The Rush Limbaugh Thread

[Marx]

If anyone wants to discuss the missile situation in North Korea, please take it to the appropriate thread.

 

[StorminNorman]

Wait, does FrankenShep have a radio show?

It should be OlbermannShep

I find it hard to believe that Rush has more listeners than Fox News has viewers.

While it's hard to actually figure out national ratings for a radio show, it's widely accepted that Limbaugh has a minimum weekly audience of 14 million listeners. source

Fox News, during Prime Time, averages 2.6 listeners a day (or 13.1 million listeners weekly). source

At offical conventions? Do either of those two speak at offical conventions?

What official Republican convention has Rush spoken at that you know of?

CPAC is not an official Republican convention.

 

[Heretic]

I call him FrankenShep because he looks like Frankenstein to me...like before the first death and all.

 

[The Overlord]

It should be OlbermannShep



While it's hard to actually figure out national ratings for a radio show, it's widely accepted that Limbaugh has a minimum weekly audience of 14 million listeners. source

Fox News, during Prime Time, averages 2.6 listeners a day (or 13.1 million listeners weekly). source



What official Republican convention has Rush spoken at that you know of?

CPAC is not an official Republican convention.

Fine got me there, but CPAC holds more weight then merely appearing on a radio show. Ronald Reagan appeared at CPAC 12 times.

Again David Frum is criticizing Rush and he is no liberal, so clearly there are people who think he has too influence, that don 't have a liberal agenda.

 

[StorminNorman]

Fine got me there, but CPAC holds more weight then merely appearing on a radio show. Ronald Reagan appeared at CPAC 12 times.

So?

Again David Frum is criticizing Rush and he is no liberal, so clearly there are people who think he has too influence, that don 't have a liberal agenda.

I never said you can't criticize Rush. I am just saying that making Rush into a news story is ridiculous and there is an agenda behind it.

 

[The Overlord]

So?.

So it holds more political weight then just hosting a radio show, which is why he holds wieght then Keith Olbermann and Shepard Smith.

Rush is making himself a target, he clearly loves this stuff, he says stuff like "I Hope Obama fails" because he knew it make the papers the next day. He is trying to make a circus around himself, the dems are targetting because its in their interests, but Rush is trying to make a target of himself. Rush is a media ****e, this is his goal, it helps him, it helps the Dems, the only one who loses is the GOP, but they are too in love with Rush to realize that.

I never said you can't criticize Rush. I am just saying that making Rush into a news story is ridiculous and there is an agenda behind it.

What's Frum's agenda then? Was it wrong for Newsweek to publish his criticisms of Rush?

Frum says there is a real issue, that the GOP has created a cult of personanlity around Rush and Rush limits the appeal of the GOP to may demos.

If Frum is correct then a there is a real issue here, that is worthy of discussion .


Besides I just don't like him, in general, why shouldn't I criticize him on the The Rush Limbaugh thread?

 

[StorminNorman]

So it holds more political weight then just hosting a radio show, which is why he holds wieght then Keith Olbermann and Shepard Smith.

But Keith Olbermann speaks at Political Functions and Conventions too though...

Rush is making himself a target, he clearly loves this stuff, he says stuff like "I Hope Obama fails" because he knew it make the papers the next day. He is trying to make a circus around himself, the dems are targetting because its in their interests, but Rush is trying to make a target of himself. Rush is a media ****e, this is his goal, it helps him, it helps the Dems, the only one who loses is the GOP, but they are too in love with Rush to realize that.

This is all correct...but, again, it's so obvious - why are we talking about it. Janeane Garofalo makes outrageous headlines to interest in herself, Olbermann does it too. Why is it not a major news story? Why are Garofalo and Olbermann not dubbed the face of the DNC?

What's Frum's agenda then? Was it wrong for Newsweek to publish his criticisms of Rush?

Frum says there is a real issue, that the GOP has created a cult of personanlity around Rush and Rush limits the appeal of the GOP to may demos.

