It's true that I think Rush is responsible for a lot of bad things -- chief among which is the propagation of conservative emotionalism. His show is both shallow and narrow, and designed to play only to the choir. As I noted above, whenever Rush (or whomever) talks about a topic on which I'm well-informed, he's usually ill-informed, and often flat-out wrong in his assertions. That sort of stuff doesn't carry over well to reasoned debate with an informed opponent (cf. Mr. Hannity's tendency to get trounced by his liberal guests.)
My point, however, is not that Rush is "irresponsible," but rather that is is possible to take advantage of the Democrats' perception of his irresponsibility. I trust you can understand the distinction -- it's not that subtle. I've found that even ardent liberals are often receptive to an offer of substantive debate -- a good tactician could parlay that into something "in the lion's den."
You take out the one media outlet conservatives dominate.
I didn't suggest any such thing. Like Derbyshire, I believe conservative talk radio is a great way to purvey "lowbrow conservatism" -- just as MSM television programming appeals to "lowbrow liberalism." But we must acknowledge that it is, indeed, "lowbrow," and as such is incapable of building a sound intellectual foundation for conservatism. Moreover, its political impact is pretty isolated to a demographic that would vote conservatively anyway -- it doesn't do much to bring in new recruits.
What conservatives need, is something that offers a "middlebrow" outlet for conservative thought -- something with depth and breadth -- so that people outside of the die-hard talk radio audience can begin to assess and approve of what conservatism is really about.
” Mr. Hannity’s tendency to get trounced by his liberal guests.)”
Hannity’s no brain surgeon. But his heart is in the right place.
“the Democrats’ perception of his irresponsibility”
Of course I understand that distinction. Now that you’ve made it.
” a good tactician could parlay that into something “in the lion’s den.”
Agreed. To be blunt...... who dat?
“it doesn’t do much to bring in new recruits. “
I don’t think Rush views himself a “recruiter”
“What conservatives need, is something that offers a “middlebrow” outlet for conservative thought”
Again...agreed. I just don’t think it’ll play on commercial radio.
There is plenty of thoughtful conservatism in print, but we’ve got a tough row to hoe bringing it to the mass media.
It would be something if one of our illustrious conservative congressmen stepped up to the plate and articulated a principled conservative message on a regular basis.......... Not sure if I should hold my breath.
Sorry about the delay in response. Had to work. Gotta write Uncle Sam a big check in a few weeks.