Bonanza: Top bid on Rush’s letter from Reid approaching a cool mil; Update: Bidding reaches $1.2 $2 million
posted at 6:44 pm on October 18, 2007 by Allahpundit
With 18 hours to go it stands at $851,100, which, given Limbaugh’s promise to match the final amount, means the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation is looking at about $2 million when the smoke clears. Ebay requires identity verification for bids over $15,000 and doubtless they’re scrutinizing this particular auction extra closely so I can only assume the bids are all legitimate. But if they are, how to explain this afternoon’s action?
y***t’s bid at 13:01:48 PDT leapfrogged r***c’s by more than $100,000. That’s explainable if you assume Y’s looking to be generous by donating as much as possible. What’s less explainable is why he then starts bidding against himself in $25,000 increments starting at 13:05:55 PDT; two minutes later he’s doubled the top bid to $500,000. If he wanted to be that generous, why didn’t he just top r***c with a $500,000 bid at 13:01? At first glance I thought maybe Ebay’s software limits you to a certain amount if you’re bidding against yourself, which would account for the $25,000 increments. Not so, though: notice that his last bid in the series goes from $400,000 directly to half a million. (There’s a huge jump in d***r’s bids, too, but the timestamps are screwy there so I’m not sure if he was bidding against himself at the time.) Exit question: Could the latest bids be a hoax to drive the numbers up by a pair of judgment-proof lefties willing to risk a lawsuit to break Limbaugh’s heart?
Update: I guess the answer to that question is, if it was a hoax, would they really have arbitrarily stopped at $851,100? Why not lay down for an even million?
Update: From a commenter, here’s the probable explanation for the incremental bidding:
[T]here’s nothing strange about y***t’s multiple bids between 13:01 and 13:07. At 13:01, y***t probably bid $500,000. Since r***c’s previous bid was probably $249,900 (or something like that), Ebay’s software automatically sets the current highest bidder (at 13:01) to y***t, with a bid of $250,000. Then, someone else (maybe d***r) comes along at 13:05, and bids $274,900. Ebay’s software automatically makes the highest bidder y***t, with a current bid of $275,000. Then, d***r probably made a second bid at 13:06 of $299,900, pushing y***t’s current bid to $300,000. And so forth. ie. when you enter a bid, you just enter the highest price you’re willing to pay, and Ebay’s software automatically gives the highest bidder the lowest price possible.
Update: Come on. Is someone seriously prepared to lay out $1.2 million for this thing?
Update: Five minutes later, it’s over $2 million.
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You’re ON, Paragon! San Diego next year. Say yes.
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 12:26 AM
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 12:28 AM
US $2,000,200.00
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 12:31 AM
I sense that you may have mis-interpreted me a tad, RushBaby. I have been an HA fan for a long time. I read far more than I comment, so I am probably not too skilled at it. You are on the list of commenters I generally take time to read. Sorry if I got a bit pissy with you.
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 12:32 AM
I apologize.
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 12:33 AM
Shotguns at 10 paces?! LOL!
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 12:36 AM
There are plenty of conservative multi-millionaires and billionaires… I suspect when it’s all said and done, the winner will be a “known” person.
RightWinged on October 19, 2007 at 12:38 AM
Nah…. We’d probably end up buying too many drinks for one another, to have an effective combat…
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 12:39 AM
$2 million for the letter and we can’t get a few thou in seed money for the righty blogosphere?
Allahpundit on October 19, 2007 at 12:39 AM
I SO did not take it that way! I really mean it, I interpreted your comments as friendly. I mean, poo-flinging? The only poo-flinging things I know are chimpanzees…perhaps I owe YOU an apology if you have been thinking my words were meant in antagonism, and not in friendly joking.
And my invitation to San Diego as warmly sincere…say the word, we are getting a group together.
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 12:39 AM
Let the conspiracy theories begin!
SouthernGent on October 19, 2007 at 12:40 AM
Ah – so caught up in the heat of battle that you forgot all about the dhimmicrats, especially Sen. Stark.
Shame on you.
Timothy S. Carlson on October 19, 2007 at 12:43 AM
VIA LGF
Reid’s Anti-Rush Letter Bidding Approaching $2M
ordi on October 19, 2007 at 12:44 AM
Strikes TSC from invitation list
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 12:45 AM
:)
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 12:46 AM
a travesty for certain.
I wonder what the over/under is for this thing. I never thought we would see 1mil and now we are twice that and counting. Odds are that Y***T is sleeping and doesn’t know they have been out bid. Come morning I suspect we’ll see another spike.
