Friedersdorf: Rush the Race-Baiter

US News • Views: 1,890

At the Daily Beast, Conor Friedersdorf makes an excellent point about the well-documented racially charged comments of a certain right wing deity talk show host: Rush the Race-Baiter.

I share a powerful distaste for characters like Al Sharpton, who deliberately play on the racial anxieties of Americans. As one of the most powerful slurs in American life, “racist” is an accusation that ought to be made rarely, after careful deliberation, with incontrovertible evidence, and never merely to score points at the expense of a political adversary. So I join Mr. Hinderaker and Mr. McCarthy in asserting that Mr. Limbaugh has never been proved a racist, and that race-baiting is an awful feature of American public discourse. It damages reputations and undermines our ability to target actual racism. Those who engage in it deserve our ire.

But even a cursory review of Limbaugh’s radio archives reveal the talk radio host to be a frequent race-baiter, one of the guys who obsessively trades on race.

In fact, based entirely on statements made by Mr. Limbaugh in 2009, one begins to wonder whether he’s been a bigger racial demagogue than even Al Sharpton during that period.

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119 comments
1 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:27:44pm

Ohhh given the history, Rush is far worse. Sharpoton at best was a local rabble rouser. Rush has whipped up a lot of scary and armed people.

2 DaddyG  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:29:12pm

Sharpton and Limbaugh are good for each others business. I don't see much difference between the two and I really don't care who amassed the greater amount of critical idiotic mass in the last year.

3 KingKenrod  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:30:02pm

re: #1 LudwigVanQuixote

Ohhh given the history, Rush is far worse. Sharpoton at best was a local rabble rouser. Rush has whipped up a lot of scary and armed people.

Give me a break.

[Link: wcbstv.com...]

4 SeaMonkey  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:30:29pm

Hear, hear Conor. Well said.

5 GCM29  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:31:32pm

Look, I've got my problems with some of the things Rush does and some of his views. He's said a lot of stupid, insensitive things from time to time but I don't believe he's a straight up racist. Sharpton is worse, just my opinion.

6 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:31:59pm

re: #3 KingKenrod

I don't debate that Sharpton is odious.

But, I'm not going to give you a break, because Rush is much more widely listened to than Sharpton.

7 DaddyG  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:32:28pm

Comparing who is a worse demagogue is a losing proposition; like having to prove "your ass smells worse than mine".

8 middy  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:32:30pm

[ditto head]We're not racist! It's all those brown people who complain about racism that are racist![/ditto head]

9 Kragar  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:33:11pm

But it was satire!

/

10 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:33:23pm

We can play who's the biggest asshole all day with these two. No one will win the equivalence game between these guys.

11 Tardis  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:33:35pm

Sharpton and Rush seem to have this down to a science. They are great with the statement and then the wink-wink of deniability.

Rush is louder only because he has a bigger megaphone/microphone.

12 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:33:47pm

re: #7 DaddyG

Comparing who is a worse demagogue is a losing proposition; like having to prove "your ass smells worse than mine".

I rather like that quote to be honest.

13 Spare O'Lake  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:33:52pm

re: #7 DaddyG

Comparing who is a worse demagogue is a losing proposition; like having to prove "your ass smells worse than mine".

That is a really crappy simile.

14 erraticsphinx  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:34:01pm

There is no defense to the things Rush said.

Sorry, "Sharpton! Jackson! Ahhh!" doesn't cut it.
And it kind of...*cough* shows your inner feeling on the matter *cough*.

15 middy  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:34:54pm

re: #13 Spare O'Lake

That is a really crappy simile.

Yeah, there's a crack in the logic.

16 DaddyG  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:35:17pm

re: #13 Spare O'Lake

That is a really crappy simile.

Wipe that simile off of your face!

17 John Neverbend  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:35:53pm

re: #2 DaddyG

Sharpton and Limbaugh are good for each others business. I don't see much difference between the two and I really don't care who amassed the greater amount of critical idiotic mass in the last year.

At least Sharpton was caricatured in a major novel. That hasn't happened to Rush, at least not yet.

18 Soundboard Fez  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:36:46pm

re: #1 LudwigVanQuixote

Ohhh given the history, Rush is far worse. Sharpoton at best was a local rabble rouser. Rush has whipped up a lot of scary and armed people.

Yeah, I'm sure none of Sharpton's constituency has weapons. /s

19 Ben Hur  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:36:49pm

Ooohh...

We're covering only 2009!

Well that changes everything.

I mean, NOTHING, not Tawana, not riots, not Freddy's came up at all when Al ran for president.

