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The Nine Lives of Rush Limbaugh
You’d think two major racial scandals, a loss of hearing, drug abuse and being denounced on the Senate floor might have an adverse affect on a talk-show host’s career. Not so with Rush Limbaugh. Here’s a look at nine events that could have done him in—but only made him stronger.
HE FAILS, HE QUITS THE BUSINESS, IT DOESN'T MATTER
In this 1988 appearance on the Connecticut public-access show Miggs B on TV, Limbaugh recounts how his failure as a music DJ and quitting the business entirely made him better when he returned to the airwaves five years later.
BEING HUMILIATED ON TV SHOW LEADS TO A TV SHOW
On March 30, 1990, Limbaugh was a guest host on The Pat Sajak Show. In this clip, he struggles to keep control as he’s repeatedly heckled by an activist from ACT UP. Two years later, he was hosting his own show, produced by Roger Ailes.
HE CONFESSES TO DRUG ABUSE, HIS AUDIENCE DOESN’T CARE
Limbaugh was booked on a fraud charge related to obtaining prescription drugs in April 2006. Perhaps the secret to why his conservative audience shrugged it off is in this clip; note how he makes the villain in the affair not himself or even the prosecutor, but the Associated Press. (The state attorney later agreed to drop the charge.)







quick2no
Rahm stated Limbaugh was the intellectual influence of the Republican party. At first I was appalled that Rahm could make such a mis-step. But then I see the cunning. Putting Limbaugh out front and letting Limbaugh's rants hit the mainstream airwaves, stops any real intellectual dialogue from emerging from the party. Jindal can't unite. Palin also was devisive. Limbaugh is polarizing. And Rahm is the Pied Piper of Hamlin.
connie47
If the Republican Party's goal is to divide the country even further, if that's possible, then they're on the right track with Rush. If they think that's patriotic, they're deluded.
Mixpixlix
We've seen demi-gods before. They usually sef-destruct. If cable news network didn't give him a free ride with almost daily clips from his broadcast, he would fade away.
How an obese, drug addict, racist, woman hating, windbag keeps his show on the air is a mystery. Most of his listners, like those who listen to O'Reilly are elderly, uninformed and raging aganist a system they neither like or understand. Yet, they make no effort to get facts. It's too easy to swallow is propaganda and it's sad. It's also poison.
BernieO
It's about time the media showcase this dishonest liar. I wish someone would dig up the clip of Rush telling Tim Russert on MTP that ,as an entertainer, he did not have an obligation to tell the truth. This was years ago - in the 90's I think . I expected an outcry then, but the media just shrugged it off. Russert didn't even blink at Rush's reply.
Imagine if the public had heard as much about the fact that Rush had no compunctions about lying as they did about all those stupid sex scandals? There is no way Rush would have been able to keep wielding such influence over the public debate.
BernieO
Forgot to add - Jon Stewart did a great bit about Rush last night.
rowland
If you don't like him, don't listen to him. But if you don't listen to him, don't criticize him.
The Beast has probably exposed me to more Rush in this one post than I've ever had before.
When will people learn to stop raising the profiles of those whom they loathe and using indignation to try to silence those with whom they disagree?
Martyz42
Please folks, lets allow Rush to stay in control of the religious Confederate republican congress people. With Rush, Bobby, Sarah & Mc Same the republicans can hope to get maybe a 25% share of the people in this country. (With luck) Let's all pray or for those with a brain, hope they stay in charge
chef1234
Rush is necessary for our country! He says what he means and means what he says. He cuts to the heart of the matter and I for one appreciate it. No Nonesence. Thank God there are people like Rush! If all we had to digest is the slobbering libral media pablum, none of us would have a clue how dupped the general population can become. Most news sources create the outcome they want to be accepted instead of just giving the facts and letting the public make up its own mind. Rush does use some outlandish brash language, mostly to shake up the status que to get people to think. And let us not forget the merciless slaying of the Bush administration. Come on people, what is good for the goose is also good for the gander. If you can dish it out...then be prepared to take it!
Snooper
Is this not a free country? Everyone shoud have right to their opinion, and be able to express it w/o criticism.
cbl99201
Rush Limbaugh wants President Obama to fail? That's OK.
Conversely, I want Rush to succeed. I want his conservatism to completely dominate the Republican party, so that their smaller base can no longer compete in national elections.
Go, Rush, Go!!
mgregg12
You know I really get tired of these people who try to bring down people. How many of these negative comments apply to you? Yes, Rush is a recovering drug addict, he is not a woman hater or a racist, and yes he is over-weight as most Americans. Yes, I guess I am just an old wind bag who knows nothing. The young people today need to learn some facts and lessons. This country is going to have the greatest financial crash ever known and you don't get it. He does not want Pres. Obama to fail, he wants his policies to fail, get it right!!There is a difference between policies and the Presidency . We cannot continue to pay out and pay out with no consequences. Where do you all think the money is coming from for these bailouts? I have asked many and they say, taxes. Not so, there is not enough tax money coming in to pay for all of this mess. We are borrowing and just barely paying the interest. If government would stay out of the private sector, it would have corrected itself. I am amazed GM does not go bankrupt and restructure in a foreign country. A long time ago I had a college teacher who said that all major business would someday be in a foreign country and we would be left with service jobs that pay nothing. Well, it is happening more and more.
miggsb
Thanks for showing a clip from my interview with Rush. He was a good sport through this, his first TV appearance, inspite of a wicked snow storm and a bomb scare called into the Cablevision studios, causing us to stand outside for an hour in just our shirts and ties (and pants), before taping could resume
CNinNYC
Rahm is brilliant! Keep talking Rush..... Keep Talking......
LitaMarieH
Snooper, you don't think that people have a right to have opinions, but shouldn't have opinions about other people's opinions?
Erm...?
LitaMarieH
Snooper, you think people have a right to have opinions, but that they shouldn't have opinions about other people's opinions?
Erm...?
Thank you.
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