Lou Dobbs Explores Possible Senate and White House Runs

Lou Dobbs covered politics for CNN for years but now Dobbs may be heading to the other end of the political spectrum, as a possible Senate or presidential candidate.

"I am ruling nothing out. ... I have come to no conclusions and no decisions," Dobbs told Reuters about rumors that he may run for the New Jersey Senate or for the White House in 2012 as a third-party candidate. "Do I seek to have some influence on public policy? Absolutely. Do I seek to represent and champion the middle class in this country and those who aspire to it? Absolutely. And I will."

Lou Dobbs: CNN departure was "amicable"

Dobbs left his longtime post on the cable news network last Wednesday after months of controversy stemming partially from his views on immigration, among other hot-button issues. Dobbs acknowledged his on-air views played a part in his exit.

"[CNN] wanted to reverse direction on my show from what had been a news debate and my opinion to a middle-of-the road, as [CNN President] Jon Klein styled it, non-opinion show," Dobbs told Reuters.. "It was just not gratifying to me to sit there and read a news show -- and I much prefer to be more engaged."