-
That Is What We Do
May 14, 2013 | 108 comments
-
Shame Old Shame Old From Obama
April 19, 2013 | 101 comments
-
Cut Out the Chase
April 5, 2013 | 83 comments
-
All in the Family
March 26, 2013 | 12 comments
-
Israel in the Tank for Obama
March 21, 2013 | 112 comments
A Further Perspective
And the Winner in Iowa Is… Rush Limbaugh!
Rick Santorum’s smartest move.
At the time of this writing, one Eastern hour into January 4th of 2012, Rick Santorum is barely ahead in the Iowa caucuses with 29,968 votes to 29,964 for Mitt Romney. Iowa is not known for its consonance, but this kind of multiple avowal is unprecedented.
My home state of Florida has decided to freeze tonight in solidarity with Iowa, so this is somewhat akin to an on-the-scene report. Manning my media control center, I observe that Santorum is enjoying a honeymoon with the press that is certain to be limited to a one-night stand.
In the moment, all the correspondents are buzzing affirmatively, with the merest hint of a caveat: “Santorum peaked just at the right time… he was the last man standing… he won the game of musical chairs… he visited all 99 counties… he did 367 Town Halls… door to door… retail politics… for now he gets to be the anti-Romney… social conservatives… evangelical vote coalescing… probably not sustainable… not enough cash on hand… doesn’t have the national network.”
By morning, they will shake off their hangovers and try to change the channel, adjusting the narrative. The Tea Party was not much of a direct force in Iowa, but its aura will be invoked in trying to portray Santorum as the new incarnation of Sharron Angle and Christine O’Donnell. Once again, the forces of narrow-mindedness, mean-spiritedness and wrong-headedness had won a Pyrrhic victory. Richard-the-Lionhearted of tonight’s proclamation will give way to Poor Richard in tomorrow’s almanac.
For now, there is much talk of the hard work, the doggedness and the good timing. His virtues are being paraded even though their ticker will quickly run out of tape. But there is one piece of the saga that even these erstwhile enthusiasts will not verbalize, the fact that the biggest winner of all this night is Rush Limbaugh. That is because Santorum breached the First Commandment of Republican political consultants: Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of Limbaugh in Advertisement.
This has been one of the great anomalies of Republican politics the past two decades. The revolution in talk radio initiated by Limbaugh in 1990 is what gave conservative politics new life after Ronald Reagan’s tenure in office elapsed. Reagan himself acknowledged as much, writing a letter to Limbaugh in 1992 essentially passing the baton of leadership.
Despite the fact that Republican candidates have always vied to get some air time on the show, the political consultants they hire have steered them away from quoting Limbaugh by name in other venues or using his name in advertising. The fact that he generally refrains from openly endorsing particular candidates has enabled them to get away with this brand of disloyalty. They can’t very well be expected to cite him in an ad if he has not specifically expressed his backing, can they?
Thus the paradox. Five minutes on Limbaugh is worth more than all the campaign ads put together, yet mentioning him in a commercial is seen by campaign managers as taboo. It will anger the independents, they say, and the moderates… and the women… and the minorities… and on and on.
The consequence of this strategy is that we wind up with colorless compromisers like Bob Dole and John McCain as Presidential candidates, and elections are written off as losses before the first lever is pulled in the voting booth for a Republican or in the mortuary for a Democrat.
This time Santorum broke the mold. He ran a bold ad quoting accolades tossed in his direction by Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee, and Rush Limbaugh. That willingness to name names sent a powerful signal, electrifying the fence that most Iowa Republicans had been sitting on. There are an awful lot of conservative voters who have been waiting a long time to hear their heroes acknowledged. In my estimation, that single advertising spot put Santorum over the top in Iowa.
Can Santorum actually win the primaries pursuing this strategy? Well, the first bit of good news came along right away. The word is out that John McCain is about to announce his backing for Romney. This is a contest I will relish watching: Romney ads citing McCain versus Santorum ads citing Limbaugh. Stay tuned.
About the Author
Jay D. Homnick, commentator and humorist, is a frequent contributor to The American Spectator. He also writes for Human Events. Here he speaks at the Rally for Religious Freedom in Miami on June 8, 2012.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (214) | Leave a comment
More Articles by Jay D. Homnick
More Articles From A Further Perspective
http://spectator.org/archives/2012/01/04/and-the-winner-in-iowa-is-rush
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
The Spectacle Blog
The #FreeKate Narrative Melts Down: Lies Exposed in Florida Teen Sex Case
Robert Stacy McCain | 5.25.13
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
H/T to National Review Online
ADVERTISEMENT
Richard Baker| 1.4.12 @ 6:23AM
Rush vs Mcain. Most interesting but I'll bet that Old Johnnie Lad will come out second best in the comparison. Santorum has caused folks to re-consider him and if Rush is part of that then that's just fine with me. Political consultants are a waste of time.