If the article itself isn’t historic, this auction will be.
Pilgrim on October 19, 2007 at 12:46 AM
Any guesses who the bidders are?
It’s got to be someone worth hundreds of millions, at that price. Whoever it is isn’t likely buying it for historical value, either, would probably be someone actively interested/involved in politics. Soros has got to be in on this action.
RightOFLeft on October 19, 2007 at 12:47 AM
Awesome! The proceeds benefit a great cause – even if the bidding is way out of my league. Good for them.
thedecider on October 19, 2007 at 12:48 AM
You could always put you iPhone up for auction…..
*runs and hides*
infidel4life on October 19, 2007 at 12:54 AM
Sorry RushBaby… If any apology is owed, it is from me. I just get a bit touchy, because I wish to offend no one on HA… Especially the Management. (that sounded sickeningly beta/metrosexual, didn’t it? That ain’t right, and it certainly ain’t me…)
My comments were absolutely meant to be humorous and a tad sarcastic. And I am glad you saw the friendliness in them.
Wish I could come to Diego…. Maybe next year, around Reno Air Race time?
Maybe my Son-in-Law and I could Harley it!
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 12:56 AM
Paragon,
You are one hundred percent ALPHA in my eyes. Please comment here at HA more. I would treasure meeting you and your son-in-law.
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 1:02 AM
I like how Rush has funded money to help more people than our incompetent congress did this week.
hinduconservative on October 19, 2007 at 1:16 AM
Dang! I go and watch “In Harm’s Way” for an hour and it’s up to 2mil!
Well, off the top of my head I think W.F. Buckley would take a shot at it. Don’t know if he has that kind of dough, but his name pops in there.
Weight of Glory on October 19, 2007 at 1:17 AM
RushBaby,
Please excuse while Ol’ SSG has a beta moment, and gets all misty eyed. (having 5 grandkids can do that to a curmudgeonly old Alpha SOB like me..)
Maybe I could see if my little Uber Alpha can pass the Iron Ass test, too!
Wow… MN to Ft. Bliss, more Harleys (my best friend, and his wife!), then Reno, and San Diego…. and BACK!
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 1:18 AM
There’s going to be a lot of happy kids soon. With the $2 Million bid and Rush matching that, we are talking about 100 kids going to college.
SoulGlo on October 19, 2007 at 1:20 AM
My arse hurts just thinkin’ about it, but it would be good!
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 1:20 AM
That’s pretty awsome, isn’t it
Weight of Glory on October 19, 2007 at 1:25 AM
I know absolutely zilch about eBay, but are all bidders individuals or are there groups allowed? As in, a group signs up at eBay and members of that group can bid as part of that group? I don’t even know if I’m making sense.
Connie on October 19, 2007 at 1:25 AM
Rock and Roll on Rush’s Friday show!
T J Green on October 19, 2007 at 1:28 AM
Are their credit cards being preauthorized?
Ebay’s drooling over the commission. Unless they don’t have that for non-profits.
- The Cat
MirCat on October 19, 2007 at 1:28 AM
I’m no treasure, RushBaby, but I’d be delighted to meet you, and like minded types too. I have never seen the left coast. Denver and El Paso is as far as I have gotten.
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 1:29 AM
paragon27x and RushBaby…
http://www.getaroom.com
;-)
infidel4life on October 19, 2007 at 1:34 AM
For sale…..Sen. Reid e-mail to Limerick……$10,000 cash OBO. Call 555-1212 for drop-box info. Come alone.
Limerick on October 19, 2007 at 1:38 AM
infidel4life, did ya have to ruin a nice e-friendship? You bad, you!
paragon27x, I have it on good authority that RushBaby is a real treasure and you’re all welcome to San Diego, so long as you quit calling this the “left” coast, just kidding :)
p.s. infidel, you’re still invited, as a friend, and nothing more.
Lim, stop the bear right now!
Entelechy on October 19, 2007 at 1:43 AM
Darn, Lim, stop the beer, I meant…and you’re the one drinking :)
Entelechy on October 19, 2007 at 1:44 AM
How come Rush is not willing to give me a part of that. After all I earned it.
My life has been so hard, I need the government to help me retire.
It is not fair that some people can bid 2 million dollars on a piece of paper (and a nice case).
When my salary allows me to only eat out 14 times a week.
I demand fairness!!!!!!
signed
(D)
/sarcasm
F15Mech on October 19, 2007 at 1:45 AM
But Ms. E…..beer? Moi?
Limerick on October 19, 2007 at 1:47 AM
Entelechy…approve?