20 Spare O'Lake  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:37:04pm

re: #15 middy

Yeah, there's a crack in the logic.

It is not a comparison that I care to get behind.

21 sardonic  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:37:16pm

Let's see, he doesn't like Mark Levin, he doesn't like Andrew Breitbart, likes David Frum though ... and of course Andrew Sullivan thinks he's divine

22 [deleted]  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:38:24pm
23 DaddyG  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:38:27pm

One of my favorite Sharpton charactures is the Futurama episode where the museum is showing the treasures of Al Sharpton's tomb. Complete with bling and a velour jogging suit. I wish I could find a link to that.

Reverend Al has done some very good things in our local community and for that I can look past some of his dumber stunts. Public figures should avoid race baiting no matter what their profile is.

24 Ben Hur  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:38:42pm

re: #22 LudwigVanQuixote

I would love to see a viral meme on the net where someone obviously photoshopped it, clearly as "satire", a photo shoot of Rush getting his bottom sorely used by Al Sharpton from behind.

The caption: Rush is tired of being a bitch.

Why do you hate gays?

25 Kragar  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:39:00pm

OT

You ever wonder if Geddy Lee and Gavin Rossdale call each other up and gripe about what problems with they get because of their band names?

26 Spare O'Lake  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:39:04pm

re: #16 DaddyG

Wipe that simile off of your face!

You must be a few sheets to the wind!

27 Killgore Trout  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:39:04pm

re: #21 sardonic

Andrew Breitbart has a long history of questionable statements and is a personal friend of RS McCain.

28 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:39:46pm

re: #24 Ben Hur

Why do you hate gays?

I do not hate gay people. However, Rush's fans do. That is why it amuses me. It's a multi nested "satire."

29 Yashmak  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:39:47pm

re: #7 DaddyG

Comparing who is a worse demagogue is a losing proposition; like having to prove "your ass smells worse than mine".

Quoted for truth. It's like trying to decide which of two decomposing bodies are 'more dead' than the other.

30 Ben Hur  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:40:12pm

re: #28 LudwigVanQuixote

I do not hate gay people. However, Rush's fans do. That is why it amuses me. It's a multi nested "satire."

Like an onion.

31 Sharmuta  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:40:38pm
Is there anyone in America who's accused more people of racism this year than Rush Limbaugh?

Of course, every race baiter must also cast someone as the aggrieved victim. There's the GOP: "They're moving to the back of the bus," Mr. Limbaugh said. "They're saying, 'I can't use that drinking fountain? Okay. I can't use that restroom? Okay.' That's the modern day Republican Party. The equivalent of the Old South. The new oppressed minority."

Conservative ideology- in the Goldwater sense of the term- doesn't rely on Americans feeling victimized. It's a self-reliant ideology, based on fiscal responsibility and individual rights. We're not victims. We're Americans with rights.

Promoting victimization is the style of other ideologies- not conservatism as I know it, but if this is what the right wants to promote and use to sway the electorate- they can count me out. They can also count on electoral defeats. They're unappealing.

32 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:41:03pm

re: #30 Ben Hur

Like an onion.

Indeedy, the only way to improve it would be to have Huckabee licking up the mess.

33 Ben Hur  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:41:20pm

re: #31 Sharmuta

Conservative ideology- in the Goldwater sense of the term- doesn't rely on Americans feeling victimized. It's a self-reliant ideology, based on fiscal responsibility and individual rights. We're not victims. We're Americans with rights.

Promoting victimization is the style of other ideologies- not conservatism as I know it, but if this is what the right wants to promote and use to sway the electorate- they can count me out. They can also count on electoral defeats. They're unappealing.

That was directed at Al, yes?

34 DaddyG  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:41:28pm

re: #28 LudwigVanQuixote

I do not hate gay people. However, Rush's fans do. That is why it amuses me. It's a multi nested "satire."

What about the log cabin ditto heads?

35 [deleted]  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:41:30pm
36 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:42:24pm

re: #34 DaddyG

What about the log cabin ditto heads?

I so do not understand them... They disapprove of themselves?

37 Sharmuta  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:42:39pm

re: #33 Ben Hur

That was directed at Al, yes?

No- it was directed at the neo-confederates and my fellow conservatives who should know better than to follow this strategy.

38 middy  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:42:41pm

re: #31 Sharmuta

Conservative ideology- in the Goldwater sense of the term- doesn't rely on Americans feeling victimized. It's a self-reliant ideology, based on fiscal responsibility and individual rights. We're not victims. We're Americans with rights.

