Rush Limbaugh | Voice of the GOP?

[Trey of Diamonds]

Democrats urge Boehner to "repudiate" comments by Limbaugh on contraception testimony

Selected quotes

Seventy five Democratic members of Congress are urging House Speaker John Boehner to condemn Rush Limbaugh's assertion that a Georgetown University law student and women's health advocate is "****" and a "prostitute" because she wants employers to pay for contraception.

"That's a thousand dollars a year of sex -- and, she wants us to pay for it," Limbaugh said on his radio show Wednesday.

Ok, now I'm not a big fan of Rush. About the nicest thing I can say about him is that his show can occasionally be entertaining. Of course it's only funny until you remember how many people actually believe what he says, then it makes me a little queasy.

But isn't he just another DJ? If Howard Stern can say whatever he wants on his show can't Rush do the same? Just because he favors radical right GOP listeners doesn't make him an official spokesperson for them and they shouldn't be held accountable for his actions. Or am I wrong?

 

[SageTree]

As much as I loath to say it..... start with Rush and who knows how slipper that slope might be.

If he's going to be reprimanded it ought to be through the FCC and some corresponding violation.

If there isn't one... the hey... it is what it is.

That is NOT the worst thing he's ever said, ya know?

 

[Levite]

Democrats urge Boehner to "repudiate" comments by Limbaugh on contraception testimony

Ok, now I'm not a big fan of Rush. About the nicest thing I can say about him is that his show can occasionally be entertaining. Of course it's only funny until you remember how many people actually believe what he says, then it makes me a little queasy.

But isn't he just another DJ? If Howard Stern can say whatever he wants on his show can't Rush do the same? Just because he favors radical right GOP listeners doesn't make him an official spokesperson for them and they shouldn't be held accountable for his actions. Or am I wrong?

Rush Limbaugh is an enormous douche. Howard Stern is also a douche, just less political.

I do believe in freedom of speech, so if radio networks want to broadcast these guys' douchebaggery, they should be free to do so.

But in this instance, Rush Limbaugh called a specific young woman a ****. That's defamation and slander, and she should sue his butt off. And the networks should disavow what he said, because it is actionable.

The GOP should disavow what he said not because he's a douche in general, but because it is reprehensible to stand behind calling a girl a **** because she believes in safe sex.

 

[dyanaprajna2011]

I don't like Rush. He's a loudmouth idiot. However, he does have the right to say what he wants. But, like Levite pointed out, in this instance, this went from political nonsense to actually attacking an individual, and that's not free speech, that's simply not acceptable. Of course, Rush is known for outright lying about things to further push his issues, like when he said something to the extent of Native Americans never owned or lived in the US, or something to that extent.

 

[Mister_T]

Democrats urge Boehner to "repudiate" comments by Limbaugh on contraception testimony

Selected quotes



Ok, now I'm not a big fan of Rush. About the nicest thing I can say about him is that his show can occasionally be entertaining. Of course it's only funny until you remember how many people actually believe what he says, then it makes me a little queasy.

But isn't he just another DJ? If Howard Stern can say whatever he wants on his show can't Rush do the same? Just because he favors radical right GOP listeners doesn't make him an official spokesperson for them and they shouldn't be held accountable for his actions. Or am I wrong?

If I remember right, Bill O'Reily a couple of years ago said some girl from New Jersey who was raped and killed asked for it because she was drunk and wearing a mini-skirt. I don't think anything ever happened to him and I doubt anything will happen to Rush Windbag either.

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

Is Rush a GOP mouth piece? Do you think the GOP wishes he'd keep his mouth shut? At what point does a radio personality become an offical spokesperson for an idealogy? Do individuals in this position end up with more power and influence than they should have?

 

[dyanaprajna2011]

Is Rush a GOP mouth piece? Do you think the GOP wishes he'd keep his mouth shut? At what point does a radio personality become an offical spokesperson for an idealogy? Do individuals in this position end up with more power and influence than they should have?

