Rush Limbaugh’s attack on Georgetown student Sandra Fluke–calling her, among other things, a “slut” for advocating for contraceptives coverage–has caused some stirrings on the right that are worth looking at.
One outcome is the idea that Limbaugh’s an outlier who sensible people repudiated. Kathleen Parker‘s Washington Post column on Saturday (3/2/12) cheered Limbaugh for uniting all decent people in opposition to his crude attacks:
Who’d have thought that Rush Limbaugh would become the great uniter in this divisive political season?
Indeed, he has united decent people of all stripes and persuasions with his vile remarks about a Georgetown University law student.
Actually, the Republican presidential candidates hardly distinguished themselves in discussing Limbaugh’s comments. (Mitt Romney eventually managed to say it was “not the language I would have used.” Tough words!) It’s important to remember this is all coming from the same person who pondered Barack Obama’s fullbloodedness.
On ABC’s This Week (3/4/12), Republican pundit Matthew Dowd attempted to dismiss Limbaugh as someone people don’t really listen to:
There’s a myth around Rush Limbaugh. This idea that he influences a large number of Republican voters is a complete myth. Keep in mind, Rush Limbaugh attacked Newt Gingrich before the South Carolina primary, and Newt Gingrich won South Carolina.
And then Rush Limbaugh attacked Mitt Romney before the Florida primary, and Mitt Romney wins Florida. I think the problem is the Republican leaders, Mitt Romney and the other candidates, don’t have the courage to say what they say in quiet, which, they think Rush Limbaugh is a buffoon.
They think Rush Limbaugh is a buffoon. They don’t think he’s helpful in this marketplace. They think he is like a clown coming out of a small car at a circus. It’s great he is entertaining and all that. But nobody takes him seriously.
This is strange. Limbaugh has no great power over voters, but politicians and candidates with actual power are afraid of him? This reads like an attempt to pretend that Limbaugh isn’t enormously influential–not to mention powerful–among conservatives and the Republican Party. This simply isn’t the case. Remember in 2009 Michael Steele–then the head of the Republican National Committee–had to walk back some critical comments he made about Limbaugh. It was widely interpreted as a humiliation of Steele, and a sign that Limbaugh does, in fact, really matter.
The best assessment of Limbaugh’s relationship with powerful Republicans came from another ABC panelist, conservative George Will: “The Republican leaders are afraid of Rush Limbaugh. They want to bomb Iran, but they’re afraid of Rush Limbaugh.”
congressman phil gingrey (r-ga) criticized rushbo and, after getting a public spanking on the next day’s show, quickly apologized..
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/18067.html
really really BIG clown….really small car
Tell your representatives in Washington D.C. that you do not want YOUR tax dollars to support Rush Limbaugh’s show. Sign the petition at http://signon.org/sign/stoptherushtax
Again my comments are aticulated in the following article:
Title: ALL THEM FAMILY GUYS
Link: http://deyanbrashich.com/home/2012/3/8/all-them-family-guys.html
OH for the love of God FAIR…….Why would you comment on this story?It was old news days ago.
michael e.:
” Old news?” NOT! It seems that so many of his sponsors have left Rush, that his program is running PSAs or dead air. More runaway sponsors every day.
The real “old news” is that a panel of men won’t let a woman speak about women’s health, even though we’re all living in the 21st century. Lysistrata had the right idea: stop the warring or lose the loving!
Ah, do my suspicion is correct when I say that someone is pulling the strings of these GOP puppets.
Im thinking the record shows that Rush Limbaugh never crossed a line that fatal day – by that i mean the Rush line. You will find that the Rush line has always been OVER the norm line. So what has changed? A: Occupy Wall Street, the world is not the same.
The Limbaugh tolerence all these years is something of a communal set-up for the day when his audience and advertises (the cult) leave him with his vile ball and announce “we’re just not going to play with you any more”.
We all know i hope that Occupy is really the movement to secure women’s right, and with that, the rights of children and families – everyone.
Will someone with access to the Limbaugh tapes please show the public that an attack on women of this nature pre-Occupy by Limbaugh routinely caused absolutely nothing?
Rush is Rush these past few weeks as he has been since day one. We need to talk to the issue and the media must stop pretending that Limbaugh stepped over some mark THIS TIME! No, Rish is just doing his show, it’s the reaction that’s has suddenly identified a line.