Alan Brooks| 1.4.12 @ 6:30AM
Funny, if you had run Rush in '96, you might have really won.
You are all too cowardly to admit that since Jan. 19th, 1989, you have been largely clueless.
Jack in Wi.| 1.4.12 @ 7:50AM
I agree Rush Limbaugh and his talk radio buddies won the primary for the elites. He has been the elites Lord Haw Haw for 20 years. All Rush is intrested in is younger women and more money. Santorum was just his bum of the month. He has always been in Romney's corner. We proles are going to keep fighting until the party is ours or we have replaced it. Ron Paul has already won. No pro war, pro bankster Republican can ever be elected President in this country again. The Revolution is just beginning. We have only just begun to fight, in the long war to take this country back.
Mike Hawk| 1.4.12 @ 8:20AM
You don't listen to Rush, do you.
Jack in Wi.| 1.4.12 @ 8:27AM
I listened to Rush regularly for 13 years. He is a great talent that could of had a positive influence on the country. Instead he became a mouthpice for the elites of the Repubican Party. His job has always been to keep the boobs entertained and on the reservation. His rating are always better with a Democrat in the White House. Why would he want Obama to lose?
Jimmy| 1.4.12 @ 8:51AM
Huh? Rush has been bad-mouthing Republican establishment types for a long long time. Every time you Paulites spout such silliness it diminishes your standing. Do you not recognize this?
Kitty| 1.4.12 @ 9:21AM
he became a mouthpice for the elites of the Repubican Party.
I've been a dittohead since April of '92, and I know that Rush is no such thing. His ratings have been fairly steady for years. In fact, the 3rd chapter in his 1st book (1992), "The Way Things Ought To Be," addresses that very subject; it's titled My Success Is Not Determined by Who Wins Elections.
You're clueless.
Grzmlyk| 1.4.12 @ 10:07AM
What Jack is really saying is that Rush sees through Ron Paul, and so Jack took his ball and went home.
I'm no fan of Rush Limbaugh - at least his style. And I don't always agree with him (one major example: He says we're a "center-right" country. If we're a "center-right" country, why is our cultural and political center to the far left - and accelerating leftward - following the collective lead of the sclerotic, moribund social democracies going over the cliff in Europe? In this regard, Rush is a victim of wishful thinking, or perhaps looking back in time).
But Rush's loyalty to conservative principles (not to mention his analytical ability) is beyond reproach. As others here have stated, he excoriates the Republican Establishment mercilessly (as well he should!).
He certainly pulls his punches when it comes to the GOP hopefuls, but I understand why he does it - he's trying to keep conservatives together and focused on the big picture.
The reason Rush doesn't have more influence in this country - and I think his footprint in politics remains unequalled among the pundit class - is that, unfortunately, his shtick is to be as obnoxious as possible for as much of his air time as possible.
But I think it's a stretch to question his conservative bona fides - particularly when compared to other ostensible conservatives, who have a chronic tendency to genuflect before the welfare state.
jothepro| 1.4.12 @ 10:17AM
Hey Grzmlyk, Listen to Rush's program.
Grzmlyk| 1.4.12 @ 10:31AM
Uh, I do. Every day. Did you read my post?
jothepro| 1.5.12 @ 8:15AM
If you listened to Rush every day you would know what he means when he says center right..
Stormzeye| 1.4.12 @ 10:49AM
I agree with your assessment Grz. Rush's buffoonery sometimes outstrips his deep insight. On the other hand, I doubt Bill Buckley ever reached an audience anywhere near the size of Rush's. As much as I admired Buckley's erudition, he never had much influence over the outcome of events.
Grzmlyk| 1.4.12 @ 11:07AM
Thanks, Stormzeye:
I agree, although I got a huge kick out of Buckley, with his rumpled slouch and utterly patrician, fiercely intellectual and unfailingly polite manner - and, as is the case with Rush, Buckley was the formative influence on my thinking when I first became politically aware as a child. His Firing Line was the gold standard for civil debate, and his brilliance never ceased to amaze me.
And I concede that most of Rush's fans seem to like his TIRESOME shtick. I do not - to me his entire, puerile mien is like fingernails on a blackboard.
But I continue to listen because he remains the most consistently cogent, relevant and analytically perceptive voice from the right. The plain fact is, when it comes to giving voice conservative principles, policy analysis or his assessment of the chess game behind DC machinations, he remains without peer.
