Limbaugh rips Steele for calling his show “ugly”; Update: Longer excerpt added; Update: Audio added

posted at 3:30 pm on March 2, 2009 by Allahpundit

No transcript or audio yet, but Matt Lewis has bits and pieces. The media’s going to wet itself at the prospect of a conservative civil war, so here’s the first post of doubtless many more to come.

“The Republican National Committee and Michael Steele need a little leadership … we’re going to have to drag them kicking and screaming back to our core,” Limbaugh said. “They are caught up in so much fear because of where they live and work in Washington, DC,” he said.

Responding to Steele’s argument that he is the “de facto” head of the GOP, Limbaugh warned: “Michael Steele — you are head of the RNC — you are not head of the Republican Party.” Limbaugh went on to say Steele would have to become President for that to happen. He also noted: “… I’m not in charge of the Republican Party, and I don’t want to be.”

There’s more at the link, although you’d benefit from watching the video of Steele criticizing him first if you missed it yesterday. My point then, and Ace’s point today, is that pandering to centrists is a political fact of life for politicians. Steele and Cantor, when forced to choose between criticizing Limbaugh and having to explain his “I hope he fails” rhetoric over and over again, will take the former every time: Right-wing partisans will turn out against Obama anyway in four years but the middle has to be wooed, and defending a sentiment about failure in the current political climate while The One’s busy framing himself as Mr. Nonpartisan does not a winning “moderate” message make. No wonder Gibbs is urging the media to keep asking Republicans whether they agree with Limbaugh. If they say yes, they’re vindictive partisans and if they say no they’ll get hammered by Rush on his show. The upshot:

“Steele is playing with fire,” said one longtime Republican adviser close to House Republicans and both Bush families. Of concern is that Steele, the party’s first black chairman, will be attacked by Limbaugh and other talk show hosts, further splitting the party…

Republicans are concerned that a feud between the national party and conservative talk radio would upset donors, who would stop giving to the party. “One possible outcome is that giving by the base, sickly for the last few years, could get even worse,” said a key GOP donor. Steele’s supporters, however, say that he is not trying to pick a fight with conservative radio and is just trying to counter Democratic charges that Limbaugh—who has engaged in a verbal war with President Obama—is the de facto boss of the party. He is also trying to put the word out there that the GOP is open to other viewpoints.

Exit question via Ace: Why is Rush taking this personally? He knows the political game that’s being played here and why Steele, in his leadership role, has to navigate away from hyperpartisan rhetoric. For that matter, why is he so insistent on challenging Steele’s claim to be the current head of the GOP? Who else is it if not him?

Update: With all due love and respect for the boss, I think she’s in the extreme minority of the conservative base these days if she truly believes “there’s nothing wrong with criticizing Rush Limbaugh.” I’m not sure why she’s reading Steele labeling Rush an “entertainer” so derisively, either. Hugh Hewitt, among others, also calls him that. Steele’s point, I thought, wasn’t that there’s something wrong with entertainers but merely that our expectations of their rhetoric have to be calibrated accordingly. Part of being an entertainer is being provocative or “incendiary.” That’s all he was saying.

Update: The Plum Line has an extended passage from the show. A taste:

When you send those fundraising requests out, Mr. Steele, make sure you say, we — we — we want Obama to succeed. So people understand your compassion. Republicans, conservatives are sick and tired of being talked down to, sick and tired of being lectured to. And until you show some understanding and respect for who they are, you’re going to have a tough time rebuilding your party.

Update: Matt Lewis has the audio.

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I think Steele will benefit, actually. I know the man is brilliant and can be very tough and a partisan bulldog if necessary. That’s what we want.

Actually Steele is already a personna non grata in the conservative circles due to Rush.As good as dead and with no authority left. Look at what other poeple write on this blog and how they promise not to donate money to the GOP until Steele is removed form RNC chairmanship.

This concerns me, because I fear that millions of Rush’s listeners will take his comments at face value and not bother to go watch what Steele actually said. This is atrocious behavior by Rush Limbaugh.

I totally agree. And I repeat it does not serve Steele, it does not serve the conservative movement, it does not serve the GOP in general.

If “the base” was too lazy or stupid to vote for the most conservative VP in history, they don’t deserve to be pandered to anymore. Maybe McCain had no chance with the Independants to begin with, but Palin made them run away even faster. At least Lieberman would have won Florida.

Florida and independents were not lost because of Palin but because of Bush syndrome among independents and moderates. But I agree about what you said about the conservatives whe were not happy with Sarah palin as vp.

clemycali on March 2, 2009 at 5:08 PM

Three questions.

Why is Steele even appearing on this show?

How did he manage to get himself outflanked by a nitwit?

How in the hell could he allow that Nazi Germany remark to stand?

BuckeyeSam on March 2, 2009 at 5:09 PM

Moderate = Pu^%Y

This is our party, if you don’t like it get the hell out. So sick and tired of weak kneed punks running this party. Reagan is turning over in his grave.

When there is no leadership, oh why bother some of you just don’t get it. Go form you own big government, big spending, pro-gay marriage, pro open boarders party. Oh sorry they already have one!

kara26 on March 2, 2009 at 5:10 PM

What exactly does Rush say that is different from what Hannity, Glenn Beck, and the dozen other conservative hosts have been saying for a decade?

Hannity is a GOP mouthpiece. He’s retarded.

Beck is too “end of the world” – but he’s right a little too often. Too bad he’s always talking his alcoholism.

lorien1973 on March 2, 2009 at 5:10 PM

Speedwagon82 on March 2, 2009 at 4:59 PM

And I can’t fight this feeling anymore.
I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for.
It’s time to bring this ship into the shore,
And throw away the oars, forever.

Time to jump ship Speedwagon. You need to find a dingy.

portlandon on March 2, 2009 at 5:10 PM

nswider on March 2, 2009 at 5:04 PM

Gee, why so defensive? I’ve defended Limbaugh on many of the threads about him since his CPAC speech. I don’t listen to him regularly, though I do occasionally. I like him a lot and I’m glad he is broadcasting. If conservatives want to make him their leader, they are free to do so. But the Republican Party has chosen its leader, and he is Michael Steele. Because I am a Republican I want Steele to be successful, and I think he will be if people will stop holding him to such ridiculous rhetorical standards.

