On Tuesday, I suggested that Lou Dobbs may be softening his stance on immigration now that he has an eye for political office. Little did I know that a few days before, Dobbs had been interviewed by Maria Celeste on Telemundo's Al Rojo Vivo.
During the interview, Celeste hammered Dobbs on the leprosy controversy from his 2005 program, his comments about criminal aliens and other issues that have made Dobbs unpopular within the immigrant community. About twenty heated and rather uncomfortable minutes into the interview, Dobbs redirected the discussion towards immigration reform. When asked how he proposes we fix immigration reform, Dobbs replied:
- "We need a rational, effective and humane immigration policy in this country."
- "We need the ability to legalize illegal immigrants on certain conditions."
- "We need to be able to influence the direction of the conversation toward securing the border because until we can control immigration, we cannot meaningfully, substantively alter immigration law because it would have no point if we cannot establish the basis for the control of the flow of people across that border."
Dobbs' second point will come as a shock to those familiar with his strong anti-amnesty, anti-undocumented immigrant rhetoric. But as Celeste astutely points out, Dobbs now "sounds like a politician." The former CNN host confirmed that he is considering a run for office.
Dobbs knows that without the Latino vote, he doesn't stand a chance at the presidency. And with his track record, Dobbs will have to work magic to smooth his rocky relationship with those voters. Celeste gave Dobbs the opportunity to address that issue when she asked if he had any parting words for the Hispanic community.
"Whatever you have thought of me in the past, I can tell you right now that I am one of your greatest friends and I mean for us to work together."
Watch the interview.
Photo: George De Sota/Getty Images
About 400 years ago, the pilgrims came to America seeking a better way of life. Although modern-day immigration is dramatically different from what the pilgrims experienced, the U.S. remains the top desired destination country for those who would like to relocate permanently to another country. On this day, let's give thanks for our country's immigrants and the important contributions they have made to America. Soon we will come together to fix our broken immigration system, and we would be wise to remember that our country would not be as strong as it is without its immigrants.
Some holiday reading:
Is Thanksgiving Day a Good Idea For Sikhs?
"Sikh immigrants new to America may be wondering what Thanksgiving is all about and whether its a good idea to participate. Before making such a decision it's a good idea to have all the facts." From About.com's Guide to Sikhism, Sukhmandir Khalsa.
12 Thanksgiving Facts
Newcomers to the U.S. (and some of you who have been here for a while) might enjoy About.com's American History Guide Martin Kelly's Thanksgiving fast facts.
New York City: Thanksgiving 2009 Macy's Parade
"This annual tradition was started in the 1920's by immigrant employees of Macy's department store who wanted a festival." About's Guide for NYC for Visitors tells how to get the best viewing spot for the parade.
Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Just when you thought the world (or at least your television) was rid of one less windbag telling us how undocumented immigrants are ruining this country, Lou Dobbs revealed yesterday that he is considering running for president.
Questioned by former senator and current radio show host, Fred Thompson, on the possibility of running for president in 2012, Dobbs answered, "Yes, is the answer," adding that his Mexican-American wife, Debi, will "help make that decision."
Dobbs has always maintained that he opposes illegal immigration, not legal immigration, but his anti-amnesty, pro-border enforcement views have crossed the boundaries, understandably leading many people to believe that Lou Dobbs is "anti-immigration."
And who could blame them? Dobbs uses phrases like "illegal alien invasion"; he has been accused of perpetuating myths and stereotypes about immigrants; he is supported by groups such as ALIPAC and FAIR, an organization the Southern Poverty Law Center has listed as an anti-immigrant "hate group." Dobbs' tales of undocumented immigrants contributing nothing to this country but disease and crime have done little more than feed into the public fear of "the other."
Over the years, Dobbs has done an excellent job of angering the pro-migrant and Latino communities. But as every presidential candidate knows, every vote counts, so would a hardcore anti-amnesty advocate like Lou Dobbs moderate his position to increase his appeal?
On yesterday's show, Fred Thompson asked Dobbs for his thoughts on "the status of the illegal immigration issue." Dobbs replied:
"Right now, the great quandary for the administration is how to complete its promised payoff and provide unconditional amnesty. Obviously there is not the support for it in neither the Senate--perhaps there is in the House, but certainly not in the Senate.
I don't doubt one bit that there will be a tremendous, vigorous effort to bring comprehensive immigration reform forward in the first part of the new year. But I think that if they continue to game the system instead of dealing honestly with the issues, it'll fail again as it did in 2006 and 2007.
All they have to do is be straightforward about securing that border. I'm not a restrictionist; I want a rational, effective humane immigration policy just as badly as anyone else in this country, but we can't control immigration if we don't control our borders, and if we don't control immigration, there is no way in the world to meaningfully reform immigration law."
Apparently Dobbs is feeling the need to clear the air and clarify his views on immigration, because he also posted his "pro immigration riff" yesterday on his website.
"I've said for some time that the only rational factor in this entire immigration crisis, illegal immigration crisis, is the illegal alien, trying to benefit himself, herself and better their lives."
"I have great respect for the people who make up the preponderance of the illegal alien population in our country, that is Mexican migrant workers."
Do you think the possibility of Dobbs becoming a presidential candidate will make him think twice before spouting off his critical and disparaging comments about undocumented immigrants, or are you more worried about Dobbs gaining a broader platform for his views on immigration?
"Today's guilty plea makes it clear that those who harm our brave men and women in uniform will be swiftly brought to justice and punished. I am confident that any others involved in Agent Rosas' tragic death will also be held responsible, and I applaud the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI, as well as the Government of Mexico for their cooperation in this case. The devoted men and women of Southern California's law enforcement and first responder community deserve our deepest appreciation for their support of Agent Rosa's family and his Border Patrol colleagues over the past four months."
- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Friday's guilty plea in the case of murdered border patrol agent Robert Rosas.
