Dramatic guy. Dramatic departure.

Lou Dobbs, one of the best-known figures in cable TV history, who helped shaped CNN and then fell out of step with the network he spent a career at, resigned a few minutes into his show Wednesday night. (He said Wednesday night he would continue his radio program.)

"This will be my last broadcast here on CNN," he intoned, before telling shocked viewers he had secured an early release from his contract, and "with the full measure of my abilities" plans to tackle "the problems that have beset Americans, and most notably, the middle class."

In truth, his three-minute farewell sounded like a political stump speech, but also vintage Dobbs, full of drama, eloquence and fire. He promised to "engage in constructive problem-solving" and to "contribute to the great issues of our day" — health care, military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, the economy and, of course, immigration policy, which has come to define Dobbs, a hard-liner on the issue.

"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 my role here at CNN and to engage in constructive problem-solving, as well as to contribute positively to a better understanding of the great issues of our day. And to continue to do so in the most honest and direct language possible," he said.

There have been reports, notably in The New York Times in recent weeks, that he was headed to either Fox News or Fox Business. But a Fox spokesman said "We have not had any discussions with Lou Dobbs for Fox News or Fox Business."

A more interesting line of thought: He plans to run for office. But speculation about Dobbs' political ambitions — or presumed ambitions — have swirled around him for years. Republican senator from New Jersey, or Independent one? Or ... Who really knows, except for Dobbs?

Dobbs has been controversial. He questioned President Obama's citizenship in June. He's been outspoken on what he believes to be misguided immigration policy — leading some groups of protesters around the country to call for his firing last month on the eve of CNN's "Latinos in America" series.

As for the network he started at in 1980, CNN President Jon Klein said in a prepared statement, "Lou Dobbs is a valued founding member of the CNN family. For decades, Lou fearlessly and tirelessly pursued some of the most important and complex stories of our time, often well ahead of the pack."

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.