Help Us Out On The Whole Rush Thing
We must admit we’re uniquely unqualified to assess the recent uproar over conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh.
Is he a conservative savior? The new unofficial, unelected leader of the GOP?
Or is he a polarizing blowhard intentionally elevated by Barack Obama? A boob whose shady past and partisan extremism will help extend the GOP’s stay in the wilderness?
We must profess ignorance.
We know plenty about boobs, blowhards and shady pasts … we just don’t know much about Rush Limbaugh.
Honestly – and admitting this may make us politically uncool, uninformed or uncorrupted – but we seriously never listen to the man.
Never.
We don’t even own an AM/FM radio – or at least not one that we know how to operate.
In fact, the last time we listened to Limbaugh, George Herbert Walker Bush was president … and “More Than Words” by Extreme was tearing up the charts.
Ahhh …
Anyway, since we’re obviously out of the loop on the whole Rush thing, we figured some of our loyal readers could lend us a hand.
Is he the GOP’s “One?” Or a tool of “The One?”
We probably aren’t going to start listening to his show one way or the other, but tell us what you think …
Loading ...
Comments
By Wes Wolfe on March 4th, 2009 at 1:53 am
Maybe I am wrong, but I do not think the GOP is doing itself any favors by celebrating an middle aged, fat and ugly white man who is angry at everyone who is not like him. Just a thought, considering the party needs to expand its base.
By Wes Wolfe on March 4th, 2009 at 1:55 am
*copy editing mistake — a, not an.
By Old Bike Dude on March 4th, 2009 at 5:46 am
A self righteous drug addicted (oxycontin) closeted homosexual who’s soon to have a fourth former Ms Limbaugh….yep I’d say he’s the perfect family values man the GOP needs. He’s never served his country, never raised a child, can’t keep a wife…yep he’s perfect. All talk, no walk, it’s not your father’s GOP.
By Chris on March 4th, 2009 at 6:25 am
I don’t listen to Rush much, as I am busy. But he is smart, and funny, and is a conservative. That puts him ahead of 95% of our elected republican officials.
Wes, we know democrats hate Rush…even more reason for conservatives to like him.
By roofus on March 4th, 2009 at 8:02 am
Rush is entertaining, articulate, and practical. He allows people of opposing perspectives on his program; something liberal talk shows usually don’t permit. Liberals can’t handle debate. Liberals can’t handle humor,either. He provides a forum for both.
Repubs are woefully inept at articulating any message.
Liberal in-your-face political philosophies rule the television media. It has been reported that Abc/Nbc/Ccc/Msnbc receive daily press briefings and talking points by Mr.O’s team. Npr is a megaphone for liberal ideas, and I receive Npr on 4 different stations at my house.
Conservative voices such as Beck, Hannity, and Fox are easily out-shouted by the sheer number of implacably liberal media outlets. Objective journalism is truly a myth. Blatant, propagandistic media distortions and out-right misinformation abound in the so-called Main Stream Media.
It seems unseemly that Team Obama would direct so much of its personal capital at Limbaugh. Curiosity is aroused when the most powerful man in the world directs so much of his resources to one talk show. It will likely back-fire as it has whenever the dems have tried to un-plug Rush.
The Repubs are shell-shocked, disorganized, and overwhelmed by Team Obama’s extensive and formidable propaganda/media attack machine. Rush is the scape goat by default, as his own party is too incompetent to buy its own propaganda machine. Take a hint from Soros, Repubs, and start buying journalists and media outlets…
By How about this... on March 4th, 2009 at 8:05 am
He is the modern-media version of Bill Buckley.
Just without the ascots and all that.
By CL on March 4th, 2009 at 8:22 am
The ad hominem attacks in these comments speak volumes about where the rage and anger lies in this country (hint – its not on the right). Anyone who describes Rush as angry does not listen to his show, and, I suspect, largely projecting their own character flaws (I am looking at you Keith Olbermann). Whenever liberals describe Rush, I feel like they have him mixed up with Michael Savage.
By Fashizzle on March 4th, 2009 at 8:24 am
Party operatives like Wes and the Tompkins clan are exactly the ones to blame for ushering in American Socialism. Folks like you have spent the last decade caring more about winning elections than advancing real conservative principles. We get rampant government spending growth and new entitlement programs (Medicare Part D) under a Republican President, and the people are justifiable disillusioned with the party that still laughably claims to support limited government.