Promoting victimization is the style of other ideologies- not conservatism as I know it, but if this is what the right wants to promote and use to sway the electorate- they can count me out. They can also count on electoral defeats. They're unappealing.

What an excellent point! QFT

39 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:43:22pm

re: #37 Sharmuta

No- it was directed at the neo-confederates and my fellow conservatives who should know better than to follow this strategy.

Ohhh great point... in the photo shoot we can have Rush biting a Dixie flag...

40 Soundboard Fez  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:43:43pm

re: #19 Ben Hur

Ooohh...

We're covering only 2009!

Well that changes everything.

I mean, NOTHING, not Tawana, not riots, not Freddy's came up at all when Al ran for president.

I suspect that was a purely fundraising exercise for Mr. Sharpton, and he did little other than serve the role of comic foil. The media gladly played along, unfortunately.

Had he been a threat to any of the legitimate candidates, it would have gotten REALLY ugly.

41 DaddyG  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:44:02pm

re: #36 LudwigVanQuixote

I so do not understand them... They disapprove of themselves?


I was teasing... but there are people who associate with groups that they don't agree with 100% because they have common issues that are more important to them.

Like me being a Lizard.

42 Walter L. Newton  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:44:10pm

re: #28 LudwigVanQuixote

I do not hate gay people. However, Rush's fans do. That is why it amuses me. It's a multi nested "satire."

But it's not funny when you use the gay lifestyle and practices to put down someone else. Sort of like putting someone down by saying "Gee, I'd like to see him scalped by an Indian." In your effort in ragging on Rush, you bring in stereotypes that are as offensive as the Rush himself.

43 Ben Hur  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:44:27pm

re: #39 LudwigVanQuixote

Ohhh great point... in the photo shoot we can have Rush biting a Dixie flag...

I'm sorry, I don't think Rush is as racist as that, and that Al is 1000X more.

It could be because I'm from NY and know Al's schtick.

44 Kragar  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:44:27pm

re: #35 happy4la

Go back and read some of the previous thread and get back to us.

45 Yashmak  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:44:45pm

re: #35 happy4la

I just wish your site would focus on more pressing issues. That is all.

Many of us here are enthusiastic conservatives, with life-long records of voting Republican. What could possibly be more pressing than watching the party we've followed faithfully betray us by embracing the likes of Beck, Limbaugh, and their ilk. . .tailspinning into a quagmire of thinly veiled racism and divisiveness, of theocratic rhetoric and so on?

46 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:44:58pm

re: #42 Walter L. Newton

But it's not funny when you use the gay lifestyle and practices to put down someone else. Sort of like putting someone down by saying "Gee, I'd like to see him scalped by an Indian." In your effort in ragging on Rush, you bring in stereotypes that are as offensive as the Rush himself.

ONly if you yourself think that there is something wrong with being gay. I do not.

47 Killgore Trout  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:45:02pm

re: #35 happy4la

There's more than enough evidence. If you want to support racist spokespeople for the conservative movement you're more than welcome to do so. The rest of us won't tolerate it.

48 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:46:12pm

re: #43 Ben Hur

I'm sorry, I don't think Rush is as racist as that, and that Al is 1000X more.

It could be because I'm from NY and know Al's schtick.

PLease do not think for a moment I am defending Al.

49 keithgabryelski  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:46:17pm

it's tough to come out of the gate with "rush is bigger race baiter than al sharpton" even if you do qualify it with "last year" -- you close people up immediately.

But, yeah ... he nailed it.

50 Ben Hur  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:46:22pm

re: #35 happy4la

I just wish your site would focus on more pressing issues.

is where you lose everyone.

51 Charles Johnson  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:46:52pm

Comments that whine about the topics I post or don't post will be deleted. As always.

52 Ben Hur  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:47:14pm

re: #48 LudwigVanQuixote

PLease do not think for a moment I am defending Al.

Feel free for the 2009 racial year, but overall, there's no comparison.

53 Walter L. Newton  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:47:35pm

re: #46 LudwigVanQuixote

ONly if you yourself think that there is something wrong with being gay. I do not.

Neither do I, but you are using gay people to put down someone else. Doesn't say much for respecting gay people. I would imagine that a lot of gay people wouldn't like to see Rush as any representation of their lifestyle.

And since gay people don't view anal sex as anything bad, why is it a put down in your eyes to see Rush in that position?

54 DaddyG  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:47:38pm

re: #51 Charles

Comments that whine about the topics I post or don't post will be deleted. As always.


