Radio silence: Limbaugh ignores Sykes
posted at 8:23 pm on May 11, 2009 by Allahpundit
No joy in Dittoville tonight. I don’t get it.
Talk-radio fans and political junkies buzzed in anticipation about what Mr. Limbaugh might say on his national, three-hour radio show.
Instead of retaliating against Ms. Sykes, Mr. Limbaugh spent much of the show praising former Vice President Dick Cheney, who on Sunday was much kinder.
Politico caught this bit near the end of the show and assumed he was referring to Gibbs’s statement:
During his show Monday — his first since Saturday night’s dinner — Limbaugh alluded to the dinner just once, calling it “showbiz for ugly people, that’s what politics is.”
There was, however, a mysterious moment during the show’s final minutes, when Limbaugh interrupted a dialogue on fiscal policy and, in a statement seemingly directed at his prodding producer, said, “How can they be running a response, when I didn’t respond? Well, there isn’t going to be a response!”
Why doesn’t he want to respond? Sykes is small potatoes, admittedly, but it’s not Sykes who’s the problem actor here. It’s Obama, for laughing stupidly at material that obnoxious and then having his own press secretary lie to the press corps about how The One supposedly believes it’s no laughing matter. This is as golden an example as you’ll ever have of shameless leftist hypocrisy over demonizing one’s opponents, and all the more so given Obama’s crap about “changing the tone in Washington” during the campaign. And Limbaugh’s going to punt on it? Any insight into what’s going on here, Rush fans? You know his thinking better than I ever will.
Update (Ed): I didn’t ask Rush about this during our interview because, well, he was interviewing me. Besides, if he wanted to talk about it, he had three hours in which to do it today. My guess: it’s small potatoes, as I wrote yesterday. Why add fuel to the fire and give Wanda Sykes credibility and a platform? As for Obama laughing at the joke, well … res ipsa loquitur.










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Hannity had his back, which is why Hannity is a Real American.
jeff_from_mpls on May 11, 2009 at 8:25 PM
He will not lower himself by responding to her vile ravings. Good work, Rush.
I expect Levin’s ripped her a new one by now.
The Monster on May 11, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Oh, he commented… by playing the Obama “time to get rid of childish things” bite from the inaugaration a few times. Trust me: that was his comment.
Pasalubong on May 11, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Because it makes Sykes to be more important than she really is ?
But the truth is that Obama is the one with egg on his face today and not Wanda Sykes.
William Amos on May 11, 2009 at 8:27 PM
He knew he couldn’t top Hitchens.
Mark1971 on May 11, 2009 at 8:27 PM
The right play. To respond to her will only float her boat higher.
Hog Wild on May 11, 2009 at 8:28 PM
Rush Limbaugh and Dick Cheney scare the crap out of this White House. Wanda Sykes is a bump on a pickle, forgotten by next week. Rush and VP Cheney aren’t so easily done away with.
Marcus on May 11, 2009 at 8:28 PM
Again, it’s not about Sykes. It’s about Obama.
Allahpundit on May 11, 2009 at 8:28 PM
Allah’s got a fevah and the only prescription is more Limbaugh !
William Amos on May 11, 2009 at 8:28 PM
Rush is the one … everyone is talking, but Rush. I wonder what the audience was today?
tarpon on May 11, 2009 at 8:29 PM
Um, I don’t get it either…why is this even worthy of speculation? I mean that seriously…I’m not seeing any ‘there’ there.
AUINSC on May 11, 2009 at 8:29 PM
umm…
I said that.
William Amos on May 11, 2009 at 8:29 PM
Limbaugh doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy who would whine about any treatment he receives from the left. I liked his non-response.
BadgerHawk on May 11, 2009 at 8:29 PM
Probably because Rush is aware of how much he attacks others in much the same way he was attacked and called it fair game. No response needed.
