Pulling for Rush

TownHall.com ^ | Wednesday, October, 15, 2003 | by Brent Bozell

[JohnHuang2]

Great sadness came with Rush Limbaugh’s announcement that he needed to take a break from his wildly successful radio career to conquer a prescription-drug addiction. Few things can be more humiliating than to have to admit in front of an entire nation that you are ... a junkie. And yet that’s exactly what Rush did -- with no excuses. Humiliating, maybe. But also highly courageous. From coast to coast, the Limbaugh nation is hoping and praying that, after taking 30 days off for rehabilitation, he’ll be bouncing back, liberated from his demons, sharper and happier.

A few hours after Rush made his explosive announcement, Chris Matthews asked me to be his guest on "Hardball" that evening. On the set before the start, I told Chris I just wasn’t up for the high-voltage debate style that’s made his "Hardball" show famous. Thankfully, Matthews was in full agreement and conducted what was a difficult interview with a level of professionalism -- and grace -- one rarely finds in the media today.

He wondered how Rush’s fans would react to the news. The truth, I think, is that this is the very least of Limbaugh's worries. Rush Limbaugh enjoys the greatest well of sympathy for any public figure in the conservative firmament, with the exception of Ronald Reagan. Contrary to caricatures from liberals who never listen, Rush has been an inspirational leader, a great popularizer of the conservative cause, and an oasis of hope and humor for the millions who feel their causes and heroes are pounded unmercifully by the liberal press. Twenty million listeners are indebted to him and will repay him with their affection.

Then, Matthews stated his concern that some on the left would greet the news with glee. How right he was.

Some liberals have tried to restrain their glee, but their feelings of moral superiority -- or arrogance, for short -- still came shining through. Writing in the Chicago Sun-Times, columnist Richard Roeper responded to a listener telling Rush "we all make mistakes" with this rejoinder: "I don't think that's the general philosophy of Limbaugh or his audience when it comes to his targets. It sounds a lot more like something a liberal caller might say to an NPR host, doesn't it?" Liberalism equals compassion, understanding and forgiveness.

Tell that to Rush’s fans after what they’ve seen liberals do since Rush’s addiction story broke. Before his admission, "comedian" Al Franken joyfully proclaimed that he was "looking forward to the perp walk ... I'll be switching channels to get it from every angle." Katie Couric thought Rush’s addiction was great fodder when she appeared on Jay Leno's show: "I feel actually good because I flew out here, and Rush Limbaugh sat next to me on the plane. He gave me some vitamins. Whaa! It feels good!" In the latest Democratic debate on CNN, candidate John Kerry cracked that to improve access to prescription drugs, "You can hire Rush Limbaugh's housekeeper, or you could elect me president of the United States."

The reaction wasn’t kinder after Rush began his rehabilitation regimen. CNN anchorman Aaron Brown conceded that he could not deny the "permanent smirk that seems to be attached to my face." (He then ceded his show to more bile from Franken.) Newsweek columnist Jonathan Alter gave this compassionate assessment: "It's been a bad year for bully-boy conservatives. Time for them to taste their own bitter medicine." The Newsweek cover story by Evan Thomas called Rush "a childless, twice-divorced, thrice-married schlub whose idea of a good time is to lie on his couch and watch football endlessly."

But the king of the mud mountain was Newsday columnist Jimmy Breslin, who spread the taunts across the entire Limbaugh audience: "His people are hopelessly, embarrassingly dumb. Or -- sudden revelation! -- they're all out there whacked out on Hillbilly Heroin just like Rush. Only they can understand his babble."

Where are the national nannies of the public discourse to tut-tut at all of these compassion-deprived leftists now?

Let no one now pretend that the problem with liberals is that they’re too tender and toothless, too compassionately cuddly and fuzzily forgiving. Trapped in arrogance and wishful thinking, supposedly astute analysts like Alter and Franken believe that if Rush undergoes a successful recovery, he will come out more enlightened and less vitriolic -- and his show will be finished, since conservatives only want heaping helpings of ignorant vitriol.