Buuut Chaaarles... We want more cowbell!!! /

55 Sharmuta  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:48:26pm

re: #43 Ben Hur

I'm sorry, I don't think Rush is as racist as that, and that Al is 1000X more.

It could be because I'm from NY and know Al's schtick.

The point is, Dear- Rush has been race baiting hard since the election. Comparing him to Sharpton isn't something I would do, because analogies are weak arguments and easy to pick apart.

But the analogy doesn't change the fact Rush has increased this rhetoric. And we have the blogosphere defending a racist in stacy mccain, and the party is heading down a bad and dangerous path...

It's not excusable, and it's not electable.

56 Athens Runaway  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:48:47pm

re: #40 Soundboard Fez

I suspect that was a purely fundraising exercise for Mr. Sharpton, and he did little other than serve the role of comic foil. The media gladly played along, unfortunately.

Had he been a threat to any of the legitimate candidates, it would have gotten REALLY ugly.

Ah, so he was just joking and didn't mean it when he decried "the diamond merchants right here in Crown Heights, got the ADL rightfully upset at him, and went on to blame "yellow ***s" for the kerfuffle.

Maybe he was just being edgy and satirical? //

57 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:50:20pm

re: #53 Walter L. Newton

Neither do I, but you are using gay people to put down someone else. Doesn't say much for respecting gay people. I would imagine that a lot of gay people wouldn't like to see Rush as any representation of their lifestyle.

And since gay people don't view anal sex as anything bad, why is it a put down in your eyes to see Rush in that position?

Walter, obviously it isn't. Don't be an idiot.

58 Shiplord Kirel  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:50:54pm

re: #51 Charles

Comments that whine about the topics I post or don't post will be deleted. As always.

Personally, I think more bikini related topics might be in order.
/
(Hey, I'm old but not dead.)

59 sardonic  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:51:03pm

re: #27 Killgore Trout

Andrew Breitbart has a long history of questionable statements and is a personal friend of RS McCain.

I'm not too up on Andrew Breitbart's "long history of questionable staements" (that's awfully subjective btw, isn't it?), but if by those standards you're saying he's not meant to be taken seriously (or whatever it is you're saying about him), then I'm just wondering how you feel about that grandson of a typical white person, our current President of the US of KKKA.

60 Honorary Yooper  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:51:09pm

re: #46 LudwigVanQuixote

ONly if you yourself think that there is something wrong with being gay. I do not.

However, Ludwig, the imagery can be considered offensive on many levels. It could be considered anti-gay due or even racist. I have to agree with Walter on it.

61 Walter L. Newton  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:51:14pm

re: #55 Sharmuta

The point is, Dear- Rush has been race baiting hard since the election. Comparing him to Sharpton isn't something I would do, because analogies are weak arguments and easy to pick apart.

But the analogy doesn't change the fact Rush has increased this rhetoric. And we have the blogosphere defending a racist in stacy mccain, and the party is heading down a bad and dangerous path...

It's not excusable, and it's not electable.

I do see a troubling trend. I actually heard some weekend local talk show hosts this weekend trying to jump on the bandwagon and be BIGGER race baiters than Rush. It's like... "well, this is working for him, I'll give it a shot."

And these are only part time weekend host who really couldn't hold a candle to any national talk show host.

So, it's possible that Rush is actually sending a signal that it's ok to do this and do it more.

62 DaddyG  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:52:20pm

Everyone's A Little Bit Racist Sometimes

63 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:52:45pm

re: #60 Honorary Yooper

However, Ludwig, the imagery can be considered offensive on many levels. It could be considered anti-gay due or even racist. I have to agree with Walter on it.

Hey fair enough. I'll drop it.

I personally like the idea of giving racist homophobic rednecks like Rush dittoheads a taste of their worst psychotic fears. I think most gay people would get that and laugh with me.

However, I'll drop it.

64 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:52:54pm

re: #58 Shiplord Kirel

YES! More bikini related stuff, please.

65 Walter L. Newton  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:54:12pm

re: #57 LudwigVanQuixote

Walter, obviously it isn't. Don't be an idiot.

I don't give much credit to anyone that would use gay imagery to put someone else down... doesn't sound right to me. Not any more than I would want to see someone use Jewish stereotypes to put anyone down, any minority stereotypes to put anyone down, any racial stereotypes to put anyone down, any physical stereotype to put anyone down.

It's just me. Don't worry, it's not going to rub off on you.

66 BohicaTwentyTwo  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:54:12pm

So does race baiting make you are racist? I would say no, it makes you a poor debater, but not a racist.