Charie| 1.5.12 @ 3:56PM
You're so right Grzm. Rush is a teacher. The Left has always missed this because his flamboyant manner is off-putting so they just write him off as a buffoon and never do get to the heart of the matter. I'm not sure how they could go all these years in this belief and not come to the idea that there has to be more than buffoonery for people to have followed him all this time.
I was turned on to him in 1990 by my 16 year old son who said, "Mom, there's a guy on radio who sounds just like you." Of course I had to hear it. I've been a fan ever since. When he gets on one of his goofy topics I merely turn to another station and turn it back in 5 minutes and he's usually in an excellent explanatory review of some current news. That's what keeps me tuning in to his show.
Redstateboy| 1.4.12 @ 11:41AM
Ding! Ding! Ding! congratulations Jack in Wi. - claiming Rush Limbaugh is a mouthpiece for the elites of the Republican earns you the dumb comment of the Day Award!
A.J.| 1.4.12 @ 12:05PM
For the 142nd consecutive day.
Occam's Tool| 1.4.12 @ 12:55PM
Jack:
Paul finished Third, and that rhymes with TURD. How about a nice Cup of STFU?
Grzmlyk| 1.4.12 @ 1:14PM
Great comment, Occam, but of course Paul-bots are impervious to reality. They are rabid, monomaniacal automatons hell-bent on making Paul president - even if he's only president in their fevered minds.
Apparently, they believe that, once Paul takes the oath of office, the world will instantaneously be a far better place - the sky will be a little bluer, the sun will shine a little brighter, the birds will chirp a little louder, the politicians will agree to shut off the spigot of money that keeps them in power and that America's withdrawal from the world stage will usher in an epoch of peace and prosperity the likes of which the world has never seen.
And, were he elected president, his failure to move the world one inch wouldn't deter them in their zeal one iota, just like Obama's lying, corrupt, incompetent, bigoted, destructive administration hasn't deterred so many Democrats from thinking he sitteth at the right hand of God Almighty.
Paul-bots are all little Captain Ahabs with harpoons in their fists, pursuing the metaphoric white whale that emobodies for them all they think is wrong with the world - and, like Ahab, they will pursue that white whale to the exclusion of all else.
And, as in the novel, the white whale will crush them without so much as a thought - and roll on, utterly oblivious to their self-aggrandizing, putative heroism.
I have never, ever seen anything like Paul acolytes, except in cults.
Occam's Tool| 1.4.12 @ 1:21PM
Well, I did a Pediatrics internship across the street from the Church of Scientology. Yup, reminds me of Paulbots.
But I notice Clint hasn't come back at me hard, yet. His gut's been kicked in. But he's still standing behind the horse and annoying it.
Grzmlyk| 1.4.12 @ 1:54PM
Wow - scientology - it doesn't get more hard core than those people, and they're exactly the ones I was thinking of when I mentioned the cult mentality.
I've done a little reading up on them, and I was accosted by one once in NYC when I inadvertently walked past their building during a recruiting drive. SCARY people.
I noticed Clint's absence, too. He's either got his head buried in a pillow and he's still crying about last night (I believe he promised us a Paul victory in Iowa), or else he's decided to go back to stalking girl scouts and pursuing his dream of being the most libertarian serial killer America has ever produced.
Maybe he's putting his face-stomping boots back into storage until Paul runs in 2016.
Mike Hawk| 1.4.12 @ 5:17PM
You are a lying sack of sh!t. You have never been a Rush listener.
beebop2| 1.5.12 @ 6:12PM
Jack apparently does not recognize the irony in your question and he clearly does NOT listen to Rush.
O Tamandua| 1.4.12 @ 9:46AM
Rush Limbaugh is the "elites 'Lord Haw Haw' "?!?!
Indeed, you haven't listened to him much recently, have you? He is COMPLETELY against the "elites" picking our Republican presidential candidate for us.
Bob Miller| 1.4.12 @ 2:33PM
However, we are very fortunate that no Ron Paul can ever be elected President in this country. Obama is bad enough.
kate| 1.4.12 @ 3:02PM
Jack
You are just handing the election to Obama with your strategy. Get Republicans in office and then hold their feet to the fire with protests, etc.
Doctor Right| 1.4.12 @ 5:01PM
"Pro-bankster"..????
Jack, you proto-Nazi stooge, I have to give you props!!
That is the most original term for "Jews" I have heard in a loooooooong time!!!
But the thing is, Jack...why don't you have the courage of your convictions?
Aren't you tired of all the subterfuge and code-words?? Can't you just come out and say that you hate Jews??
Go ahead! You'll feel better!
Or us that the price of cowardice?
You're despicable.