True_King on May 11, 2009 at 8:31 PM
pasalubong has it right, he did respond with using Barack’s own words.
BroncosRock on May 11, 2009 at 8:31 PM
Rush is a class act and the real deal…Wanda and Obama not so much.
ladyingray on May 11, 2009 at 8:31 PM
Having Sykes host and laughing was like going to church with a pedophile relative and laughing as they comment on the little girls panties.
Tony Soprano on May 11, 2009 at 8:31 PM
The point is, there could have been a lot more on there if Rush had gone after him. Why didn’t he?
Allahpundit on May 11, 2009 at 8:31 PM
He didn’t have to respond; every other talk radio host responded for him. Point made.
yogi41 on May 11, 2009 at 8:31 PM
Bush league. Eight years of not learning didn’t work out so well.
C’mon Rush; there’s still time to correct the error. Remove the Bush chip now!
Feedie on May 11, 2009 at 8:31 PM
I think this is EXACTLY it. What the left wants is another bumpity bump under the bus and business as usual. We can’t do that. They WILL carry on, business as usual, but, to allow the shock of Obama LAUGHING at it, on camera, is enough said. I cannot stand that despicable woman but Obama is the PRESIDENT. He should be ashamed of himself.
Let RUSH look to be the more magnanimous.
Mommypundit on May 11, 2009 at 8:32 PM
When did Rush ever call any liberal a terrorist, True-king.
BroncosRock on May 11, 2009 at 8:32 PM
Why respond to a roach or a crack ho?
It is beneath Rush.
HornetSting on May 11, 2009 at 8:32 PM
He probably knew he would be playing back into the WH’s demonization of him. The press would go on and on and on about what a racist and homophobe Rush was.
p0s3r on May 11, 2009 at 8:32 PM
That’s right Allah………..
……… and Rush won’t lower himself to where Obama has lowered the Office of the President of the United States.
Seven Percent Solution on May 11, 2009 at 8:33 PM
If Rush responds the media will make it about Sykes, by leaving the lifting to others he allows them to make it about Obama.
thomasaur on May 11, 2009 at 8:33 PM
Re-read Ed’s series of posts on Obama targeting Limbaugh early is his Worst (First) 100 Days.
Obama makes himself like a petty fool by elevating one critic to an equal level, Rush would do the same thing by mentioning that classless, vile pervert.
Since Rush is infinitely smarter than Obama he does not readily walk into the same mistakes.
Nobody knows who the hell Wanda Sykes is. Her reputation as anybody worth remembering died over 10 years ago. We will forget this whole thing a week from now, because she’s that ugly, classless, clueless, and forgettable.
I’m surprised Obama could even find her on the D-List. The President couldn’t get Eddie Murphy, Dave Chapelle, The Wayans Bros., or someone with, you know, actual talent?
BKennedy on May 11, 2009 at 8:34 PM
I normally don’t listen to Limbaugh except for his first 15 minute chunk, and today was no exception, as I had NASA Teevee on in the background for the Save Hubble mission launch.
But I would say that his ignoring her was absolutely brilliant. He knows that it would only make her more “famous”.
Although I really think he could get a lot of mileage of playing her infamous “Crank Yankers” bit where she whines about the steaming heap in the back seat of her Honda Accord…
Del Dolemonte on May 11, 2009 at 8:34 PM
Probably a few times…not 911 terrorists…but, he has likened it to illness, etc., which I don’t think is wrong.
Mommypundit on May 11, 2009 at 8:34 PM
Rush is doing what is best. I think it is great he didn’t respond.
Anyway, I think it would be a great ad if they have the joke playing, show Obama laughing hysterically away, and then next you hear Gibbs say the president thought the joke was no laughing matter.
At the end of the ad say something about Obama’s words and actions don’t match up or something.
deidre on May 11, 2009 at 8:34 PM
True I am suprised that Rush let Obama slide on this. If anything usually Rush would have taken it as a badge of honor. That the POS would spend so much time obsessing about him.