67 Kragar  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:54:25pm

re: #64 Slumbering Behemoth

YES! More bikini related stuff, please.

If I atoll ya once, I atoll ya a thousand times about posts like that

68 Sharmuta  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:54:30pm

re: #61 Walter L. Newton

I do see a troubling trend. I actually heard some weekend local talk show hosts this weekend trying to jump on the bandwagon and be BIGGER race baiters than Rush. It's like... "well, this is working for him, I'll give it a shot."

And these are only part time weekend host who really couldn't hold a candle to any national talk show host.

So, it's possible that Rush is actually sending a signal that it's ok to do this and do it more.

If you defend the indefensible, it legitimizes it and increases its "acceptability". This translates into increased usage, and why wouldn't it since by its own defense it's no longer "indefensible"?

69 Walter L. Newton  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:54:33pm

re: #63 LudwigVanQuixote

Hey fair enough. I'll drop it.

I personally like the idea of giving racist homophobic rednecks like Rush dittoheads a taste of their worst psychotic fears. I think most gay people would get that and laugh with me.

However, I'll drop it.

I guess I'm still an idiot?

70 ferris  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:55:37pm
In fact, based entirely on statements made by Mr. Limbaugh in 2009, one begins to wonder whether he’s been a bigger racial demagogue than even Al Sharpton during that period.

The problem with Friedersdorf's thesis is, the world didn't start on 1/1/09.

Limbaugh has never been proven to be a racist but Sharpton has. Limbaugh doesn't have blood on his hands, Sharpton does.

It's taking cherry picking of facts to an idiotic level to say that on race Limbaugh is worse than Shaprton.

71 Ben Hur  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:55:42pm

re: #65 Walter L. Newton

I don't give much credit to anyone that would use gay imagery to put someone else down... doesn't sound right to me. Not any more than I would want to see someone use Jewish stereotypes to put anyone down, any minority stereotypes to put anyone down, any racial stereotypes to put anyone down, any physical stereotype to put anyone down.

It's just me. Don't worry, it's not going to rub off on you.

There's a gay joke in there somewhere.

/

72 DaddyG  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:56:18pm

Equating black and white or gay and straight with liberal and conservative is a stereotype in and of itself. One I've smacked up against with conservative minorities myself and been corrected for.

73 Kragar  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:56:36pm

re: #71 Ben Hur

There's a gay joke in there somewhere.

/

Perhaps an innuendo?

74 DaddyG  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:56:38pm

re: #69 Walter L. Newton

I guess I'm still an idiot?

That is a separate issue altoghether. //

75 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:56:44pm

re: #65 Walter L. Newton

re: #69 Walter L. Newton

Yes because you really don't get it.

You see, it is not mocking gay people at all. It is mocking racist homophobes.

76 Walter L. Newton  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:56:54pm

re: #68 Sharmuta

If you defend the indefensible, it legitimizes it and increases its "acceptability". This translates into increased usage, and why wouldn't it since by its own defense it's no longer "indefensible"?

In a sense, this is the same thing that infects the "balloon boy" family and other people like that. That "fame" factor is luring a whole lot of folks to cross the line.

77 Walter L. Newton  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:57:24pm

re: #71 Ben Hur

There's a gay joke in there somewhere.

/

Too bad I don't see it, nor find anything funny about what I said. Interesting.

78 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:57:29pm

re: #75 LudwigVanQuixote

re: #69 Walter L. Newton

Yes because you really don't get it.

You see, it is not mocking gay people at all. It is mocking racist homophobes.

And then when those rednecks get offended we get to say it was satire!

79 middy  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:58:41pm

re: #77 Walter L. Newton

It's cool, as long as you don't rub off on anyone...

80 Mad Al-Jaffee  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:58:55pm

Sharpton's career should have ended after the Brawley incident. Calling him a scumbag would be an insult to scum.

81 Soundboard Fez  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:59:15pm

re: #56 Athens Runaway

Ah, so he was just joking and didn't mean it when he decried "the diamond merchants right here in Crown Heights, got the ADL rightfully upset at him, and went on to blame "yellow ***s" for the kerfuffle.

Maybe he was just being edgy and satirical? //

He said that in 1991, and I was talking about how he acted in 2004.

In 2004 he ran for president, probably just to raise cash and raise his profile. He flew around the country, stayed in Four Seasons and Ritzes everywhere he went. He went to the debates and acted silly. He kept a lighthearted and rather comic demeanor throughout the race, in very stark contrast to his history.

