The Montreal Screwjob of GOP Politics: Donald Trump and Ted Cruz

A wallpaper for the Calgary-born Ted Cruz inspired by legendary wrestler Bret Hart. The Hart Family are arguably the First Family of Calgary.

Ted "Hitman" Cruz wallpaper

The two GOP frontrunners who some speculate will ultimately run in the same ticket come the Presidential elections are locked in fierce battle for the Nomination. Donald Trump has recently soft-pedalled the same "Birther" charges he championed against President Obama.

VIDEO | Rush Limbaugh LOLs at Trump-Cruz Birther-ghazi

Entertained by the disingenuous issue, Rush Limbaugh recaps the brouhaha. Largely a misdirection ploy by Donald Trump in light of tightening Poll Numbers in Iowa.

VIDEO | Birther Sequel: Trump dings Cruz's citizenship
DONALD TRUMP: I just know that it's being questioned all over and a lot of people are asking me that question... All I know is that a lot of people are talking about. I hope it's not so, I hope it doesn't come about but people are worried that if he weren't born in this Country -- which he wasn't, he was born in Canada and he actually had a Canadian passport along with the US passport until just recently. Like within the last couple of years -- So I don't know what it all means. I know that people are talking about it. The problem is that if the Democrats bring a lawsuit, the lawsuit could take years to resolve and how do you have a candidate where there's something over the head of the party and that individual. So I hope it wouldn't be the truth, I hope that wouldn't be what it is.

Ted Cruz dismissed the charge by tweeting a 'Happy Days' clip of Fonzie jumping the shark, "I'm not going to engage in this and the reason is simple, there are far too many serious issues facing this country... what the American people are looking for is whose prepared to be Commander-in-Chief? Who has the seriousness, who has the judgment, who has the knowledge, who has the clarity and vision. Who has the strength and resolve?".

Daily Show presenter Trevor Noah quipped of this turn of events "I didn't know that this shit could happen to Republicans as well... This sh*t is insane! No, no, you've got to understand — because I didn't know that this shi*t could happen to Republicans as well. Like, I thought Republicans were the ones who do this, and not the ones that get this done to them."

Update:

Ted Cruz, judging by the cheers at the latest GOP debate might have put this issue to bed.

VIDEO | Donald Trump and Ted Cruz Clash at the Fox Business GOP Debate

Donald Trump and Ted Cruz Clash at the Fox Business GOP Debate
TED CRUZ: (40s) I'm glad we're focusing on the important topics of the evening. Back in September, my friend Donald said that he had his lawyers look at this from every which way and there was no issue there. There was nothing to this "Birther" issue. Now, since September the Constitution hasn't changed but the Poll Numbers have and I recognise that Donald is dismayed that his Poll Numbers are falling in Iowa. But the facts and the law here are really quite clear under longstanding US Law, the child of a US Citizen born abroad is a naturally born citizen...

Avengers assemble! Glenn Beck's 2014 Summer Rally with Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Ann Coulter and possibly Rush Limbaugh

VIDEO: RWW News - Glenn Beck Teases Pre-Election Conservative Summit 

Beck Teases Pre-Election Conservative Summit with Hannity, Levin & Limbaugh
GLENN BECK: I wrote to Sean about a week before I went on vacation and I said "Sean, I do these summer events and this summer, we haven't announced it yet, but I would like to consider doing the first night of a three night event with you and Mark and possibly Rush [if anybody has the guts to ask Rush] and he wrote back immediately "I'm in. I'll talk to Mark"...
This summer event, we hope to announce in the next couple of weeks. I'm thinking it'll be in June... coincidentally this is the summer leading into the Midterm elections...
PAT GRAY: It'd be weird to be united leading into the Midterm elections... It'd be really sad for the other side

Glenn Beck's Summer Rally 2014:
Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Ann Coulter and Rush Limbaugh

Glenn Beck used a cartoon reference to describe this union of Pundit heavyweights, "when Wonder Twins activate… Something big is happening". I would have preferred a wrestling reference but I feel another set of comic book superfriends are more apt - The Avengers!

Glenn Beck's Summer Rally 2014:
"Avengers Assemble!" edition

Ann Coulter as The Black Widow
A femme fatale, perennially in Black. Ann is tasked with coaxing the powerful Rush Limbaugh into the fold.

Sean Hannity as Captain America
Sean is a "Great American" and a leader in his own right. He is a patriot with a throwback style.

Glenn Beck as Iron Man
A wealthy industrialist and recovering alcoholic, Glenn Beck is the head of this motley crew of conservative pundits

Mark Levin as Thor
Wielding his hammer of justice, Levin is a lawyer with a thunderous voice. Despite fighting alongside Iron Man [Glenn Beck], they have had their battles in the past.

Rush Limbaugh as The Incredible Hulk
You wouldn't want to see him angry. A one man wrecking crew, Rush is the Lethal Weapon crucial to the Avengers winning the war.