Cpm| 1.4.12 @ 7:51PM
Ron Paul shot his bolt in Iowa. The other primaries have secret ballots so no one will be affected by the hectoring and attempted intimidation of the Paultards.
sirbourbon| 1.6.12 @ 11:05PM
Cpm,
That stands for what, "I secretly admire Ron Paul's enthusiastic and well informed campaign volunteers." right?
Constitutional Paul Movement
Tina B| 1.4.12 @ 1:21PM
Clueless is better than Socialist! And we are clueless no longer. You, however, are still Socialist.
elixelx| 1.6.12 @ 10:01AM
As I calculate it, on Jan 19th. 2012, 23 years after Reagan's term ended, Republicans will have ruled for 12 years while DemocRats have had 11.
So if 12 makes clueless, does 11 make cluelesssss?
elixelx| 1.6.12 @ 10:03AM
As I calculate it, on Jan 19th. 2012, 23 years after Reagan's term ended, Republicans will have ruled for 12 years while DemocRats have had 11.
So if 12 makes clueless, does 11 make cluelesssss?
Kitty| 1.4.12 @ 6:36AM
Remember Rush's parodies of McCain? Like the McCain Mutiny: "I'm not paranoid, but everybody thinks I am."
Alan Brooks| 1.4.12 @ 6:43AM
Queeg's two metal balls- what an image.
Moe Blotz| 1.4.12 @ 7:04AM
Rush Limbaugh has brass balls. He is not a politician and would never run for office, as he has said on his radio program. Rush does more good for the country standing up to liberals by discussing the issues every day. If the best you can do is denigrate conservatives for having a different point of view, you can never make a case for what you believe. If you were to call in to Rush Limbaugh's show, you would be the next caller to speak to him because you are a liberal. I doubt you have the balls.
Alan Brooks| 1.4.12 @ 7:22AM
I meant McPain, Moe! Rush has talent- unlike the varmints you have run for POTUS since '88.
Can you imagine what it would be like if McPain had won in '08?:
"well, um, this budget fight reminds me of "Hamburger Hill..."
What a doofus McPain is. The GOP wanted to screw in '08, and got screwed. Relax, you got what you deserved.
Alan Brooks| 1.4.12 @ 7:27AM
BTW:
if you had placed Palin at the top of the ticket summer '08, it might have been a win for you- or another tie a la 2000.
You turkeys, you.
Moe Blotz| 1.4.12 @ 8:34AM
Oy Alan, how do you like your sausage?
Timothy L. Pennell| 1.4.12 @ 9:37AM
See that? You do have a sense of humour.
You're all right.
Moe Blotz| 1.4.12 @ 9:54AM
Actually, I am half left. If one can not laugh at oneself, one has no sense of humour. Still, I had to throw a jab.
Timothy L. Pennell| 1.4.12 @ 10:04AM
You're half left? So, you're saying that you're Bi-Sexual?
Now it's all starting to make sense.
Moe Blotz| 1.4.12 @ 10:33AM
That comes from years of being told to go f*** myself. Alan has nowt to say about sausage, maybe he would bite on a weiner tete'-a-tete'.
Dai Alanye | 1.4.12 @ 10:14AM
This might be the first rational comment Alan has made in months. Yes, Palin could have won the election for McCain had he let her do her own planning.
Timothy L. Pennell| 1.4.12 @ 10:38AM
He's like a broken clock, that guy.
Occam's Tool| 1.4.12 @ 12:57PM
Yup. Her purpose and reason for existence should have been "attack dog," going after Rev. Wright, Bill Ayers, etc. Nice, Red Meat.
But he had to play nicey nicey with a thug.
Timothy L. Pennell| 1.4.12 @ 8:12AM
Wow. Alan Brooks having a back and forth with a Moe. Who woulda ever thunk it?
And they're discussing Balls, at that.
Can a Sausage debate, be far behind?
Deborah D | 1.4.12 @ 8:17AM
I wish there was a "like" button like on Facebook! Hilarious! Thanks for the chuckle, Timothy. I always enjoy your excellent rants as well! Have a good day.
Alan Brooks| 1.4.12 @ 8:33AM
"I wish there was a 'like' button like on Facebook! Hilarious! Thanks for the chuckle, Timothy. I always enjoy your excellent rants as well! Have a good day."
Southin' boys know their sausages-- they like em young.
Timothy L. Pennell| 1.4.12 @ 9:53AM
Alan. I like ya.
You're good sport.
Happy New Year.
Timothy L. Pennell| 1.4.12 @ 9:30AM
Deborah. This is for you.
I hope that Santorum's done with the "I'll be tough on Iran", and focuses on the REAL ENEMY. If I was running his Campaign (and I should be) I would tell him that it's time to FOCUS, like a laser beam, on the Domestic Enemy, in the White House.
I would advise him to IGNORE the Massachusetts Liberal, and the Texas Weirdo.
