Video: Frum, Matthews wonder if Limbaugh has a “race problem”
posted at 3:40 pm on March 10, 2009 by Allahpundit
Via the ‘Busters. Consider this a belated exclamation point on Ace’s critique from a few days ago. I get that Frum wants to build a “new majority” and that part of his strategy is showing the public a centrist face of Republicanism. What I don’t get is how he plans to do that by alienating the conservative base, which has trouble processing criticism of Rush even when it’s not being used to entertain Captain Leg Thrill, a man with a bit of a “race problem” (and a gender problem?) of his own. That’s not to say Frum shouldn’t criticize — I link him regularly in Headlines precisely because he offers a different point of view — but why he’d choose to do it on “Hardball” of all places, knowing how that’s going to play with the 90 percent who are sending him nasty e-mails, is mystifying to me. I hope the Strange New Respect and centrist votes he’s winning are enough to offset the righties who are tuning him out.
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Really?
Spirit of 1776 on March 10, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Frum is being Parkerized. It’s a strange path to go from being a significant part of National Review to the toast of the Chris Matthew’s of the world.
Maybe he has a strange respect for Andrew Sullivan’s career path?
Vanceone on March 10, 2009 at 3:43 PM
… he said, without even so much as the slightest trace of irony or self-awareness.
Kent18 on March 10, 2009 at 3:44 PM
In other page 28 news, I am contemplating my navel.
MB4 on March 10, 2009 at 3:44 PM
Frum: the David Gergen of the 21st century.
red131 on March 10, 2009 at 3:44 PM
David who? Funny how Rush is an American icon and Frum is a, uh, well, whatever.
Don’t care. Frum can bite it.
savvydude on March 10, 2009 at 3:45 PM
Frum needs to be stopped. He is out of control.
Dadvocate on March 10, 2009 at 3:46 PM
He’s the new pet Republican.
Every media Democrat wants one. But they don’t want them to breed… they just want them neutered and enjoyed occasionally.
Isn’t he cute? And so well-trained…
beatcanvas on March 10, 2009 at 3:46 PM
Well, at least you put these two together as a couple; and rightfully so…
Keemo on March 10, 2009 at 3:46 PM
He was a different perspective for a while and I actually appreciated his opposing opinions on Palin, but now he’s becoming a dancing monkey for the left.
frankj on March 10, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Way too kind. Besides, dude looks like Barney Rubble’s evil younger brother.
Pasalubong on March 10, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Sorry, but any “Republican” who wants to be centrist doesn’t get it. Rush Limbaugh’s comments may not be 100% where the party is but they are closer to the norm than these rat bastard traitors who want the party to go the way of RINOs like McCain and Specter as a Democrat-lite alternative to the filthy liar in the White House and the corrupt Democrats of the Congress.
I, for one, am not buying what the centrist bastards are selling. Obama needs to fail for America to be rescued from this national nightmare.
highhopes on March 10, 2009 at 3:47 PM
I’m not trying to build a “new majority,” champ. If you want to tune me out, go right ahead.
Allahpundit on March 10, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Who ever said he was clever?
MadisonConservative on March 10, 2009 at 3:47 PM
They wonder about a potential race problem? Is this the personification of hypocrisy, or what?
These people…Frum, Matthews, many within the “Rap” music industry, and also many within Black society today – who willfully self-segregate – - – have the gall to wonder if there’s a race problem with someone else?
Get back, Jo Jo.
Talismen on March 10, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Frum Dumb.
artist on March 10, 2009 at 3:48 PM
I wonder if Frum has a “douchebag” problem.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 10, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Winner!
Pasalubong on March 10, 2009 at 3:49 PM
+1
faraway on March 10, 2009 at 3:49 PM
I’ve seen this poisonous theory that Frum is basing his opinions on many, many times in the past several years, from Bush I, Bush II, McCain, et al. Apparently, they never did understand Reagan.