Play with the new APF animation below. Toggle the button on the corner left to see the "Avengers Assembled":

- War is over: Sean Hannity and Mark Levin call truce with Glenn Beck

Atlantic: Rush Limbaugh Should Be Shamed Into Debating Rachel Maddow

'The Atlantic' Promotions presents:
Rachel Maddow VS Rush Limbaugh

Conor Friedersdor does some Political Wrestling fantasy booking for the Atlantic. With all due respect to Conor, this proposal has 0% chance of happening as Rush knows his power lies in the fact that he's capable of constructing his own Matrix, his "Aura" is amassed by never entertaining challengers. Heck Rush rarely has guests on, I remember him once interviewing then-VP Cheney for a rare PR offensive. Otherwise Rush has always taken the stage on his own, he knows that as the undisputed Top Dog sharing it would only surrender his power.

Rush Limbaugh Should Be Shamed Into Debating Rachel Maddow
... Instead of apologies, why not demand that future Limbaughs submit to a public debate? Let the object be to hash things out, not to signal contrition that most people are going to doubt anyway. 

In this case, I'd nominate Rachel Maddow as his interlocutor. She's smart, informed, and adept enough at the broadcast medium to hold her own on a stage with one of America's most technically proficient communicators. She'd need to be prepared, for this wouldn't be a one-sided inquisition.

Stephen Colbert with the aid of his [Not] SuperPAC starts his own 'Operation Chaos' in South Carolina

VIDEO: The Word - Raise Cain

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

In 2008 influential Conservative pundit, Rush Limbaugh gleefully used his influence to create chaos in the hotly contested Democratic Primary. In 2011, influential faux pundit Stephen Colbert is manufacturing some mischief of his own.

Stephen encouraged his audience to vote for Herman Cain as a proxy for him. Cain suspended his campaign after allegations of sexual misconduct but he remains on the ballot. Colbert isn't eligible for the ballot after being two and a half months late to file for official candidacy. Stephen came up with next best thing:

STEPHEN COLBERT: Anyone who shares my values can show it by voting for Herman Cain. Independents, Democrats, college kids, viewers of my show, people who attended my rally, my Twitter followers, my good friends on Reddit. Young people of the Internet, stand up and shout! Because you are legally eligible to go down to the polls and tell the world how much you love Herman Cain.

The mischief doesn't end there as Colbert's SuperPAC helmed by Jon Stewart has begun airing tongue-in-cheek attack ads levelled at frontrunner Mitt Romney. Things are getting real!

Update:

Colbert Super PAC's Herman Cain Ad

The 'Definitely Not Coordinating With Stephen Colbert Super PAC' released a new ad endorsing a vote for Senator Herman Cain in the South Carolina Primary. It cleverly appropriates Stephen Colbert's branding with its patriotic Capıtal 'C'.
Watch Stephen unveiling the ad on his show - Indecision 2012 - GOP Attack Ads & Colbert Super PAC's Herman Cain Ad

- Rush the Vote: The Operation Chaos movement
- Political life imitates art: Stephen Colbert for President and Al Franken for Senate

Keith Olbermann and Rush Limbaugh appear on Seth MacFarlane's 'Family Guy'

VIDEO: Rush Limbaugh on FAMILY GUY! w/ Seth MacFarlane

Rush Limbaugh and Keith Olbermann do share something in common. They've both lent their talents to Fox's 'The Family Guy'.

Rush Limbaugh recently played himself on a recent episode where he ideologically converted the Family Dog, 'Brian Griffin' a staunch liberal. Rush' appearance has caused quite an uproar amongst the right who feel it is an unworthy vehicle for Rush:

Rush Limbaugh on Family Guy--Why?
Rush Limbaugh is due to appear on "Family Guy" as himself on Sunday, October 3rd. Considering the reputation that Seth MacFarlane's show has for childish, gross out, far left humor, Rush's fans are asking why.

One explanation might be the same reason Jesus associated with the Pharisees and other people of bad repute; that the audience of "Family Guy" is very much in need of Rush's wisdom.

Rush Limbaugh spoke to Radio Equalizer to explain why he accepted the invitation to appear on 'The Family Guy'

Exclusive Interview: Rush Limbaugh Answers Critics Over Family Guy Starring Role
RADIO EQUALIZER: Did you get a lot of flak at the time for the Playboy interview? Similar to this? A question I've received: "why's he helping lefty Hollywood types who hate us?"

RUSH LIMBAUGH: Yes, I did. And on other occasions I can't recall. This is my third Family Guy but first as the star. Seth MacFarlane doesn't hate me. Or Andrew Breitbart, who he met on Maher's show and really liked.

Besides, it was a new career challenge, a new experience. It was a LOT of work. I sing, and I'm deaf!... I'm a performer. This was fun. Seth wants to do even more.

Seth was among the FIRST to reach out to me in Hawaii when I had that heart scare. I am not helping the Hollywood Left. His show is going to be on the air regardless what I do.

BUT, the better way to look at this is that they bent for me. I did not bend to them. It's not as though I endorse or support libs on this show. The other way around. A huge lib character becomes a conservative.

RADIO EQUALIZER: Thanks, Rush, we'll be watching.

Limbaugh's ideological counterpart, Keith Olbermann has also lent his talents to 'The Family Guy'. Watch Keith hosting show creator Seth MacFarlane and writer Alex Borstein on his 'Countdown' show talking about the 'Family Guy' and his involvement in it.

