Operation Rush job: How Democrats painted Limbaugh as face of the GOP
Politico.com today explores the orchestration behind Democratic efforts to make Rush Limbaugh the face of the Republican party:
The strategy took shape after Democratic strategists Stanley Greenberg and James Carville included Limbaugh’s name in an October poll and learned their longtime tormentor was deeply unpopular with many Americans, especially younger voters. Then the conservative talk-radio host emerged as an unapologetic critic of Barack Obama shortly before his inauguration, when even many Republicans were showering him with praise.
Soon it clicked: Democrats realized they could roll out a new GOP bogeyman for the post-Bush era by turning to an old one in Limbaugh, a polarizing figure since he rose to prominence in the 1990s.
To illustrate the dilemma that Limbaugh poses for the GOP, the Washington Post has helpfully posted the criticisms and retreats that Republican leaders have made on the talk radio giant.
They include those made by our own Phil Gingrey.
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40 comments Add your comment
Will Jones - Atlanta
March 4th, 2009
9:58 am
Limbaugh is no man. Can his many wives be anything but beards to deflect questions about his alledged homosexuality? Certainly the illegal Viagra taken on his party flight to one of the world’s “hotbeds” of child prostitution, the Dominican Republic, has him down as a limp pederast, at least, as adult prostitutes are in ample supply near his homes in Miami or NYC.
A draft-dodger, he used a medical condition easily corrected for many active duty soldiers called to the infirmary for the procedure in my company during Vietnam, to avoid the service 9.2 million of us, during the period, honorably performed for Our Nation.
Porcine Limbaugh stated during the run-up to the modern pedophile priest scandal, as the camera panned across two Roman Catholic priests on the front row of the balcony during his TV show taping, “The Roman Catholic Church is the rock-ribbed backbone of American moral values.”
Who but Roman Catholics Phil Gingrey and Michael Steele would bow to such perversion and cowardice and when is the American People going to put a sock in his mouth, wishing failure upon a president legitimately made Elect by us?
He is a transparent fraud and craven pervert. His advertisers must feel the greater weight of America’s wish that his “Father Coughlin” constituency disappear, and be boycotted.
Chris Broe
March 4th, 2009
10:08 am
Rush’s Taliban style Nobama rallies have all the death to america stench that Iran’s Ayatollah commands. In fact, thats from whom he’s learned this way to incite audiences into mobs at speaking functions. We only have to let Rush be Bush and the GOP will stay on the bottom along with the market they ruined.
Obama 09: His home fires dont burn anybody.
Neal Watersboortz
March 4th, 2009
10:36 am
Fat, drugged-out, and stupid is no way to go through life…
But that’s the life 95% of all Republicans dream of – a life like the one Rush Limbaugh leads.
A life in which you smear and castigate Democrats, but your own life is full of dysfunction.
A life in which you are disgustingly flabby and fat.
A life in which you have three miserably failed marriages.
A life in which you are hopelessly addicted to drugs.
A life in which no woman wants to be with you, not even for your money.
A life in which you cannot achieve or maintain an erection.
A life in which you are caught sneaking erectile dysfunction drugs back into the country after a trip to the Dominican Republic – where underage male prostitution is a booming business.
A life in which your obese, sweaty, hateful presence is reviled by over 70% of the population – a life in which you are forced to hide from the general public for fear of being slapped in the face for your anti-Americanism.
What a pathetic disgrace!
I’m so glad the GOP has made this fat she-male their leader – it just means more decades for them in the extreme minority.
GA Values
March 4th, 2009
10:41 am
It is the Republicans like the coward Gingrey who have made this fat junkie pervert the face of their party. Not one of them has the guts to stand up to this traitor, and the American people don’t like cowards.
Barry
March 4th, 2009
11:00 am
How can this drug addicted, miserable, fat man, Billy Bob be the voice of the Republican Party? Oh, I get it. He rhetoric soundss like those Jerry springer Ku Klux Klans that be on the show. Oh! That is the Republican Party. Excuse me.
Sir Winston
March 4th, 2009
11:15 am
The libs fear Rush. Could you imagine if Bush had gone after a member of the media? The libs would be going crazy. As for past drug use, I would like to remind everyone that The Obama, peace be upon him, snorted all sorts of coke up his nose a smoked a ton of weed. You libs are unhindged. I love it. Peace.