If Frum is correct then a there is a real issue here, that is worthy of discussion .


Besides I just don't like him, in general, why shouldn't I criticize him on the The Rush Limbaugh thread?

Again, you (and whoever) have the right, the ability to criticize Rush and what not - all I ask is why? What's the point? Again, by your own admission Rush benefits from people talking about him. So if you really dislike Rush...why help him by talking about him?

Again, Rush Limbaugh is one of the most irrelevant "stories" that has been created since Obama entered office. All of the criticism, even that which is warranted, does nothing but help Rush Limbaugh.

 

[Marx]

Again, you (and whoever) have the right, the ability to criticize Rush and what not - all I ask is why? What's the point? Again, by your own admission Rush benefits from people talking about him. So if you really dislike Rush...why help him by talking about him?

Again, Rush Limbaugh is one of the most irrelevant "stories" that has been created since Obama entered office. All of the criticism, even that which is warranted, does nothing but help Rush Limbaugh.

People like Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, Keith Olbermann, etc. are lightning rods. Discussions are to be expected.

 

[The Overlord]

But Keith Olbermann speaks at Political Functions and Conventions too though...



This is all correct...but, again, it's so obvious - why are we talking about it. Janeane Garofalo makes outrageous headlines to interest in herself, Olbermann does it too. Why is it not a major news story? Why are Garofalo and Olbermann not dubbed the face of the DNC?
.

Frum argued Rush has a cult personality within the GOP, is that case with Olbermann or Garofalo?

Again, you (and whoever) have the right, the ability to criticize Rush and what not - all I ask is why? What's the point? Again, by your own admission Rush benefits from people talking about him. So if you really dislike Rush...why help him by talking about him?

Again, Rush Limbaugh is one of the most irrelevant "stories" that has been created since Obama entered office. All of the criticism, even that which is warranted, does nothing but help Rush Limbaugh.

Why, because I don't like him, that's reason enough.

Besides the fact you are ignoring is Frum critcized him because he thinks Rush is too relevant and that GOP love affair with him is narrowing the appeal of the GOP. Frum is a conservative, not a liberal. If Frum is correct, then clearly criticising Rush is very relevant.

 

[StorminNorman]

People like Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, Keith Olbermann, etc. are lightning rods. Discussions are to be expected.

Discussions that are also useless. Who the hell is Rush Limbaugh? Who the hell is Sean Hannity? Why are their opinion any more valid than yours or mine? These discussions do nothing but divert attention to real issues.

Frum argued Rush has a cult personality within the GOP, is that case with Olbermann or Garofalo?

Arguably.

Why, because I don't like him, that's reason enough.

But if you don't like him, then talking about him undermines your own intent. Again, Rush benefits from you telling others you don't like him, as you yourself have admitted.

Besides the fact you are ignoring is Frum critcized him because he thinks Rush is too relevant and that GOP love affair with him is narrowing the appeal of the GOP. Frum is a conservative, not a liberal. If Frum is correct, then clearly criticising Rush is very relevant.

Frums not correct. I don't treat Frum's opinion with any more respect than my own, really.

 

[Marx]

The topic of this thread is Rush Limbaugh. Let's stick to the topic.

 

[Marx]

Discussions that are also useless. Who the hell is Rush Limbaugh? Who the hell is Sean Hannity? Why are their opinion any more valid than yours or mine? These discussions do nothing but divert attention to real issues.

A discussion about anything can be deemed useless. The point is that this is a message board where people of all different backgrounds and opinions come to discuss a wide variety of topics. From Batman to Megan Fox to politics, all topics are discussed here.

 

[voyzovrezon]

I'm really late to this party, but it looks like now that Rush is really upset with all the publicity he's been getting, especially since the WH Correspondence dinner. He no longer wants to be the "titular head of the republican party." As reporters like George Stephanopolous have said, Rush can dish it out from the safety of his mic, but left vulnerable, he goes on the defensive and whines.

http://mediamatters.org/mmtv/200905200025

 

[voyzovrezon]

More Rush talk on Sunday morning political talk. Colin Powell defends himself against Cheney saying he left the republican party. Karl Rove says he sides with Cheney on whether he prefers Rush or Powell in the republican party.

