Is Rush Limbaugh the Republican Party's Michael Moore?
A few in the media are beginning to make the comparison
After Rush Limbaugh's keynote speech at this weekend's Conservative Political Action Conference, the boisterous, partisan radio host is drawing big headlines and a fair amount of controversy among the rank and file members of the GOP. A few in the media have begun to compare Limbaugh to the liberal filmmaker Michael Moore. Writes one blogger: "Much like Moore, Rush is a huge hit among his own base" but his rambunctious political style has made him "pretty much despised by independents and Democrats." Is Rush Limbaugh the Republican Michael Moore? To what extent are the two similar? Is Limbaugh's influence among Republicans waxing or waning? Post your thoughts.
Previously: What Should the United States Do About Iran?
Reader Comments
my thought
I think Limbaugh is entertaining, sometimes educational, but too over the top with his right wing views. I pretty much thing the same thing about Moore on the left.
I prefer Moore over Limbaugh, but Limbaugh has much more star power and makes way more money.
Rush and Michael
Both men are polarizing influences, and embody political extremes. However, at such a turbulent point in American history, I don't think either gentleman has much to offer beyond the ability to stir an already roiling pot in order to make headlines. That Rush Limbaugh is being touted by some, as the "voice of the Republican party" makes clear that the Grand Old Party is having an identity crisis. This is only natural, given the last eight years, and the outcome of the last election. Believe me, at my age, I have seen this happen over and over with both the G.O.P. and the Dems. It's like watching someone have a mid-life crisis - it isn't pretty, and it's embarrassing to witness.
The real point is this: We cannot remain, a nation divided. We need strong Republican leadership and we need strong Democratic leadership, because we need both of those views. We need each other, folks. I have every confidence, the G.O.P. will "find itself" again. They have to. We won't, as a nation, make it without them any more than we will survive without the Democrats. What we don't need are divisive voices, ridiculous power struggles and undue attention being given to portly blowhards. No matter how entertaining or "truthful" you, the consumer, find them to be. We need, as one nation, to regain a sense of decorum and civil discourse. The grandstanding antics of talk radio voices, or the drama created by documentary filmakers may be entertaining, but it's nothing more than distraction.
That our leaders are being sucked into this entertainment vortex is more than a little disturbing.
Rush Bashing & Defending....
Kevin of NY, when did you get out? On the petition that was recently circulated, my signature was #763. Your discussion before the parole board must have been very positive and persuasive. I trust that your rehabilitation was equally constructive and wish you well on your return to society.
I'm somewhat disappointed at the overall tone and content of this particular forum. By taking name-calling and blind loyalty to new heights, we are proving the very point/characterization that we should be doing our best to avoid.
Whether liberal or conservative (or both), listening to political discourse, rhetoric, hyperbole, etc. should NOT be a thoughtless cathartic experience. We should ask the questions: Do I have all the information? Taken out of context? Logical or valid? Does IT make sense? To reference a person's waistline or ego certainly brings into question your ability to have an informed opinion about anything.
Any comparison between Rush and Moore is ultimately irrelevant and should not influence the opinions that, hopefully, we can agree to disagree on.
advertisement