Vashta.Nerada on March 10, 2009 at 3:50 PM
@beatcanvas on March 10, 2009 at 3:46 PM
You nailed it.
JeffC_95 on March 10, 2009 at 3:50 PM
I’ve been criticizing Rush here for several days, but I must defend him here. This is scurrilous.
toliver on March 10, 2009 at 3:50 PM
I heard him make a mistake, once, I’m pretty sure.
What are the legit. criticisms of Rush?
JiangxiDad on March 10, 2009 at 3:51 PM
he’s desperate to be a ‘player’ in Washington, willing to sell his sole to reach that status
jp on March 10, 2009 at 3:51 PM
I’m done with Frum. His new majority shtick may have been genuine at first, but he’s in survival mode since his website and ideas have fallen flat.
He’d rather get column space and face time on TV bad mouthing conservatives than toil in anonymity in support of conservatism. As AP points out, you can’t do both at once.
Nessuno on March 10, 2009 at 3:51 PM
More frummers. Dude.
TheUnrepentantGeek on March 10, 2009 at 3:52 PM
“new majority” but for which party?
jp on March 10, 2009 at 3:52 PM
I really could have made it through today without more scum from Frum. Seriously.
swede7 on March 10, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Awful thin-skinned, for someone who (along with Patterico and Ace) has spent the past several days engaging in a fine, frothy Two-Minute Hate, re: Rush. Cowboy up, princess.
Kent18 on March 10, 2009 at 3:53 PM
You “hope,” Allah?
fivefeetoffury on March 10, 2009 at 3:53 PM
Since Frum’s happy throwing accusations around, frankly, I have a sneaky suspicion he has a Christian problem.
JiangxiDad on March 10, 2009 at 3:53 PM
What is bizare is that Frum seemed shocked just shocked at how mean spirited Madow was when he was on her show yet he pops up on Chris Mathews
He is on there for the same reason Kathleen Parker is on Mathews Sunday show. He slams conservatives and likes Obama.
That is your answer, this is simply a career move by a guy trying to carve out a niche. Frum gets feedback from his criticism and this all the sudden makes him relevant(to MSNBC )
kangjie on March 10, 2009 at 3:53 PM
The only votes Frum is angling for are for whether to ride window or aisle next to Oogedy-Boogedy.
Kid from Brooklyn on March 10, 2009 at 3:53 PM
Frum is a hater.
faraway on March 10, 2009 at 3:55 PM
Yes, criticizing Rush for how he worded something is fine, frothy hate. And if you disagree with him about something? Hell, that’s the same as treason.
Anyone notice how Rush acolytes mimic Scientologists in their responses to critics of their idol?
MadisonConservative on March 10, 2009 at 3:55 PM
Frum: Bad for the GOP
What exactly is a “centrist” anyways? Someone who’s OK with more taxes, more spending, more regulation and a larger government? Or someone who simply lacks strong convictions or opinions? Someone who’s uncomforable being partisan?
For all the talk about Rush, Coulter, etc, they’ve been around quite a while. If anyone is fracturing the Republican party, it is the likes of crap-flingers such as Frum, Brooks, Parker, etc.
Abandoning conservative principles by going on a spending spree is what got the party in this mess; further abandoning them to appease Frum and Brooks isn’t the way out.
Hollowpoint on March 10, 2009 at 3:55 PM
No, not thin-skinned at all given the amount of sniping I put up with, and there’s been no “hate” involved in anything I’ve said about Limbaugh. Just because you’re a sycophant doesn’t make criticism “hate.”
Allahpundit on March 10, 2009 at 3:55 PM
Octofrum! Just as dumb, but can’t pump out 8 babies at once. I guess that makes his female look-alike more, er, useful for society, or something.
funky chicken on March 10, 2009 at 3:56 PM
I have a race problem.
As in, I have a problem with dimwitted idiot media members who insist on inserting a tired, antiquated, non-existent issue into EVERY discussion.