Al
March 4th, 2009
11:18 am
If Obama did not fear Rush and his message, He would not attack him. This smacks of desperation. Obama is not used to being scrutinized, he cannot handle the pressure. This is really funny.
MM
March 4th, 2009
11:28 am
I have read Obama’s speeches.
I had never heard or read any of Limbaugh’s talks or speeches but I had read thousands of slanderous posts about him, such as the ones posted here. I decided to read the CPAC speech. Limbaugh..from the written word, without knowing anything else about him, presented himself as a thoughtful and intelligent man. Obama states things that are either “ephemeral” ..without substance or if specific, are troubling.
Tucked into Obama’s speeches are statements about firing teachers, reeducation programs and nothing being more powerful than Government.
Tucked into Limbaugh’s speeches are statements about freedom, individual rights and responsibilities. Limbaugh believes there is nothing more powerful than Free Men endowed by their Creator….
I would vote for Limbaugh. I would not vote for Obama. Popularity means nothing. Chavez in Venezuala is immensely popular as was Hitler so that is not necessarily good.
I don’t listen to speeches or talk radio. I read the transcripts. I have been reading Obama speeches for a while..I had never bothered to read Limbaugh before this weekend.
I am glad the media has brought Limbaugh to my attention..I tune out all the personal (without substance) attacks about the man, such as those posted on this comment thread.
john dickie
March 4th, 2009
11:33 am
Rush Limbaugh does not want to pay any taxes, he makes approximately 38 million dollars a year from his syndicated radio show, and under Bush experienced a free pass. He has become a poster boy and de-facto leader of the Repubs. since the election. The question is if Rush is so popular and so smart why doesn’t he run? Because he would have to debate ideas and concepts with a political adversary something he never does on his radio show, so how could he do it on a televised debate, no its easier to make stuff up and air it unchallenged.
Matt
March 4th, 2009
11:36 am
You people are disgusting! Only liberals resort to lowly, hateful, viscious personal attacks when they know they are defeated on susbstance and ideology. Liberals have been in Congress creating these big spending bills and then condem Bush for signing them into law. What sense does that make?
Another thing, we already have regulation and auditors who found our housing crisis problem years ago but democrats banded together and accused the auditors of “malpractice” and “looking for problems where there simply aren’t any”. So the mess was left to fester until it crippled the globe.
And another thing, this President left the creation of the legislation to get us out of this mess to Pelosi and Reid which has lead to the biggest spending bill in American history, is anyone really surprised about the outcome?
I don’t get how the media continues to be on Obama’s side when he is making every wrong move in the first couple months of his presidency. They are suppose to be the “Checks and Balances” of the government to the people. When the media no longer shows objectivity and plays favorites, we enter very dangerous times. The foundation of liberalism, if it makes sense, do the opposite.
Matt
March 4th, 2009
11:37 am
I hope the Democrats continue pursing Rush. He will tear them to pieces.
Conservatism in Exile!!
paparatci
March 4th, 2009
12:06 pm
RUSH has put a big bulls eye on his forehead and he better have all his T’s crossed and I’s dotted because if anything is amiss in his personal life the political ops will find it and the media will destroy him,
steve
March 4th, 2009
12:10 pm
We guys are bombarded with impotence solutions on the internet everyday. Offering us the chance to be bigger, stronger, harder for longer, unfortunately, when you look more carefully only one of these ‘miracle herbs’ has actually been successfully clinically tested. A herb called Butea Superba has improved the sex lives of over 80% of all men that have taken it, previously unknown in the West as it is grown under Government license in the Far East. It is now available in pill form from http://www.healthyed.co.uk and I can say that I am one of the 80% for whom it works.
Nick
March 4th, 2009
12:10 pm
Much has been said about the drug use of Rush Limbaugh and President Obama. I thnk it should be mentioned that Obama never tried to hide the fact that he used drugs while Rush castigated drug users at every turn and said that they should all be thrown in jail.
He’s a hypocrite, plain and simple. His personal life is a sham. He is looking out only for himself. The democrats don’t have to ridicule him – he does that by simply talking. Personally, I hope the republicans welcome him with open arms. They deserve him.
DannyX
March 4th, 2009
12:17 pm
Matt, I’d be crying and throwing a hissy fit about the “librul media” too if I were a Republican.
Look at today’s leaders of the Republican Party.
Rush Limbaugh…..LMAO!
Sarah Palin……LMAO!