If the people want big government they will vote for the real liberals, not a Democrat-light version of conservatism. Republicans have played the American people for idiots. They vote to expand government, then tell the grassroots they are conservative. And you wonder why the party is in shambles? Rush speaks the truth to power, and calls it like it is. Quit worrying about elections, and focus on principle. If conservatives regain their authentic voice and educate a new generation of Americans on why we are right the elections will take care of themselves. Or you can keep cashing consulting checks knowing full well you are responsible for the death of the party.
By Toyota Kawaski on March 4th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Old Bike Dude do yall play for the pink team?
By rick on March 4th, 2009 at 8:44 am
While his “schtick” sometimes becomes tiresome, his grasp of the conservative values leaves little room for argument since he’s been proven right time after time. As far as his personal life, I’ve known many fine men and women that have had multiple marriages. Just like me, they’re to hard to get along with. We believe what we believe and don’t care what you believe. If you can prove me wrong, please feel free, otherwise it’s your opinion. As far as his drug addiction to oxycontin, he paid what society demanded and has moved on. So Old Biker Dude, I’m sure you’ve never done anything that in retrospect seems stupid now? I’ll continue to listen to him and other talk radio hosts, but, I’ll hold my opinions and determine my own course of action. Have a great Marine Corps Day……
By James B. on March 4th, 2009 at 8:59 am
I listen to Rush daily and am a subscriber to his 24/7 website. I can tell you that Rush Limbaugh is the gold standard for conservatism. Note, I did not say he is a Republican. I think the party has really lost its way. They cannot stand up for what is considered conservative. Instead, they pander to the likes of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. This President is likely to bring about a conservative revolution and I think the ideas and ideals of Rush Limbaugh will be central to this event. I mean look at this pitiful president. Everytime he speaks the stock market falls. All of his plans are central to eradicating the free market capitalism that makes this country run. Rush has really be mischaracterized by the “drive by” media. They say he wants Obama to fail. This is true, all true conservatives should hope that the policies of this president fail to succeed. All of them are aimed at limiting freedom, liberty, and personal success. They are aimed at further support of the “welfare state”. Just as Rush stated on both his show and his SEAPAC speech, would American’s hope the Bernie Madoff would succeed despite his policy of embezzling billions of dollars from private investors? Would those who invested this money hope for Bernie’s success? I think that if you really look at the president, his ideas, his goals, you will see he is just like Bernie! Furthermore, this president can’t talk his way out of a paper bag without a teleprompter. Rush did not use a teleprompter at the SEAPAC speech. Guess it is easy when what you say is truly what you believe!
By James B. on March 4th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Look around you! Are we hoping that those on welfare will rise up and run the country? Get for real! They are too busy waiting on the next free government handout check to arrive in the mail!
By Pat Hendrix on March 4th, 2009 at 9:05 am
In the free market of ideas, an obese, thrice divorced, drug addicted, junior college drop out is a perfect spokesman for the conservative movement.
In all honesty, the guy is a genius. He wanted to be a sports radio guy but couldn’t hack it. He found his calling pandering to people too dumb to read. In a close second, you have admire Coulter, the woman is a drag queen – have you see that dude’s adams apple? – posing as a fascist and people can’t get enough. Viva capitalism.
By Mark on March 4th, 2009 at 10:08 am
The Republicans do not need to expand their base by becoming Democrat-lite. Rush verbalizes the conservative message every day. But, with half of the country realizing they can vote themselves a personal teet from the Government largesse, it may be too late.
By CL on March 4th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Pat Hendrix, thank you for proving my point on several scores. First, the only liberal response to Rush is to insult him: “You listen to Rush? But he is a fatty and he abused prescription pain medication! And he is divorced!”
Second, that you would compare Coulter to Rush shows that you don’t listen to his show and probably get your information from the likes of DailyKos or media matters.
By gary on March 4th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Pat,
Rush’s addiction resulted from medication prescribed by a physician. Obama was a regular user of cocaine and pot. Obama was never prescribed cocaine and pot by his doctor.
I guess the War on Drugs is over. We lost.
We got a crack-head in the White House. Explains a lot.