And you cant compare Rush’s Republican power of 2009 with today because Occupy has shaken the ground a little, yet well enough. Its ok even for anti-Darwinian creatures to demonstrate some intelligence now and its VERY ok, even imperative, not to be the last stupid idiot left standing in the room.
Well actually i’m wrong about Rush power then and now, at least in so far as the Republican leaders go, because unlike others, they just don’t ‘get’ Occupy. They ARE the last stupid idiots on their podiums.
Gloriana….Most people carping about this don’t understand a few realities.One Rush is contractually a 400 million dollar man who in effect owns his own show.Sponsors are not his problem.He lost a few in a knee jerk reaction, that were made up within hours.He is the number one show in his class with a listenership that is massive and growing every minute.This was a pin prick across the bow of an aircraft carrier.He has moved on.
Now we on the right know the massive personal insults all conservative woman face at the hands of the left.Sarah Palin and her girls being a good example.But thats Ok I suppose.And of course no apology is ever forthcoming.Well not totally true.David Letterman did apologize for saying her sixteen year old daughter was banging Alex Rodriguez.Beyond that nothing.So he(Rush) said something to this 30 year old professional agitator that he should not of and apologized.Of course the real problem is that he made fun of one of the libs sacred cows….WOMANS ISSUES!And all you libs have your knickers in a twist.We live in an amazing country.Glorian .We who listen think he is a brilliant man with a heart as big as gold, and is funny as hell as he uncovers daily the hypocrisy on the left.But you on the left who think he is a blowhard,lier and all the other very personal insults you daily heap can do a very simple thing.CHANGE THE CHANNEL
when we ,the progressive types, refer to ol’ rush we should add “that bozo”
Progressive……..Im amazed people still use the term that refers to a group that wants to effect change using an empowered fed.
I’d note that this “man” with the “heart of gold” called a 30 year old woman a “slut,” a “prostitute,” or some variation of those words 51 times in a three day period.
At this late date the only thing more disgraceful than Limbaugh’s hate speech is people continuing to defend it.
now major advertisers are asking that all ads be removed from right wing talk radio
radio-info.com reports
Premiere Networks is circulating a list of 98 advertisers who want to avoid â┚¬Ã…“environments likely to stir negative sentiments.â┚¬Ã‚ The list includes Ford, GM, Toyota, Allstate, Geico, Prudential, State Farm, McDonald’s and Subway.
â┚¬Ã…“To all Traffic Managers: The information below applies to your Premiere Radio Networks commercial inventory. More than 350 different advertisers sponsor the programs and services provided to your station on a barter basis. Like advertisers that purchase commercials on your radio station from your sales staff, our sponsors communicate specific rotations, daypart preferences and advertising environments they preferâ┚¬Ã‚¦
They’ve specifically asked that you schedule their commercials in dayparts or programs free of content that you know are deemed to be offensive or controversial (for example, Mark Levin, Rush Limbaugh, Tom Leykis, Michael Savage, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity). Those are defined as environments likely to stir negative sentiment from a very small percentage of the listening public.â┚¬Ã‚Â
http://www.radio-info.com/news/when-it-comes-to-advertisers-avoiding-controversial-shows-its-not-just-rush
HI michael e. :
Hmmm re: Sarah Palin. Well, at first I was excited to see a woman running for vice president, because it really is true that people often look to their culture to see where they are and what they can do as possibilities. Role models do have an impact on everyone negative or positive. Although, after hearing her speak, I was sadly disappointed, because, while she is very photogenic and was a good representative that women can be both a mother AND have a career, I was kind of left feeling that, in her case, that was not possible. : )
I was willing to listen, but after listening, I didn’t hear a lot of intelligent content. Although, that seem to happen a lot lately in politics. What bothers so many women is that why are so many men interested in putting all their attention on womens health, and not on a postive way, but in a negative one.