After all of these slurs and insults, Rush knows that the best way to respond is to put this whole mess behind him and to apply all the force of his radio personality to the power of his own will. It’s also what his audience knows and will expect. That’s tomorrow’s agenda. For now, 20 million supporters are just pulling for him to pull through.

[JohnHuang2]

Wednesday, October, 15, 2003

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[krb]

For now, 20 million supporters are just pulling for him to pull through.

Indeed. I hope he doesn't retire for a decade or so.

[JohnHuang2]

I hope he doesn't retire for a decade or so.

Amen. Prayers for Rush's quick recovery.

[JohnHuang2]

Prayer ping...

[bjcintennessee]

I listened briefly to "Rush's" show today, and they gave a special e-mail address for those who wanted contact RUSH. Surely someone has already posted this, but just in case they haven't -- I think it was: dittosrush@rushlimbaugh.com.

[nicepaco]

Yep! Throw that monkey off and get back to work. It sounds easier than It'll be but that's what I expect him to do.

[Lurker]

I'll pray for Rushes recovery, John.

But at the same time, if there's one hint of evidence he illegally received narcotics I want him indicted and tried.

Let the chips fall where they may.

L

[Time4Atlas2Shrug]

dittos

[JohnHuang2]

Thanks for posting.

[SierraWasp]

I spent 3 hours today driving to "the people's republic of Davis," (CA) listening to the gay/liberal former president of NOW filling in for the host that filled in for Rush, sticking up for Rush and all this vile bile being piled on him while he's "down!"

Even that hipocrite Imus!!! It's no wonder the "Politics of Envy" are so successful. Just look at this GANG-GREEN with envy!!!

Maybe they should be required to come worship at the new shrine of tolerance in the new museum of tolerance in Sacramento!!!

They're worse than the "Pukers for Peace" in San Francisco a few months ago!!!

[MEG33]

Lord,I ask you to be with Rush in conquering this dreadful addiction.May he and we understand that 30 days and out will not be the answer.

It will be a lifetime journey,one minute at a time right now.Give him strength and your loving presence.May wisdom overcome impatience and self deception.

[woofie]

The left needs to stop shooting smack long enough to tell Rush how bad he is....

[Alamo-Girl]

I join in agreement with other Freepers praying for God's healing, blessing and guidance for Rush and understanding for all those he loves.

[McGavin999]

Rush has had my prayers since I first heard of this thing. If he had the strength to get through the hearing loss, he's going to have the strength to get through this as well. With all the prayers that are going up for him throughout this country, he's going to have all the support anyone could possibly get.

Come on Rush, we're pulling for you.

[Reagan Man]

Some people are angry and resentful towards Rush and believe he's let them down. I'm somewhat disappointed in Rush`s behavior, but understand he's only human. For now, I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt on this one.

I've been listening to Rush for 13 years and IMO, he has never claimed to be a paragon of virtue. He's first and foremost, a cutting edge entertainer who espouses the positive attributes of political conservatism, while pointing out the evils of political liberalism. Rush has done a lot to advance the conservative agenda and has educated millions of people about American politics. Through his efforts, many of Rush`s listeners have joined the conservative cause. And for all his efforts, Rush rightfully carries the mantle of Ronald Reagan.

Rush has his detractors on the left and the right and they're doing a good job of slamming Rush. Paybacks are hell.

As I told Rush in an email I sent him:
"After you kick the demons of addiction, I know you will return to the golden microphone of EBI, better then ever. Once again, broadcast excellence will reign for 3 hours every weekday. Take care Rush, best of luck and may God bless you."

[dixiechick2000]

Rush bump!

Good to see you, my friend. ;o)

[everyvotecounts]

Thanks for the e-mail address - just sent mine.

[DeuceTraveler]

We are at cultural war. No quarter asked and none given.

[amom]

Joining in your prayer