[YT]A956rrx3EJw[/YT]

 

[dnno1]

Keith Olbermann speaks the Democratic base 5 times a week.

Shepard Smith speaks to the Republican base 5 times a week.

That really doesn't mean anything.

Actually that means a lot. These are faces that the American public are familiar with and (if you are a faithful member of their audience) trust. They are a lot more influential than say somebody like StorminNorman posting on a comic book fan blog, and that is the danger behind it. Because they are so influential they have this potential to mislead the public with disinformation. That is why there should be some level of responsibility in media to hold that in check.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Makes sense.

Powell is sooo un-American. He's just some dude who's fought and killed for our country.
Only been married once.

Limbaugh, he's a real American hero. When I think of America...I think of GI JOE and then I think of Boss Limbaugh.

 

[gap5ewl]

Makes sense.

Powell is sooo un-American. He's just some dude who's fought and killed for our country.
Only been married once.

Limbaugh, he's a real American hero. When I think of America...I think of GI JOE and then I think of Boss Limbaugh.

Is that not the ****ing truth!?!? They sit there and rally the support the troops talking point..as long as the troops fit into their ideologies, otherwise they just throw them under the "un-American" bus. (John Kerry anyone??)

 

[StorminNorman]

Makes sense.

Powell is sooo un-American. He's just some dude who's fought and killed for our country.
Only been married once.

Limbaugh, he's a real American hero. When I think of America...I think of GI JOE and then I think of Boss Limbaugh.

...Find me anyone, Limbaugh or Cheney or Rove or anyone, that has called Powell being un-American.

Colin Powell is an American hero. I have great respect for Colin Powell. At one point I would have loved to see Powell run for President. If I had any power in the Republican Party, I would ask for him to leave the party.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

To leave the party?

Is there some kind of Republican clubhouse, or sticker, or secret handshake that I don't know about

If Republicans could kick anyone out, they'd never win another election because it'd be like some kind of exclusive boys club or something.

I didn't say that anyone there called him unAmerican.

But, since they're always going on about how unAmerican dems are, I'd think they'd want to have as many red blooded Americans in the party.

 

[StorminNorman]

To leave the party?

Is there some kind of Republican clubhouse, or sticker, or secret handshake that I don't know about

If Republicans could kick anyone out, they'd never win another election because it'd be like some kind of exclusive boys club or something.

If everyone can be a Republican, being a Republican doesn't mean anything. If everyone can be a Democrat, being a Democrat doesn't mean anything. As a political party, you MUST have principals. In my opinion, the Republican's goal should be to draw the line between the parties on the issue of the size of the Federal Government. If you support increasing the size of the federal government, you are a Democrat - if you want to reduce it, you are a Republican.

The Republican Party is in the shape it is today because they lost their way, they must now discover it. Dumping Powell would be a start.

Powell said recently that it is time for Republicans to accept the fact most Americans want more government, not less government - those comments are unacceptable. If Powell no longer believes in small government principals, he is no longer a Republican.

Kick out Olympia Snow, Arlen Specter is already out. Start making cuts now. Start standing by your principals. Make being a Republican MEAN something.

I didn't say that anyone there called him unAmerican.

But, since they're always going on about how unAmerican dems are, I'd think they'd want to have as many red blooded Americans in the party.

...k. Good one.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Republicans, as a party, doesn't know what they're principles are. Most of the current Republican politicians can't stand on the legs of "less governemnt" because so many of them have helped create more government under the Bush administration.

Basically, Republicans are in the woods...and are going to eat one another until Obama fails. If he fails. He's gotta fail, because they're out of ideas on what to do.