I think Limbaugh made a mistake here, and I am calling him on it. I’m not accusing his listeners of being sheep or stupid. I’m being realistic in knowing that many people who listen to their favorite talk radio shows don’t watch a lot of TV news or do outside research on what is dicussed on the program, and they tend to take whatever the host says at face value. That places a large responsibility on the host to be honest with his audience and not distort the truth. I believe Limbaugh has seriously distorted the truth here and I am angry about it.

rockmom on March 2, 2009 at 5:10 PM

Steele will say something along the lines I love Rush and he informs and educates in an entertaining way.

rob verdi on March 2, 2009 at 5:11 PM

rockmom on March 2, 2009 at 5:00 PM

I believe in giving people chances and I’m willing not to throw the RNC chair into the toilet just yet… but Steele is coming off as groveling and weak–he will NEVER get AA support away from Obama or the Dems, so if he can stop humiliating himself and us on a national level and use that mouth of his more effectively to espouse his party, I’ll back off. We all will.

And no, he should NOT have let that awful comment by DL slide. That’s the impression DL wants to put in his audience minds of the GOP, Nazis…to not counter a blatantly racist remark like that from a celebutard is an unimaginable mistake by the man chairing our party. No excuses.

RepubChica on March 2, 2009 at 5:13 PM

Beck is too “end of the world” – but he’s right a little too often. Too bad he’s always talking his alcoholism.

lorien1973 on March 2, 2009 at 5:10 PM

The Obama administration is not the best time to stop drinking. If anything, alcohol sales have seen some really big sales jumps. Coincidence?

portlandon on March 2, 2009 at 5:13 PM

Even if the Steele haters get their wish and replace him, the next RNC chairman is not going to just act like a Rush Limbaugh puppet. He isn’t going to just refuse to comment whenever some media person asks about Limbaugh. So it’ll be the same situation again and you’ll demand that guy be fired.

Speedwagon82 on March 2, 2009 at 5:15 PM

No Republican can criticize the Dear Leader without consequences. Unless he gives a pathetic, groveling apology within the next week Michael Steele will be an enemy of the state.

crr6 on March 2, 2009 at 5:15 PM

I wish Micheal Steele spent as much time bashing ACORN as he does bashing Rush.

William Amos on March 2, 2009 at 5:16 PM

Three questions.
Why is Steele even appearing on this show?
How did he manage to get himself outflanked by a nitwit?
How in the hell could he allow that Nazi Germany remark to stand?

Steele needs to appear on every show not only on the friendly ones.
I am not going to comment about the rest. What would you do in the same circumstances? Walk up from the show or let the host make a full of himself. Steele did the right thing. Well, not according to Rush.
I think Limbaugh made a mistake here

He did it big time but he’ll never recognize that he actually destroyed Michael Steele.

clemycali on March 2, 2009 at 5:16 PM

I just don’t see Steele recovering from these blunders to effectively lead the RNC.

OmahaConservative on March 2, 2009 at 5:17 PM

Three questions.

Why is Steele even appearing on this show?

Because he was invited? What is he supposed to do, say no I don’t want to be on your show?

How did he manage to get himself outflanked by a nitwit?

How was he outflanked? What I saw was Hughley giving Steele big props in the end and complimenting him. I saw Steele throw the whole “fail” thing right back at Hughley by reminding him of all the liberals who said Bush was a failure. I even saw Chuck D giving Steele some respect. I’ve seen Steele do this to a lot of audiences over the years. It’s how he won 35% of the black vote as a conservative Republican when he ran for Lt. Gov. in Maryland.

How in the hell could he allow that Nazi Germany remark to stand?

Hughley looked like an idiot as soon as it came out of his mouth. It was a very civil discussion and all of a sudden he threw the Nazi card and it fell flat. Sometimes the best thing to do when your opponent is making an ass of himself is to stand and watch.

rockmom on March 2, 2009 at 5:17 PM

Three questions.

Why is Steele even appearing on this show?

How did he manage to get himself outflanked by a nitwit?

How in the hell could he allow that Nazi Germany remark to stand?

BuckeyeSam on March 2, 2009 at 5:09 PM

post of the thread right there

joey24007 on March 2, 2009 at 5:17 PM

No Republican can criticize the Dear Leader without consequences. Unless he gives a pathetic, groveling apology within the next week Michael Steele will be an enemy of the state.

crr6 on March 2, 2009 at 5:15 PM

That’s true, but MSM is too invested in Obama to allow criticism without consequences.

Spirit of 1776 on March 2, 2009 at 5:18 PM

I think Limbaugh made a mistake here, and I am calling him on it. I’m not accusing his listeners of being sheep or stupid. I’m being realistic in knowing that many people who listen to their favorite talk radio shows don’t watch a lot of TV news or do outside research on what is dicussed on the program, and they tend to take whatever the host says at face value. That places a large responsibility on the host to be honest with his audience and not distort the truth. I believe Limbaugh has seriously distorted the truth here and I am angry about it.

rockmom on March 2, 2009 at 5:10 PM

Oh, I disagree. Those of us who make a point of listening to Rush pay very careful attention to whats going on- There may be a certain degree of perception involved in regards to Rush’s interpretations, but I’d have to say 99% of the time, he’s extremely fair in the portrayal. Anyone who’s appalled and disgusted by politics today isn’t listening to Rush as their sole source of information. Rush may be an “entertainer” but I challenge you to find someone who has more knowledge about American politics, past and present, than he.

anniekc on March 2, 2009 at 5:18 PM

Rush also said today that the media is going to try to make it look like there’s war between him and Steele, and he said himself that’s not what he’s trying to do. I think he’s getting irritated that conservatives SILL are getting brutalized by the same people in the party. The very day that so many of us were practically celebrating what went on at CPAC, Steele talks it down. Or at least that’s what some of us think. I can think of a few more killjoys, but I really do think that that’s what Rush was frustrated about today.

roopster217 on March 2, 2009 at 5:19 PM

Even if the Steele haters get their wish and replace him, the next RNC chairman is not going to just act like a Rush Limbaugh puppet. He isn’t going to just refuse to comment whenever some media person asks about Limbaugh. So it’ll be the same situation again and you’ll demand that guy be fired.
Speedwagon82 on March 2, 2009 at 5:15 PM

The function of the the RNC chairman is not to appear on DL Hughley and condone statements like “GOP is like Nazi Germany”.

