case, let's explore some other possibilities.

• He might be gearing up for a political career, after noting what he recognizes as a "lack of true representation." Is the nation ready for Dobbs 2012?
• A book deal? He could be penning a CNN tell-all.
• Or perhaps he'd go back to his Web-savvy roots and start a new social network: MyDobbsSpace.com?

Whichever direction he chooses, he's hardly alone in making such a sudden drastic career change. Dobbs is in good company with some other journalists who decided to jump ship this year from their longtime employers -- although at least they gave two weeks' notice.

• After 28 years on '20/20,' John Stossel left ABC to accept a multiyear contract hosting Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network
• Charles Gibson announced his retirement after spending 34 years of his career at ABC News, making this the last year he will be anchoring 'World News'
• Diane Sawyer is slated to leave her post at 'Good Morning America' to replace Gibson
• Current '20/20' anchor Elizabeth Vargas is rumored to be Sawyer's replacement on 'Good Morning America'

Got all that straight? As to where Dobbs will end up, that's one bit of news he's not currently sharing.

For more on Lou Dobbs' departure read TV Squad's report.