About the LAST problem we have in this country is a problem of waste. It’s been done to death.
Time for the media to put down their copy of “To Kill a Mockingbird” stop trying to be Atticus Finch and actually start doing their jobs for once.
NoDonkey on March 10, 2009 at 3:56 PM
Boys, boys. Turn your weapons around and fire at the enemy.
faraway on March 10, 2009 at 3:56 PM
Either mock the guy or ignore him. He’ll wither and die in the corner.
funky chicken on March 10, 2009 at 3:57 PM
And, bolster that speaking fee schedule for the rubber chicken circuit.
He better make it now, though. When the economic mess bottoms us out, he’ll be old news.
a capella on March 10, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Right you are… As they did with McCain, Liberals in the media will use this guy up and throw him away when his usefulness has run it’s coarse. Then the guy will be left with only his Liberal wife to sleep with.
Keemo on March 10, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Unless you are shooting for absurdity, perhaps you might want to dial it back.
Part of the accusation of not being able to “withstand criticism” is to avoid a detailed criticism. As I’ve said here before, and it bears repeating, apparently, Rush has been criticized over Dubai, over the Jindal response and others. These are conveniently ignored to fit the theme.
Spirit of 1776 on March 10, 2009 at 3:58 PM
New lede: AllahPundit calls anyone who supports Rush a “sycophant” [sic].
See how that works now?
TheUnrepentantGeek on March 10, 2009 at 3:58 PM
To avoid making a detailed criticism, I should say,
Spirit of 1776 on March 10, 2009 at 3:59 PM
Epic Fail. Not even a listener, much less a “sycophant.” Just not buying a quick-quick-toss-him-under-the-bus-so-liberals-will-maybe-like-us-one-day b.s., is all.
There’s actually some space between the those two poles, for those smart enough to see it.
Kent18 on March 10, 2009 at 3:59 PM
Do republicans, like Frum want conservatives to ‘just go away’, or do they want us to just be quiet while we continue to vote republican?
Why should we do either?
Do Frum, Brooks, Noonan, McCain, et al expect to win conservative votes by suggesting that we conservatives should just give up?
What’s the game plan here? Persuasion or just some good old fashion feel good insults and posturing? Or something more insidious; curry favor with Big Brother by demeaning conservatives?
In George Orwell’s “1984″ where Winston Smith is being interrogated (harshly) Smith breaks and sells out his lover. Is that what is happening to the RINOs; they’ve been broken, and to regain social status with liberals, they’re betraying their conservative friends?
Skandia Recluse on March 10, 2009 at 3:59 PM
It’s an old paintbrush, it’s even older paint, and far less hacky hacks have tried this before on dozens of conservatives.
Of course he has problems with race, dingleberry. As a CONSERVATIVE WHITE MALE!!!1!!ONE!1 he must be racist. Just ask any of your new friends at the next cocktail party.
+1 Internets
TMK on March 10, 2009 at 3:59 PM
I didn’t call everyone who supports Rush a sycophant. I call anyone who equates criticism of Rush with Two Minutes Hate a sycophant.
Allahpundit on March 10, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Frum is a loserhead.
- The Cat
MirCat on March 10, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Could someone please give Frum a good kick in the balls…PLEASE?!?
Normally, as a guy, I wouldn’t say that, but these sycophantic displays make me want to hurl my lunch. Much ado about nothing IMHO. We want Obama’s policies to fail because they are bad policies and will add to America’s struggles, not move us out of this spiral.
BTW, on a related note; just got an e-mail from Jen O’Malley Dillion the Exec Director of the DNC concerning my entry into the Rush Limbaugh ad campaign (Dissent is patriotic!);
I was thinking that when Obama/Pelosi/Reid’s policies ruin America, they’ll have failed us!
Geministorm on March 10, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Nobody’s accusing Rush of being unable to withstand criticism. A chunk of his supporters don’t seem to be able to withstand it, though.