The funtion of the RNC Chairman is to raise money, first and foremost. Most successful RNC Chairmen in the past has been invisible in the media, but raised tons of money. That is a good thing. My beef with Steele is not anything to do with Rush, but rather his outragous insults of the very base he is supposed to entice to raise money.

Norwegian on March 2, 2009 at 5:20 PM

Pandering to centrists and trying to please the MSM has gotten us nowhere. The libs made no bones about the fact they wanted Bush to fail, country be damned. Steele might be the wrong guy for the job if he is going to accept the MSM premise on this.

echosyst on March 2, 2009 at 5:20 PM

My point then, and Ace’s point today, is that pandering to centrists is a political fact of life for politicians.

Yes, because “I hate Republicans and everything they stand for” is definitely some sweet pandering to “centrists”. And the hatred, vitriol, lies and smears of President Bush, GOPers, conservatives, Gen Petraeus and the entire military was definitely pandering to centrists.

What you and Ace mean to say is that the GOP and Conservatives don’t have the balls to stand up to the mass media, the hateful Left and Democrats and Obama and turn this BS around on them. No, instead of fighting for our beliefs, we should cower in fear of the mass media-Democrat-Left-Chicago Machine lie-hate-smear machine and “pander to centrists”.

Utterly brilliant plan. Have fun stormin the castle with that genius plan.

Michael in MI on March 2, 2009 at 5:21 PM

Even if the Steele haters get their wish and replace him, the next RNC chairman is not going to just act like a Rush Limbaugh puppet. He isn’t going to just refuse to comment whenever some media person asks about Limbaugh. So it’ll be the same situation again and you’ll demand that guy be fired.

True. And that’s the real tragedy here.But maybe Rush wants somebody who is going to appear every other week on his show, pander only to the conservative base.

I wish Micheal Steele spent as much time bashing ACORN as he does bashing Rush.

Michael Steele didn’t bah Rush. Stp repeating the same old record. Wow, wow Rush was offended lets kill the infidel who dared to say something about our leader. It’s sad, it’s contraproductive.

clemycali on March 2, 2009 at 5:21 PM

The Obama administration is not the best time to stop drinking. If anything, alcohol sales have seen some really big sales jumps. Coincidence?

portlandon on March 2, 2009 at 5:13 PM

Damn skippy- An adult beverage is needed before I can even turn on the TV at night. Seems to soften the blow of it all.

anniekc on March 2, 2009 at 5:22 PM

The biggest lesson we should have learned last November and the one apparently little noted is that despite the rise of alternative media and the internet, despite the apparent fiscal distress in much of the legacy media, the MSM still calls the shots, and more so than ever before. This strikes me as an inescapable conclusion given the MSM’s gentle treatment of Obastard regarding the unprecedented disaster in financial markets, the disappearance of Islamic jihad from the headlines, and the universal fawning over President Waffles. What would they say about a Republican President if the Dow dropped 2800 points after less than two months in office?

With the Dow headed straight to 5000 or less and not a whisper of blame directed at the all-Dummycrat government, what is Barry O’Guiltwhite doing today? Introducing Kathleen Sibelius the odious Kansas Governor as his new head of HHS. With a teleprompter.

A teleprompter to just introduce a Cabinet appointee? A teleprompter?

I swear if I hear another “conservative” tell us that Obastard is a brilliant speaker with gifted oratory skills, I will ram my left-wing neighbors’ heads through the television. I even disagree with Rush on this. The success of the vile Obastard Klan in our moribund political system is not due to his so-called fucking brilliance. Consider His Vileness on the campaign trail:

57 States. Ten thousand dead in a hurricane. Hello Sunshine. Hold on a minute, sweetie. I expect to be dealing with them over the next eight to 10 years. Iran isn’t a grave threat. Iran is a grave threat. Afghans speak Arabic. “North By Northwest” was actually filmed on Mt. Rushmore’s heads. I’m a member of the Senate Banking Committee.

Nothing but mistakes, gaffes, prevarications and lies.

But when Obastard gave his debutante performance at the Dummycrat convention many years ago, the Dims saw what Biden saw. A hard left black guy that looks good on camera, and can read a teleprompter. A treasure to be coddled and reserved for the future.

Forward to the present. When Barry won the Iowa Caucuses, that was the final signal that the weapon in stores was ready for launch. Mind you, weapons require delivery systems, personnel and support logistics. A laser-guided bomb does nothing without an airplane. The entire MSM has supported the left wing agenda for years, and now that they finally face some competition in the dissemination of ideas, they can feel free to drop the pretense and simply ignore all facts that are not in support of The Weapon. And it worked. See “Election, 2008.” The personnel available to deliver the weapon volunteered in abundance. Most of them are young, having learned of the right wing enemy and its pernicious threat, as taught in gubmint schools, and from nearly every villain in nearly every movie, TV show and novel. The personnel came out in vast numbers as trained. And so The Weapon was delivered, on target. Enjoy the collateral damage, as you look at the dying markets, the resurgent dictatorships, the rising micromanagement of the citizens’ daily lives.

It’s not hard to look like a “brilliant speaker” and a “rhetorical genius” when your audience claps at every noun and preposition like a trained seal begging for a sardine. The undiluted adulation is passed on by the MSM to the nation, which for the most part can’t be bothered with reading or looking up a few things on the web. (The web is for shopping and porn, didn’t you get the memo?)

But just grab what frontal lobes you have left and think, think hard… Why does this Presidential Tool need a teleprompter to introduce a fucking nominee? A guy who has been sold to us, with dreary repetition, as a loquacious, agile thinker of the highest order?

57 States?

President Vladimir Ilyich Unicorn is not a brilliant man. He is cunning. He is not a rhetorical genius. He arrived at the White House because he is black, can read a teleprompter, and is in Joe Biden’s words clean-cut and articulate. Joe Biden’s words. He was the substitute for Hillary that Dims longed to have. He is a scheming, low-minded Chicago ward-heeler who preened about race while claiming to be post-racial. He has kept a carefully guarded a deep left wing agenda inside his coat since he discarded his university leather jacket that held his cocaine, his Kools and his copy of “Rules for Radicals.”