Maybe Limbaugh knows that Obama hopes that limbaugh would react to this and Obama would pounce on any negative comments ?
There is a chess match going on here. Dont think in terms of checkers.
William Amos on May 11, 2009 at 8:35 PM
There is no egg on anyone’s face. Obama simply laughed much the same way everyone here laughs when Rush humorously attacks those he does not like.
True_King on May 11, 2009 at 8:35 PM
why isn’t anyone talking about how she slammed Sean?
jgapinoy on May 11, 2009 at 8:35 PM
I had a feeling he would not even mention it. No really I did.
kahall on May 11, 2009 at 8:36 PM
For the exact same reason he didn’t go after Wanda Sykes. Yesterday Wanda Sykes was nobody, a dismal failure of a human being, going after her would have elevated her to being somebody, ignoring her resigns her to the dustbin of history. Going after Obama on this likewise would have elevated him to a position he doe not merit.
doriangrey on May 11, 2009 at 8:36 PM
Allah,
I have to disagree with you, as with most things that Obama does, he will pawn it off as not him, someone else did it, so what good would it do to respond to it? Even my liberal friends found it offensive, same as with the Garafalo fellow, so let it be. For gosh sake, he sat in a pew for years and everyone says he did not know what he was listening too, what makes you think this is any different??
momof2 on May 11, 2009 at 8:36 PM
Bingo.
tbear44 on May 11, 2009 at 8:37 PM
I just love how Bill Cosby ripped Sykes a new one at an awards show for not speaking English.
She couldn’t shut up about it afterward, she was so crushed.
John the Libertarian on May 11, 2009 at 8:37 PM
The entire evening was so repugnant, it is best ignored. Why expose the likes of Sykes to 20+ million people who would have never have heard of her?
Normally, I am for the DEFCON 5 response to these things, but this was the smartest move.
Valiant on May 11, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Deidre, you’re spot on. Apparently our leaders are too busy doing god knows what. This whole presidency so far has been one massive billboard for the GOP and they keep fumbling it.
p0s3r on May 11, 2009 at 8:38 PM
Ed was correct in that to give sykes any attention is exactly what she wants, because that’s the only way she can get it, by being mean and obnoxious like a spoiled little brat. Best way to deal with her is ignore her.
4shoes on May 11, 2009 at 8:38 PM
Look for Rush link this to to other poor behavior by Obama in the future.
Tony Soprano on May 11, 2009 at 8:39 PM
Are you as off-base and ineffectual in your daily life as you are here?
Patrick S on May 11, 2009 at 8:39 PM
Rush is biding his time and observing the blowback from the general public. He will comment….in due dittos time. Rush openly loves his country, which is an alien concept obama. If he times this right, it could begin a crumbling of the left.
Ris4victory on May 11, 2009 at 8:39 PM
Another way to go is to mention the skank’s statement, but not her name. Then go on to Obama’s reaction.
Feedie on May 11, 2009 at 8:39 PM
Because rush is taking on teh One, not some d-list flack laying smoke to cover for him The issue isn’t that a closed minded, bigoted, tramp doesn’t like Rush; it’s that Obama, with all of his rhetoric about raising the level of dialogue busted a gut with her.
Fighton03 on May 11, 2009 at 8:41 PM
Not responding was the right thing to do. By not making a big deal of it, he left Obama with the last image of disgrace. Ever had an ugly discussion with someone and walked away after they make the stupidest comment? It makes a statement about you and about them.
sherry on May 11, 2009 at 8:41 PM
Again, here’s his comment:
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_051109/content/01125106.guest.html
Pasalubong on May 11, 2009 at 8:42 PM
I know. they have so much material. They really must just suck on talent. I know a few 20 year olds that would go work for the RNC making magnificent ads for them, but they are just so out of touch. If people realized all the crap he has pulled and flipped on, I think they would think twice.