Speaking of "Newsletter Ned", we've got ONE comment from Jack in Wi. standing on a chair with a Noose around his neck, and NOTHING from Clint. If anyone living in Clint's building could check on him? Maybe bring along a Cadaver Dog? We'd appreciate it.
Anyway. OBAMA. He is the Target. THAT'S RIGHT! I SAID IT! (Hat Tip Mark Levin) He's the Target. HE is the Domestic Enemy, everyones' Oath foretells. Gingrich is Toast. Perry will talk his way out of contention. Huntsman has "Barack Hussein Obama" on his Job Application, where it says: Previous Employer. And, Paul was in Texas, when he shoulda been in Iowa.
(Isn't that right, Jack?)
I would also advise that he put sock in it, when it comes to Illegal Immigration. Talking tough is for PUNKS. Just ask Rex Ryan. Speak Softly, and Carry a Big Stick, is the more appropriate way to go. You tell the world that "I believe people have to OBEY the Laws of the Land", even though the current President, believes otherwise. I see no need, or ADVANTAGE, in hiding behind the bushes at Romney's House, and counting the Mexicans that are mowing his lawn.
As far as the THING in the White House is concerned? That's easy: We have the lowest Consumer Confidence in 30 Years. We have had our Credit Rating downgraded, for the 1st time in our Nation's History. We are in the 34 straight Month of Unemployment above 8%. (REAL Unemployment is probably around 11%. You know. If you actually COUNT everyone who's unemployed. If they stop looking because there's nothing out there, they're still unemployed. Duh.)
Federal Spending, the Budget Deficit, and our National Debt, are all at the highest level as a percentage of GDP since WWII. Worst Jobs Record of any modern President. Worst Housing Crisis since the Great Depression. Misery Index at a 28 year high. 46 Million Americans now living in Poverty. The most on record since the Census began tracking Poverty in 1959. U.S. Poverty Rate is 1 in 6 Americans. Record Number of Americans on Food Stamps. The Rate of Economic Growth is only slightly higher than the 1930's. And, he thinks there's over 57 States.
Add to that: $784 BILLION Stimulus/Slush Fund, that was P*SSED AWAY on Fictional shovel Ready Infrastructure Jobs, that, instead, ended up in the hands of his Public Employee Union Civilian Army. Solyndra. The Company his BIG DONOR owns - Light Squared - that is thisclose to gettin permission to go on line, even though an Air Force General, and another High Ranking Official, testified before Congress that they were STRONG ARMED, by the White House, to change their testimony, concerning the Interference with Global Positioning Frequencies (Used by the Military) created by Light Squared's Technology.
You've got a NO BID Contract for another Big Obama Donor, to make Smallpox (I believe) Vaccines, that DON'T WORK, and have NO SHELF LIFE. Not enough? He gave Millions to Electric Car Companies in Italy, and Norway. (one of those idiot Norse Countries)
Did I mention GUN RUNNING to the Mexican Drug Cartels?
I've got a brown streak in my underwear, that could beat this guy. Surely, you're better than Brownie. (That's what I call him)
Oops. Sorry. Brownie is moving around, down there. With all of the SH*T on this MFer, he can't wait. Us Bitter Clingers? We like to call it: Shootin Ducks on a Pond. That's how easy it's gonna be. Even his Effeminate Media won't be able to save him, this time.
He's a DEAD DUCK.
Stay focused. Stay on Message. Don't let yourself be distracted. I've given you EVERYTHING you need.
Don't FIU.
Moe Blotz| 1.4.12 @ 9:59AM
Fisker is the electric sporty car built in Finland, subsidised with our $$$$$. $100,000.00+ to buy one and only fifty have been delivered. Fisker just issued a recall because a hose clamp might fail and dump coolant on the road (if you actually drive one). Watch for another Obama investment bankruptcy.
Timothy L. Pennell| 1.4.12 @ 10:09AM
AND, they're catching FIRE, just like the VOLTS.
GOD works in Mysterious ways.
SUBVET| 1.4.12 @ 10:22AM
Classic TLP.....you make my day.....keep your ammo dry.
Timothy L. Pennell| 1.4.12 @ 10:39AM
Where ya been?
KennesawJack| 1.4.12 @ 11:12AM
Damn, Tim. You are really wired this morning. Keep it up and ol' Clint's gonna jump off that chair.
Timothy L. Pennell| 1.4.12 @ 11:27AM
Not too many lawns to cut, these days. You know what they say about "Idle Hands".
Alan doesn't. In his world there's no such thing. I imagine those hands are always grabbing something.
Occam's Tool| 1.4.12 @ 1:08PM
Clint:
Paul finished Third, rhymes with Turd. Shall I bring over a flaming bag of little Paul turds for you to go "stomping" on?