Joe The Plumber….LMAO!
Bobby Jindal…..LMAO!
13 year old boy….LMAO!
Michael Steele…LM Rapping AO!!!
The best part of the Republican loss of power is the total Republican meltdown occurring daily!
Oh my God!! The liberal media!! Liberal media! Liberal Media!!!
More!!! More!!! More!!!
Will Jones - Atlanta
March 4th, 2009
12:43 pm
Plenty is “amiss” in Limpbough’s personal life: C-SPAN carried his public appearance with his then newly acquired aeobic instructor wife/mannikin and his conduct – insisting over her objection that she stand on display next to his lectern as he preached to his Gay Old Perverts “choir” – proved her nothing but a beard and him anything but a man or husband; his drug use is common knowledge, as is his need for Viagra on a trip to the Western Hemisphere’s “hotbed” of child prostitution; did he ever get the cyst in his bottom repaired which he used to dodge Vietnam?
As long as he is the frontman for Rome’s Anti-Christ Fifth Column, “Father Coughlin redux,” those “Americans” conformed to the Babylonian pedophile priesthood, whose spiritual “parents” supported Hitler, will laud him, for it was “Vatican TV” Roger Ailes who brought him to “the dance” of American poliltics in the continuing effort on their part “to win the world for the papacy.”
Do any think America’s anointed Founder, Author of Our Declaration of Independence, a proven Prophet of the One Creator G-d, Thomas Jefferson, unbright? He told us it is “the real Anti-Christ.” Shouldn’t actual Americans clear up any confusion on the matter?
Limbaugh said on his TV show that “The Roman Catholic Church is the rock-ribbed backbone of American moral values,” and is, himself, obviously at least a cursed non-man, no doubt a closet homosexual, and most likely a practicing pederast. Limbaugh is for Rome, and lives Roman values in his life.
Thomas Jefferson founded the United States of America as a Whig Utopia, blessed by G-d with thousands of descendants, and his writings, available to us all, prove him a Prophet. He says Rome is “the real Anti-Christ.”
Gee, whom should an American believe? Thomas Jefferson, or Rush Limbaugh?
Any with any hesitation in answering isn’t really an American.
theamericanfundament.blogspot.com
Matt
March 4th, 2009
12:48 pm
Well Danx, I think that most easily influenced people take what the media says to heart. For those that choose to think for themselves, true Americans, they will seek out a number of outlets and facts to find the truth. When trying to find substance to Obama’s soaring speeches, it is vague and generalized. He speaks wonderfully on what should be done but can not talk specifics or “how to” because he has nothing. Unfortunately though it is not an easy task to find the truth with as much opinion is out there floating around.
The “Silent Majority” usually aren’t loud and hostile until they get backed into a corner. There are a lot of things going on in this country that less and less people support. Your saviour Obama is going to be challenged and it will happen in a big way. Rush speaks what most of the Silent Majority won’t say. For the most part they just want to keep to themselves, take care of there family and do the best they can to give their kids a better life than what they had. Obama and the Democrats are jeopardizing that. People will not stand for it.
Wackolibhack
March 4th, 2009
1:01 pm
It is Bush’s fault that Obama is scared of Rush. It is Bush’s fault that Rhambo and Obama are so fearful that they are starting their own little enemies list. It is Bush’s fault that Obama is the new Sen. McCarthy. It is Bush’s fault that Obama is devoting time away from his “change” agenda to pursue a private citizen. It is Bush’s fault that this tactic will fail. It is Bush’s fault that Rush is laughing all the way to the bank. It is Bush’s fault that Obama has taken his eye of the ball, and has chosen to attack a person with a different opinion than Rush. It is Bush’s fault that Obama has left his own change message for a I hate Rush one instead. I hate Bush.
Will Jones - Atlanta
March 4th, 2009
1:06 pm
You anonymous supporters of the anti-American, draft-dodging, pill-popping pederast, Father Coughlin-redux are in “good” company with such other non-men papists as Phil Gingrey and Michael Steele.
Jones, Will
March 4th, 2009
1:11 pm
Will Jones is a lunatic. He is to be laughed at and dismissed. Will Jones is crazier than Rosie O’Donnell. He believes that 9/11 was an inside job. He believes that Rockefeller noses run the world. Hey Will, Bush, Pope, Clinton’s nose, Rome, booga booga booga…..