By Pat Hendrix on March 4th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Yeah, Rush is above using personal slurs or childish insults. Do you know the meaning of irony? And to be honest, I get my “information” from sources far more reliable than talk radio. You know that polling indicates that talk radio listeners think they’re the best informed citizens but are actually the least informed on issue. Congrats, in a nation of dumbasses, you guys are the best.
In any event, Rush is the gift that keeps on giving. This is the response to Limbaugh’s “ideas.”
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0309/19596.html
By Cooter Brown on March 4th, 2009 at 10:41 am
I lik t’ listen to ol’ Rush, but hes’a neo-con, big gov-mint Lincolnite– Not conservin’ a damn thing ’sept da empire…
As if da problim is wich of th’ two partys is electuted to Warshington, dis is a side show to delude the peoples an’ keep deir eye-balls off ov da reel problem– weeze an’ occupied countrie wit an illegitimate gov-mint.
Th’ differense betwixt the USSR an’ de USSA is dat we still believe dat weeze free an’ can trus’ th’ news.
Th’ so-call Rush problem isa ploy. King hussein ‘Bama isa lovin’ it and th’ media is a wettin deir britches cause day want this fellers hear served on a silver charger. But, Rush ain’t the reel danger to dese fools… its th’ peoples whove had a ’nuff!
Time t’ call b.s. on all dis mess an’ get da hell outta th’ union whilst we still can!
By Brandon on March 4th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Rush says what needs to be said. Period. If I had my way the last three hours of school would be spent making every kid in America listen to his show. Daily!
By gloria on March 4th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Pat, where do YOU get YOUR news? Seriously. Edify me.
By The Scenario on March 4th, 2009 at 11:30 am
First of all that Cooter Brown is funny! Can’t agree more with Gary, Obama is nothing more than a dopehead. Never seen his transscripts from Harvard or his birth certificate for that matter. I am guessing he was just passed along as a minority in college and they are afraid for us to find out
By gary on March 4th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Biker Dudette,
Rush is gay? LOL…Get real, dudette! Is your Harley pink?
Obama is the guy who waxes his chest then promenades before a gaggle of gay photographers in Hawaii.
Maybe you should talk to Barny Frank and Rham Emanuel and Anderson Cooper—I hear they have intimate knowledge of “the community” —if you know what I mean…
By The Truth on March 4th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Gary..dont let facts stand in your way..lol actually rush was under investigation because he has had his maid procure over 2k oxycotin pills, no they where not prescribed by a doctor. he was NO differnt than a backwood hillbilly in West Virginia trying to get Oxy, the only idff was he has money and is living in west palm beach fla. Considering that George W, Clinton and about 60% of the country have tried pot im not sure that is a valid argument either..but hey Gary..keep trying…
By Pat Hendrix on March 4th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Ugh, the present occupant of the White House was not the first to have used cocaine. W was a notorious abuser of drugs and alcohol. Back to Rush – El Rushbo engaged in what’s called doctor shopping, which is a felony. He also had his maid go out and score for him. That makes him a chickenshit, too.
At least Obama was honest. The two mentioned above, not so much. Responsibility be damned.
By CL on March 4th, 2009 at 11:57 am
I don’t believe I have ever heard Rush make a personal slur against someone. And his insults are of the “Feminazi” variety. Whether they are childish is a subjective determination, but I suppose I should defer to your elevated opinion, what with your sophisticated and mature use of “dumbasses.”
Oh, I forgot, you are not being insulting, you are just being ironic. To paraphrase Inigo Montoya, I don’t think that word means what you think it means.
By spotone on March 4th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
The Fascist Party can’t help themselves. They have compilied an Enemies List. (No, we aren’t talking about J. Edgar Hoover, people)
Guess who is at the top?
Limbaugh
Wonder why?
Hmmmmmmm…
By spotone on March 4th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Biker Dudette,
Limbaugh gay? Ha ha! LOL!
Is your Harley pink?
I suppose George Clooney is gay, since his has no children,too, right?
I suppose then that Larry King is gay, too, since he’s been married so many times, right?
We have a president who waxes his chest and then promenades before the cameras in Hawaii.
I won’t speculate about Rham Emanual, but it is indeed strange that a grown man whould live as a house-guest for 3 years in D.C. It remainds me of O.J. Simpson’s house guest. What’s up with that?
But then again, we are talking about the party of Barney Frank…
By Crooner on March 4th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Nothing like commentary about good ol’ Rush to start the parade of racists and homophobes. I’ll ask again: what policies limit freedom and liberty?