I wish I was concerned about your welfare. But I'm sure Enosh, Big Steve, Steve and all your Jewish buddies are consoling you now.
The Tea Party is not a group of Traitors; they don't like Bradley Manning, like Ron does. Some of us get real pissed off when a group of child raping maniacs take overour embassy without punishment, and bomb other of our embassies without punishment.
You see, Clint: “I am the punishment of God...If you had not committed great sins, God would not have sent a punishment like me upon you.” Genghis Khan said that. He was referring to men like Ron Paul. And you.
TLPs message to you, Mr. Santorum, is spot on. Keep the message simple: Taxes must be kept low, enemies of the USA must pay, regulation needs to be cut, the budget must be balanced,Obama needs to go. You're no longer the PA. Senator of 15 years ago. You're running for President of a damaged USA. Keep it simple.
But I, like Churchill on December 8, 1941, slept the sleep of the saved and thankful last night. The Republic will be saved. Get 'em, Rick!
KennesawJack| 1.4.12 @ 2:10PM
Speaking of Churchill, we need to ask Mr. Santorum to ask the Queen if we can please have our bust of him back after Obamarx's slap in the face to the Brits.
CAGrandma| 1.4.12 @ 1:41PM
@TLP
You should take this exact post and paste in Santorum's FB page or email to his campaign HQ. Right On and Dead Right!!! Or may I have your permission to do so for you???
Timothy L. Pennell| 1.4.12 @ 2:10PM
Permission granted, Grandma. Just give me the credit. I wouldn't mind a JOB in a Campaign.
He could do way worse than having me on his team. I know I could help him.
CAGrandma| 1.4.12 @ 3:02PM
@TLP
DONE! Check out Rick's FB page... :o)
Moe Blotz| 1.4.12 @ 9:20AM
Timothy l. Pennell: Humour must have an element of truth in order to work, and your innuendo misses the mark. I expect such drivel from our liberal friends who can not debate the issues, but mockery for someone who is on your side makes no sense.
Timothy L. Pennell| 1.4.12 @ 9:35AM
C'mon. It's a joke.
Ya know, a name change wouldn't be the worst thing that could happen to ya. I mean, a Boy named MOE, has gotta be way worse than a Boy named Sue.
Am I right?
Deborah. Help me out.
Moe Blotz| 1.4.12 @ 9:51AM
Moe is actually a nickname from Monroe. Children can not pick their names, as you so aptly illustrate in the Johnny Cash reference. A friend of mine in high school greeted me when he saw me by saying,"Ho Moe."
Timothy L. Pennell| 1.4.12 @ 9:57AM
That's your "Friend" called ya. I can only imagine what the NON-Friends were hurling your way.
I thought Timmy was bad.
Allow me to say: HO MOE.
Happy New Year, buddy.
Moe Blotz| 1.4.12 @ 10:02AM
Thank you Timmy, may you be blessed with a happy and prosperous new year as well.
Occam's Tool| 1.4.12 @ 1:24PM
Hey, I like both you guys. I get enough fun punching Clint and Jack. Last night was a bit of Montresor and Fortunado with Ron Paul, wasn't it? Poor boy thought he had a Cask of Amontillado.
Deborah D | 1.4.12 @ 2:24PM
I thought your joke was funny. We can handle a little "off color." We need a little humor these days. Thanks, Timothy!
Tina B| 1.4.12 @ 1:22PM
So did you.
beebop2| 1.5.12 @ 6:15PM
It would be refreshing just to HAVE A DAMN BUDGET from the moron in the people's house.
Kade| 1.4.12 @ 8:22AM
But try and get past Rush’s screener if you are to the right of him -- like on Dubai Ports or against outsourcing to Red China-- you will never get on or if you do he will filibuster you.
Rush cleverly only has on Ditto-heads or lefties but rarely America-first conservatives. Rush still defends the Dubai Ports sellout to this day – Rush is a libertarian (not conservative) economic Internationalist.
jothepro| 1.4.12 @ 9:02AM
Hey Kade, Cry me an effing river.
Clint| 1.4.12 @ 8:35AM
We Are Being Set Up By RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges For The Ruling Elites' Frontman Mittens Romney.
These Are The RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges Who Gave Us The Serial Traitor To Conservatism, John McCain Of McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy,McCain-Lieberman,Gang Of 14, Opposing Bush Tax Cuts Of 2001 & 2003,TARP.
Now They Are Trying To Give Us RomneyCare,TARP, Cynical Flip-Flops On Abortion, Gays, Refuses to Sign Pro-Life Pledge, Illegal Immigrants, "Little Chain Saw Al" At Bain, Crony Capitalism Campaign Money Trail.....
