Posted on 02/18/2025 10:05:21 AM PST by Twotone
Four years ago today, just about this time, I was pottering about getting ready to guest-host The Rush Limbaugh Show when the telephone rang. It was Kraig Kitchin, his longtime friend (and head of the network that distributed his show), calling to break the news that Rush had died earlier that morning.
Post-Limbaugh talk radio seems smaller to me than it once did - not just because Rush had a big personality, but because he managed to fit the flotsam and jetsam of the news cycle into the big picture. Whatever topic he'd alight on, he would enlarge, and connect to the great coursing currents of the age. He was also incredibly, naturally funny. I have nothing against any of his successors up and down the dial, but, on the rare occasions I switch on the radio in his time-slot, it's not the same.
Two years ago, the anniversary of Rush's death fell on the day of our weekly Clubland Q&A. It wasn't intended to be a one-hour remembrance of America's anchorman, but, because listeners had so many questions about him and his show, it somehow turned into one. Listening to it later, I thought it was worth a re-broadcast - not just for the questions and answers, but for other aspects, too: a musical selection courtesy of his beloved Kathryn, a brief evocation of my guest-hosting days, and the last words Rush ever spoke on air.
Click above to listen.
(Excerpt) Read more at steynonline.com ...
The day after Trump won Charlie Kirk played the Rush intro at the start of his show. Super powerful!
“Mark Steyn and Walter E. Williams were my favorite Rush fill-ins.”
Agreed!
My Dad was the biggest Dittohead you’d ever want to meet. He was at ‘Dan’s Bake Sale’ in CO back in the 80’s.
I lost Dad in 2020 and Rush was a year later, I think. It gives me some comfort that my Dad could finally meet his hero. ;)
Kit Carson died before Rush, if I remember correctly
“It’s sad there’s no successor”
Mark Steyn, who wrote this article, is in his own way a poet, like Rush (in the larger sense of what a poet is).
The 2nd paragraph of Mark’s article is a terrific summation of Rush.
Mark occasionally substituted for Rush.
He was my distant cousin, I miss hearing his views...
I think of Rush often but I really miss his sense of humor.
There are two things going on in this regard.
First, radio is sort of dead. Same with TV, to a lesser extent. Limbaugh made his millions when AM radio was the only game in town, effectively. Nowadays, my suspicion is XM radio has broader reach than AM or syndicated radio.
Or podcasts. Bluntly, Joe Rogan is more influential than Limbaugh could have dreamed to be. To wit: Rogan arguably helped Trump bigly with his Trump interview. Name me any instance where Limbaugh was as influential.
Second…ok, boomer. You advance by looking thru the windshield, not rear-view mirror. There are great talk show hosts. Andrew Wilkow has been at it for years and he’s magnificent. I think he’s better than Limbaugh, but that’s a matter of taste.
Yes Rush and Trump have exposed the corruption of the left Rush’s humor was the key to drive the left crazy the left tried to do a Trump job but failed also.
EIB
I spent many days angry with myself for backing away from his show when he got ill. I was scared - of losing someone I respected and cared deeply about and who had helped me through some very troubling times in this country. The memories he left us all with will last for many years. Still miss you, ElRushbo.
I still laugh when I think of young Rush calling Sears and ordering a new refrigerator for the across the street neighbor. When the delivery truck arrived, Rush and friends watched from his upstairs bedroom as the driver off loaded the refrigerator onto a cart, then pushing the cart up the sidewalk to the front door. When the homeowner answered the doorbell, Rush and friends laughed as they watched the strange conversation taking place. They could see hands waving going up and down as the driver insisted he had the right house, and the homeowner insisting he did not order a refrigerator.
Nor is Dan Bongino or Cal and Buck or anyone else. RIP Rush.
Show hosts are now Clay Travis and Buck Sexton.
I also miss Jerry Doyle but he died 8 years ago.
Tim Conway Jr. has a good show but it’s hard to find.
Steyn turned out to be my favorite Rush sub. I was hoping he would be hired to replace him.
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