Posted on 08/20/2003 1:57:57 PM PDT by Trailer Trash
| NFL fans won't pass on Rush By RAY McNULTY For as long as I can remember, we've been getting our nightly network news delivered from the left. And that was supposed to be OK. Dan Rather, who succeeded Walter Cronkite at CBS, spoke at a Democratic fundraiser, constantly referred to Kenneth Starr as "Republican independent counsel" and called Bill Clinton an "honest man." And that was supposed to be OK. ABC's Peter Jennings, a Canadian, refused to let country music star Toby Keith sing his rousing, patriotic song, "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue," on the network's Fourth of July special. And that was supposed to be OK. We've got National Public Radio, the New York Times and CNN (Clinton News Network?), all of which claim to be "objective" in their journalism but almost never see things the right way. And that's supposed to be OK. But ESPN announces that it is adding Rush Limbaugh to its "Sunday NFL Countdown" show. And, apparently, that's not OK. Why? Because Limbaugh espouses conservative views. Because Limbaugh sometimes says stuff that isn't politically correct. Because Limbaugh, whose top-rated radio show attracts a daily audience of nearly 20 million, has made a lucrative career of challenging the words and deeds of those on the opposite side of the political fence. So his listeners love him, and liberals - especially militant feminists, environmental extremists and anyone who believes the federal government is the answer to all of life's problems - hate him. Which makes him a bold, controversial and interesting choice for his new TV gig. According to ESPN, Limbaugh is going to provide the "voice of the fan" and help spark debate on the cable network's popular, NFL pregame show, hosted by Chris Berman. And for that role, he is well-equipped. Limbaugh loves football, particularly the NFL, and he seems to be an knowledgeable fan. He is not shy about giving his opinion. He is a gifted communicator who knows how to make his point and do so in a calculated, colorful and compelling way. Will his political views occasionally creep into his on-air contributions? Probably. But when they do, rest assured there will be at least a hint of humor. Fact is, Limbaugh can be very entertaining. And he will bring something new, maybe something unique, to a show that is already fun to watch. ESPN's plan is to have Limbaugh provide a 90-second opinion piece - an oral essay - on whatever aspect of the NFL is in the news that week, then participate in the impromptu banter with Berman and the other analysts. I, for one, can't wait to see how he fits in and hear what he has to say. (Then again, I also enjoyed Dennis Miller's now-defunct contributions to Monday Night Football.) And I don't think I'm alone. Limbaugh will bring more than a few of his loyal listeners - including many who wouldn't normally spend their late Sunday mornings watching an NFL pregame show - to ESPN. And I'm betting his presence draws more viewers than it turns away. I just hope he doesn't take himself too seriously. I hope he doesn't get caught up in all the hype and try to present himself as a football expert. He isn't, and he's not supposed to be. He's a fan. Football is a game. The show is entertainment. The only way this thing works is if Limbaugh has fun with it - and he will. He'll do it right. And that's OK with me. Ray McNulty is sports columnist for Scripps Treasure Coast (Fla.) Newspapers, The Stuart News, Fort Pierce Tribune and Vero Beach Press Journal. Contact him at ray.mucnulty(at)Scripps.com.) Copyright 2003, KnoxNews. All Rights Reserved. |
SOLD! 2:1 bid for $100. Clear the trade through REFCO, Iowa Grain, or Man Int'l, don't care which.
I'll be here at the end of the season, will you? (w!)
Nope, just someone who can see the truth for what it is. No reality distortion fields here when it comes to Rush.
And what station can I tune in to join the 20 million that listen to you?
What flawless logic, you must be a democrat.
Interesting comment. I find most democrats attack the messenger when they haven't got a reply to the message.
A left-fielder, I presume? Nope, just someone who can see the truth for what it is. No reality distortion fields here when it comes to Rush.
And what station can I tune in to join the 20 million that listen to you? What flawless logic, you must be a democrat.
Makes ya wonder what's got his panties in a wad!
You need to reread what I wrote. He WAS a failed top 40 DJ who invented the word Feminazi. He has zero experience with anything in polotics, nor has any kind of background to be THE AUTHORITY on anything. For example - I could listen to Meryl Streep talk about ALAR, but I'll choose to listen to the scientists.
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