Same goes for Meghan McCain.
deidre on May 11, 2009 at 8:42 PM
Allah you don’t get it. Had Obama said that stuff, Rush would be going after him. Rush goes after people in government supposedly “more important” than him. But in this case, Rush has to go through Sykes to get to Obama. He’s not going to waste his time dealing with a lesser being just to take a shot at Obama. There’s plenty he can criticize Obama for without dealing with a hack comic.
Erich66 on May 11, 2009 at 8:42 PM
Rush’s non-response has turned the entire affair back on Obama. The media was waiting for Rush to say something so they can elevate it further nd call him a racist, or say he hates women, or whatever, and elevate the idiot “comedian” above where she deserves to be.
But since he did not, the media is like… *gasp* Why is Rush not biting?! OMG. We need to report something here! Let’s as our Messiah what he thought!
But that bit them in the rear as it turned it into a question of what Obama thought about mocking 9/11. I’m waiting for Gibbs to deny Obama laughed, when the video shows otherwise (like the bow).
Enoxo on May 11, 2009 at 8:43 PM
Rush saw how much the Big O’s past bullshit tirade against Rush, actually backfired and enabled Rush. Knowing this why would Rush enable Mr. Dykes?
Wade on May 11, 2009 at 8:44 PM
According to Gibbs in the press briefing today………..
…….. Obama wasn’t even at the diner, and didn’t know anything about it.
So why would Rush respond to something that never actually happened…………
………….. just like Scare Force One?
Seven Percent Solution on May 11, 2009 at 8:44 PM
i agree that rush will bide his time. he is patient.
kelley in virginia on May 11, 2009 at 8:44 PM
One assumes he finds Sykes beneath notice and refuses to give her what she obviously wants: For him to attack back so she can be the MSM’s Flavour of the Week.
Dodd on May 11, 2009 at 8:44 PM
Silence says everything.
Rush doesn’t need to confirm what we already know about him — that he is a talented, intelligent, gracious individual.
Maha Rushie knows his exceptionality. He does not need to defend it from a pean such as Spikes
blatantblue on May 11, 2009 at 8:45 PM
He will respond using this as a symptom of a much bigger disease (liberalism)…something like today is the first time I am embarrassed for my county.
califdreamnred on May 11, 2009 at 8:46 PM
I told him to ignore her and he did. ;)
The “chldish things” quote was exactly the right touch. The grownup is in charge.
ctmom on May 11, 2009 at 8:46 PM
Rush realizes it was just bad humor… Hannity lives for that crap (blowing things up)… Rush can take a joke and is probably content to just have her look like the idiot she is.
Now, had she gone after Democrats… that’d be a different matter!
mankai on May 11, 2009 at 8:46 PM
Why dignify the lowbrows with a response, or give them any more free publicity than they already get.
Rae on May 11, 2009 at 8:46 PM
oops…country!
So close to pithy.
califdreamnred on May 11, 2009 at 8:46 PM
A) Rush doesn’t want to be seen as a whiner. B) The ignorance of Sykes speaks for itself, him responding to it would only elevate her.
echosyst on May 11, 2009 at 8:46 PM
He keeps it alive by not talking about it. Perhaps people will be waiting for a response.
AbaddonsReign on May 11, 2009 at 8:46 PM
I think he did respond by spotlighting Cheney’s ability to shine the light of truth on how Obama has made us less safe. Obama and the media are yukkin’ it up and shuckin’ and jivin’ at a fancy supper while our enemies are plotting to kill us…from within.
SouthernGent on May 11, 2009 at 8:47 PM
People are right, he replayed that bite from the Inauguration quite a few times today. If he did mentioned her name once, it would overshadow her angry woman work on Curb Your Enthusiasm.
