In an aggressive politcal play, Democratic party movers and shakers are successfully painting Rush Limbaugh as the new leader of the rival Republican party. The strategy began over a month ago when President Obama warned Republican members of Congress "You can't just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done" in an effort to prod them to move on the stimulus package legislation. Then this past weekend White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel told CBS News' Bob Schieffer that Limbaugh had become the new leader of the GOP, and the "voice and the intellectual force and energy behind the Republican Party" as evidenced by the fact that "...whenever a Republican criticizes him, they have to run back and apologize to him and say they were misunderstood."
But why? Hasn't Limbaugh been a thorn in the side of the liberalism since at least the 1990's? Isn't he the key talk radio host whose devoted following has energized the Republican caucus for nearly two decades? While Rush's hardcore base on the right-leaning reaches of the GOP has unquestionably been a driving force in conservative movement, the way he's regarded by the rest of the general public provides insight as to why Democrats are making such a big deal over him.A telling article from Politico reveals that the Rush strategy was first considered when Democratic pollsters, including the irrepressible James Carville, realized how badly Limbaugh polled amongst the general public. While the radio host is wildly popular amongst his fans, he is also, obviously, an extremely polarizing figure who alienates the majority of the public. Democratic strategist Paul Begala revealed to Politico that Limbaugh actually polled worse than either the Reverend Jeremiah Wright or William Ayers, two figures from Obama's past that opponents sought to smear him with during the 2008 election campaign. Carville relayed that Limbaugh's positives with people under 40 years of age, also known as "the future", were an astoundingly low 11%.
With numbers like these, the strategy seems like a no-brainer. But still all good narratives that are to resonate with the public need to be genuine if they're to be effective and this one sure feels like the real McCoy. With a GOP that suddenly seems to be missing its starpower, Limbaugh provides what Republicans in Congress and Governorships across the country lack - with the possible exception of Sarah Palin - a recognizable name and a recognizable face. Plus for years on end now, Republican politicians from across the country have been recycling Limbaugh's ideas, catch phrases and strategies. One could argue that what the White House and their fellow Democrats are doing right now is simply cutting out the middle man.
Personally, I am very happy with this new strategy and the assuredness accompanying it from the Democrats. Gone is the party that for years danced around and could never seem to find its own footing, could never seem sure of itself, particularly when confronted with a talented opponent (yes, it's true) like Rush Limbaugh. A newly confident party is finally walking straight up to the biggest guy fighting them and punching him straight in the face as one of their first acts back in power.
You can takepart in learning about responsible public policy for America by checking out the Center for American Progress.
LINKS:
Politico: Rush Job: Inside Dems' Limbaugh Plans
Daily News: Democrats use web to mock Rush Limbaugh, prominent Republicans
WaPo: The rush to bash Rush In an aggressive politcal play, Democratic party movers and shakers are successfully painting Rush Limbaugh as the new leader of the rival Republican party. The strategy began over a month ago when President Obama warned Republican members of Congress "You can't just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done" in an effort to prod them to move on the stimulus package legislation. Then this past weekend White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel told CBS News' Bob Schieffer that Limbaugh had become the new leader of the GOP, and the "voice and the intellectual force and energy behind the Republican Party" as evidenced by the fact that "...whenever a Republican criticizes him, they have to run back and apologize to him and say they were misunderstood."
But why? Hasn't Limbaugh been a thorn in the side of the liberalism since at least the 1990's? Isn't he the key talk radio host whose devoted following has energized the Republican caucus for nearly two decades? While Rush's hardcore base on the right-leaning reaches of the GOP has unquestionably been a driving force in conservative movement, the way he's regarded by the rest of the general public provides insight as to why Democrats are making such a big deal over him.A telling article from Politico reveals that the Rush strategy was first considered when Democratic pollsters, including the irrepressible James Carville, realized how badly Limbaugh polled amongst the general public. While the radio host is wildly popular amongst his fans, he is also, obviously, an extremely polarizing figure who alienates the majority of the public. Democratic strategist Paul Begala revealed to Politico that Limbaugh actually polled worse than either the Reverend Jeremiah Wright or William Ayers, two figures from Obama's past that opponents sought to smear him with during the 2008 election campaign. Carville relayed that Limbaugh's positives with people under 40 years of age, also known as "the future", were an astoundingly low 11%.
With numbers like these, the strategy seems like a no-brainer. But still all good narratives that are to resonate with the public need to be genuine if they're to be effective and this one sure feels like the real McCoy. With a GOP that suddenly seems to be missing its starpower, Limbaugh provides what Republicans in Congress and Governorships across the country lack - with the possible exception of Sarah Palin - a recognizable name and a recognizable face. Plus for years on end now, Republican politicians from across the country have been recycling Limbaugh's ideas, catch phrases and strategies. One could argue that what the White House and their fellow Democrats are doing right now is simply cutting out the middle man.
Personally, I am very happy with this new strategy and the assuredness accompanying it from the Democrats. Gone is the party that for years danced around and could never seem to find its own footing, could never seem sure of itself, particularly when confronted with a talented opponent (yes, it's true) like Rush Limbaugh. A newly confident party is finally walking straight up to the biggest guy fighting them and punching him straight in the face as one of their first acts back in power.
You can takepart in learning about responsible public policy for America by checking out the Center for American Progress.
LINKS:
Politico: Rush Job: Inside Dems' Limbaugh Plans
Daily News: Democrats use web to mock Rush Limbaugh, prominent Republicans
WaPo: The rush to bash Rush 
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