Now why would any of us want to do that? Shouldn't we be attacking him instead?
Yesterday, the Obama administration continued their effort to paint Rush Limbaugh as the head of the Republican Party. Here's Rahm Emanuel on Face the Nation.
The conventional wisdom is that you shouldn't respond to operatives of lower stature. Political analyst on both sides of the political spectrum have characterized these engagements as misguided. They question why the administration would want to elevate the radio talk show host to such a high level. Press Secretary, Robert Gibbs did the same two Fridays ago when he responded to Rick Santelli's tirade on the Chicago Stock Exchange floor, over the housing mortgage bill proposed by President Obama. Some liberals blasted MSNBC's all-day rebroadcasting of Santelli's rant. Political analyst again labeled Gibb's engagement a mistake. Personally I think the analysts are wrong now and were wrong before.
In my opinion, there are more pertinent questions to ask regarding these engagements, questions that acknowledge the Obama administration may be steps ahead of the pundits and the media, again. First,
will Rush be able to handle the leadership role that the Obama administration is attempting to place upon his shoulders, or will he collapse under the pressure? Will he accept that role or will he publicly disclaim any claim to leadership.
Here's why I think this administration presses on with building up Limbaugh. Republicans are floundering without a leader or a message. It helps to be able to single out your adversary when it comes time to battle. Limbaugh has a message, albeit a highly unpopular one, that closely mirrors those professed by congressional Republicans.
An October 24, 2008, poll conducted by the Democratic research firm
Greenberg-Quinlan-Rosner
had Rush Limbaugh enjoying a public-approval
rating of just 21 percent among likely voters, while 58 percent have
"cold" feelings toward the right-wing radio-talk-show host. Limbaugh's
cold rating was higher than that of all the political figures the firm
polled. It was seven points higher than Rev. Jeremiah Wright and eight
points higher than former Weather Underground domestic terrorist
William Ayers ... Limbaugh is so unpopular that only 44 percent of
Republican voters reported "warm" feelings toward him. (paraphrased)
Gallup conducted a recent poll asking voters what they thought of Limbaugh.
As you can see Limbaugh does poorly with Democrats, Independents and 23% of Republicans. Where Republicans are likely to obstruct, having Limbaugh as an
adversary and the messenger will help Obama among Democrats, some
Republicans and particularly among Independents.
Building up Limbaugh as the voice of the Republicans Party helps to highlight how far right the Party has become, helps to further marginalize Congressional Republicans, and helps the administration build a non-partisan coalition of main street supporters.
Should Obama supporters trash Limbaugh? No need to. Limbaugh self destructs every time he opens his mouth. Ad hominen attacks are counter productive because we don't want the attacks to become the news.
We want Limbaugh as the new Republican Leader to be the news. We can help Obama build up Rush Limbaugh as the Republican Party leader, by simple referring to him like as
"Rush Limbaugh, Republican Party leader, ..." and by talking up his leadership position, wherever possible.
Update:
Steele and Limbaugh are at each other's throats. Thanks for the heads up
CVille Dem.
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