• Family Guy's Seth MacFarlane on Keith Olbermann's Show
• Alex Borstein interview - Keith's debut as a cartoon

Lebron James follows Rush Limbaugh to Florida. 'Sports Guy' Bill Simmons likens Lebron to a wrestling heel

Fans in Miami celebrate LeBron James and Chris Bosh joining the 'Heat'

Rush Limbaugh talks about the economic incentive of Lebron moving to Florida

LeBron Follows El Rushbo to Florida, Where the Achievers Go
RUSH: So LeBron James, ladies and gentlemen, has followed me in moving to Florida, as did Tiger Woods. I'm talking about the move to the Miami Heat. I, of course, am the trendsetter. I am the one who's on the cutting edge. It was in 1997 that I decamped New York City. I love New York City, don't misunderstand, it's just silly to pay their tax rate, which 12-point some odd percent on top of the federal bite. LeBron James and I would be paying over 52, 53% off the top, just state and federal. I think it's partly one of the reasons why LeBron James came down here. It's one of the reasons Tiger Woods lives in Florida, no state income tax, of course! Now, he'll never say it, unlike I will say it, he'll never say, doesn't want people to think he's a mercenary guy, he's in this for championships, you see...

Limbaugh's economic theory is a contrast from Ric Bucher's speculation that LeBron might stay in Cleveland as informed by his friendship with down-to-earth billionaire Warren Buffet.

Its worth noting that Rush Limbaugh, arguably the most influential Villain in America is associating himself with the two biggest villains in sports today, Tiger Woods and LeBron James. To be fair, Rush has always been hated whilst Tiger and LeBron's status as "megaheels" is an inverse result of their former clean-cut popularity. Such is their fall from grace that Rush Limbaugh, a man of great influence and wealth but passionately hated as much as he is adored maybe Tiger and Lebron's closest peer.

Colorful commentator, Bill 'The Sports Guy' Simmons makes some wrestling references in describing LeBron James. From inferring Lebron is the biggest villain in sports, likening Lebron's betrayal to Hulk Hogan's "heel turn" at WCW's 1996 'Bash at the Beach' and suggesting friends Lebron, Bosh and Wade were conspiring in a big wrestling style "work" (charade).

You can find these references by listening to this compelling exchange between Dan Le Batard and Bill Simmons - The B.S. Report: 7/9 (July 10, 2010)
Or by reading Simmon's postmortem on the LeBacle - Welcome to the All-LeBron sound-off

Find the infamous Hogan Heel turn clip at ESPN - There is a New World Order in the NBA. The analogy is almost too poetic as you can read from the commentary

VIDEO: Hulk Hogan joins Kevin Nash and Scott Hall and founds the NWO - WCW Bash at The Beach 1996
COMMENTATOR: What has he done?! Oh my God is he the third man? What the hell is going on here? Hulk Hogan has betrayed WCW. He is the third man in this picture. What the hell is going on. Oh my God are you kidding me, probably the lowest shot ever given to professional wrestling...

HULK HOGAN: As far as I'm concerned, all this crap in the ring represents these fans out here. For two years brother, for two years I held my head up high. I did everything for the charities. I did everything for the kids. And the reception I got when I came out here from the fans, you can stick it brother. If it wasn't for Hulk Hogan you wouldn't be here...

Update:

VIDEO: Funny or Die presents 'LEBRON JAMES FLIPS OUT ON CLEVELAND FANS!!!'

LEBRON JAMES FLIPS OUT ON CLEVELAND FANS!!! - watch more funny videos

"Rush Limbaugh's braggadocio patterned after Muhammad Ali": 'Army of One' author Zev Chafets discusses with Matt Lewis

A new Rush Limbaugh book has been released, 'Army of One' authored by Zev Chayets who you may recall managed the rare cover-story profile of Limbaugh for New York Times Magazine.

Rush Limbaugh: An Army of One (Hardcover)
... But there was much more to say, especially after Limbaugh became Public Enemy Number One of the Obama Administration. At first Limbaugh resisted the idea of a full-length portrait, but he eventually invited Chafets back to Florida and exchanged more than a hundred emails full of his personal history, thoughts, fears and ambitions. What has emerged is an uniquely personal look at the man who is not only the most popular voice on the radio, but the leader of the conservative movement and one of the most influential figures in the Republican Party...

Chafets paints a compelling portrait of Limbaugh as a master entertainer, a public intellectual, a political force, and a fascinating man.

Matt Lewis recently hosted Zev on his 'Matt Lewis Show' podcast to discuss the book. They spoke of Rush Limbaugh's braggadocio and how it was seemingly patterned after charismatic boxer and famed talker, Muhammad Ali.

Rush Limbaugh Biographer Zev Chafets on the Podcast
MATT LEWIS: How did you learn he was emulating Ali?

ZEV CHAFETS: I didn't say he was emulating Ali, I would say he was very influenced by him and particularly I'm talking about his style. The notion that you can take the curl of your personality and blow it up to gargantuan proportions and become braggadocious. Predict the round you opponent is gonna fall, have nicknames for the guys you're gonna fight and all the other things Rush does. And draw big crowds that way. Of course that only works if you can actually fight.

MATT LEWIS: I guess my question is, that comparison was that only your observation or did Rush tell you he looked to Ali
ZEV CHAFETS: When I said that to Rush, he looked at me and said that's very shrewd observation
MATT LEWIS: Haha, I love it.

