Trump happened! Limbaugh has the role of "permitted dissenter," to allow people to blow off steam without threatening the established order. Limbaugh is part of the established order, at least to the extent that he will limit his on-air expressions to those that are acceptable to the established order.
Limbaugh has always avoided or ridiculed issues that were real, and important, but controversial. Can a dual citizen be president? (Obama) Did the government go too far in Waco (Branch Davidians); he's given open mic to establishment guys who faced a threat, and allowed them to lie on air (Arlen Specter, on taking Soros money).
Nobody who is part of the established order can avoid being damaged by Trump. The order demands that Trump be opposed. Limbaugh has no choice. Trump is outside of the realm of "permitted dissent."
Good points.
I think Rush is done. Mentally, I mean. Coasting toward retirement.