Rush's Impact

NewsMax.com ^ | 10/15/03 | Mike Gallagher

[kattracks]

The callers to my radio show ranged from shrill to downright joyful at the news that Rush Limbaugh has admitted to a problem with prescription drugs and is entering rehab.

"Hypocrite!" some of them cried. "I hope he rots in jail!" bellowed another. Still another went so far as to suggest that he hopes Rush hangs himself and "burns in hell."

I suppose we shouldn't be surprised at the enjoyment and satisfaction that these pitiful people are demonstrating over the latest challenge to face the broadcasting legend. After all, they've been watching his meteoric success for years now and have had lots of time to resent it.

But rather than just argue with them, I started taking a different approach with these left-leaning callers. "What is it you're hoping for?" I asked them. "Ultimately, what is the outcome you expect?"

This question seemed to puzzle them. They would start stammering about his right-wing positions on issues and sputtering about his wealth, fame and success.

"But what do you want to happen?" I kept asking. None of them would give me a direct answer. Because their real answer was too transparent, too idealogically driven: They want him to be silenced. Period. They hope that he'll somehow lose his radio show, the forum that millions of Americans have come to rely on as a sane, reasoned, entertaining way to spend the early afternoons of their daily lives.

Well, that's not likely to happen. Rush isn't going anywhere. Oh, I suppose if he decides to throw in the towel, his critics would get their wish. But from what I know, despite having enough money to last the next five lifetimes, he enjoys doing it too much to give it up. And that just drives the people who dislike his message absolutely crazy.

Rush Limbaugh has more talent in his pinkie finger than vicious critics like Al Franken ("Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot") will ever have. He's had a hundred times more impact on American culture than people like Michael Moore ("Bowling for Columbine") will ever have. He is beloved and respected and appreciated by millions of us.

And when he comes back from defeating this problem, just as he defeated job failure before finding his niche, just as he conquered deafness – heck, just as he beat obesity – he'll be stronger and better than ever before.

The debate over what should happen to Rush is cut strictly and completely down philosophical and idealogical lines. Don't let anybody fool you into thinking they're being objective. I watched in amazement as Fox News Channel's Neil Cavuto interviewed some pinhead psychiatrist who was suppposed to be presenting an objective perspective about prescription drug addiction.

She kept taking potshot after potshot at Limbaugh, causing Cavuto to observe, "You don't really like him very much, do you, Doctor?" She was forced to concede that she did not.

Many suggest that he should be punished, that he must face the consequences of his actions. That process has already begun. And it will continue.

But no matter what the outcome, whether he faces criminal prosecution or even conviction, his audience will be waiting for him. I trust his family and friends will continue to love and support him. And he'll keep on confounding and annoying liberals who just can't quite figure out how this shy, unassuming man from Missouri continues to be a broadcaster who has had more impact on the radio industry than any other single person in the history of the business.

Incidentally, the next time you meet a liberal who is rooting against Rush Limbaugh during this current personal crisis, be sure to ask him or her what happened to all that compassion that liberals are supposed to be famous for.

(Mike Gallagher was the morning host at WABC-AM in New York, Rush's flagship station, from 1996-1998 before going into national syndication.)

Mike Gallagher was recently cited as the eighth-most-recognized talk radio host in America by an independent marketing survey conducted by the Benchmark Company. His daily radio show is syndicated by the Salem Radio Network.

His Web site is mikeonline.com.

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:
Media Bias

[PolishProud]

Will Rush survive? What Democrats and their fellow travelers, the media, don't understand is that its the message not the man. Other conservative talk show hosts are successful not because of humorous parodies or golf talk or NFL predictions, but because they chant the mantra of capitalism -- strict interpretation of the Constitution, personal responsibility, smaller government, lower taxes and family values.

In fact the thinking man's talk show host is Michael Medved, sans parodies, sans sports talk, but on message with devastating debates that logically supports Republican thinking.

Its the message stupid.

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[TheCrusader]

If Rush's personal problems should spell the end of his radio career, (and I hope it does not), he is genius enough to find other ways to get his message out. When one door closes another one opens -- he can write books, newspaper columns, make t.v. appearences, etc. The truth is impossible to suppress, and there is waiting in the wings somewhere a person who will take over where Rush left off. The battle will continue.

[ovrtaxt]

I agree about Medved. He dominates!

But Rush has a knack for personal connection, a warm friendliness and a genuine love for his audience that can be easily detected but impossible to fake for very long. My favorite moments are when he leaves the specific events of politics and elaborates on the American philosophy itself. Very powerful.

[Elkiejg]

The battle will continue.

Yes it will and does everyday here on FreeRepublic -- thank you JimRob. BTW - if you haven't made your donation yet consider becoming a "monthly".

[Born Conservative]

[Ferret Fawcet]

great article. BUMP