CNN's Dobbs to bring issues to forefront for boomers

By Jan B. Jacobson

Special for The Republic
Nov. 12, 2007 10:42 AM

For nearly 40 years, CNN anchor and Managing Editor Lou Dobbs has covered news and financial issues, while interviewing our nation's top politicians and leaders.

On Monday, the tables will turn as Dobbs will become the interviewee, the public gets to ask the questions and Dobbs has his turn to extol his beliefs at a public forum in the ballroom of Scottsdale's Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort.

That same night, he will broadcast his CNN show, Lou Dobbs Tonight, from a Scottsdale TV studio.

You won't find Dobbs broadcasts covering the latest starlet or celebrity interviews.

"We focus on the challenging issues and events which have significance and importance to the American people," he said in an exclusive interview for the Scottsdale Republic.

Dobbs, who says "I love Arizona," picked Scottsdale as part of his book tour, for War on the Middle Class and Exporting America.

Another key reason Dobbs is coming here is because Arizona is a border state and Dobbs is a powerful advocate for border security.

Dobbs said he is still seeking answers to the problem of illegal immigration.

The award-winning Dobbs is a respected broadcast icon.

The first half of his career was spent as a general reporter. Later, this Harvard graduate became known for his business and financial coverage, as host of Moneyline and for his syndicated columns in US News & World Report and Money magazines.


A history of reporting in Arizona
The 62-year-old Dobbs recalls his early reporting days, when he worked as a police and fire reporter and covered the farm report - in Yuma.

He lived in Scottsdale when he worked as an anchor for Channel 8, and said he makes it a point to visits Arizona every six to eight months.

But Dobbs said his role as an advocate for the working public was most influenced by his small-town roots growing up in Childress, Texas, and Rupert, Idaho.

His values also have been shaped by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as well as the corporate corruption cases in recent years that "violated public trust."


Dobbs here for local 'Boomerz'
Boomerz of Scottsdale, a non-profit organization, is sponsoring Dobbs' town hall event.

It is part of Boomerz' non-partisan speaker series, designed to help Baby Boomers, those born 1946-64, to get re-involved in community and political affairs and maximize their contributions to society.

Dobbs is ideally suited to excite and motivate attendees with his direct, no-nonsense style and fearless ideals.

"Although the political parties provide one method to get involved, the growing segment of Americans that consider themselves independent, are often left out," said Boomerz director Cindy Cooke. "We are interested to hear Mr. Dobbs talk on how those citizens can impact the political scene, in light of the coming (presidential) election."

As someone born on the leading edge of the nation's richest and most powerful generation, Dobbs holds boomers in high regard, "The Baby Boomers are the most active and engaged in our voting public. It is important to reach all parts of the American public - the old and the young, men and women, single and married."

During the town hall, attendees are certain to get a provocative earful of Dobbs strong and sincere views as he is prodded and prompted by syndicated radio show host Charles Goyette.


Dobbs' many hot-button issues
He will be questioned about his hot buttons: the nation's political party system, the threats and challenges for 2008, failures in educational and health-care systems, the decline of core values and corporate greed.

"It is critically important for millions of voters to push back against both parties, to tear down what has been and take back power," Dobbs said.

"There have been huge failings by both political parties, Democrats and Republicans. The importance of the independent vote has never been greater than in 2008. Those who want to vote on party lines are wasting votes and perpetuating the system.

"We are at a critical juncture in this country and must make the best possible decision on who will lead our nation in 2008. Politicians have long put up a smoke screen to distract us from the real issues, like the education of our youth, outsourcing of labor and creating an equitable economy. The rich keep getting richer and the poor, poorer."

When Dobbs speaks it is not lip service.


'Power to the people, right on'
He is passionate and straight-forward about his beliefs.

"We need to take back and save our country and assert our independence. This can be achieved through participation at the local level, by getting involved in town halls, local school boards and with our city and county governments.

"We must commit our time, become engaged and send a message to politicians that we are not to be taken for granted. We must speak out, not just to Washington, but in our local governments.

"We are failing Americans and can't allow this to continue. We cannot accept the limitations being placed on us and must understand our rights and take action."


No politics in Dobbs' future
When asked if he has political aspirations, Dobbs responded without hesitation, "none whatsoever." He said that others have suggested and encouraged him to run for President, but that is not part of his plans.

Dobbs takes his role as a journalist seriously.

"Our fundamental responsibility as media is, as it has long been, to enlarge the body of public knowledge, to discern it and bring truth to our audience, talking loudly and clearly without fear.

"Technology is wondrous and unprecedented in its access but is no replacement for the educational knowledge of journalists."

He added, "Talk is becoming cheap and it is becoming harder for young people to discern substance from nonsense. It is incumbent upon all in media to be more energetic, straight forward and vigorous in our reporting and analysis."

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