Absolutely Rush is a GOP mouthpiece. Just look at Rick Santorum. The only difference is Rush isn't overly religious, but it's the same ideology. I don't know if I'd call him an official spokesperson, but he definitely intimates the GOP's stance. He hasn't said anything different that what we've heard from Santorum or Newt, Dubya, or even Reagan. Do I think he has more power and influence than he should have? Yes, but if it wasn't him, there would be someone else there to take his place. As long as that ideology he holds has sway and socio-political backing, there's always going to be a Rush Limbaugh, a Fox News, to spout this nonsense in the media.

 

[Mister_T]

Is Rush a GOP mouth piece? Do you think the GOP wishes he'd keep his mouth shut? At what point does a radio personality become an offical spokesperson for an idealogy? Do individuals in this position end up with more power and influence than they should have?

He certainly portrays himself as a GOP mouth piece. As for whether the GOP wants him to keep his mouth shut or not, the way I see it is if you're not condemning the BS they're spewing, then you're ok with those people saying it. If the GOP goes silent when they're asked where they stand on Rushy-Poo's remarks, I think you'll have your answer.

 

[Father Heathen]

Go to youtube and search for the Bill Hick's bit on Limbaugh. I would link it, but that would probably get me into trouble.

 

[Sunstone]

Boehner won't dare criticize Limbaugh. Limbaugh is more powerful within the Party than Boehner.

 

[SageTree]

I RUSH for Limburger cheese....

At least I know it stinks for good reasons.

 

[s2a]

Hi Trey of Diamonds,
You said:

“Ok, now I'm not a big fan of Rush. About the nicest thing I can say about him is that his show can occasionally be entertaining. Of course it's only funny until you remember how many people actually believe what he says, then it makes me a little queasy.”

Well, as is often said, “one man’s poison…”

There is the floated supposition that Rush is only outrageous in his pontifications as being some otherwise detached “entertainer”, a purposed clown or a fool to enhance ratings and obtain lucrative ad buys…

Perhaps.

If we dare assume that Rush is merely thus… just a fool and ignorant blowhard, then to whom does he practice and direct his charade, and whom is expected to consume his snake-oil?

If, even for a moment, his devout adherents might reflect that perhaps Limbaugh was, *gasp* actually insincere and unconvinced by his own remonstrances of “liberal” causes and concerns of that so absorb the “conservative right”…he’d be finished in a week. Every time Rush spouts some “over-the line” blather and BS, the ditto-heads lap it up like kittens at a bowl full of milk. Hate, fear, ignorance, and vitriol are the fodder upon which his followers feed…greedily.

But now we see what will neuter any feral moron…requisite advertiser flight. Not one currently serving leader of the Republican party had the temerity to insist that Rush either apologize for his pointed and directly personal attacks, nor would any directly repudiate his remarks. None. But when advertisers pull their monetary support… concessions of fault seem earnestly at the ready (See:Glen Beck)

“But isn't he just another DJ? If Howard Stern can say whatever he wants on his show can't Rush do the same? Just because he favors radical right GOP listeners doesn't make him an official spokesperson for them and they shouldn't be held accountable for his actions. Or am I wrong?”

Well yes, you are wrong…and here’s why.

Howard Stern is no serious advocate of any liberal cause or interests… he’s quite literally, just an “entertainer”. I believe Stern to be just as big a blowhard buffoon as Limbaugh…but with one defining difference. Stern does not presuppose to “speak for” any particular group or association, and Stern certainly does not claim any moral authority or intellectual superiority above others in his own ramblings.

Rush…does…

Distinction defined.

Besides, whether or not Rush claims to the the spokesman of any GOP lunatic fringe, there are few that would argue to the contrary within any visible light of day or reasoned illumination. Rush speaks for (loudly) the “nuts” of the GOP. That is the mantle he has chosen to bear and wear for himself. So be it.

Does Rush “believe” what he spouts? I don’t claim to know with any certainty what he holds with conviction, and will not dare to speculate otherwise.

But know that any efforts to “qualify” his commentaries and remarks as simply the disingenuous and insincere ramblings of a pitiful man cynically seeking to pander to ignorant and fearful fools in the search for higher ratings and expensive ad buys from contracted sponsors… exposes Limbaugh as just another carnival barker drawing rubes to his 90 sec thrill ride upon the tilt-a-whril. If you throw up, have fun, or just look for another diversion to excite you more, he won’t care. He got you to buy a ticket on his amusement ride, and that’s what he cares about most of all.