Neither the media not his opponents called him out on that statement (or many, many others) from the past because he wasn't a serious candidate in the race.

82 DaddyG  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:59:22pm

re: #75 LudwigVanQuixote

re: #69 Walter L. Newton

Yes because you really don't get it.

You see, it is not mocking gay people at all. It is mocking racist homophobes.

Let me get this straight... would a lawn jockey be an appropriate way of protesting horse racing?

83 Athens Runaway  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:59:31pm

re: #70 ferris

The problem with Friedersdorf's thesis is, the world didn't start on 1/1/09..

It's one of the memes on LGF that "liberals believe all history started with the election of George W. Bush." Whether or not that meme (along with others) is still thought to be valid is open to debate, but neglecting to see events in historical context was thought to be one of the things idiotarians do.

84 Walter L. Newton  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 12:59:54pm

re: #82 DaddyG

Let me get this straight... would a lawn jockey be an appropriate way of protesting horse racing?

Who are you asking? Ludwig or me?

85 John Neverbend  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:00:06pm

re: #64 Slumbering Behemoth

YES! More bikini related stuff, please.

Made you look, made you stare...

By the way, if you look at the dark blue waterline between Nam and Bokonejien in the northwest corner of the atoll, you'll see that it appears to be taking a bite out of the light blue area. This is the 2 mile underwater crater created by the 15MT Castle Bravo test.

86 Killgore Trout  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:00:38pm

I see there are still a lot of people who want to obfuscate for Rush's racism. It's not going to work no matter how hard you try. You can convince yourself that there's nothing wrong with the stuff he's said or claim that didn't say it. Nobody else is going to buy it. Rush is too racist to own a football team. It's not only embarrassing to Rush but it also reflects poorly on conservatives. The only way this problem is going to go away is to stop listening to Rush (Beck too). The problem can be very easily fixed. Conservatives are the only ones who can do it.

87 Ben Hur  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:00:48pm

re: #82 DaddyG

Let me get this straight... would a lawn jockey be an appropriate way of protesting horse racing?

Don't get me started on lawn jockeys!

88 DaddyG  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:01:05pm

re: #84 Walter L. Newton

Who are you asking? Ludwig or me?

Ludwig. I think he should admit to his joke being inappropriate and aimed at the wrong target. I was trying to illustrate that point.

89 Walter L. Newton  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:01:08pm

re: #78 LudwigVanQuixote

And then when those rednecks get offended we get to say it was satire!

And if Rush was anti-semitic, and I used a Jewish racial and cultural reference to mock Rush, that would be ok with you?

90 Walter L. Newton  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:02:06pm

re: #88 DaddyG

Ludwig. I think he should admit to his joke being inappropriate and aimed at the wrong target. I was trying to illustrate that point.

He already apologized for the joke, but according to him, I'm still stupid for pointing out the inappropriate joke.

Go figure.

91 Ben Hur  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:04:25pm

re: #89 Walter L. Newton

And if Rush was anti-semitic, and I used a Jewish racial and cultural reference to mock Rush, that would be ok with you?

Are you Jewish?

/C'mon! THAT was funny!

92 GCM29  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:04:49pm

re: #45 Yashmak

I can't upding yet because I'm not at 50 comments, but this is a very good response. Bravo.

93 freetoken  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:05:09pm

I noticed that RL Simon posted an article on his PJM last night, in which he basically states there is little racism in this country. This in the context of the Limbaugh controversy.

Unfortunatley for RLS, his commenters have proven him to be out of touch with American society, or at least out of sync with his own audience, where arguments over racism per se has turned into an ugly continuation of racism-inspired language. Lots of angst in those comments. (Even a link to the Harpy.)

RLS ignores the problem with his own writers, such as RSM, who of course he doesn't mention in the article. So it is no wonder that he ignores the problems of Limbaugh. RLS, and other defenders of Limbaugh, want everyone to believe that the only reason people see the racism in Limbaugh's remarks is because Al Sharpton has fooled people. For myself, over the years I came to the conclusion that Limbaugh was playing on the hatred of many groups, including disenfranchised "white" people who feel aggrieved over items such as affirmative action.

RLS also totally ignores the several clearly racist images coming out of GOP operatives... the last count I saw was I think 13. Now, perhaps RLS would claim that only those 13 people were the racists... I tend to believe that the people sending out those images know their fellow members and constituents well.

Why so many on the "right" keep falling on their swords for a man (Limbaugh) whose lifetime radio schtick is to reinforce the prejudices in the minds of angry people, not just in "racism" per se but on other topics, is a story in itself.