- Listen to the Matt Lewis/ Zev Chafets discussion here

Matt Lewis' interest in the comparison is not surprising as he once used a wrestling analogy to describe the political episode of Arlen Specter's defection to the Democrats - TownHall's Matt Lewis: "Arlen Specter as Hulk Hogan"

Arizona's controversial immigration law and the Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns donning their "Los Suns" uniform variant

Arizona's recent immigration law change has been the source of national debate. The bill signed into law last month by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer makes it a misdemeanor for immigrants to be in Arizona without proper documentation and allows police officers to request proof of status if there is a "reasonable suspicion" that persons are in the country illegally.

NBA team The Phoenix Suns, who are currently locked in a heated Playoff series with the San Antonio Spurs have made a statement by donning their 'Los Suns' variant uniforms as a gesture of support to their diverse community. This show of support by the Suns organization has drawn enough attention that Rush Limbaugh has weighed in on it and President Obama used the Phoenix Suns for an applause line.

Professional Sports Should Man Up
RUSH LIMBAUGH: This is no different than the Republicans supporting amnesty back in 2007 because they don't want to offend anybody, and they hope to get these votes. So you have the ownership of the Phoenix Suns, the "Los Suns," and whoever, "We don't want to offend a portion of our fan base. We don't want to appear to be politically correct. We want to appear to be all inclusive and so forth." Well, fine and dandy but what happens when that contributes to the overall deterioration of the culture of the society? I just think it's cowardice. I'm sorry. I think it's cowardice, pure and simple.

Jon Stewart, Mark Levin and Rush Limbaugh unite against Glenn Beck's CPAC speech

I've spoken previously of Beck's ascendancy and how it has made him Public Enemy #1 for those on the left and the right.

Mediate has a comprehensive round up of the pundit pushback of Glenn Beck's CPAC keynote speech. Videos and response summaries from Rush Limbaugh, Mark Levin and Jon Stewart are all featured:

Strange Bedfellows: Rush Limbaugh, Jon Stewart Slam Glenn Beck’s CPAC Speech
Wow. So, Glenn Beck’s CPAC keynote speech on Friday was apparently so powerful it united Jon Stewart, Rush Limbaugh and Mark Levin... against him. I’m not sure what that says about Beck except that he really has managed to carve out a place all his own in the media landscape these last few months and he maybe is making some people nervous. Well not Jon Stewart per se (‘gold mine’ might be a better description), but it’s certainly interesting to hear Rush Limbaugh (ever so gently) push back at Beck. Sign of things to come? Is Beck on his way to becoming the Frankenstein of the right? The tone of both Levin and Limbaugh suggest they were less than thrilled at Beck’s conservative bashing/reality check

Watch Glenn Beck's entire CPAC Keynote speech here - Watch Glenn Beck’s rousing keynote speech at CPAC 2010

VIDEO: Glenn Beck Keynote Speech at CPAC Pt 3 of 6

Read the speech here - Full Transcript of Glenn Beck's Keynote Speech at CPAC, February 20th, 2010

Pundit Roundup of President Obama's State of the Union (2010): Laura Ingraham, Rachel Maddow and Rush Limbaugh

Read Obama's first State of the Union address 2010

Transcript of Obama's State of the Union speech
Our Constitution declares that from time to time, the president shall give to Congress information about the state of our union. For 220 years, our leaders have fulfilled this duty. They have done so during periods of prosperity and tranquility. And they have done so in the midst of war and depression; at moments of great strife and great struggle.

The Republican response to Obama's State of the Union speech by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell

Transcript: GOP Response to State of the Union
Good evening. I'm Bob McDonnell. Eleven days ago, I was honored to be sworn in as the 71st governor of Virginia...

I'm joined by fellow Virginians to share a Republican perspective on how to best address the challenges facing our nation today.

We were encouraged to hear President Obama speak this evening about the need to create jobs. All Americans should have the opportunity to find and keep meaningful work, and the dignity that comes with it.

Many -- many of us here tonight -- and many of you watching -- have family or friends who have lost their jobs. In fact, 1 in 10 Americans is unemployed. That is unacceptable.

Read and listen to the Pundit response to President Obama's State of the Union

Laura Ingraham's State of the Union response

Laura's 'State of the Union' Address - January 27, 2010
LAURA INGRAHAM: The State of our Union is imperiled because we knowingly went down the path OF Obamanomics, Obama's approach to foreign policy and basically an absentee approach to the culture - where life is dispensable, Hollywood is coddled and its party time USA every Wednesday night at the White House. The State of our Union is imperiled.

- Listen to Laura Ingraham's State of the Union speech

VIDEO: Rachel Maddow's State of the Union response

Rachel Maddow- Building on the State of the Union
RACHEL MADDOW: The list of pecific proposals the President made tonight. A lot of them are very conservative ideas. Ideas that have been auditioned politically in recent years by Republican politicians. Things like off-shore drilling, capital gains cuts, business tax cuts, the spending freeze, so-called "clean coal". Terminology that makes me just want to cringe. Singling out earmarks...

