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The Rush factor in Republican politics

Would someone please explain to me the strange (strangle) hold conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh has on the leadership of the Republican Party.

Okay, so a lot of people tune to listen to the radio ranting of this bombastic blowhard. A recent news report referred to his 20 million listeners (who allegedly make up a large part of the so-called party base), and the fact that party leaders are fearful of offending them. Let's get the facts straight. While his is the most listened to talk show on radio, the Arbitron rating puts his audience at around 14 million in 2006. True, it peaked at 20 million in 2003, but I'd like to see documentary proof that he sustained that level.

I imagine there are tons of listeners who really buy into the claptrap that spews from this guy's mouth, but it wouldn't surprise me to learn that many of his listeners just tune in because they have nothing better to do, or to be entertained. According to a March 2007 Rasmussen Report, in a nationwide survey, 62% of respondents viewed him unfavorably, as opposed to 33% who had a favorable opinion. By a 2 to 1 margin, he was rated worst of 18 media personalities assessed.

Other than a radio show with a sizeable audience, what does this guy have to offer that justifies the obeisance he receives from Republican politicians?

Is he a great intellect who frames the party doctrine eloquently? Are you kidding? This guy dropped out of Southeast Missouri State University after a year of failing everything, including ballroom dancing. Is he a model of the family values and integrity that allegedly forms the basis of the conservative movement? He's been married and divorced three times; has admitted to being addicted to painkillers; and demonstrates about as much Christian charity as a cottonmouth moccasin. Remember his mocking of Michael J. Fox during the 2008 campaign. If that is an example of Christianity, I'm glad I'm Buddhist.

Oh well, perhaps he's a great patriot who has put his life on the line for his country. Nope, forgot; he's never served in the military. True, he has some physical disabilities that make him ineligible, but you'd never know it from the vitriol he spouts on a daily basis.

But, you say, he's had a lifelong interest in politics. Right! He didn't register to vote until he was 35. Pray tell me, what was he doing for 18 years? Well, except for a short stint with the Kansas City Royals baseball franchise, he was bopping around the radio dial looking for a shtick that would stick. He tried TV, but thank goodness, the audience, and producers who were paying attention, put an end to that.

I will wait patiently for someone to give me a rational explanation for this guy's clout, but I think it will come only, in the immortal words of Flo the waitress in one of my favorite TV shows, "When donkeys fly!"

Learn more about this author, Charles Ray.
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