StevefromMKE on May 11, 2009 at 8:47 PM
He’s been at this for a while. He knows what he’s doing.
baldilocks on May 11, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Crawling into the gutter with a piece of trash like Wanda Sykes is exactly what Barack Obama did that night along with every @ss-sucking person there that laughed at her vile depiction of Limbaugh. Why would Rush even consider stepping into such a pile of dung that see themselves as mainstream America? “For the first time in my life, I’m really proud of my Country”—-Right Michelle?
Rovin on May 11, 2009 at 8:47 PM
No one knows more than Rush how responses fuel more fame and prestige, Mr. Obama has spent much of his first 100 days enhancing both for Rush. In turn his refusal to acknowledge the remarks of Ms. Skyes and the rudeness of the president gives them nothing in return, including whatever self satisfaction they hoped for.
Cindy Munford on May 11, 2009 at 8:48 PM
Sad to say, many on the Left consider Cosby to be an Uncle Tom.
Del Dolemonte on May 11, 2009 at 8:48 PM
The guy probably got “apologize or you’re fired.” It was a very funny joke, however.
deidre on May 11, 2009 at 8:48 PM
Rush rarely goes after people who say nasty things about him. When he does it is usually only with mild exasperation. The only time Rush gets animated is when the criticism comes from political figures. Such was the case with Powell.
johnt on May 11, 2009 at 8:48 PM
USE THIS RUSH !!!
William Amos on May 11, 2009 at 8:49 PM
While Rush had everyone’s attention he concentrated on Cheney, pointing out that Cheney is the only Republican standing up for America. Rush certainly dissed Powell and elevated Cheney. Rush and Cheney speaking out against Obama. A great team. We need to join them!
BetseyRoss on May 11, 2009 at 8:50 PM
The answer is quite simple: by NOT directly responding to the obvious classlessness of the event, Limbaugh has actually drawn attention to it and shows he has more class then they do. The crassness of Sykes and Obama’s reaction said it all making a response unecessary. However if one listened to Limbaugh’s entire show Monday and paid attention you would have noticed some very subtle references exposing the Obama hypocrisy in regards to the dinner and the “comedy” presented. Sometimes subtlety works best.
Carl on May 11, 2009 at 8:53 PM
I expect Levin’s ripped her a new one by now.
The Monster on May 11, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Levin has a sub today and tomorrow so we’ll see Wednesday.
txag92 on May 11, 2009 at 8:53 PM
Did you notice the way he kept repeating the things that Mr. Cheney doesn’t care about? If he had just said the “list” once I wouldn’t have thought much about it but he said it numerous times. Very interesting. The Won doesn’t like it when people react differently than he expects, i.e. Tea Parties, Chrysler debt holders, and I bet he’s not happy with Rush right now either.
Cindy Munford on May 11, 2009 at 8:55 PM
Who cares about a two bit comedian and the classless president?
Crack ho and roach. which is which?
HornetSting on May 11, 2009 at 8:56 PM
AP never passes up an opportunity to inform us that he doesn’t listen to Limbaugh and isn’t a fan.
We get it. You’re better than the rest of us.
commodore on May 11, 2009 at 8:56 PM
Much like Perez Hilton’s commentary about Miss Cali, Sykes’ little “joke” about Rush is being taken FAR too seriously. Was it crude, rude, and disgusting? Yep.
Was is some kind of surprise, coming from a leftard? Nope.
Let the Left-wing scuzballs bury themselves.
So, basically, don’t feed the trolls should apply to them nicely.
JetBoy on May 11, 2009 at 8:57 PM
Of course she wouldn’t have said it to the president but she would not have know a moments hesitation to say anything to or about Rush.
Cindy Munford on May 11, 2009 at 8:58 PM
That’s what all the libs say. Then, he says something they don’t like and they wet their pants.
HornetSting on May 11, 2009 at 8:58 PM
One other thing…was Wanda Sykes the best comedian they could have gotten for the dinner? Her popularity as a standup isn’t very high right now. Her peak was in 2004 and she’s been in decline ever since. The notoriety given to her at this time may give a bump in her popularity but I feel her best days are well behind her.