VIDEO: Rush Limbaugh's State of the Union response

My Letter to President Obama
RUSH LIMBAUGH: I penned a message to Obama that I would like to deliver now. Because Mr. Obama, I think it's time we had a heart to heart talk. Let me be the father that you never had or never really knew, because I think you need some guidance. It's time to man up. It's time to grow up. That speech last night was an embarrassment. You couldn't focus, you lashed out in all directions, you refused to accept responsibility for your own actions, and you were angry.

And he was, folks! He was mad. Being president is a big job. It's a big responsibility. You wanted the position, Barack. You campaigned for it...

Rush Limbaugh Press Conference in Hawaii

VIDEO: Rush Limbaugh Press Conference in Hawaii

Read Rush' message to his listeners

A Message from Rush to His Listeners
To my listeners,
Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts over the past several days. Today, I am leaving Queens Hospital in Honolulu, feeling strong and rested. I offer my deepest thanks to the staff and administration there, who provided excellent care and supervision.

I'm going to take several days of rest over this weekend and the early part of next week, and will be back on the radio with you sometime next week, taking the advice of so many of you to rest and fully recover.

I wish each and every one of you a Happy New Year in 2010!
With great thanks for your support and love,
Rush Limbaugh

Read heartfelt comments from Hotair's Ed Morrissey

Prayers for a friend
As I said before, politics is a tough business, and we all sometimes fall into the trap of making arguments personal. We often forget that the people we either hail or deride are human beings, with virtues and foibles not unlike our own. I offer this not as a remonstration to anyone, but just as a way to give people a personal perspective on a man who has become a friend and a mentor over the years, and whose generosity and spirit may not be as widely known as his opinions. Say a prayer for Rush and for his family, and if you can’t do it for the political commentator, do it for the friend.

Keith Olbermann challenges Bill O'Reilly and Glenn Beck over Dick Wolf's Law and Order

Keith Olbermann went on his patented 10 minute promo, challenging Glenn Beck and Bill O'Reilly over their objection that Dick wolf's Law and Order defamed the conservative pundits by misrepresenting their stances on illegal immigration.

VIDEO: Keith Olbermann Goes Off On O’Reilly And Beck
for their take on Dick Wolf’s 'Law And Order'

KEITH OLBERMANN: NBC's Law and Order and executive producer Dick Wolf make a passing reference to the hot and cold incitement to hate and violence that Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and Bill O'Reilly constitute and Beck and Bill-o act as if they have been violated

'LAW AND ORDER' SNIPPET PLAYED
Person 1: I don't get why you're defending this wacko?
Person 2: I think its the symptom not the disease...
Person 1: That symptom killed 3 people
Person 2: Garrison, Limbaugh, Beck, O'Reilly. All of em, they are like a cancer spreading ignorance and hate. I mean they've convinced folks that immigrants are the problem not corporations that fail to pay a living wage or a broken health care system...

Olbermann's rant involves a pre-emptive defense of fellow liberal talker Janeane Garofalo and a taunting roll call of every prominent Conservative talker and writer in the media from Matt Drudge to Mark Levin and the "Coultergeist". Olbermann credits Bartcop's original post on "The Myth of the liberal media" in his tirade.

Rush Limbaugh to be dropped from group bid to buy St Louis Rams

Via ESPN

Checketts drops Limbaugh
Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh was dropped from a group bidding to buy the St. Louis Rams.

ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the story on Wednesday.

Limbaugh was to be a limited partner in a group headed by St. Louis Blues chairman Dave Checketts. Checketts said in a statement Wednesday that Limbaugh's participation had become a complication in the group's efforts and the bid will move forward without him...

A Limbaugh spokesman told ESPN that Limbaugh would have no comment on Wednesday. Earlier, on his syndicated radio show, Limbaugh was defiant, holding on to hope that he still could be part of the ownership group that buys the Rams.

"This is not about the NFL, it's not about the St. Louis Rams, it's not about me," Limbaugh said. "This is about the ongoing effort by the left in this country, wherever you find them, in the media, the Democrat Party, or wherever, to destroy conservatism, to prevent the mainstreaming of anyone who is prominent as a conservative.

"Therefore, this is about the future of the United States of America and what kind of country we're going to have."

If that is the case, this wallpaper might be the closest Rush and Rams fans will get to see of the potential pairing.

NEW Rush/Rams Wallpaper

St Louis Rams x Rush Limbaugh wallpaper

Rush Limbaugh interviewed and profiled on NBC's 'Today Show'

VIDEO: Rush Limbaugh profiled on NBC's 'Today Show'

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

On the October 12 edition of the 'Today Show' NBC correspondent Jamie Gangel profiled and interviewed influential conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh.

One of the more interesting revelations is Rush's admission that he revels in manipulating the media. This recalls an argument made by Leonard Pitts Jr who described Rush as a "clown who perverts conservatism for attention".

RUSH LIMBAUGH: When I now say "I hope he fails" it is to tweak the media. I know how to do it. I know how to yank their chain. I know how to send them into insanity. I know how to make them spend the next two days talking about me.
GANGEL VOICEOVER: Rush brand of satire also keeps everyone talking... Critics say they are offensive but Rush is unrepentant
GANGEL: You know its going to illicit a strong reaction
LIMBAUGH: Would you ask anybody who writes for Saturday night Live these questions?