MadisonConservative on March 10, 2009 at 4:01 PM
This strikes me as a Scott-McClelland-kind-of-thing to do.
Beyond that, what’s been up with some of the DC-NYC “conservative” reporters (Brooks, Parker, Buckley, Frum) in the past year. Is they going through some period of experimentation with the left akin to Amish teenagers going through Rumspringa (sp?)? I just don’t understand these people–the columnists. Are they trying the left out before they finally make the plunge?
I was so glad when National Review dumped Kathleen Parker. Now, her columns are one less thing I feel the need to read.
BuckeyeSam on March 10, 2009 at 4:01 PM
You could find more principled behavior in a public rest room.
RadioFreeUSA on March 10, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Speaking of morons feeding the liberal agenda. Frum and Brooks could each be a breast in Bahney Fwanks bra.
AubieJon on March 10, 2009 at 4:02 PM
That may be a bit too all inclusive, but may contain some uncomfortable truth.
a capella on March 10, 2009 at 4:02 PM
Frum’s Bizarro Denny Green moment will come swifly, and terribly…and hell will have no fury like a Tweety scorned.
Kid from Brooklyn on March 10, 2009 at 4:02 PM
I’m no “dittohead”, but the problem isn’t that they’re criticizing something specific that he said or how he said it. Instead they seem to be criticizing him personally in order to “distance” themselves from the conservative wing of the party in order to appeal to the mythical “moderates”.
This would’ve been over before it started if Steele, Newt and now Frum had been more diplomatic about distancing themselves from a single controversial statement by Rush. Save the attacks for Obama and the Dems rather than go out of the way to commit fratricide.
Hollowpoint on March 10, 2009 at 4:02 PM
Frum is now yesterday’s meat.
pabarge on March 10, 2009 at 4:02 PM
Do we have evidence he’s winning centrist votes?
Also, Allahpundit, I have to ask you if you are planning on leaving HotAir since:
1) You keep suggesting that people write to MM to fire you
2) You keep suggesting that commenters go elsewhere
3) HotAir has auditioned two guest posters in the past week (neither of which can touch you, by the way, not by a long shot)
You don’t have to answer, obviously, but I smell something and it’s not …. well, whatever
BigD on March 10, 2009 at 4:03 PM
Yes, this is the theme that some have adopted and you seem to be repeating.
What I am trying to tell you is that his supporters criticize Rush on issues. In fact they call in on his show and argue their view. The argument that you cannot criticize Rush is false. The argument that his listeners cannot withstand criticism of Rush is false.
A good criticism will be debated.
Spirit of 1776 on March 10, 2009 at 4:03 PM
False argument. No one I’ve yet seen or heard, here or elsewhere, equates simple “criticism of Rush” with the infamous Two-Minute Hate.
The ugly online tag-team gang-banging of the past few days, on the other hand? Anything but simple, straightforward “criticism of Rush.”
But you knew this, of course.
Kent18 on March 10, 2009 at 4:04 PM
the call screener who’s worked with him for eons is black. i’m so sick of race being brought up when it doesn’t need to be. false claims od racism hurt America just as much if not more than real ones.
gsherin on March 10, 2009 at 4:04 PM
Perhaps what Frum and others should be wondering is if Chris “I have a tingle up my leg” Mathews is teh gay and where Chris keeps his Obama knee pads!
Liberty or Death on March 10, 2009 at 4:04 PM
Not the best choice of words. What’s to gain from the flattery?
JiangxiDad on March 10, 2009 at 4:05 PM
If I snipe in this blog, does that make me a sniper?
faraway on March 10, 2009 at 4:05 PM
MadisonConservative on March 10, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Mighty broad brush you have just painted with.
Keemo on March 10, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Or were you referring to Frum and his pals and their attempt to ingratiate themselves with the left by appearing on their shows?