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here And In Iowa.
Con Chef (NB) | 1.4.12 @ 9:09AM
Your boy lost last night, so now you're being "set up."
The "Tea Party Rebellion Got Its Face Stomped In Iowa!"
Clint| 1.4.12 @ 10:26AM
The Israel Firsters Are Runnin' Around All Giddy And Bumping Heads Because Two Israel Firster BIG GOVERNMENT STATISTS, Mittens Romney And Runty Santorum Each Got 25 Percent Of The Iowa Caucus Vote.
Real Conservatives Recognize That You Israel Firsters Are Selling Out America And Fiscal Conservatives For Your Traitor Bastard Israel Firster Agenda Of Using American Warriors For Cannon Fodder And America's Treasury To Police The Middle East For Israel's Agenda.
This Is Gonna Stop.
The Tea Party Rebellion Heads To The East Coast.
Timothy L. Pennell| 1.4.12 @ 9:50AM
One Comment? ONE?
I guess it's true.
"Revenge is a Dish, best served COLD."
(Hat Tip: Dusinian Khan. Killed by James Tiberious Kirk, with a Genesis Device)
Or, Milton. Maybe it was Milton.
I don't know about you? But I almost feel sorry for the guy.
Almost.
Clint| 1.4.12 @ 10:29AM
The Israel Firsters Are Runnin' Around All Giddy And Bumping Heads Because Two Israel Firster BIG GOVERNMENT STATISTS, Mittens Romney And Runty Santorum Each Got 25 Percent Of The Iowa Caucus Vote.
Real Conservatives Recognize That You Israel Firsters Are Selling Out America And Fiscal Conservatives For Your Traitor Bastard Israel Firster Agenda Of Using American Warriors For Cannon Fodder And America's Treasury To Police The Middle East For Israel's Agenda.
This Is Gonna Stop.
The Tea Party Rebellion Heads To The East Coast.
Resist We Much! | 1.4.12 @ 10:47AM
"Many well-meaning libertarians signed on to the 'Ron Paul revolution.' At first, this only required accepting his pro-life and anti-immigrant stances as libertarian, contrary to the leanings of many libertarians.… But to dismiss all doubts about his judgment and his character would be to succumb to a cult."
- Libertarian economist Arnold Kling
"The problem with the [Ron] Paul movement is that it has become a cult. Far too many of the cultists not only are willingly blind to their leader's faults but have also begun to internalize his beliefs as they justify his writings and actions."
- Ron Chusid
Clinty, Cult Much?
Clint| 1.4.12 @ 11:35AM
The Israel Firsters Are Runnin' Around All Giddy And Bumping Heads Because Two Israel Firster BIG GOVERNMENT STATISTS, Mittens Romney And Runty Santorum Each Got 25 Percent Of The Iowa Caucus Vote.
Real Conservatives Recognize That You Israel Firsters Are Selling Out America And Fiscal Conservatives For Your Traitor Bastard Israel Firster Agenda Of Using American Warriors For Cannon Fodder And America's Treasury To Police The Middle East For Israel's Agenda.
This Is Gonna Stop.
The Tea Party Rebellion Heads To The East Coast.
Resist We Much! | 1.4.12 @ 12:06PM
The RuPaul Freak Show Heads To The East Coast To Get Humiliated In New Hampshire And South Carolina.
Skinner| 1.4.12 @ 12:12PM
You do realize we can tell you've cut and pasted one post two times, right? We can read.
Or do you stutter in complete paragraphs?
Does it get tiring hitting the SHIFT key in order to capitalize all those words? Or do you really think we won't laugh at you if you do that?
WHY NOT JUST YELL IN ALL CAPS?!?!
Sorry for feeding the troll folks, but if we let them starve, we'll end up just staring at the screen.
Occam's Tool| 1.4.12 @ 1:12PM
Couldn't win with all of your money and organization in Iowa, even with DEMOCRATS and OWS voting for you. You bore me, Clint. Go jerk off a jihadist. It's all a Paulbot is good for. "Finished third, rhymes with Turd." Because you're such a dick, I'm gonna have the Merkava driver start with your feet underneath the treads.
Occam's Tool| 1.4.12 @ 1:13PM
Bradley Manning likes Ron Paul.
KennesawJack| 1.4.12 @ 2:12PM
Mutual admiration society.
Grzmlyk| 1.4.12 @ 2:03PM
Clinty's Tea Party Rebellion Heads to the East Coast after its stellar victory in Iowa, right Clinty?
The Whack Job is Here and His Name Is Clint.
Occam's Tool| 1.4.12 @ 1:10PM
Clint: your boy finished third, rhymes with turd.