By gloria on March 4th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Pat,
I’m still waiting… lemme guess, you get your news from the “uber objective ” New York Times, The Blade, LA Times?
By gloria on March 4th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Crooner,
Pleeeeese! Racists and homophobes…What absolute nonsense! I’ve read all the above comments and I don’t seen anything homophobic or racist. Please edify me. What was written which was racist or homophobic? Waiting…Waiting…Waiting…
By gloria on March 4th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Crooner,
Still waiting…
By gloria on March 4th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
This just in: Rush challenges Obama to debate. I’d love to see that.
Without pre-selected questions from a pre-screened audience, and without a teleprompter, “the One” will never “debate.”
Liberals hate debate.
They only want to hear once voice.
Their own.
By James the Foot Soldier on March 4th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Gloria – post #3 “closeted homosexual”
By gloria on March 4th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Hmmm…
By James the Foot Soldier on March 4th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Rush (and some of the other talk radio icons) actually PREVENTED President Bush and his RINO pals from even more absurd policies and appointments: Illegal Immigrant Amnesty and Harriet Meyers come immediately to mind.
Alito and Roberts are going to be immovable conservatve objects on the Supreme Court for decades – thanks in large part to folks like Rush.
Unfortunately Rush (and the other talk radio icons and MOST “republicans”) sat on their hands while the RINOs in Congress inherited a surplus and ran it into a deficit that will take our grandchildren to pay off.
Rush was more jovial in his early days and now is more hard-edged. That probably limits his listener base – but when you have 20,000,000 listeners a week and make a cajillion dollars a year I wouldn’t mess with the formula. either.
By Pat Hendrix on March 4th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
CL,
Are you stalking me?
I remember Limbaugh making fun of Robert Reich for being a midget; he actually has a bone disease. But this is the best. On Limbaugh’s TV show, this is a joke he told: “Everyone knows the Clintons have a cat. Socks is the White House cat. But did you know there is a White House dog?” And he puts up a picture of Chelsea Clinton. Chelsea Clinton was 13 years old at the time.
Super guy.
Gloria, sorry, I have a job. Imagine that, a volvo driving liberal welfare king at work. Sheesh. In any event, I try and read a host of material, as evidence by the fact I hang around fitnews where I can get my dose of hyperbolic headlines, pseudo-smut and raving loons. Newspapers are generally pretty inane, but I sadly admit I read The State (yes, to hell with Ron Morris). But there are some really sharp writers on the net like Hendrik Hertzberg and Matthew Yglesias as well The New Republic and the Atlantic. Sadly, I also admit to reading Pat Buchanan and Gamecockcentral with too much regularity.
As for books, I’m an historian, so my reading list extends into 2080.
But I do admit to listening to El Rushbo as recently as yesterday.
Best,
Pat
By CL on March 4th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
I guess it depends on your meaning of stalking, since I posted before you in this thread.
Color me unimpressed by two incidents occurring, what, 15 years ago. Plus, your description of the Chelsea incident clearly derives from Al Franken, which says alot. I don’t have the tape, but the transcripts I have seen online directly contradict Franken’s account. Whatever was said, Rush apologized immediately and has always said it was a mistake by the technician. You are free to not believe him, but Rush is not one to back down, so I doubt he would have been afraid to say so if he meant it as a joke. I have been listening more regularly for the past 5 or 6 years and have never heard anything personal.
However, I have heard our president compare Sarah Palin to a pig (if we are not giving Rush the benefit of the doubt, the same rules apply here), small town Americans, Nancy Reagan, our troops (the “lives wasted” comment), etc. So by your standard, I guess Obama is a boorish idiot.
By roofus on March 4th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Hey guys, check out a photo of Rham. I had no idea the dude was a real ballerina! Seriously! Rush has got a photo on his web site wearing a leo! LOL! Now wonder the Dems “tip-toe” around the issues and use Rush as their wipping boy!
By roofus on March 4th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Excuse, me, “No wonder” not “Now wonder,” “whipping boy” not wipping boy–
Sorry, I was laughing too hard to spell correctly…
A dude in a leo! That really projects power!
Look Iran! Look Russia! Look North Korea! Look Venezuela!
Our male leaders wear leos!
