Posted on 10/22/2006 4:07:27 AM PDT by governsleastgovernsbest
On last night's Fox News Watch, Cal Thomas offered critical assessments of the independence of two of his fellow conservative commentators. Even while acknowledging that the two top-rated talkers have recently made comments critical of the administration, he suggested that, by and large, the pair lack political autonomy.
In the context of a discussion of President Bush's efforts to shore up support among conservative radio talk show personalities, Thomas stated:
"Even Rush Limbaugh, who is seen as being in the pocket of the administration, has been critical of Republicans not being more like Republicans."
And:
"Sean Hannity, recently - though he's pretty much a cheerleader for the Republican party - has said a few critical things, so it's not all 100% in lock step from all of them."
So, how do readers here score Cal's comments?
Personally, I give him a hit and a miss. When it comes to Hannity, I've often observed that his show too often has the ring of a recitation of RNC talking points.
But I disagree with Thomas's assessement of Rush. As a conservative, Rush will naturally tend to support a Republican, and generally conservative, administration. But I believe Rush's genius, and that which has put him at the top of the pops for coming on two decades, is his independence of mind. Limbaugh often speaksof the way he has followed his own instincts. When a big issue breaks, I am curious to get Rush's take precisely because it is often unpredictable.
Your thoughts?
Finkelstein lives in the liberal haven of Ithaca, NY. Webcasts and podcasts of Mark's award-winning TV show 'Right Angle' are available here. Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net
RUSH tells "us" what his agenda everytime he is on the air. Print this out and save it.
RUSH LIMBAUGH, "I WILL RETIRE WHEN EVERYONE IN AMERICA AGREES WITH ME."
There... now you know with certainty.
LLS
Is it Foley and the "cut and run" label that has you so angry?
He's right on Foley. I thought initially it might cost a seat in Florida, but even that's not certain. That's a Dem October surprise that got exposed a month early and will similarly fail.
Immigration would be the other issue which could cause conservatives to cut and run, and conservative House Republicans are the VERY REASON action has been taken and border security priorities have been placed in front of guest worker priorities.
If there are any actual cut and run conservatives they deserve to be slammed. To sit out and hand control of Congress to dems is unconscionable.
As for spending; we'll have to hold our nose, spread the blame to the WH, send a message that it won't be tolerated. AND WE SEND THAT MESSAGE BY SUPPORTING CONSERVATIVES STRONGLY.
"he suggested that, by and large, the pair lack political autonomy."
What a joke!!! NAME ONE dbm PERSONALITY BESIDES BRIT HUME, THAT HAS ANY POLITICAL AUTONOMY!
dan rather, charlie gibson, george stufoneupyourbutticus, katie couric, brian ross, or any of the others that spew their leftist tripe?????????
RUSH AND SEAN SPEAK TRUTH TO LIES. dbm LIE AND LIE AND LIE AND LIE AND LIE... WHEN SOMEONE SPEAKS OUT AGAINST THEIR AGENDA, THOSE PERSONS ARE ATTACKED AS BEING PARTISAN AND IN THE POCKET POLITICAL HACKS!
BURN DOWN THE MEDIA BABY, SMOKE OUT THE RATS!
LLS
FYI, I heard that Cal Thomas' column is in more papers nationwide that any other colunmist. fwiw.
I saw the very same broadcast and heard Cal Thomas utter these words. The context of his observation was from the standpoint of making a point about the MSM. He was saying that the MSM thinks that Rush is a mouthpiece for the administration and Hannity is too.
Having listened to both Rush and Hannity, I cannot understand why anyone would think this is true, except those who really don't listen, but listen to what other libs tell them that Rus h and Hannity say.
This thread is a big nothing. There is no story here!
Here is ONE BIG difference... Rush had a drug problem, but hid it so well that most of his audience never knew he had a problem. savage, on the other hand, IS TAKING DRUGS UNDER DOCTORS ORDERS. When savage misses his drugs, EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT IT!
LLS
beckel is a demon with people skills.
LLS
A debate between Rush and Savage would never happen. Rush couldn't and wouldn't stoop so low as to come near Savage.
I don't believe Savage believes anything he says...I certainly don't. I am convinced the man says the stuff he says simply to generate "heat". Anyone who thinks he is sincere, including his critics, have been taken in.
On top of that, he is a vile, hateful man who gives conservatism a bad name. He only confirms to critics what they believe conservatives to be. If he were to be compared to someone, it would be the late liberal, Alan Berg, for those of you old enough to remember that ugly piece of work.
But, who knows, Savage may have changed. I haven't listened to him in at least two years.
Rush coins a phrase (drive-by media), and everyone from charlie gibson to Bill O'Bloviator steals it! There is your real sign of power!!!
LLS
For all his flaws, Rush has become a monumental media figure, and I would argue he to the media what Ronald Reagan was to elective office--the man whose major contribution was pushing back the liberal lies about conservatism.
Hi chiller,
Try this little experiment...
When you go out to get your morning paper, ask one of your neighbors who Cal is. If on the remote chance they have heard of him, ask them what he does. Then ask him or her if they have heard of Rush Limbaugh.
Next time you are at the check-out counter at your grocery, ask the girl behind the register if she knows who Cal is. Then ask her if she has heard of Rush Limbaugh.
When you get the answers from these people; you will have your final answer.
LLS
Ronald Reagan... I smile just thinking about him. He and Bush have that "something". It's like you can almost see GOD standing behind them smiling! I miss Reagan everyday.
LLS
Darn right. I have no problem tipping my hat to Cal, Rush, Reagan, and W.
That they don't see anything wrong with this is why they must be stopped.
That's what I get for posting after working a double. Good night/morning! ;)
I know how you feel. You get so tired that you are too tired to sleep. It is a horrible state. I hope you have a restful sleep and Conservative Victory dreams!
LLS
I love Rush; everthing Sean Hannity has to say can be heard in five minutes...Sean is obnoxiously repetitive.
Exactly. This article really does a disservice to Cal Thomas, who in fact, many times has acknowledged Rush's status as one of the, if not the premiere Conservative voice in the media and beyond.
And one can't compare Rush and Cal Thomas. They serve a different purpose. Cal I believe is most widely syndicated journalist in the country, or at least he was for a while. And I would have to say he's one of the most rock solid Conservatives of the print journalists. He pens think pieces. Krauthammer, who is brilliant too, can drift to the middle occasionally, but Cal never wavers, and he's brutally honest about terrorism and it's roots. Always has been. He's among the most devoted friends of Israel among Christians journalists, and he got the Palestinian's number a very long time ago. His columns on that topic are pure genius.
Rush is Rush - a revolutionary. He reinvented the wheel by making talk radio a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Conservative movement, and the influence of that cannot be overstated. His show is a conduit to the grassroots, and he knows it and he plays it perfectly. Plus, he's is much smarter that he is given credit for. He's not just an "entertainer" as some categorize him. He's sees the political chess game many moves ahead.
Hannity is okay - but not in the same class as Rush and Cal.
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