But Obastard isn’t brilliant. There is no doubt that the blue ribbon winner at the kennel show is the best of breed, the bestest, finest specimen of dog that one can produce. Blue ribbons can be worth money. You can immerse yourself in the dog show culture and find much reward, envy, and plaudits from other competitors and spectators when you win. But in the end you are still talking about a dog. Don’t forget that no dog would compete if it were not for the legions of show fans clamoring for a winner. The fans and judges put that dog there.

The President is not an “elegant man.” But he can do the teleprompter trick and many other things that make for a good poodle show. That’s what the judges in the MSM want. Barry is a Toy Pomeranian, but the MSM wants you to see a unicorn. If he weren’t trained, shampooed, fluffed and paraded around by his supporters, he would merely be that flea-bitten, yapping mutt next door, with mange and bad teeth.

George Orwell on March 2, 2009 at 5:22 PM

roopster217 on March 2, 2009 at 5:19 PM

I agree- that’s what I took from today’s show.

anniekc on March 2, 2009 at 5:24 PM

Rush also said today that the media is going to try to make it look like there’s war between him and Steele, and he said himself that’s not what he’s trying to do. I think he’s getting irritated that conservatives STILL are getting brutalized by the same people in the party. The very day that so many of us were practically celebrating what went on at CPAC, Steele talks it down. Or at least that’s what some of us think. I can think of a few more killjoys, but I really do think that that’s what Rush was frustrated about today.

roopster217 on March 2, 2009 at 5:19 PM

If that’s what he really said, then I applaud him. He’s right. This is a silly squabble over nothing. I really don’t think Limbaugh will have much disagreement with the way Steele does his job. It’s the people who think Limbaugh is God who need to get over themselves and stop freaking out every time someone says something they don’t like about him.

rockmom on March 2, 2009 at 5:25 PM

Anyone who’s appalled and disgusted by politics today isn’t listening to Rush as their sole source of information. Rush may be an “entertainer” but I challenge you to find someone who has more knowledge about American politics, past and present, than he.

anniekc on March 2, 2009 at 5:18 PM

ICAM. I listen to Bill Bennett, Laura Ingraham, Rush, and float around occasionally listen to Hannity, (but I am getting tired of him)Beck & Levin.
I also use the internet to stay informed and watch some FNC. I am about to have the cable cut off though, since it seems silly to keep a utility bill that is pretty much devoid of substance.

OmahaConservative on March 2, 2009 at 5:25 PM

The GOP should boycott all the Sunday shows except for FOX.

technopeasant on March 2, 2009 at 5:26 PM

And until you show some understanding and respect for who they are, you’re going to have a tough time rebuilding your party.

Heh, isn’t it his party too?

No Republican can criticize the Dear Leader without consequences. Unless he gives a pathetic, groveling apology within the next week Michael Steele will be an enemy of the state.

crr6 on March 2, 2009 at 5:15 PM

If you know anything at all, “Dear Leader” can only be Obama, followed by Chavez and their ilk.

Entelechy on March 2, 2009 at 5:27 PM

What did I miss?

Besides a bandwidth-killing post by Orwell, I mean.

George….jeebus.

Bishop on March 2, 2009 at 5:27 PM

My point then, and Ace’s point today, is that pandering to centrists is a political fact of life for politicians.

And this is how Republicans lose to Democrats when it comes to voting time. John McCain was the ultimate centrist and look where he ended up. Heck, if Obama wasn’t so new or radical McCain would have lost by a much larger margin. Did you guys not listen to Rush’s CPAC speech? Pandering to people in the middle hasn’t been successful for the Republicans. Fact is, if you try to tear down Rush then you might as well paint a huge bulls eye on your forehead.

dalejrfanfreak on March 2, 2009 at 5:28 PM

I would hardly say Rush gave Mitt a ringing endorsement during the primaries. His view was basically, “all of these guys suck, but Romney kinda sorta sucks the least so you should vote for him.” He only did that a day before Super Tuesday, so doesn’t sound very heartfelt to me.

Speedwagon82 on March 2, 2009 at 5:28 PM

Bishop on March 2, 2009 at 5:27 PM

Yeah, I know. I thought Baxter was posting(God Bless him).

kingsjester on March 2, 2009 at 5:30 PM

Steele most certainly is the head of the Republican Party. That is the problem.

These “minority leaders” became “minority” leaders through failure. The term is even an oxymoron. Steele is IT. Instead of denying it, Rush should admit it and pressure Steele to act like a leader, or help remove Steele from his leadership position.

Buddahpundit on March 2, 2009 at 5:30 PM

Rush also said today that the media is going to try to make it look like there’s war between him and Steele, and he said himself that’s not what he’s trying to do.

Really? Allow me to say that its exactly what Rush is doing:raging a war against Michael Steele. But of course he is blaiming the MSM for this. I am the last one to defend the main street media but this time they got it right. The media is taking the whole debacle as it is:it’s war between Rush and Steele. An unexpected gift for Barack Obama courtesyof Rush.

The funtion of the RNC Chairman is to raise money, first and foremost. Most successful RNC Chairmen in the past has been invisible in the media, but raised tons of money. That is a good thing. My beef with Steele is not anything to do with Rush, but rather his outragous insults of the very base he is supposed to entice to raise money.

You already said that you are not going to donate to RNC as long as Steele is chairman because he offended Rush and the base. So his role as fundraiser is over. But please understand that the days of the invisible RNC chairman are over and that the GOP needs new faces, new ideeas, new leaders.

Pandering to centrists and trying to please the MSM has gotten us nowhere. The libs made no bones about the fact they wanted Bush to fail, country be damned. Steele might be the wrong guy for the job if he is going to accept the MSM premise on this.

Please, Bush’s second term was a disaster.

clemycali on March 2, 2009 at 5:30 PM

Who is poushing this whole Issue ?

no surprize

Pelosi’s List: Who’s On Her Bad Side?

2. Rush Limbaugh. He’s Pelosi’s sworn enemy – and she views him as beneath contempt and unworthy of her comment.

Asked about the right-wing talk-radio king the other day, Pelosi said: “I don’t speak to that. I’m the speaker of the House. I don’t get into the popular culture.”