This exchange were Rush shows joy and confidence in his ability to get the media talking and people tuning in follows the playbook he outlined in this classic interview where Rush describes "How Talk Radio Works"

Minimising one's seriousness is a tactic often used to neutralise oneself from controversy. Glenn Beck has often referred to himself as a "rodeo clown". Allahpundit of HotAir describes Rush' revelation and compares Rush's shtick to Jon Stewart's.

Video: The obligatory "Today interviews Rush Limbaugh" clip
No one who’s listened to the show for 10 minutes will find that revelatory, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard him acknowledge the degree of manipulation as candidly as he does here. (Money quote: "Would you ask anybody who writes for Saturday Night Live these questions?") Listening to this, his approach sounds like the opposite of Jon Stewart’s. Whereas JS [Jon Stewart] dons the clown nose, attacks the right, and then retreats into his "lighten up, I’m a comedian" shtick when they hit back, Limbaugh holds his clown nose behind his back where only his fans can see it and comes at the left as a serious commentator, going over the top to piss them off and then having a laugh when the inevitable liberal freakout comes.

Jamie Gangel previews part 2 of her interview with Rush at the end of the segment "In his usual blunt style he's going to tell us what he thinks of everyone from Hillary Clinton to Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck"

Rush Limbaugh interested in purchasing St Louis Rams + Animation and Wallpaper

St Louis Rams x Rush Limbaugh wallpaper

Rush Limbaugh has been in the news lately for his interest in co-owning NFL Team, The St Louis Rams.

Rush Limbaugh says he's trying to purchase Rams
It appears conservative talk-radio host Rush Limbaugh wants to be an NFL team owner.

In a statement released today, Limbaugh said he's partnering with St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts in a bid to buy the St. Louis Rams. Limbaugh didn't go into details, but said he and Checketts "have made a bid to buy the Rams and are continuing the process."

It's unclear whether Limbaugh and Checketts will try to buy the team outright or purchase a majority or minority stake in it. Georgia Frontiere's children own a 60% stake in the team, and billionaire Stan Kroenke owns a 40% stake.

Rush is an avid sports fan having once been a sports analyst for ESPN. He commented cautiously on the ongoing negotiations on his radio program.

Rush Confirms Interest in Rams; State-Run Media Runs With Story
RUSH: I have not commented on this on this program, even though the news has been out there since Monday. I had to confirm it when I was asked about it. It was reported Sunday on the CBS NFL Pregame Show by Charley Casserly that I am part of a group with Dave Checketts that has put in a bid on the St. Louis Rams, and that's all I can say. That's true. But Goldman Sachs is handling the sale. There's a confidentiality clause. None of the bidders can disclose anything, can't talk to anybody. We don't even know who the other team bidders are and we can't do anything other than confirm it since it's a leak. I can't discuss it. So it's out there and that is true.

As RadioEqualizer reports, the majority of reportage on Rush' bid has been tinged with outrage over Rush' history of [non-football related] controversy and the infamous Donovan McNabb statement about the media being "very desirous... and interested in black coaches and black quarterbacks doing well..."

Read RadioEqualizer's argument of "bias against a conservative owner".

TAG TEAM: WaPo, Others Gang Up To Stop Rush's NFL Bid
Since news broke early this week that Rush Limbaugh was part of a consortium bidding on the NFL's St Louis Rams, the state-run media's outraged response remains baffling. Why do they care who owns a football team?

Animation: Rush' St Louis Rams variant

Apart from the use of the wrestling term "Tag team" in the RadioEqualizer post there is another odd wrestling link to this story. The current 40% owner of the Rams, billionaire Stan Kroenke was in a recent high profile feud with WWE owner (and football fan) Vince McMahon.

Glenn Beck appears on Fox Business' Imus in the Morning

Glenn Beck recently appeared on Don Imus' new show on Fox Business. Imus played devil's advocate by bringing up perceived frictions with stalwarts Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh who Beck threatens to eclipse in ratings and influence.

VIDEO: Glenn Beck on Career, Life Choices

Imus in the Morning

October 5, 2009: Glenn Beck on Career, Life Choices
DON IMUS: Saw you on the cover of Time Magazine. Your book's #1 I noticed this week. Sean Hannity, Rush they both hate you
GLENN BECK: No. No they don't
IMUS: They all hate you
BECK: They don't, they don't. Why? Why? Why must you stir up the hate?
IMUS: You're telling me Rush is happy you're on the cover of Time
BECK: No actually I got a note from Rush
IMUS: What did the note say?
BECK: "I hate you"
(group laughter)
BECK: Rush has - you know what- been very gracious. The whole time he has.
IMUS: Fine
BECK: Do you hate me?
IMUS: No, I'm not competing with you. They are...

For some background, read Jason Linkins speculation on Hannity's concern over Glenn Beck's ascendancy

Is Sean Hannity Afraid Of Glenn Beck?
I can imagine that Hannity might find the attention lavished on Beck to be a little bit galling. Hannity's had the longer career, after all, during which he's dutifully suited up, sat behind a desk and occasionally had to fend off actual arguments: from Alan Colmes in the pre-solo days, to various panels now. The deck was always stacked in Hannity's favor, of course, but he had to at least offer the appearance of an honest broker of debate. Beck doesn't have to do any of that. Beck gets to stand up and riff about whatever he wants, pull morning-radio stunts and, really, not even worry about making any sense at all.