Wackolibhack
March 4th, 2009
1:18 pm
IT IS BUSH’S FAULT THAT WILL JONES IS THE VILLAGE IDIOT OF THE INTERWED. I HATE BUSH!!!!!!
Johann Nemetz
March 4th, 2009
1:24 pm
Rush Limbaugh is the most unpatriotic public person. Even if he doesn’t like Obama for whatever reason, to wish that he fails indicates that the US fail as a country, the US citizens getting in bigger trouble as they are and the industry will not be able to compete with foreign competitors what makes it easier for foreigners to buy US companies. This is not republican nor is it patriotic. He’s an egocentric radical, not need for such people for the time being.
G. Mortensen
March 4th, 2009
1:35 pm
The AJC is always gleeful to print about squabbles in the Republican Party but where is the story about the White House using taxpayer resources to try and destroy a private individual, Mr. Limbaugh.
I want to know how much money, taxpayer money, has been spent by the White House in this conspiracy that Rahm Immanuel has admitted to Politico? If an enemies list was improper for Nixon why does the AJC tolerate one for President Obama. What is CNN’s and the AJC’s response that two “journalists” actively participated in a conspiracy with government officials in direct violation of journalistic ethics to help in this destruction. How many people on the White House staff are participating or working on an enemies list and who are they? It has been reported George Stephanopoulos of ABC News has also been talking with these three conspirators on a daily basis. What did he know, when did he know it, and what part, if any, did he play in it? What is ABC’ New’s response? And finally I would like to know what President Obama knew and when did he know it?
My guess is the AJC like the rest of the media in the tank for the Democratic Party will simply bury the story and Move On. And you have to wonder why this paper is circling the drain?
Ellie
March 4th, 2009
1:42 pm
Obama never denied doing drugs in college; what about our leader the past eight years and I use the term leader very very very loosely. You right wing fanatics can’t stand the fact us middle of the roaders finally are getting a decent president. Limbaugh and the rest of his right wingers are nothing but bigots.
TS
March 4th, 2009
1:48 pm
Dems are the biggest race baiters out there. Republicans have an up and coming star like Bobby Jindal and they would rather talk about an old crusty white dude like he is our leader. This is all just a diversion tactic to keep the attention away from a minority leader in the Republican party.
Wackolibhack
March 4th, 2009
1:55 pm
For all the idiot libs that went to government schools I will explain this. Rush wants liberals to fail. So do I. It will not work. It never has. Look at Europe. Obama is a liberal and I too want the liberal Obama to fail. I guess it is just like when all the libs and “journalist” wanted Bush to fail. We just came off of 8 years of a constant drum beat for the President to fail. You libs are overeaching. Peace.
Jessica
March 4th, 2009
1:59 pm
Rush is a pitiful, fat, lonely old man with no true friends. The only time he shares his life with another human being is when he sits behind that mic and talk as his listeners (ditto-heads) eat his every word. He’s a sad human existance. The Republicans deserve him. They deserve each other. Let him keep talking and criticizing Obama. It’s a sure way that Obama will maintain his residency at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave until 2016. Thanks lard butt.
Jessica
March 4th, 2009
2:00 pm
1 more thing (Rush, if you read this, I have a friend I would like to hook you up with. Her phone number is 1-800-Jenny-20. Call her…sooner than later.
Wackolibhack
March 4th, 2009
2:13 pm
It is Bush’s fault that Jessica has resorted to name calling like a small child. It is Bush’s fault that she comes across as a punk-arse, shallow democrat reading some intellectual vapid talking points. I hate Bush.
Wackolibhack
March 4th, 2009
2:15 pm
It is Bush’s fault that if Jenny should decided to procreate that she should call Babies can’t wait hotline. It is Bush’s fault that she id ignorant and will raise ignorant children. I hate Bush!!!!
Pierdol Republikanow
March 4th, 2009
2:19 pm
What is wrong with Europe you dumb shit Wackolibhack?
Pierdol Republikanow
March 4th, 2009
2:21 pm
and by the way I hope he will nationalize a whole bunch of industries. Then you can go to Texas if you aren’t already there.