JiangxiDad on March 10, 2009 at 4:06 PM
I didn’t mention Rush’s supporters. I said Rush acolytes, and later rephrased it as “a chunk” of Rush’s supporters. Both are fairly indicative of a minority. However, some of that minority posts here.
MadisonConservative on March 10, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Why did Willie Sutton rob banks? Cause that’s where the money is.
Frum doesn’t want to promote centrist Republican policies. Frum wants to promote Frum. Any publicity is good publicity.
Ted Torgerson on March 10, 2009 at 4:07 PM
I’m on it.
Akzed on March 10, 2009 at 4:07 PM
bitching about Rush accomplishes nothing for the GOP and gains alot for the Dems, period.
this is beyond stupid, almost as dumb as Hillary giving the Russians a Red Button to push
jp on March 10, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Race problem ? so Jindal has become all white since Rush supports him.
the_nile on March 10, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Goodbye, Frum!
pseudonominus on March 10, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Are you a Rush acolyte and/or a member of the chunk of Rush’s supporters that gets upset when he receives criticism?
If not, then you’re not being referred to.
MadisonConservative on March 10, 2009 at 4:08 PM
A race problem, huh? This is going to come as a big surprise to Rush’s friend Hutch.
When did this passive-aggressive style of starting false memes become so popular, anyway?
capitalist piglet on March 10, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Allahpundit likes the Democratic majority just fine the way it is.
chunderroad on March 10, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Why do you bother?
Akzed on March 10, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Why can’t you come up with some new schtick? I am a conservative, whether you like it or not.
MadisonConservative on March 10, 2009 at 4:10 PM
I don’t really understand who Frum and his friends are trying to convince. Voters will vote for the person who most reflects his or her views. They will vote for the person whom they feel will represent those issues that are most important to them. Voters are not going to give up voting for candidates that represent them just because Frum says they need to for the good of the party.
Rose on March 10, 2009 at 4:10 PM
I liked Frum better when he was invisible.
chunderroad on March 10, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Poor baby. All that “sniping” …
That’s true. It’s just been a lot of silliness and nasty name-calling. Cultists and such. It’s been beyond stupid. But, you’ve been heading in this direction since late in the campaign.
There you go. Brilliant, Allah. You are showing that you “have brains to spare for the job”!
progressoverpeace on March 10, 2009 at 4:11 PM
What the heck is Chris Matthews thinking when he says, “Does Rush have a race problem, you know, when he says, ‘Bend over and grab your ankles’?”
Huh? How is that about race?
Matticus Finch on March 10, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Frum is deliberately inviting conservative ire, this much is apparent. Can’t you see he wants to wear the tiara and be the lib’s new GOP princess?
RepubChica on March 10, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Kent18 on March 10, 2009 at 4:04 PM
kent18 is right; spending days on a “few words” Rush used in a day where he spewed thousands, in a time when capitalism is under assault the likes of which I have never seen; in a time when a President has surrounded himself with old school players following promises to bring in fresh new by-partisan faces…. Why our own decides to spend days-weeks on such pettiness, while the kingdom is burning…. So many good stories to write about, and we pick apart a few words from the one man who is not backing down to the man who wants to be the first KING in American history.
Keemo on March 10, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Mr Pundit, sir
What is being done to Rush, and by extension, conservatives, and by design, the republican party is not ‘criticism’.
Skandia Recluse on March 10, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Ah, the ever-moving “they”. Regardless, the point has been made here repeatedly that Rush listeners/supporters cannot abide criticism of Rush. But assuming you don’t mean the width of the brush, I will not lump you in then with those people who are, incidentally, clearly wrong.
Spirit of 1776 on March 10, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Note: If Rush was the leader of the Republican party, that would be one thing, but he’s not, so get over this whole “thing” already. As a pundit, what he says may be influencing to his audience, but why are the political butt lickers in Washington DC getting on this bandwagon? Its not *what* Rush ever says, its that they are either hateful of righties or they are centrist Republicans that are jealous of the influence and history that Rush has (see David Frump). They keep telling us that the Big Tent approach is the only way to win, just like Reagan was told that the only way to conduct the Cold War was to maintain the status quo, well fooey on you! I’ll go down in the small tent if that’s the case.