William Amos on March 2, 2009 at 5:31 PM

Pandering to centrists and trying to please the MSM has gotten us nowhere. The libs made no bones about the fact they wanted Bush to fail, country be damned. Steele might be the wrong guy for the job if he is going to accept the MSM premise on this.

echosyst on March 2, 2009 at 5:20 PM

Have you ever heard the MSM “advice” the Democrats not to be partisan or to try to attract moderates? No, because they know that that is the road to defeat. Republicans don’t seem able to seem the evidence in front of their faces and keep taking this MSM “advice”. The democrat leaders do nothing but mount one partisan attack after another, calling Bush a “loser”, “incompetent”, liar, and every other name in the book. Did you ever hear any outrage about that? no, because it works and the proof is in the last two elections, when this partisanship was the most vitriolic.
Republican leaders have let the MSM emasculate them.

neuquenguy on March 2, 2009 at 5:31 PM

I’m not in the tank for Michael Steele, but I think he is being grossly maligned here, and unfairly.

rockmom on March 2, 2009 at 5:00 PM

Tell it to Michelle Malkin

One more thing: When liberals sit there and accuse the GOP convention of looking like “Nazi Germany,” you might not want to sit there, nodding your head, and respond, “I agree.”

And get yourself some scuba gear.

TheBigOldDog on March 2, 2009 at 5:32 PM

Limbaugh, liberated from the Bush years and unbound by party pragmatism, is a joy to behold. Like his ideological godfather, William F. Buckley, he is standing athwart socialism, yelling, “Stop!”

For the record, Steele picked this fight with Limbaugh by adopting the drive-by media meme — and Rush is in no mood to suffer Obama appeasers lightly. His CPAC address has the potential to remake and energize the conservative movement as Reagan’s 1964 Rendezvous with Destiny speech did on behalf of Goldwater.

Viva El Rushbo!

Terrie on March 2, 2009 at 5:33 PM

If that’s what he really said, then I applaud him. He’s right. This is a silly squabble over nothing. I really don’t think Limbaugh will have much disagreement with the way Steele does his job. It’s the people who think Limbaugh is God who need to get over themselves and stop freaking out every time someone says something they don’t like about him.

Then Rush must call his dogs backs and ask his supporters to stop asking for Steele’s removal.

clemycali on March 2, 2009 at 5:34 PM

If that’s what he really said, then I applaud him. He’s right. This is a silly squabble over nothing. I really don’t think Limbaugh will have much disagreement with the way Steele does his job. It’s the people who think Limbaugh is God who need to get over themselves and stop freaking out every time someone says something they don’t like about him.

rockmom on March 2, 2009 at 5:25 PM

I think it goes deeper than that. A lot of people feel as though he gives them a voice that they can’t get their politicians to hear. Or anyone else for that matter. I don’t think it’s that most think he’s God, but what they’re mad about is that they feel the same things Rush said are what they think also. To have someone (who was at the convention no less) to talk down, even if some think it was in the slightest way, I see how they can be mad. We know we are trying to be stamped out by the Dems. Some of us think that when the chairman of the party that is SUPPOSE to be ours says something along those lines as well (while not near as bad), that’s what’s got us spitting mad.

roopster217 on March 2, 2009 at 5:35 PM

Just saw a headline on Fox news about Steele Vs. Limbaugh. Let the games begin.

dalejrfanfreak on March 2, 2009 at 5:35 PM

CPAC address has the potential to remake and energize the conservative movement as Reagan’s 1964 Rendezvous with Destiny speech did on behalf of Goldwater.

Viva El Rushbo!

Terrie on March 2, 2009 at 5:33 PM

hear, hear!

Norwegian on March 2, 2009 at 5:35 PM

Everyone is in such a tizzy over Limbaugh. Yes, he is an entertainer, but he entertains us with his wit, not by being a clown.

The Left wants to pain any Republican– conservatives in particular– as either stupid or evil, or senile. That Rush has a large and growing audience drives them nuts.

He also drives non-conservative Republicans nuts.

We won’t win by playing the Left’s game. If you want to get caught up in this gnashing, you are simply playing into their hands.

Face it: Rush is right. Always has been.

rogersnowden on March 2, 2009 at 5:36 PM

OmahaConservative on March 2, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Kiss my arse, Rino.

You’re the RINO if you let the liberal media tell you who is a conservative.

Get this through your skull: Rush is not at war with Steele. They both want the same things for America. Rush scolded Steele for his tactics, and gave him some damn good advice. I’m sure Michael’s feelings were a little hurt, but I have no doubt that he benefited from the advice. They are on the same team. Rush’s comments this morning make conservatism stronger.

You, OmahaConservative, let the liberal media tell you Steele is “at war with Rush”, and you promptly pulled your RNC membership and started denouncing Mike “drill, baby, drill” Steele as if he were some kind of RINO instead of what he is — a conservative who is new at his job and learning how to do it right.

joe_doufu on March 2, 2009 at 5:36 PM

If this linguine-spined loser doesn’t publicly apologize to Rush for telling these lies, the RNC will get no money from me until he’s history!
What an idiot.
(He’s got to be a Democrat plant. Or hooked on crack. Or both.)

Jenfidel on March 2, 2009 at 5:38 PM

An unexpected gift for Barack Obama courtesyof Rush.

No, Steele did.

roopster217 on March 2, 2009 at 5:38 PM

What’s really disappointing is that Hughley was, as far as I know, the only prominent African-American to defend Imus during the “nappy-headed hoes” nonsense. Guess whatever class he had has been worn off by this new gig.

Jim Treacher on March 2, 2009 at 5:40 PM

Steele as if he were some kind of RINO instead of what he is — a conservative who is new at his job and learning how to do it right.

joe_doufu on March 2, 2009 at 5:36 PM

Well, he better “learn” it fairly quickly. He can start by apologizing to the base, then stop going on all these mindless liberal media shows, and start concentrating on raising money and recruiting good candidates.

Nothing I’ve seen so far lets me to believe he is capable of any of the above.

Norwegian on March 2, 2009 at 5:40 PM

*courtery os Steele I mean.

roopster217 on March 2, 2009 at 5:40 PM

Rush has consistently said it is first job to retain an audience and he does that by being ‘entertaining.’ But he has also said that in no way does it diminish one whit the passion or conviction that he has for what he believes and espouses.

technopeasant on March 2, 2009 at 5:41 PM

Rushz

neuquenguy on March 2, 2009 at 5:41 PM

Wow. Rush reamed Steele. I mean Rush went on and on and on. Now Steele is a man who will never know constipation again.