94 Ben Hur  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:05:20pm

Can we get a 1/2 ding button?

Or like a line item button that we can ding specific parts of a post, but downding others?

95 Ben Hur  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:06:18pm

re: #86 Killgore Trout

I see there are still a lot of people who want to obfuscate for Rush's racism. It's not going to work no matter how hard you try. You can convince yourself that there's nothing wrong with the stuff he's said or claim that didn't say it. Nobody else is going to buy it. Rush is too racist to own a football team. It's not only embarrassing to Rush but it also reflects poorly on conservatives. The only way this problem is going to go away is to stop listening to Rush (Beck too). The problem can be very easily fixed. Conservatives are the only ones who can do it.

You think he said the stuff that CNN, etc had to retract?

96 DaddyG  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:07:13pm

Heh. The banner ad on the right is for Rush (the rock group) T-shirts.

A swiiing and a miss.

97 Killgore Trout  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:08:13pm

re: #95 Ben Hur

Two of the quotes were questionable. The rest were real and verified. There are plenty more.

98 SanFranciscoZionist  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:08:18pm

re: #95 Ben Hur

You think he said the stuff that CNN, etc had to retract?

I think it's possible. I think CNN shouldn't have touched anything they couldn't verify, and I think they were right to retract--but given his proven record, yeah. I think he might well have said it all. He's said plenty along the same lines.

99 Walter L. Newton  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:08:50pm

re: #91 Ben Hur

Are you Jewish?

/C'mon! THAT was funny!

IMO, not really. But then again, and I have been very consistent on this point over the years on LGF, I don't like using anything racial or physical about one person to put down that person or used on some other person.

100 Walter L. Newton  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:14:08pm

re: #99 Walter L. Newton

IMO, not really. But then again, and I have been very consistent on this point over the years on LGF, I don't like using anything racial or physical about one person to put down that person or used on some other person.

And a caveat, I'm not perfect, far, far from it. But I try to live by this as much as I can.

101 SixDegrees  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:14:31pm

re: #5 GCM29

Look, I've got my problems with some of the things Rush does and some of his views. He's said a lot of stupid, insensitive things from time to time but I don't believe he's a straight up racist.

Uh - that's pretty much what the article cited says. That Rush may not be a racist.

But he is unquestionably a race-baiter. He deliberately makes racially tinged remarks in order to titillate his audience, encouraging them to embrace their own racism with a wink and a nod.

102 SeaMonkey  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:24:57pm

Racism is not merely a personal attitude, preferring one's own race to others. At its heart it is an institution that favors one or some race and denigrates others. I don't at all sympathize with the hyper-PC notion that "All white people are racist by definition," but accusing people who are members of, say, black-only organizations, of being racist is denuding the term of any meaning. The system is gamed against them, but this is not an excuse for bad behavior. Rush et al want to remove racism from the table by saying everyone is racist. This is big lie. We are not a post-racial society yet. We are making strides. But privileged white people like Rush accusing people who deal with their own race as a matter of identity every day -- Obama is always judged by his race as a commonplace in the media -- of being racist, is ludicrous.

103 TDG2112  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:26:30pm

re: #31 Sharmuta

Conservative ideology- in the Goldwater sense of the term- doesn't rely on Americans feeling victimized. It's a self-reliant ideology, based on fiscal responsibility and individual rights. We're not victims. We're Americans with rights.

Promoting victimization is the style of other ideologies- not conservatism as I know it, but if this is what the right wants to promote and use to sway the electorate- they can count me out. They can also count on electoral defeats. They're unappealing.

Hear hear! I used to listen to Rush back in the early 90s, and I heard him explaining that philosophy of conservationism day in and day out. I don't recall all this victimhood crap that is the only topic of his show (and all the rest of the Radio talk show conservatives these days it seems) these days.

104 wrenchwench  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:27:24pm

re: #83 Athens Runaway

Hi Athens. I'm reporting you to Stinky. No, it's nothing you did, just an oddity I've noticed. You have an avatar in The Spy, but not on the threads nor in your Profile view. It's been that way for weeks. I couldn't keep quiet any longer!

105 wrenchwench  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:50:37pm

re: #93 freetoken

RLS ignores the problem with his own writers, such as RSM, who of course he doesn't mention in the article.

I find that especially annoying after RLS had that weird experience where he "sensed evil" in the presence of Ahmadinejad. I guess that was a one shot deal. If RSM hasn't threatened to nuke anybody, RLS's needle doesn't budge.