Limabugh is just a talking head who doesn't like it when someone calls him out. Him saying Powell was voting for Obama just because of race, was one of the most ignorant things I've heard in a good while. It's like Limbaugh purposely tuned out the 15 minutes Powell explained why he was voting, and he just saw "black man, and black man...he's voting for him cause he's black!". And then Karl Rove goes on Fox News claiming that Powell is trying to kick people out of the party.

When, I don't really think Powell's the one trying to kick anyone out of anything.

Following Limbaugh won't lead to more votes for anyone. Going against him probably will hurt republican politicians who need to keep they're base happy. But, keeping they're base happy isn't going to lead to more votes and winning elections.

 

[Marx]

edit

 

[StorminNorman]

Republicans, as a party, doesn't know what they're principles are.

I know, that's why I am proposing this fix.

Most of the current Republican politicians can't stand on the legs of "less governemnt" because so many of them have helped create more government under the Bush administration.

And they may have to pay for their past sins. Oh, darn - I really hate that.

Basically, Republicans are in the woods...and are going to eat one another until Obama fails. If he fails. He's gotta fail, because they're out of ideas on what to do.

They aren't out of ideas, they are simply lost. Again, I am proposing a way for them to find themselves. Make the Republican Party a trumpet for small government - and mean it. If they do that, people will respond.

Obama failing would certainly help, though that goes without saying.

Limabugh is just a talking head who doesn't like it when someone calls him out.

No, he LOVES it when people call him out.

Him saying Powell was voting for Obama just because of race, was one of the most ignorant things I've heard in a good while. It's like Limbaugh purposely tuned out the 15 minutes Powell explained why he was voting, and he just saw "black man, and black man...he's voting for him cause he's black!". And then Karl Rove goes on Fox News claiming that Powell is trying to kick people out of the party.

Do you really think race wasn't a factor in Powell's decision?

I don't think race can or should be eliminated when forming a decision, not in this election. When a black American has the ability to elect the first black man into the highest office, why shouldn't it be an issue? I have no problem at all with black Americans using Obama's race as a reason to support him.

Also, show me where Karl Rove claimed Powell is trying to kick people out of the party.

When, I don't really think Powell's the one trying to kick anyone out of anything.

Again, who said he is and when?

Following Limbaugh won't lead to more votes for anyone. Going against him probably will hurt republican politicians who need to keep they're base happy. But, keeping they're base happy isn't going to lead to more votes and winning elections.

We don't know that. The Republicans haven't run with their base under them since 2004.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

I know, that's why I am proposing this fix.

Well, as long as your leading the charge everything should fine. I just hope everyonne else is onboard. It's been a circular firing range for long enough.

And they may have to pay for their past sins. Oh, darn - I really hate that.

Or, maybe they are right now. Maybe this is the price for that. Political wilderness.

Or...political cannabalism. I dunno, whatever you wanna call this state the Republican party is in right now.

They aren't out of ideas, they are simply lost. Again, I am proposing a way for them to find themselves. Make the Republican Party a trumpet for small government - and mean it. If they do that, people will respond.

Obama failing would certainly help, though that goes without saying

See, I agree with you there.

But issues like abortion and gay marriage...blow them out of the water on 'less government". I think they have to be willing to compromise on those two issues.

No, he LOVES it when people call him out.

True.

More ratings.

Do you really think race wasn't a factor in Powell's decision?

No.

But I don't think it was the ONLY factor.

I don't think race can or should be eliminated when forming a decision, not in this election. When a black American has the ability to elect the first black man into the highest office, why shouldn't it be an issue? I have no problem at all with black Americans using Obama's race as a reason to support him.

That's a minfield, when you think about whites voting only for whites.

But I hear you.

I just think Limbaugh undermines the intelligence of another human being when he essentially breaksdown the process of voting to a color matching game.

Also, show me where Karl Rove claimed Powell is trying to kick people out of the party.

Fox News. I'd had thought you'd had seen it.

I'll look for the video, but as if it's a HUGE surprise that Rove would jump on the bandwagon.