Guardian on March 2, 2009 at 5:41 PM

“Rush Limbaugh is an entertainer. Rush Limbaugh’s whole thing is entertainment,” Steele said. “Yes, it is incendiary. Yes, it is ugly.”

Limbaugh fired back on his radio show Monday that the GOP leader appears to be supporting President Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

“Why do you claim to lead the Republican Party when you seem obsessed with seeing to it President Obama succeeds?” Limbaugh said to Steele.

“I frankly am stunned that the chairman of the Republican National Committee endorses such an agenda. I have to conclude that he does because he attacks me for wanting it to fail,” said Limbaugh.

RNC chief Steele: Limbaugh is more a performer than GOP leader

TheBigOldDog on March 2, 2009 at 5:42 PM

Steele will sink or swim according to the 2010 election results. If we lose seats, he should resign. If we gain anything close to control of the House, it won’t matter how much Limbaugh dislikes him.

Speedwagon82 on March 2, 2009 at 5:43 PM

They are talking about this on Glenn Beck right now.

dalejrfanfreak on March 2, 2009 at 5:43 PM

It was implied recently that the Democrats are secretly bankrolling the Log Cabin Republicans. It looks more likely that it’s Steele who is the Manchurian Candidate. His Nazi remark has offended more of the GOP base than each and every one of those beard farming homosexuals (who are lovely people and know better than to turn on their own party) put together. All this whining that Rush doesn’t have to worry about getting elected needs to stop, too: he gets paid for his ratings, and he’s hugely popular.

chunderroad on March 2, 2009 at 5:45 PM

I guess we can’t link to CNN anymore. The text above is from a CNN story titled: RNC chief Steele: Limbaugh is more a performer than GOP leader

The link was provide by Rush in his email. Search CNN if you want to read the whole thing.

TheBigOldDog on March 2, 2009 at 5:45 PM

Ann Coulter and Glenn Beck are tearing into Steele big time, Steele REALLY screwed up. They are basically saying Steele is a failure that doesn’t know anything about what his base wants.

dalejrfanfreak on March 2, 2009 at 5:45 PM

neuquenguy on March 2, 2009 at 5:31 PM

Excellent post. I do see the massive MSM push to “extract” the most potent of conservative voices and conservatism from the GOP. Like a vampire trying to suck the life’s blood from the veins. They’re getting off rubbing the losses in our faces and playing some serious mind-f#*^ing games with the weak.

RepubChica on March 2, 2009 at 5:46 PM

I`m sorry, I`m with El Rushbo. The Republicans lost because they spent like liberals for the past 8 years. Republicans and independents voted for Obama. Now they have buyers remorse but nevertheless, they did vote for him. Every time the RNC calls to ask me for money I tell them to drop dead.
The republicans still don`t get it. There are plenty of earmarks with republican names on it too. I`M OVER IT. THROW ALL THE BUMS OUT. THEY DON`T REPRESENT US. THEY REPRESENT THEMSELVES.
I hated McCain and I wasn`t going to vote for him. I loved Palin but she didn`t have enough experience just like Obama doesn`t.
The democrat party is in trouble also. The PUMA`s have not returned. The centrist liberals are also freakin out. They don`t want socialism. Rahm Emanuel is using the Rush bashing as a distraction. He knows the dems are split too. And the progressives have formed a new PAC called Accountability Now and they are targeting all centrist democrat seats. These progressive communists want to move the party more to the left.
Look a little deeper. Rush is right. The new Rasumussen poll said conservatives have to believe in their core values to regain the majority.

Jayrae on March 2, 2009 at 5:46 PM

Rush and Steele should get together and talk about this “situation” – over a few beers , or Jeem Beans. Talking thorough the media is a bad idea.

runner on March 2, 2009 at 5:46 PM

I listened to the replay of Rush. Steele should do the smart thing, resign and slink off into private life. He’s done in public office! That is a good thing for the RNC if they are lucky enough to shed him as chairman. If not, they shall limp along without people like me contributing or paying them any mind for the next 4 years… They are currently not relevant to the discussion…

sabbott on March 2, 2009 at 5:47 PM

thats Jim Bean

runner on March 2, 2009 at 5:47 PM

I think Steele is jealous; instead of him being head of the GOP, it’s Rush by default and by virtue of his courage and bravery.

And for doing Steele’s job, Mikey makes Rush’s show sound like the Storm Front Hour!
Where’s Michelle Bachmann to say, “You not da man! You not da man!”

Jenfidel on March 2, 2009 at 5:47 PM

One more thing: When liberals sit there and accuse the GOP convention of looking like “Nazi Germany,” you might not want to sit there, nodding your head, and respond, “I agree.”

I’m not reading through 300 comments to find out, did Steele really do this? Say “I agree” and nodding his head when told the GOP convention looked like Nazi Germany?

Bishop on March 2, 2009 at 5:47 PM

Ann Coulter and Glenn Beck are tearing into Steele big time, Steele REALLY screwed up. They are basically saying Steele is a failure that doesn’t know anything about what his base wants.

dalejrfanfreak on March 2, 2009 at 5:45 PM


But, but, but, surely it’s just the ditto heads that are pissed! /sarc

roopster217 on March 2, 2009 at 5:47 PM

Rush’s “I hope Obama fails” comment, together with the uproar it caused was a gift to the Republicans. Think what Reid, Pelosi, Obama would have done with that if the shoe was on the other foot. They wouldn’t have spent two weeks backpedaling and apologizing. They would have effectively used it to their advantage. The Republican leaders could have piggybacked on this comment and created a very clear picture of what an Obama “success” will look like. We are always complaining that conservatives cannot get their ideas out because the MSM does not give them air time. We better start utilizing these opportunities for air time to their fullest potential instead of letting them become ammunition for the libs.

neuquenguy on March 2, 2009 at 5:48 PM

I’m not in the tank for Michael Steele, but I think he is being grossly maligned here, and unfairly.

rockmom on March 2, 2009 at 5:00 PM

I agree that some of Steele’s comments have been taken out of context. He was trying too hard to reach out and be hip that he stepped into it big time unfortunately. He needs to call Rush and work this out. Hannity is speaking up in support of Rush now! Why is it that the Conservative/Republican spokespeople always fall into MSM traps? Like Sarah Palin learned, the MSM can be teacherous.

sarahpalinfan99 on March 2, 2009 at 5:48 PM

Ann Coulter and Glenn Beck are tearing into Steele big time, Steele REALLY screwed up. They are basically saying Steele is a failure that doesn’t know anything about what his base wants.

dalejrfanfreak on March 2, 2009 at 5:45 PM

I know they don’t want to be compared to Nazis. That would be a nice start.