At the least, Rush has spoken well for the Reagan conservatives often in the past. He deserves some leeway, at least as much as we gave that RINO John McCain by putting him up against Obambi. I know that when I hear Rush speak I believe he is more in line with my political beliefs that a few of those RINOs and downright liberal Republicans (I’m looking at you Martinez, Graham, McCain, Snowe, Collins and Spector!). I could give a rat’s ass what David Frump thinks or says, he only betrays his loyalties by jumping on this wagon.
:D – Here’s me being happy that I stopped donating to the RNC when they were pimping the Amnesty bill…donations go to individuals only now!
Geministorm on March 10, 2009 at 4:14 PM
++
the_nile on March 10, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Allahpundit, if you’re not just playing….I’m not a Limbaugh fan at all. I think his decade of demonization of John McCain (often baselessly and erroniously) helped put Obama in the White House, which is horrendous.
However, Frum is such a waste of skin, IMHO. He, Brooks, and Gergen are the kinds of losers who weren’t even cool in the chess club. They are the guys who were outcasts in band. These are the guys who wouldn’t let anybody borrow their notes if they were sick and missed a few days of class because the borrower might outscore them on the exam.
shudder….insects, the bunch of them.
So, if I have to take Limbaugh or cockroaches, well, it’s a no-brainer. Limbaugh every single time.
Kind of like the election in November was a no-brainer. What a tragedy that people like Malkin, Coulter, and Limbaugh couldn’t grasp that simple point.
funky chicken on March 10, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Levin has been carving up Frum like the turkey day bird. I love it.
MarcusBrody on March 10, 2009 at 4:17 PM
Really? You think the implication is that all Rush listeners cannot abide criticism of him? I don’t think even getalife is stupid enough to make that much of a blanket statement about 20 million people.
Well, okay, maybe he is.
However, considering that would probably include people like Michelle, Ed, Ace, and KP, I think you’re misinterpreting the percentage of the group being addressed.
MadisonConservative on March 10, 2009 at 4:17 PM
No, but you did miss his point, Allah. Seriously man, chill the fuck out. Guys are going to disagree, just accept it. Stand by your statement or recant, it doesn’t matter; if thats what you think thats what you think.
…and stop telling people to stop reading your posts if they don’t like your writing. Thats a fucking cop out. Debate your premises or not; don’t act like a little girl with a skinned knee every time you have a disagreement with the readership. The beta male act is cute when you’re self deprecating about your love life, but when you have to defend what write man the fuck up. We like what you fucking write! Get it? Even when we disagree with you, we still enjoy your writings!
liquidflorian on March 10, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Its about smearing somebody slightly indirectly
Your making the mistake of using logic to deconstruct a libs arguement.
kangjie on March 10, 2009 at 4:18 PM
I don’t dwell here, so I can only guess: Apparently Chris Matthews thinks that prisons are populated exclusively by black men.
capitalist piglet on March 10, 2009 at 4:18 PM
I remember a day in college, October 2003, I was devouring his new book “the Right Man”. Fast forward to today, I dont even want to hear from him again. A pity but good riddance
thebrokenrattle on March 10, 2009 at 4:19 PM
MadisonConservative on March 10, 2009 at 4:08 PM
You lost me with that one… Rush is a big boy, and AllahPundit is a big boy. AP had a point, his vision of damages that either did or could have been brought on the party by Rush’s choice of words. This observation brought about a really good conversation. That was several days ago. IN the meanwhile, Obama is busy pushing his agenda.
Keemo on March 10, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Governor Blagojevich? Is that you?
Slublog on March 10, 2009 at 4:19 PM
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