Again, who said he is and when?

Rove. last week. fox news.

We don't know that. The Republicans haven't run with their base under them since 2004.

I mis-spoke. Sorry. I meant Conservative base.

The Conservative base seems to be taking hold of the party, I keep having to remember conservatives are almost like a third party. I guess.

 

[StorminNorman]

Well, as long as your leading the charge everything should fine. I just hope everyonne else is onboard. It's been a circular firing range for long enough.

I would agree.

Or, maybe they are right now. Maybe this is the price for that. Political wilderness.

Or...political cannabalism. I dunno, whatever you wanna call this state the Republican party is in right now.

It's not unlike the Democrat Party in 2004. I remember many were calling the Democrat Party dead after GOP success in 2000, 2002 and 2004.

But issues like abortion and gay marriage...blow them out of the water on 'less government". I think they have to be willing to compromise on those two issues.

Abortion isn't a big government, small government issue really. Libertarians are even split on it. Ron Paul is Pro Life for crying out loud.

Gay Marriage is also something else as well. Since Marriage itself is a government based institution, restrictions on it really aren't an increase in the size of government.

My small government beliefs help shape my own personal opinion on these two issues, but it's not that cut and dry.

True.

More ratings.

No.

But I don't think it was the ONLY factor.

I think it was the deciding factor. Again, when you look at Powell, politically, he is historically much more McCain than Obama. But again, I don't criticize Powell for that because I think that is rational.

Powell, in either case, should not have endorsed Obama if he wanted to retain his status in the Republican Party. It's fine to vote for whoever you want, regardless of party, but to make an endorsement on a major News Show - you are actively CAMPAIGNING for the opposing party. That's not acceptable, politically.

That's a minfield, when you think about whites voting only for whites.

But I hear you.

I think the reason race was fine with Obama is because he was a trend setter. He broke the "glass ceiling". While I have no problem with black Americans voting for Obama because of race, I think doing it again in the future is far less legitimate. Another black man being elected President doesn't make near the impact Obama did for that community.

I just think Limbaugh undermines the intelligence of another human being when he essentially breaksdown the process of voting to a color matching game.

I think in this election, he wasn't all that far off. Again, this election was historic why? The issue of race.

Fox News. I'd had thought you'd had seen it.

I'll look for the video, but as if it's a HUGE surprise that Rove would jump on the bandwagon.

I have watched a recent video of Rove on Fox talking about Powell, I did not see him mention that Powell was trying to kick people out.

Rove. last week. fox news.

You mean this?

Sure. And look, anybody who says they’re a Republican is a Republican. There is no membership committee that designates whether you are or not. If you say you’re Republican, you’re Republican.


Look, Colin Powell has a right to advocate this view. I defend his right to do that. I don’t agree with it, but I defend his right to do so. I would hope that he would back up that vision by finding candidates who represent his vision of the future of the Republican Party and actively working for them. That’s what it ought to be about.


I don’t like this thing where people -- and Powell is one them -- who said, “Rush Limbaugh, shut up.” I mean, that’s -- we believe, as Republicans in the marketplace of ideas, let that marketplace decide. Let everybody with a competing vision find the kind of candidates they want to support and work hard for them.


I want Colin Powell to go out there and lay out his vision, and then I want him to back it up by finding people who share it and working like heck to get them -- and that’s how you win the party -- the party’s intraparty battle of ideas.

Because that's not quite what you were claiming Rove was saying.

I mis-spoke. Sorry. I meant Conservative base.

The Conservative base seems to be taking hold of the party, I keep having to remember conservatives are almost like a third party. I guess.

I hear this all the time, but I ask - if the Conservative Base has this major choke hold on the party...why was John McCain their candidate?

While I understand that John McCain's nomination was helped by independents and democrats - that doesn't change the fact that he had as many, if not the most, major Republican endorsements. Not conservative endorsements (like Hannity, like Limbaugh, like Coulter), but true PARTY endorsements.