The guy needs to resign tonight. The sooner the better.

TheBigOldDog on March 2, 2009 at 5:48 PM

I had my doubts about Steele. Now, I’m afraid, those doubts are confirmed. The RNC remains obliviuos to reality.

FuriousAmerican on March 2, 2009 at 5:49 PM

Steele is wrong. I’m so sick of cowardly Republicans pandering to the hateful left. It is time for another party-one made up of people with integrity and courage. The elitists, both republicans and democrats, have done nothing but grab for power and money.

americanpatriot on March 2, 2009 at 5:50 PM

over a few beers , or Jeem Beans.

S’cuse me tarbender…could I has a foo more shots a Jeem Bean with a Budwizzer chaser?

Bishop on March 2, 2009 at 5:50 PM

When does an individual have the courage to simply stand up for what they believe? William Wallace said it bast in Braveheart: “Men don’t follow titles, they follow courage.”

The rest is bull$hit.

Mr_Magoo on March 2, 2009 at 5:50 PM

Does anyone in our party have the balls to do a daily press conference and state our response to Obama’s BS? Why not? How about someone like Romney just BUY TIME if the MSM won’t cover it? I’d contribute big money to something like that. Explain OUR plan and why it would be better. Then, when Obamanomics crashes and burns our plan is on the record. Plus, we could take the videos viral daily.

marklmail on March 2, 2009 at 5:50 PM

Now is not the time for politics by the RNC, it is a time for leadership. Do not pander, espouse beliefs and principals. Do not attack for the sake of attack, just give the facts and used them to inform and persuade.

Steele get some gumbas.

Passionate-Conservative on March 2, 2009 at 5:50 PM

Bishop on March 2, 2009 at 5:50 PM

Birs and Jeem Beans – coming up

runner on March 2, 2009 at 5:51 PM

over a few beers , or Jeem Beans.

S’cuse me tarbender…could I has a foo more shots a Jeem Bean with a Budwizzer chaser?

Bishop on March 2, 2009 at 5:50 PM

LOL! Looks like the bar’s open at runner’s house!

Jenfidel on March 2, 2009 at 5:52 PM

So, when will Stelle cower and call rush begging for forgiveness?

getalife on March 2, 2009 at 5:52 PM

getalife on March 2, 2009 at 5:52 PM

No he needs to call us and beg forgiveness and pledge to carry the sword.

Passionate-Conservative on March 2, 2009 at 5:53 PM

I’m not sure why she’s reading Steele labeling Rush an “entertainer” so derisively, either.

Not sure about MM, but Rush (I think) doesn’t like the tag because McCain has in the past used it to dismiss something or other that Rush said. And Rush is no McCain fan.

Also, it shouldn’t be that difficult or controversial for Steele or Cantor or equivalent to explain the obvious, that conservatives want Obama to fail in getting enacted his radical left policy objectives that we expect will do harm to the country’s economy and to freedom itself. We want Obama to fail in this sense only, and with confidence that his “success” in enacting bad legislation contributes to the country’s failure. This is a point that needs to be explained over and over again. And Rush Limbaugh has provided the platform for doing so, right into the MSM microphone.

Sheesh, politics for dummies.

Obama’s success or failure must be de-linked from that of the country. In fact, the success of the country over the long haul is favored by radical left Obama failure.

exdeadhead on March 2, 2009 at 5:54 PM

getalife on March 2, 2009 at 5:52 PM

I dunno, getaclue. Has Howard Dean apologized to Mr. President for whatever he did that cost him the HHS position?

kingsjester on March 2, 2009 at 5:54 PM

If Steele agreed that the GOP resembles Nazi Germany, he won’t see a dime of my money, not a frackin’ stained penny picked up from the gutter.

How does the GOP manage to find these people?

Bishop on March 2, 2009 at 5:57 PM

What the GOP needs right now is a strong general to rally the troops. Now who is more Pattonesque?

Steele?

Limbaugh?

I like Steele…but the last couple of weeks he’s not shown me the sort of backbone I want at the helm in a storm of this magnitude.

Whoever finally comes out and says that in 2010 and 2012 we’re going to “Cut through them like sh*t through a goose” will get my support. I’m tired of seeing my elected officials “compromise” by always giving the socialists only half of what they want. Thats the way to ensure they eventually (or looking around right now, already have) achieve a critical mass in Washington to slew this country so far towards communism that Stalin would be proud to call it home.

BadMojo on March 2, 2009 at 5:57 PM

I disagree with what Steele said and do not support attacking Rush for wanting Obama to fail because I too want Obama to fail.

I don’t want Steele to resign though. I just want him to be conservative and help to lead the conservative movement. Steele is a great spokesman for the RNC and just needs to stop screwing up by attacking the base.

kerrhome on March 2, 2009 at 5:58 PM

Why is Rush taking this personally?

Rush isn’t taking it personally, he’s fighting for his country. Unlike the the so-called conservative pundits neck deepp in the washington swamp, and those that want to be, Rush knows that we are all in danger of losing America. He knows that the leftists are playing for keeps and there will not be a tomorrow, the political fortunes won’t shift. They are solidifiing their control over the country and trying not to offend them is not going to save us. “Them”, is the leftists and their toadies in the media. The majority of the American people want to hear the truth, they don’t fall for the Orwellian wordplay going on in washington and the media. The majority of the country lives and behaves by conservative principles and will vote for the people that sincerely communicate those values. The reason the republicans have been getting their clocks cleaned for the past few years is because they act and speak like steele and cantor did this weekend. They are nothing but democrat-lite.

peacenprosperity on March 2, 2009 at 5:58 PM

It looks like Steele just shot himself in the foot…if you think listeners to Rush hate democrats we hate republicans that try to insult the guy who’s been doing their dirty work for the past 20 years much much more.

dalejrfanfreak on March 2, 2009 at 5:58 PM

I listened to that segment today. What I got from it was the following:
.
1. You don’t bite the hand that helped you up.
2. You don’t give the liberals fodder with which to fight you.
.
He seemed disappointed that Steele, who has appeared on Rush’s show several times and who Rush has helped out on several occassions, would turn and say Rush’s show was “ugly”. Rush said his father taught him that you just don’t do that to people.
.
He believes that Steele is a media savy guy and that he had to have seen that question coming from a mile away and knew exactly what the fall out from his response would be. He said it was foolish to pander to the left thinking you can make inroads there.
.
I agree. Steele just went down several pages in my book. That was a stupid thing to say. WhenEVER a liberal asks if you agree with them the answer is almost always NO. We really don’t need to be sold down the river any further by this party. Please stop.