The Angry Capitalist
March 4th, 2009
2:22 pm
American Despotism – The Liberal Assault on Limbaugh
As if the current economic turmoil were not enough to keep Obama and his lack luster staff of sycophants and moochers busy these days, running from press briefing to press briefing in what would appear to be an organized effort to drive the economy into an even deeper hole than its already in, reports are now circulating that senior White House aids are intimately involved in the effort to destroy the de facto spokesperson for today’s conservative movement, Rush Limbaugh. The mere fact that White House officials are involved in any attempt to destroy the career or reputation of a private citizen for what he has the audacity to say should send shivers down the spine of any freedom loving citizen and makes them seethe with anger. Make no mistake; this is not only an assault on what Limbaugh says, but his ability to say it, and by attempting to undermine his ability to communicate his message they are engaged in the very act of tyranny this republic was established to oppose.
More At:
http://www.hostileopposition.blogspot.com
Will Jones - Atlanta
March 4th, 2009
2:30 pm
Those who choose anti-American draft-dodger Limbaugh over America’s Founder are fascists, Nazis, racists, philistines, closeted homosexuals, and/or pedophiles.
Jones, Will
March 4th, 2009
2:44 pm
Will Jones is upset. His rants become even more incoherent when he is agitated. I hope this post will send him in to a Pope/Rome laced rant of epic size. Come on Will, give us some real crazy stuff. Knock your self out.
nate
March 4th, 2009
3:55 pm
We waste so much energy on hating.
Bush, Obama, whoever, whatever.
Liberal, Meltdown, MoveOn,.
Look what we have done to ourselves.
We are so blessed and all we do is gripe about eachother.
Grow up, ALL OF YOU.
Will Jones - Atlanta
March 4th, 2009
6:22 pm
The “growing up” Americans need to do is to chop down those who we all know killed Kennedy and King to send us to die for the pope in Vietnam, financed Hitler and the Holocaust out of the U.S. Roman Catholic church’s collection plates, and cheated a homosexual draft-dodger into the White House to commit 9/11 and rape our economy.
Death for Treason
Jones, Will
March 4th, 2009
8:00 pm
That is it buddy. Go nuts. But more nonsensical sentence structure please. You know, like you used to do when people would bring up Obama’s coke induced gay-sex affair with Larry Sincalir.
c. lindbergh gore
March 7th, 2009
12:48 am
oh brother! hey matt, i bet you think ollie north is a fine upstanding american also. bet you would drop to your knees in a heartbeat if limbaugh told you to.LOL! seriously, folks the truth is, its not about liberal/conservative, red/blue, dem/rep, it’s about US! the american people! politics make for stimulating discussion, but in the end we’ve got to look out for each other. washington isn’t gonna do it! atlanta, raleigh, columbia, aren’t gonna do it. it’s gonna take all of us letting our voices be heard. and the main theme of that voice needs to be “we are tired of this crap, we want results!” WE are america! not limbaugh, hannity, or even mathews or cooper! the everyday citizen who wants nothing more than life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!
Matt
March 12th, 2009
2:17 pm
Hey lindbergh gore, I don’t know who ollie north is and I am not anyone’s little drone to order around…but I do agree with the last part of your comment. All of the political squabbling gets people to talk, and hopefully to think. But it seems that too many are being led and when I speak to them to find out why they agree with Obama or the policies that are being made they can only regurgitate what has been ground into their head. That’s frustrating to me. If you support someone then explain why, don’t just say you don’t agree with what Bush did or look at the last eight years, that hasn’t worked try something new. I do not agree with everything Bush did but I certainly would take his fight on terror over Obama, Pelosi and Reid using the federal taxpayer’s money to push through liberal legislation that has sat on the side for 30 years and has no immediate effect on the economy. This is just too dangerous to sit and say nothing.
I still have to keep my 9-5 so the only way I feel I can make a difference is a couple posts here and there as well as supporting the programs that articulate my view. Rush does that better than anyone on conservative values. Notice that no one in the news is taking on what he said. They are only taking snips of phrases and painting a whole picture of him. I want Obama to fail. He spoke for an hour and a half and they can only come up with that phrase and about 15 seconds of video where he is jumping or making weird faces. The Democratic policies are detrimental to the country in their present state. Just recently they passed the omnibus bill with over 8,500 earmarks. Obama was against earmarks during the campaign. Bringing the grand total to over a trillion dollars in less than 2 months…Disgusting. I could go on, but this is long enough.
I HOPE OBAMA FAILS…THE PRESIDENT SHOULD FAIL WHEN HE IS WRONG!
Media was against Bush, Media is for Obama…it will take awhile for people to see Obama’s mistakes since they are not out in the public eye.