106 tradewind  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 1:55:13pm

re: #95 Ben Hur

It's like pulling teeth to get any network to retract anything. You can bet CNN's in-house pulled Sanchez and company aside and said ' fix this now'.

107 GCM29  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 2:01:59pm

re: #101 SixDegrees

No, I know. The term 'racist' is tossed around so much these days I just kind of reflexively wanted to clarify that Rush doesn't meet the criteria. I agree though that a large part of his audience, sadly, might very well be racists. I don't know why a lot of conservative media feels the need to say crazy things that are morally questionable, because conservatism has nothing to do with race, religion or sexuality. Those things have been embraced by fringe elements of the party and a lot of the shouting heads seem to cater only to that group. Sucks.

108 jayzee  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 2:18:26pm

See I am really still on the fence with this one. Some of the examples given were straight up satire. Like the "Magic Negro" song in my opinion. I got the impression that he was mocking the racism of the left, which does exist, but is hardly ever condemned in the media. In truth, I find Rush to be like Howard when it comes to race. A lot less funny, but trying for the same thing. It may be wishful thinking on my part, and I confess, I haven't listened all that much to him in the past 6 months, but when I heard previous racial comments from him, that was the impression I got.

I do think that race has gotten a lot more play from both the right and the left since the campaign last year. From Obama's camp labeling Clinton racist, to alluding to racism amongst its detractors. On the right, siding with known bigots and racists is counter productive and evil. That being said, a political satirist, I would expect, would become more heavily race centric in their commentary.

109 Athens Runaway  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 3:23:10pm

re: #104 wrenchwench

Hi Athens. I'm reporting you to Stinky. No, it's nothing you did, just an oddity I've noticed. You have an avatar in The Spy, but not on the threads nor in your Profile view. It's been that way for weeks. I couldn't keep quiet any longer!

I have no idea. I like my avatar, I think it's kind of funny.

Teh hamsters must have been hitting the sauce again.

110 Yashmak  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 3:23:40pm

re: #92 GCM29

I can't upding yet because I'm not at 50 comments, but this is a very good response. Bravo.

Thank you for the mention. Fortunately for you, I CAN upding :)

111 oldegeezr  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 3:29:34pm

El Rushbo, with his talent on loan tied playing doctor again today...

LIMBAUGH: So, and I got this story in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel story and a AP story about Kathleen Sebelius and the vaccines, the body count is in there. The number of children [fake crying] who've died because of H1N1. And what makes it really odd is that it's not children who die from the flu. Oh, this must be really bad. It's seasoned citizens who normally perish in the flu, but now, our future! So it's just the new battle, it's a new battlefield, but the same thing. Battlefield deaths, the new swine flu body count. All because the priority is health care.

About a week ago a real doctor took him to task...!

112 Hadith Harry  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 3:48:18pm

For the love of Mike. Rush is no-race baiter. Have you people listened to him - and I mean for more than a few minutes dialing around in your car?

113 freetoken  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 3:55:47pm

re: #112 Hadith Harry

Umm... dude... yes. As I've mentioned a couple of times, I listened to him for years, while commuting, which was no small matter.

Rush Limbaugh's creative life is to pander the grievances of a certain segment of the American population who feel they have been wronged by post 1964 developments in this country.

114 oldegeezr  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 4:14:05pm

This could be fun...

The Rev. Al Sharpton has just revealed he’s considering suing El Rushbo for defamation on “Big Ed’s Show”... those should be some really, very interesting depositions...especially Rush’s!

How do they say... “Get out the popcorn...?”

115 oldegeezr  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 4:30:44pm

re: #113 freetoken


“Rush Limbaugh's creative life is to pander the grievances of a certain segment of the American population who feel they have been wronged by post 1964 developments in this country.”

freetoken...you must be in charge of “Personnel Resources” at your shop; with an accurate, concise, precise recap like that...!

116 Pepper Fox  Mon, Oct 19, 2009 6:51:10pm

Come to think of it I haven't heard a peep out of Sharpton or Jackson in a long time, or at least the media stopped giving them attention. It's all about the truthers/birthers now! (do we have a term for the antivaccine people like these people do? vacciners?)

117 [deleted]  Tue, Oct 20, 2009 2:12:04am
118 [deleted]  Tue, Oct 20, 2009 3:31:38am
119 suchislife  Tue, Oct 20, 2009 6:59:27pm

re: #118 TimK

The good thing about your comment is that your first sentence effectivly tells every right-thinking person that they can safely skip the rest; so only very little time is lost.


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