NY Times David Brooks likens Limbaugh, Beck and Hannity to Wizard of Oz

NY Time Columnist David Brooks challenges the myth of influence Right-wing talkers like Limbaugh, Hannity and Beck have over the GOP base. Key players in what is derisively dubbed as the "Political Entertainment Complex". It is a reiteration of the questions raised after Huckabee's emergence and McCain's Lazarus-like return during the GOP primaries despite resistance from the "conservative-entertainment complex.

The Wizard of Beck
So what is the theme of our history lesson? It is a story of remarkable volume and utter weakness. It is the story of media mavens who claim to represent a hidden majority but who in fact represent a mere niche — even in the Republican Party. It is a story as old as "The Wizard of Oz," of grand illusions and small men behind the curtain.

But, of course, we shouldn’t be surprised by this story. Over the past few years the talk jocks have demonstrated their real-world weakness time and again.

David Brooks goes on to explain how pundits have managed to preserve their aura despite their many missteps. Its a similar perception juggling act found in wrestling - Aura: How pundits and politicians preserve their image

But this is not merely a story of weakness. It is a story of resilience. For no matter how often their hollowness is exposed, the jocks still reweave the myth of their own power. They still ride the airwaves claiming to speak for millions. They still confuse listeners with voters...

So the myth returns. Just months after the election and the humiliation, everyone is again convinced that Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity and the rest possess real power. And the saddest thing is that even Republican politicians come to believe it. They mistake media for reality. They pre-emptively surrender to armies that don’t exist.

Rush Limbaugh returns fire via Politico, accusing David Brooks of being "jealous" and inconsequential - "how many Americans know who David Brooks is?". A sentiment echoed by talker colleague Mark Levin

Rush Limbaugh on David Brooks: 'JEALOUS'
"Here's a little insight into conservatives, conservatism and talk radio — we don't care what David Brooks has to say," Levin said. "He is irrelevant. He is incoherent. And you guys should rely less on The New York Times. Its circulation is plummeting for a reason."

Mark Levin calls Glenn Beck "pandering, pathetic, mindless and incoherent". The art of criticizing Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck

I've spoken in the past about how Glenn's Beck meteoric rise has also brought several critics from his side of the aisle. Whilst Rush Limbaugh's pioneering dominance has given him uniform support from fellow conservative pundits (except Michael Savage), Glenn Beck's recent dominance hasn't shielded him from criticism from the likes of Mark Levin and Savage.

Surely some jealousy might be in play but also some sincere ideological disagreements but as Rush pioneered the Talk Radio format into the lucrative and influential platform it is today it has afforded him some immunity from criticism. Some fear might also be at play, Rush has shown that it's not wise to cross him as several pundits and Politicians have found. With his million-strong audience, Rush has the ability to cripple support or elevate political figures with his endorsement or criticism. He also has the ability of achieving this in a delivery style that is often playful and not malicious. Rush also has the added benefit of having friends like Levin who can do the dirty work of eviscerating people in his defense, as was shown when conservative writer Mark Frum dared to criticize Rush.

With that said Glenn Beck is beginning to amass his own Million-strong contingent if the 9/12 protests are anything to go by. Soon Beck may have a loyal and formidable supporter base that rivals Rush which would be equally troublesome to cross. Its worth noting that whilst Glenn is quite skillful in taking people down when he puts his efforts into to it, as evidenced by the Van Jones resignation, Beck has not yet shown that he is one to attack his fellow pundits. The two reigning pundits have been gracious towards each other, as Beck wrote Rush' 'Most Influential' blurb for Time Magazine as well as welcoming him as a guest on his TV show.

Read Mark Levin's rant against Glenn Beck, a follow-up from his backhanded compliment for the Politico article comparing Rush to Beck. Mark snidely refers to Beck as as the "5PMer", referring to Beck's show timeslot on FoxNews.

Mark Levin: Beck saying ‘McCain would have been worse’ is ‘pandering’ and ‘pathetic’
I don’t know who people are playing to[.] [I don't know] why they’re playing to certain people...

"Ron Paul is another one, his (Beck’s) fascination with Ron Paul, Ron Paul who blames "American imperialism" for the attacks on 9/11. How can any conservative embrace that? While his (Paul’s) domestic arguments, eighty percent of them are sound in my humble opinion, he goes way off the cliff when it comes to foreign policy and blaming America and American armed forces and American good will, in my humble opinion, for instigating the Islamo-Nazi attacks on us. How can anybody embrace that? Yet the 5PM’er does."

Go to MarkLevinFan to read the conservative feedback and backlash from the internecine fighting between Mark Levin and Glenn Beck.

It's worth noting that a lot of the recent criticism against Beck is because of his sympathizing with Republican Presidential contender Ron Paul. Its somewhat surprising as the original interest and popularity of Beck was in part because people had begun to warm to Paul after the 2008 election. It seems not the case. I've stated in the past that both Ron Paul and Glenn Beck are considered the spiritual leaders of the 9/12 and Tea Party movements.