Still laughing…
By Mab on March 4th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Roofus, people have GOT to check that out — the photo looks like a cross between Freddie Mercury and “Dawn.”
###
“Whatever Obama says, the sycophants and the butt boys in the media simply repeat it. Is that term starting to bother you, Dawn? Well, I’m sorry, but I can’t think of a better way to describe what’s going on in that White House pressroom.”
By Mab on March 4th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
And check this out:
Obama’s recovery logo –
http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/22256/
By Mab on March 4th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
The screw is bothersome.
By Pat Hendrix on March 4th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
The did not derive from Al Franken, I saw it when it happened. And it was no mistake. There’s also a clip floating around where it’s clear that the joke was the kid was a dog. And if you think Rush is just a great, plain spoken hero, super. Maybe you can have “The Magic Negro” played at the next CPAC. In any event, if Rush is your guy, if he’s carrying the conservative banner, good. Where do I donate?
By the way, he didn’t call Palin a pig and you know it.
By Pat Hendrix on March 4th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Oh by the way, enjoy Rush while you can. He’s being paid $50,000,000 a year by a company that just posted a 5 billion dollar loss. Yikes.
By Will Folks Wishes He Had Rush's Audience on March 4th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
You suck Will, and I can’t wait for the day when you no longer write. You have nothing productive to say, only to tear down the champions of limited government, conservatism, and freedom. Without Limbaugh, there would be no alternative media, including your pathetic trashy blog. Shame on you.
By fred on March 4th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Guys, Rush is an entertainer who gets paid to screw people to the ceiling and hike his ad revenue…not to solve problems and move our country forward. He’s not an elected official who answers to any constituents, so he’s free to be as ideologically pure as he wants to be. Politico’s story today said his national favorability rating is worse than Rev. Jeremiah Wright!! Demos are loving this, Rush and his advertising dept are loving this, and the Republican Party is getting screwed in the process.
By The Scenario on March 4th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Let’s face it Obama is there because he is black, I mean halfrican american. He is not there because of experience or ability. I mean what has he done? Spent an assload of my hard earned money to send checks to those house sitters who he then plans to bail out with my money! More power to Rush! Bring this guy to a debate! Rush will run riot over him! Not even a teleprompter will save him. Why I bet Rush has at least 4 more inches than Obama!
By Gloria on March 4th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Pat,
I appreciate your response. I’m fascinated by your perspective and look forward to reading your information sources.
I suspect Rush will remain a continued source of profit for Clear Channel and I tremble to ponder what their YTD losses would be without Maha Rushie. That said Team Obama’s decision to catapult Rush in the spotlight will likely result in increased interest and even more listeners.
By Silent DoRight on March 4th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Sic,
The far left, democrats and even Obama daemonized Bush his entire eight years in office. They blamed him for all of the country’s ills and problems regardless of whether they were truly Bush’s fault or not. Now that Bush is gone and Republicans have lost their way, the dems need someone else to to blame. They’ve selected Rush as the great and mighty evil in order to continue their fear mongering campaign. There hope is to round up support for the president and his whacked-out policies by telling Americans that their problems are Rush’s fault and he’s the reason things are not getting better. And so far, it’s working.
More to come.
By CL on March 5th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Then link the clip and I will concede the point. I have seen transcripts that clearly dispute the account provided by you and Franken. And, again, try listening to someone other than media matters. The magic negro was coined by the LA Times, and Rush used their oped as a parody. The song isn’t even directed at Obama, it is making fun of Sharpton and raced obsessed liberals.
I don’t know that Obama was not comparing Palin to a pig. The reference to an old fish and a pig seems like a shot at McCain and Palin to me. But if you want to give him the benefit of the doubt (imagine that), it is your prerogative. You don’t dispute that Obama insulted Nancy Reagan, the troops, and just about every American who lives in a small town and owns a gun or believes in God. I also recall feminists getting riled up about his “likable enough” jab at Hillary. These incidents are more frequent (since he has been in the public eye 5 years vs. 20 for Rush) and more recent with Obama, yet you seem unwilling to subject him to the same scorn you direct at Rush.
More importantly, it does not even matter whether Rush or Obama or any other public figure is a jerk, because this is not a refutation of any policy or position they promote.
By DRH on March 5th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Is it just me, or do the Limbaugh haters spout things 10x crazier than anything he’s ever spouted?