Carl on May 11, 2009 at 8:58 PM
It leaves the media to wallow in its shame of facilitating it all. Shrewd if that was the plan. I’m guessing he didn’t want to play into the media’s attempt to sideshow the episode rather than stew on it. No guarantee that they’ll do the latter, but when Rush refrains from responding to someone who wished his death with the President’s and media’s apparent approval, the game’s over.
Patrick on May 11, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Because by not responding Rush can spend his precious few on-air hours covering real news instead of more ugly, juvenile behavior from Obama and his cronies. Otherwise, he’d just be feeding the gossipy he-said she–said garbage that passes for news these days. Why let the mainstream news dwell on skewed statements by Rush. Wanda Sykes is less than nothing. I have dirt on my shoe with more substance. Rush is just focusing on what matters.
chicagojedi on May 11, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Sykes is:
- black
- female
- gay
That’s the “holy” trifecta of left-wing “absolute moral authority.”
Rush is:
- white
- male
- heterosexual
That’s the “unholy” trifecta of “absolute immoral blame.”
Had Rush ripped her a new one he would have fallen right into the left’s trap and they would use his “hate filled soapbox of a radio show” to push for the Fairness Doctrine.
Silence is not only the best way of dealing with this…
…you know it really, really, REALLY pissed off the left that he didn’t respond.
Religious_Zealot on May 11, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Sykes was dying for the free publicity, so that she could hit every talk show couch and play back-and-forth with Rush. Instead, Rush played a clip from Obama’s inauguration when he quotes the Bible about putting away childish things. So in the end, Rush did comment on it, only the too stupid and media-drenched zombies didn’t get it.
RedRedRice on May 11, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Maybe you should ask your co-blogger.
(I kid, I kid).
cs89 on May 11, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Rush is playing this like a good poker player who knows how critical it is to mix up your play. You cannot be predictable. And so, he gives them nothing to create another story about his non-response.
RedSoxNation on May 11, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Rush rose above all of it. What is the point in him feeding the beast? He is starving them.
djl130 on May 11, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Hannity ripping a new one!
SouthernGent on May 11, 2009 at 9:01 PM
I smell a supreme court appointment.
HornetSting on May 11, 2009 at 9:01 PM
El Rushbo is playing this perfectly. He is giving Obama fits for not responding in the way he wanted. And by using Dear Leader’s own words against him, he’ll torque him off even more. Keep going, Rush. We’re all waiting for the very first Presidential Temper Tamtrum.
kingsjester on May 11, 2009 at 9:02 PM
I missed this one…………
…… it comes around the 2 minute mark.
Seven Percent Solution on May 11, 2009 at 9:02 PM
Interesting take.
Feedie on May 11, 2009 at 9:02 PM
One other point: Rush knew that everyone was going to be focusing on his response; so he used that opportunity to highlight Chaney so that people would then have to focus on Chaney’s sobering and serious points about Obama’s CIA debacle, which is making us less safe…
RedSoxNation on May 11, 2009 at 9:03 PM
(bears repeating)
mike_NC9 on May 11, 2009 at 9:04 PM
…directed at his prodding producer, said, “How can they be running a response, when I didn’t respond? Well, there isn’t going to be a response!”
I’d love to see the response; that is if it can be retrieved from whatever hole it must’ve quickly been tossed into.
Got to go…time to watch Kim probably get kidnapped and Jack beat on Tony. *then perhaps another touching come to allah moment for Jack*
24-it’s getting old.
: (
tehd on May 11, 2009 at 9:05 PM
Perhaps Rush saw this as just another Obama distraction. Something for the press to obsess over while ignoring the state of the country and Obama’s policies.
29Victor on May 11, 2009 at 9:06 PM
Watch Rescue Me.
HornetSting on May 11, 2009 at 9:07 PM
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