Update: Mark Levin VS Glenn Beck - Tale of the Tape

Mark Levin


Glenn Beck

Glenn Beck vs. Rush Limbaugh: Politico wonders what the rise of Glenn means to Rush's influence

An illuminating article from Politico.com titled Glenn Beck VS Rush Limbaugh addresses and resolves many of the topics speculated on this blog.

Below is an excerpt of said Politico piece with footnotes referencing to previous posts from the blog

1) Is Beck the new Number One Pundit?

Glenn Beck vs. Rush Limbaugh
Beck is on a huge roll...

"Beck is the man of the moment," says the Weekly Standard's Michael Goldfarb. "Everybody in town is watching him, waiting to see what he'll do next, who he'll take down next."

But if Beck is the man of the moment, where does that leave Rush?

We can only speculate how Rush feels about competitors breathing down his neck. We do know he's a good sport about it, making himself available to his closest challengers Sean Hannity and the skyrocketing Glenn beck - Glenn Beck interviews Rush Limbaugh over the phone

2) Whilst Beck threatens to take the No. 1 slot he still defers to Limbaugh - The Time 100 - The World's Most Influential People: Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin

Back in April - when Time put Limbaugh on its annual list of the 100 most influential people of the world - Beck was called on to write the tribute. He wrote that Limbaugh was "on another level" and "attracts more listeners with his voice than the rest of us could ever imagine."

That may still be the case, but Beck's power has grown exponentially since then.

3) Glenn Beck's influence is measured by the amount of people he has been able to mobilise... - Glenn Beck and Michelle Malkin instrumental in 9/12 Protest marches

In the days before last weekend's conservative march on Washington, Beck flogged it repeatedly. He became such a part of the story that, as CNN correspondent Lisa Desjardins tried to report live from the event, protesters drowned her out with chants of "Glenn Beck! Glenn Beck!"

Limbaugh's role in promoting the protest? He said it's not his thing.

3a) ... and the ensuing chaos created - Rush the Vote: The Operation Chaos movement

"I don't rally people and haven't since the first year of my radio show,"... the reaction to it from the media was that the response was not genuine... because 'Limbaugh told them to.'"

Limbaugh hasn’t abandoned the call to action entirely; last year, he launched "Operation Chaos," urging his listeners to register as Democrats and vote for Hillary Clinton in Democratic presidential primaries to prolong the nominating process and weaken Obama.

4) Close Limbaugh ally Mark Levin has been openly hostile towards Glenn Beck but sensing Beck's ascendancy concedes a few compliments - Maher, Olbermann, Levin, Maron, Shep Smith: Public Enemy Number one Glenn Beck

Radio host Mark Levin, whose book "Liberty & Tyranny" just surpassed 1 million sales this week, laughed off the suggestion that Beck may be eclipsing Limbaugh as the voice of the right.

"Are you kidding?" Levin said in an e-mail. "Comparing Rush Limbaugh to Glenn Beck is like comparing George Washington to George Jefferson. Beck can be very entertaining and even informative, but he is neither the face nor the voice of the conservative movement. He is one of many."

Update: September 18
New Glenn Beck "9:12" Wallpaper (1280 x 1024), inspired by this 'RattleSnake' like display - Glenn Beck: President Obama why don't you just set us on fire?

"Beck 9:12" wallpaper

Time Wise on CNN's 'What Matters' talks Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and Bill Maher

VIDEO: Time Wise on the "Racial Undertones" of the health care debate

Writer Tim Wise speaks to CNN 'What Matters' host Don Lemon about the "racial undertones" in the current debate on Healthcare. The discussion name-checks pundits Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and Bill Maher. Accompanying the video of the discussion are the quotes referenced by Mr Wise.

1) Glenn Beck sees Healthcare as indirectly addressing "reparations"

GLENN BECK: Everything that is getting pushed through Congress including this Health Care bill are transforming America and they are all driven by President Obama's thinking on one idea - Reparations.
(puts on voice and holds up sign) "Crazy Right Wing extremists!" Before you say anything... His goal is creating a new America, a new model. A model that will settle old racial scores through new social justice

2) Rush Limbaugh is skeptical of "community service" as used by President Obama

Obama Hijacks 9/11, Twists it Into National Day of Service to the State
RUSH: We had a caller, a nice guy, Rob from Manhattan earlier in the day who said, "You know, I think you're misunderstanding Obama. He's kind of right. Manhattan after 9/11 came together like Manhattan never has. It's right to call out for community service."... He's hijacking this for what sounds like a wonderful thing. "Well, community service. We all gotta get together." You gotta understand "community service" is nothing more than community organizing. It is a tactic. Community service is one of the baby steps toward fascism.

So many things that Obama does appear to be isolated, but they are interconnected to organizing the private sector to serve the state -- and that's not the way this country was founded.

3) Bill Maher touches on the fears white people have of President Obama

NEW RULES - Real Time With Bill Maher - 9/11/2009
BILL MAHER: Crazy morons make things up for Obama to do and he does it. Same thing happened with the speech to schools this week where the President merely attempted to tell children to work hard and wash their hands and "Cracker Nation" reacted as if he was trying to hire the Black Panthers to hand out grenades in homeroom...

You know tomorrow Glenn Beck's army of zombie retirees are descending on Washington, It's the Million Moron March...