I also don’t agree with your statement that Rush is somehow validated because a lot of people pay him a lot of money. Al Capone made a lot of money too, but that didn’t make him a worthwhile person. If you really think that womens issues are sacred cow issues, then that is really sad. I think that women re: lower pay, less secure futures based on that lower pay for similar, or even the exactly same job duties makes this an “equality” issue and not a ” cow” issue! : )
I also read an interesting report ( i’m sorry that I can’t remember where) that fathers of daughters seem to agree with me re: equality. Primogeniture ended a long time ago it seems, but It still seems to be flourishing yet! When there are so many issues in America now, re: jobs, home losses, cuts to education, and preserving the environment, then it seems very bizarre to me that some focus on attacking womens health issues. There are 7 billion people on a planet with diminishing resources, so I would hope that all those who choose to have children would want to work together to make a better future for all of us. Oh, and Progressive = COMMON GOOD to me, and, in fact, the history of Humanism recognized that a long time ago. It’s really hard to have Civil Society in an uncivil republic : )
I agree with you in many respects.I never felt Sarah was ready for the job of president.She quite simply was unqualified.For VP? Well lets say she would be every bit as good as Joe B.But again is that really the standard we want and need?Sadly she probably was as qualified as Obama for president.And there is another problem.I think her a dynamic woman who has accomplished much.I was especially impressed by her and her family on the national geo series they did for Alaska.She has nothing to be ashamed of.She has done a good job in horrendous circumstances.She is a good voice.For now libs need not fear her.She seems content with that role.
Rush is not validated.He made a mistake and apologized.And that is the way it is done.If people on the left feel he should be tard and feathered ,well that wont happen.He does in effect own his show.The best people can do who disagree with him is stop listening.My opinion is ..I heard the show and thought it a bit over the top for him and without his usual nuance.When he apologized I was over it in like ten seconds.I accepted it.Just as I would for Bill from mars if he EVER apologized for his slashes against conservative woman.Just not a big deal for me sorry.
As far as how woman are doing today?You view is very different from mine.I see the colleges full of woman.They are taking over the world :)A friend of mine just got her Doctorate in physics.She was the only girl in her class.Under her their are eight.We will have a woman president soon and possible a joint chiefs of staff head.I think any glass ceiling is gone.Of course their is the reality that woman sometimes want different things.It is hard to beat millions of year of genetics.And hey thats ok too.As long as opportunity is theirs to take.
Our troll wishes this were old news. But it’s not. And by the way, the Quitta from Wasilla is what she is: A not too bright, self-aggrandizing fool, who is now rich beyond her wildest dreams. And leader Limbaugh actually took down parts of the transcripts (you know, the part about his demand to view the sex tapes of his victim), so the Right and their leaders continue to step into the shit–they just can’t help themselves. I look forward to leader Limbaugh and Seer Palin at the convention; perhaps they can be seated right next to each other. And any trolling right-wingers who can’t tell the difference between a self-promoting, simpleton huckster who puts herself in the limelight (Palin) and a private citizen who simply asks to speak her mind, and has no intention of self-aggrandizement (Ms. Fluke), is an idiot. Here’s hoping Ms. Fluke sues Limbaugh for slander. Losing about 90 sponsors is a big deal, and so is being sued. That Limbaugh actually pulled down parts of what he said, and apparently thought no one would notice, means he’s both stupid and scared shitless.
Rush is a Racist, not just anti-Feminist. He makes the word ‘HATE” sound like a nice word
Tim all that said……..why are you not mentioning the horrific slanders that go on daily ,and have been going on for years against conservative woman?And Mrs fluke is a professional 30 year old agitator.Whether or not she does it for self aggrandizement is another question.But one thing is for sure….BOTH she and Rush AND Bill Maher are private citizens.This is all about trying to take a Bill Maher moment for the right and spin it into something that diverts attention and paints the right as anti woman.It is political games.Now when you start attacking Bill Maher and his sponsors for what he has said about Sarah Palin and her daughters” we” will listen to you as something other than a rank hypocrite.As far as Sarahs intelligence I have two words for ya….Joe Biden.Here is two more…Barrack Obama!!!!
