I didn't notice any vanities when Rush was promoting Walker some months ago. I remember him saying things about Walker that would make other candidates blush, he said Walker had the blueprint for beating libs, had the record of accomplishment to prove it, etc., etc. Went on and on, zero criticism.
I also remember him speaking well of Cruz, he's never criticized him, not once. Cruz has been singled out often as the best in the Senate.
I do notice he doesn't think much of Jeb, but other than that, he doesn't go after GOP candidates in general (McCain and Jeb excepted), he lets the race pan out, let's the candidates make their case. He does subtly go for some and not others, but not the way you are saying here. I have never heard him endorse a candidate in the primary, he just doesn't do it, and he isn't doing it now.
His "love" for Trump is not too different from anyone here. He does kind of roll his eyes at some of the machinations, he does report how nothing in the democrat/media PC politburo has not worked. And it hasn't. So?
Trump is the story for Rush, because Trump has become the story everywhere. Rush comments on the days news, well the days news is Trump.
He's also delighted (like me, and most here) that the Donald has done what the entire GOP should have been doing for the past couple of decades, fighting back, belittling back, standing against the PC rulers of the day. And he's winning.
I see it in that way, he's delighted with what Trump has done to and for the race, delighted how he's outfoxed and out gunned the media, the GOPe, and the dems. You have an interesting take, some good points, but I simply disagree.
The primary difference, I think, is that Rush is truly impressed with how Trump handles his press conferences and general commentary and response to the press. Kind of like one professional respecting and admiring another.
Bravo. Could not have said it better.