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 1:47 AM
Awwwww, I wanna be more than just a friend!
LOL, I honest-to-goodness didn’t realize that site was real until after I posted it.
infidel4life on October 19, 2007 at 1:47 AM
Sorry RushBaby, what am to approve? I’m slow tonight.
Entelechy on October 19, 2007 at 1:51 AM
The ceremony for this thing HAS to be on the Capitol steps. That would be sweet beyond words.
Mojave Mark on October 19, 2007 at 1:51 AM
Lim, oui, oui, toi :)
Entelechy on October 19, 2007 at 1:58 AM
Entelechy on October 19, 2007 at 1:43 AM
Damn…. I was all ready to call down some verbal thunder on Infidel4, until your kindly intervention. I almost looked at the link, fer chissakes!
“Get a room” indeed.
My crazy NY Ladyfriend comes fully equipped with a Gal Radar, sporting “anti-infidelity” Digital Signal Processing. And yep, it is “over the horizon” capable…. Believe it.
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 2:05 AM
Dang. I was looking forward to a tingle-ee-link, and what you sent was naught but a monetized domain name. O sad and lonely Friday early morn.
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 2:08 AM
LOL!!!
infidel4life on October 19, 2007 at 2:10 AM
Ms. E…….you know me too well!
Limerick on October 19, 2007 at 2:11 AM
Try my My Space!!!! Guess that is kinda like “finding a room”
Just don’t let my Long Island Girlfriend KILL ME!
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 2:13 AM
Comms slow here tonight as well, it appears. Meant adding Paragon to our list. I am charmed.
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 2:13 AM
Do I dare check that link, infidel?
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 2:14 AM
RushBaby;
She just might….. Kill me, Ya know… LOL!
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 2:16 AM
Boldly stepping up and speaking for the group, we insist that she not only knows about this entire conversation this very instant, but that she accompanies you every step of the way, and we get to hug her neck while we just basically shake your hand.
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 2:17 AM
paragon27x, I’m nothing if not a peacemaker (just don’t be close by when I’m really mad).
Sure RB, all good ones, ex and current Military, rascals, beer-drinkers, former musicians and other artists, et all are welcome – just no communists and socialists.
Entelechy on October 19, 2007 at 2:17 AM
(Lim tears up his SAG card)….whew….that was close….
Limerick on October 19, 2007 at 2:19 AM
Only if you want a fine selection of reasonable hotel values without the Shatner theatrics.
infidel4life on October 19, 2007 at 2:19 AM
Nite all…..I’ll let you guys know how Uncle Rush and I spend the money….
Limerick on October 19, 2007 at 2:20 AM
E.
Do you reckon we should invite Limerick? I mean, the poor
SAPSAG just destroyed some of his personal identity.RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 2:21 AM
Ooooh…… so what does one have to do to get you really mad?
infidel4life on October 19, 2007 at 2:24 AM
Aaa nevermind. Limerick chickens out at 1:30 am (CST).
*how could I have misjudged one so?*
/snarf
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 2:24 AM
g’nite Limerick. :-)
infidel4life on October 19, 2007 at 2:25 AM
Enquiring minds Really Do Want To Know.
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 2:26 AM
Lim is invited. We can also visit him in Texas. He’ll provide the BBQ and we’ll bring the beer.
infidel, it’s easier than you think – just be a dictator, a hypocrite or a leftie, especially an idealistic one who’s never lived that life. And, this is not PC, but she doesn’t suffer fools lightly either.
All, get back on track, or we’ll be thrown out of this fun domain, seriously.
How much is that fabulous auction Rush concocted? Have to give it to him – it’s clever from so many aspects. It’s for a good cause, it’s limited so that it stops tomorrow, I believe. He’ll match it, no matter who gets it…if a rightie gets it we’ll celebrate, if a leftie gets it we’ll be critical of his/her ambiguity. I love it all around.
p.s. so much (clean) fun should not be allowed for adults.
Entelechy on October 19, 2007 at 2:32 AM
It might surprise you that I have five grandchildren as well.
If I don’t hear back from you tonight, it’s OK. You are safe with me and my friends. Say yes, and we will be in touch.
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 2:33 AM
infidel4life on October 19, 2007 at 2:19 AM
Normally I’d ask ya to send the link to my new Ladyfriend, just for giggles. Not a good idea.
X Wife#1… (Kicked a 6’4″ 240 lb. German Policeman in the balls… ON PURPOSE, and btw… taught me more about fighting with knives than the ARMY.)