And bowsnee…………here we go again.Who was it who went to a black separatist church with a racist pastor who was Obamas friend and mentor for twenty five years.Oh and BAM never heard him say anything right?Pa lease!Was that Rush or the president of the United states?Wanna see a racist paper?Read Michelle Obamas thesis(if ya can still get it).Wanna know who is Rushes best friend?Who has been his producer for going on 20 years?Bo Snerdly.A six foot five dark as night(his words)black man.A man who has street creed(his words)as a “real black man ,unlike that Barrack Obama”(as stated by Rev Al Sharpton) .Ever see the five or six guys who are in Rushes inner circle?His golf buddies are a group of ex NFL players and business men he vacations with often.Three out of five are BLACK.Don’t be an idiot. And Anti Feminist is not anti feminine.Remember that once the feminist movement morphed into a political arm of the ultra left liberal machine ,it lost all its pathos.Rush often makes fun of its strident shrieking approach to “woman’s issues”.Feminism should be there to support woman who move ahead by making paths seldom tread by woman.Woman like Sarah Palin.But they only support those who move in the Gloria Steinem/Hilary Clinton model.No show me a conservative woman from Judges ,to politicians to just about anyone on the conservative side that “feminists” support.Rush points out this hypocrisy daily.And show me any of the Feminist leaders attacking the regime in Iran for their treatment of woman.Where are they holding the banner of war against sharia law?Silence.Dead calm.No their enemy is Sarah Palin?Doubly so that she decided to actually HAVE a challenged child.Man the hypocrisy is so thick with you lot you could cut it with a knife.
Ps……..Santorum’s chief of staff and good friend for more than ten years is openly GAY.Everyday I am reinforced in my understanding that you people don’t know what the hell you speak of.
Re: “… politicians and candidates with actual power are afraid of him…”
Decent politicians SHOULD fear his support; voters might assume his support = association.
At this late date the only thing more disgraceful than Limbaugh’s hate speech is people continuing to defend it.
The ONLY THING MORE DISGRACEFUL?????Are you actually going to try to take a sarcastic, caustic/insulting remark by a radio show host against a professional agitator, that has already been apologized for… and try to say that there is nothing more disgraceful going on?What is this a joke?I can think of ten things off the tip of my hat that happened TODAY more disgraceful without even thinking about it.I sometimes see you guys as a dog with a bone in its mouth that it wont relinquish, as the house burns down.Maybe we should join in this nonsense and start re-arguing that Clinton should be impeached case.Talk about dodging the real problems that face us.But in the end if I have said it once I have said it a hundred times.ITS ALL YA GOT.Im starting to wonder if Obamas campaign speech at his convention will have as its main point that RUSH made a professional agitator cry so re elect me.!
Michael e
1. You seem very fond of the term “professional agitator”. Who pays her? What is she agitating for? What is the difference between agitation and arguing for what you believe in?
2. Limbaugh’s apology was, “I should not have used the words I did, and it was wrong,” and elsewhere for his “word choices,” or “simply for using inappropriate words”. Note he does not back away from the content of what he said, only the word choices. This is a non-apology in my book. By your book everything would have been okay if Limbaugh had simply used a polite term for “slut” and “sex tapes”?
3. How can someone be both immensely popular and not powerful
At this late date in the discussion, the only thing more disgraceful than Limbaugh’s hate speech is people continue to continue to defend it.
I think it’s working P. Ness. Your irrefutable statement is like a boll-weevil drilling into the cottoned head of our fellow troll-citizens. Diabolical!
Bill maher is a jerk-off. And he has no sponsors, dummy. Bill Maher is a jerk-off because he recently insisted that people like me need to contribute dough to the President’s re-election efforts. Not because he called Palin, (a public figure, a politician), a boor, or a dunce, or a dim-bulb, or what ever it was. She is all that, and more, of course. Limbaugh is a very public figure (Jesus! Do you really not get this?) who shot his mouth off and now is paying the price. Telling lies about Ms. Fluke is low and mean and stupid and immature, and lying about her status in this regard (a paid provocateur) is the sign of a weak and frightened mind (think Bill O’Reilly and his troll admirers). Limbaugh stepped into the shit, and his apologists are trying to pull his fat ass out of it. Try sending him money, losers. Money and flowers and poorly reasoned and written accolades. The Right comes off, as usual, like a bunch of thin-skinned, angry, half-bright boys.
Tim your barking at Bill M is a little surprising.He has basically tread the good path for your side.At Rush (and me it is expected
Cable and satellite subscriptions ,as well as product placement pay the bills for HBO shows.Technically that is not sponsors, though you could argue the product placements are..Point is Tim Bill has a boss.Rush really does not.