In either circumstance he profits, and you’re the chump with less in hand... whether you have the kewpie doll to take home or not...

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I think it's because everyone knows that certain media groups are politically connected. Limbaugh isn't the voice of the GOP, but is one of them, albeit of a very far right group. And I really doubt he is for amusement. Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are for entertainment, the douche bags on Red Light are a weak attempt at comedy, but Limbaugh seems to be serious. Although it is likely he is used for his very far and very right statements for ratings. Of course lot's of people believe him, but shock sells.

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

Well yes, you are wrong…and here’s why.

Howard Stern is no serious advocate of any liberal cause or interests… he’s quite literally, just an “entertainer”. I believe Stern to be just as big a blowhard buffoon as Limbaugh…but with one defining difference. Stern does not presuppose to “speak for” any particular group or association, and Stern certainly does not claim any moral authority or intellectual superiority above others in his own ramblings.

Rush…does…

Distinction defined.

So you are saying the just claiming to be the spokesman for the GOP makes it so? I agree with much of what you said but I would like to explore how a self imposed title can be made a reality as it seems to have happened with Rush. You're saying that if a person makes a claim of a title and gets the masses to accept that title then the title is legitimate. I fear you are most likely correct in this.

 

[Storm]

So you are saying the just claiming to be the spokesman for the GOP makes it so? I agree with much of what you said but I would like to explore how a self imposed title can be made a reality as it seems to have happened with Rush. You're saying that if a person makes a claim of a title and gets the masses to accept that title then the title is legitimate. I fear you are most likely correct in this.

I don't presume to speak for s2a, but when you couple his point with T's:

He certainly portrays himself as a GOP mouth piece. As for whether the GOP wants him to keep his mouth shut or not, the way I see it is if you're not condemning the BS they're spewing, then you're ok with those people saying it. If the GOP goes silent when they're asked where they stand on Rushy-Poo's remarks, I think you'll have your answer.

... yeah, I'm afraid so. In such cases, silence is assent.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

In such cases, silence is assent.

Agreed. (Romney's response speaks volumes about the man.)

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

Agreed. (Romney's response speaks volumes about the man.)

Maybe, but its volumes of information we already knew.

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

Limbaugh and the Imus Effect: Has Rush’s Mouth Written a Check His Sponsors Won’t Cash?

The way the Limbaugh controversy has unfolded since last week has reminded me of another radio host, famous for saying outrageous things, who suddenly crossed a line and self-immolated: Don Imus, who lost his radio and TV gigs in 2007 after referring to the Rutgers’ women’s basketball team as “nappy-headed hos.” Pushing the envelope was just something Imus did, and generally got a pass for, from his media peers and politicians. But the Rutgers incident changed that, and put much of what he’d said in the past in a new light.

Why? The insult and the racially-charged language wasn’t something new on Imus’s show. The issue with his Rutgers slam was: power. Here, Imus was saying something egregiously hurtful, not about a politician or massively popular celebrity or even pro athletes, but some high-achieving college students who did nothing more to deserve it than to get attention for doing something that would make most parents proud of them. On top of every other reason to reject Imus’s remarks, it was a classic jerk move, a high-profile man elevating some women far less famous and established than him just to insult them. You might not have like Imus calling anyone a nappy-headed ho, but the blatant status asymmetry of the situation—a big shot picking on college women—offended a basic sense of decency even among people who didn’t object to him before.

Limbaugh’s situation may not be exactly parallel, because all analogies break down at some point, but there’s a lot of basic similarity. Again, you have an old man with a tremendously successful radio show attacking a well-spoken young woman in college—and not simply for the beliefs she volunteered to argue, but in a very personal and directly sexual way. At that point, it become not just outrageousness and hyperbole: it’s bullying and unfair, in a way that is going to resonate beyond people who already couldn’t stand Rush to begin with.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

I was remined this morning of Bill Mahr's comments about Sarah Palin. I'm trying to recall if I was similarly incensed. Interesting ...

 

[Sunstone]

Limbaugh lost some advertisers and has come out with an apology.