BrideOfRove on March 2, 2009 at 5:58 PM

kingsjester on March 2, 2009 at 5:54 PM

Try to stay on topic.

I think that rep from Ga. cowered and called rush begging for rush to forgive his words.

Perhaps you should write Steele and tell him to bow down.

getalife on March 2, 2009 at 5:59 PM

I believe Steele is a true conservative. The spanking he is taking from our talk radio hosts now is for his own good. It will make him a stronger, better, RNC chair. I still believe the guy has the brains and the guts to do the job. We should help him get on the right track, but let’s not throw out the baby with the bathwater by leaving the party or firing him after a month in the job.

joe_doufu on March 2, 2009 at 6:00 PM

How does the GOP manage to find these people?

Bishop on March 2, 2009 at 5:57 PM

We let the media pick them for us. That’s what happens when you compromise your principles to “woo the middle.”

TheBigOldDog on March 2, 2009 at 6:00 PM

I listened to that segment today. What I got from it was the following:
.
1. You don’t bite the hand that helped you up.
2. You don’t give the liberals fodder with which to fight you.
.
He seemed disappointed that Steele, who has appeared on Rush’s show several times and who Rush has helped out on several occassions, would turn and say Rush’s show was “ugly”. Rush said his father taught him that you just don’t do that to people.
.
He believes that Steele is a media savy guy and that he had to have seen that question coming from a mile away and knew exactly what the fall out from his response would be. He said it was foolish to pander to the left thinking you can make inroads there.
.
I agree. Steele just went down several pages in my book. That was a stupid thing to say. WhenEVER a liberal asks if you agree with them the answer is almost always NO. We really don’t need to be sold down the river any further by this party. Please stop.

BrideOfRove on March 2, 2009 at 5:58 PM

Amen

Passionate-Conservative on March 2, 2009 at 6:01 PM

I totally reject the notion that a conservative when forced to explain the statement “I want him to fail,” must fundamentally take out one of their own that has backed him when he has been attacked by the very forces attack his supporter. Why? Is conservativism ugly and dirty and something to be ashamed of out in public? If it is and the head of the RNC agrees he needs to act that way, then we are truly done as a Party. Why bother being a part of something so disgusting. I need to pack up my wares and go somewhere else.

I’ll repeat what was said again: As the DOW closes at 6,763.29 down 299 points in a single day, who was right? Prior to the election? Was it Brooks, Frum, or Buckley? And as AIG becomes, again, too big to fail and those in government talk about a global solution, who was right? So, how many times do you have to be wrong before I’m supposed to stop listening to you? Right now I have my hands over my ears and I’m going, “blah, blah, blah…” Conservativism doesn’t have to be bent and molded and shaped. Conservative is and always will be. If you think you’re a conservative and you feel you have to apologize and explain it to others, you don’t need to be in any Leadership position. If you have to be nice to the opposition as they completely DESTROY the country you love then you are lost in a wilderness you will NEVER get out of. Simply put, if you don’t want them to fail, what EXACTLY DO YOU WANT? What is your point in existing? Why should I support you and give my hard earned dollars that the opposition is trying to confiscate from me to YOU? If the opposition can say we’ve lost a war, our soldiers are murderers, our President is a liar and still get re-elected, why is it that we must not say the very policies we supposedly abhor should fail? If you won’t fight and defend the VERY PRINCIPALS you profess to believe in because you want to look dignified, noble, and honorable in a gentlemen’s club sort of fashion, what use are you? What does your niceties get me? How does it help my family, my business, the country? Do you REALLY want ANY of what the Democrats are offering to succeed?

PLEASE BE CLEAR STEELE AND ALL THOSE WHO THINK HE NEEDS TO ACT LIKE THIS: IN WHAT SPECIFIC WAYS DO YOU WANT PRES. OBAMA TO SUCCEED IN? WHAT SPECIFIC ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL POLICIES DO YOU AGREE WITH THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SEE SUCCEED? THEN, REPEAT AGAIN, ARE YOU SURE YOU’RE A CONSERVATIVE? AND IF YOU’RE NOT, WHAT EXACTLY IS THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND WHO EXACTLY IS RUNNING IT? I’D LIKE TO KNOW SO I CAN BETTER DECIDE WHETHER I WANT TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT YOU ALL WITH MY DOLLARS OR MY VOTE. OR WHETHER I OUGHT TO LEAVE AND GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. BECAUSE IF RUSH IS UGLY THEN I MUST BE UGLY TOO, AND I DON’T STAY WHERE I’M NOT WELCOME AND I DON’T SUPPORT POLITICAL MOVEMENTS THAT DON’T OVERWHELMING AGREE WITH MY IDEALS.

exit stage right…

Sultry Beauty on March 2, 2009 at 6:02 PM

t’s how he won 35% of the black vote as a conservative Republican when he ran for Lt. Gov. in Maryland.

rockmom on March 2, 2009 at 5:17 PM

…because he was black, not because they liked the message! Identity politics at work.

jwp1964 on March 2, 2009 at 6:02 PM

but let’s not throw out the baby with the bathwater by leaving the party or firing him after a month in the job.

joe_doufu on March 2, 2009 at 6:00 PM

That’s what I want to do with Obama and his croonies

Passionate-Conservative on March 2, 2009 at 6:02 PM

getalife on March 2, 2009 at 5:59 PM

That’s funny. You telling someone to stay on topic?
Rush and Steele may have already talked on the phone today. Steele just needs to be very careful about the interviews he allows.

kingsjester on March 2, 2009 at 6:03 PM

Jusr relax folks. Remember Obama got elected with Howard Dean as the head of the DNC, so anything is possible.

Spider79 on March 2, 2009 at 6:04 PM

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