X Wife#2… (I’m not even gonna go there, other than saying I had her picked up for DUI… at .246, with the kids in the SUV.)
Where do I go from here?
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 2:34 AM
Crazy Long Island Lady, I guess.
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 2:35 AM
Yes, RushBaby!!!
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 2:36 AM
I’m sure infidel can do something with this! LOL!
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 2:38 AM
The “RushBaby” moniker had me thinking younger! 5 Grandkiddies! Way Cool!
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 2:41 AM
But if you send it to her, along with a dozen virtual internet roses and a credit card number…. well, wonderful events would likely ensue.
infidel4life on October 19, 2007 at 2:42 AM
So Lim’s in Texas, eh? Hehhehhehheh heh!
As adults, how could any other fun be any more fun for us?
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 2:42 AM
My Grandkiddies are the coolest.
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 2:44 AM
I am only 40 YOA. How much younger do I have to be…’sniff
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 2:47 AM
Hypocrite…..no
Lefty……sorry, ain’t got it in me
But I can be a dictator, no problem. Just do whatever I say. I promise I’ll be gentle.
;-)
infidel4life on October 19, 2007 at 2:48 AM
infidel4life on October 19, 2007 at 2:42 AM
Dude, that is funny as hell. Can I expect a humorous card to lean against my balls in a jar, on the night table?
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 2:48 AM
I’m 42, btw…
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 2:50 AM
Ausgehtsichnet!!!!!!, RushBaby!
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 2:51 AM
You said yes? If you confirm, sincerely, I will ask our benevolent host to share your email address with me.
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 2:55 AM
You keep your balls in a jar? On the night table?
Your new ladyfriend must either be blind or dumb as a stump.
infidel4life on October 19, 2007 at 2:57 AM
and re your link, pretty much yeah except the pasties.
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 2:57 AM
Yeah… No problem. Hell, It ain’t too hard to figure out, anyway. (i.e. yahoo, and ahem…. my name) Not afraid to just give it to ya now. Infidel might tease me, but that is ok!
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 3:03 AM
I’ll just tease back some.
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 3:04 AM
Tease, tease, tease!
infidel4life on October 19, 2007 at 3:04 AM
might be fun!
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 3:04 AM
Got a girlfriend, infidel? Me thinks ya might need one, Dude! Might take some time off your hands! LOL!
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 3:07 AM
double entendre unintended.
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 3:08 AM
*Sigh*
20 minutes and Entelechy has not responded to my awkwardly salacious advances…
What’s that stuff that takes the grey out of your beard? I think I might need some of that.
Meh.
infidel4life on October 19, 2007 at 3:11 AM
Look, Infidel, I have tried to have fun, and be funny. You crossed a line commenting on my girlfriend. Please do not do so again.
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 3:14 AM
Or I’ll let her kick your ass.
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 3:15 AM
Then I go GI on your sorry ass.
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 3:17 AM
Please no. All friends here.
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 3:22 AM
If I over reacted I’m kinda sorry, I guess. I can take the nastiest stuff all day, and that is fine. I just got a bit PO’ed at the one comment involving my Fiance. Whether or not Infidel got the joke, his “blind, or dumb as a stump” comment about my Lady was WRONG. I would never even THINK of saying something that piss poor.
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 3:33 AM
Appreciate the referee thing, though!!!! Like ya said… All friends.
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 3:37 AM
Thanks, RushBaby.
If I was out of line, I am truly sorry.
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 3:39 AM
Look. This is a tough (ish) room.
RushBaby on October 19, 2007 at 3:44 AM
I guess that I am learning that. I want no conflict with good people… HA seems to be about good people with occasionally different viewpoints. I hope that I am not on Infidel’s S@#t list, cause he is not on mine.
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 3:50 AM
btw, RushBaby,
It’s paragon27x@yahoo
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 3:52 AM
We supposed to “get a room” now?
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 3:54 AM
hehehe… as my daughters would say, yeah, whatever!
paragon27x on October 19, 2007 at 3:56 AM
Wow, 2.1 million with 5 hours to go…Somebody really really wants that letter.
doriangrey on October 19, 2007 at 7:28 AM
Now I’m starting to wonder how many $millions Rush can afford.
What if there’s rich lefty out to bust the bank?
Can corporations qualify to bid? Could someone be fronting for a corporation, e.g. MoveOn?
petefrt on October 19, 2007 at 7:37 AM
With a 45 million dollar a year salary(thats not counting any investments he has, just his salary) Rush can easily afford this. If somebody is trying to bankrupt him they are failing miserably.
doriangrey on October 19, 2007 at 7:57 AM
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