If Something Were to Keep Rush from His Talk Show, Who Would Replace the Popular Pundit? (Palin?)

AC News ^ | December 31, 2009 | Saul Relative

[presidio9]

With the hospitalization of conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh, questions about his overall health and ability to maintain his radio schedule have become a matter of concern, especially to his avid followers (reportedly near 14 per week). They are questions that should be considered. What if Rush Limbaugh were unable to continue with his radio show? What if he died? Who would -- who could -- take Limbaugh's place, maintain his audience, and deliver much the same neoconservative message?

News broke on Wednesday that Rush Limbaugh was rushed to Queens Medical Center, a hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii, because of "chest pains." Paramedics were called to the Kahala Hotel where the 58-year-old Limbaugh was staying and subsequently transported to the hospital. He was reportedly admitted in serious condition. But there has been almost no word, no details surrounding the hospitalization since his admission on Wednesday afternoon.

A posting on his website, rushlimbaugh.com, reads: ""Rush was admitted to and is resting comfortably in a Honolulu hospital today after suffering chest pains. Rush appreciates your prayers and well wishes and will keep you updated via rushlimbaugh.com and on Thursday's radio program."

Although the statement reads as somewhat hopeful and even notes with positive assurance that Limbaugh will be back to work as scheduled on Thursday, January 4, it is still basically noncommittal.

So... What if the worst were to happen? What if something occurred that would keep Rush Limbaugh (and not necessarily death) from his verbal posturings and pontifications? Who would they get to replace him?

Of course, many names come to mind: Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Laura Ingraham, and others. But these pundits already have their shows and followers. The producers of Rush Limbaugh's show would want to hang on to his following -- and let's face it: If Limbaugh's

[presidio9]

I would not be interested in any of the following fill-ins taking the Attilla the Hun chair:

I would add: Mike Gallagher.

[Tanniker Smith]

No one would replace him. His show would fold. At the very least, it would be dropped in many markets. Someone else's show would have to fill the void. That might also mean moving that show's timeslot to take advantage of the opening.

I don't think any of the regular subs could fill the show on a permanent basis.

[tips up]

I like Wilkow. I listen to him on occasion on XM. He would definitely be a good choice.

[Malesherbes]

Megadittos. Mark Steyn.

I hope there will be no replacement, and that a hale and healthy Rushbo soon returns to the golden microphone.

[I Shall Endure]

Mark Steyn.

[Hawthorn]

>> Bo Snerdly aka James Golden <<

Yes, he’s really excellent. I used to listen every Sunday night to his old show on WABC.

[FlashBack]

Just thought it would make an entertaining and informative team.

[presidio9]

Ben Stein would be an awful host, but he could work as a newsman who gets on the air all the time. Like the Charles McCord, or Robyn Quivers.

[jla]

A no-brainer. Mark Steyn.

[presidio9]

Nope, this one is just fine!

I got a big kick out of going back to check out all you losers dancing on my grave, when my "banishment" lasted less than 24 hours. I was skiing.

[County Agent Hank Kimball]

1) Walter Williams
2) Mark Steyn
3) Mark Levin
4) Thomas Sowell
5) Michelle Malkin

Hank

[Fishtalk]

Mark Stein...ditto.

[presently no screen name]

Sarah Palin would be a TERRIBLE talk radio host.

First of all, Rush will be back and this thread comes from a negative mindset, IMO.

Secondly, there is NOT one thing Sarah would be terrible at. That's something YOU can't handle and it's no secret about you.

[jla]

After Mark Steyn my choice would be humblegunner. It would be a hoot to hear him correcting callers on their grammar and HG would have an interesting selection in his website’s gift shop.

[fullchroma]

An aspect of Rush’s appeal is his rich, expressive voice. Mark Steyn sorely lacks that resonant gift. I like what he says but I’d rather read his words than listen to him.

That aside, I like Thomas Sowell for his brilliance (but he lacks the entertaining levity of Rush.) Andrew Brietbart does a great job filling-in for Dennis Miller: rock-solid conservative, informed, passionate, creative (and not nasal.) Laura Ingraham? Maybe.

But let’s face it. Rush must take very good care of himself because no one else comes close.

[presidio9]

When you chop up an interview so badly that answers to one question appear as answers to different questions then yes, thats pure media bias.

The Couric interview was like that. HEAVILY edited to make her look bad.

I will not let the media mold my perceptions.

That's not what she said, in her book or in the interviews. A VP needs to OWN a twerp like Couric, but Rush would have DESTROYED her.

[presently no screen name]

I agree with you. Nothing like a negative thread from ‘that poster’ to end out this year.

[presidio9]

He also smokes. A lot.

[OKSooner]

The Monica Crowley I listen to would whip you for saying that. :)

[rockinqsranch]

“Palin would be the first to admit that all are smarter than her.”

I got here late and have to leave now, so don’t have time to see if anybody else responded to the above.

What in the “H” do you mean “smarter than her”? Perhaps you meant with all due respect more show savvy, or something along the lines of showmanship which it takes to run such a show as Rush Limbaugh. “Smarter” is one “H” of a poor choice of words, because although I agree with you that I’ll vote for Sarah with confidence should she get nominated, I do have other preferences, but my confidence in her isn’t because I think she is stupid, or that my personal preference is “smarter”, but more experienced.

BTW I don’t listen to Rush as it is because of my hearing impairment makes it quite difficult to do so, therefore I cannot state a preference, but I do think Sarah IS “smart” enough to do the show, just not “show savvy” a type to succeed at it.