Bye, little boy.
A.J.| 1.4.12 @ 4:07PM
That would be the new "finish thirders" I read somewhere this morning. Finish Thirders, I like that.
Margie| 1.4.12 @ 6:57PM
Rush Limbaugh is CLASS personified.
O Tamandua| 1.4.12 @ 9:49AM
Kitty, I remember Rush's parody of Sen. McCain (when deciding whether or not to stay in the Republican party early last decade) "singing" the Joe Strummer/The Clash version of "Should I stay or should I go". Priceless.
Kade| 1.4.12 @ 11:48AM
Did Rush (or Hannity) use his powerful microphone to relentlessly back staunch conservative J. D. Hayworth over Super-Rino McCain?
What good are these Republican talking heads during critical primaries? They are (stealth) establishment Republicans when the chips are down.
Skippy| 1.4.12 @ 1:59PM
Interestingly, J.D. has replaced Rush in San Fran on KSFO.
Grzmlyk| 1.4.12 @ 2:10PM
Kade, I usually defend Rush for his conservative bona fides (if not his obnoxious personality), but you have given me food for thought.
I have noticed that Rush can get very flummoxed when liberals call him and make some pretty good points. Not that I agree with them, but they sometimes make assertions he has difficulty refuting.
Charie| 1.5.12 @ 4:24PM
I think he's suffering from some loss of memory and also being unable to hear and relying on a steno instead of his ears makes it difficult for him to answer some questions. It's not only liberals he sometimes has a hard time answering.
Deborah D | 1.4.12 @ 8:10AM
I was pleased to see Santorum's win last night. It should be interesting to see what's next. I'm sure it will be an onslaught of negativity from the Romney campaign and media (both liberal and "conservative"). Look what they did to Newt. I believe Romney's ill will toward Huckabee is why Huckabee threw his support to McCain in 2008. Newt isn't too pleased with Romney now. Could we see a rush to throw in with Santorum now? Who knows? Stay tuned.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 1.4.12 @ 9:16AM
Newt did it to himself.
Deborah D | 1.4.12 @ 9:27AM
I disagree with your assessment, Bill, but we will have to agree to disagree.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 1.4.12 @ 9:46AM
The facts indicate otherwise:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi6n_-wB154
beebop2| 1.5.12 @ 6:20PM
I heard Newt on Hannity and someone needs to get him a teleprompter until he gets his pride back in check. His petulance was appalling. So he got roughed up by Mitt. Deal with it. I heard him say that except for Massachusetts, Michigan and Utah (is he suggesting the mormons are going to vote lock step for a mormon? If so, his bigoted outlook is appalling and should be about as close to the WH as the current occupant.) I was shouting at my radio for Hannity to ask him what it says about a candidate who can't manage to get on the PRIMARY BALLOT for his OWN DAMN STATE?!
Kitty| 1.4.12 @ 6:28AM
The consequence of this strategy is that we wind up with colorless compromisers like Bob Dole and John McCain
And Romney. And now the circle is complete with McCain endorsing him. Hence, McRomney.
Congratulations to Rick Santorum! This is the first ray of hope I've had since October 5th. Keep it up, Rick.
Kenny| 1.4.12 @ 7:01AM
Don't be surprised when Bob Dole comes out for Romney, too, just like George H. Bush did.
John Navratil| 1.4.12 @ 8:17AM
Kenny,
It was short of an official endorsement, but George Bush has already blessed Romney.
Kade| 1.4.12 @ 8:39AM
Yet if Santorum continues his surge the Bushes will readily endorse him – Rick and W. are Rockefeller Republican establishment twins.
Nancy in NC| 1.4.12 @ 8:19AM
Now that's enough to make me start supporting Romney...NOT!
It appears many have bought into the MSM hype about the citizens of this country. I still believe there are a huge number of people out there that believe in the family and traditional values. Anyone with two brain cells knows that the Dims have done so much to destroy the family.
Rick may actually have a chance...slim as it is. Time will tell.
beebop2| 1.5.12 @ 6:21PM
I don't care who endorses him. Can we focus on the menace in the White House, please and spend less time looking for the ideal candidate? You all are in need of a huge reality check.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 1.4.12 @ 6:30AM
Limbaugh described the Republicans as a circular firing squad, also defending Newt Gingrich in the process.
Newt Gingrich sounds good, but his actual politics are more like Obama than the "Virtual Gingrich" in many ways. He claims he made mistakes.
Well, we all make mistakes but Gingrich's affect the lives of millions.
Limbaugh apparently believes this is an all or nothing battle but I'm not sure what he bases that on. It certainly isn't history.
Republican after Republican, including the last Reflubican candidate McCain, have embraced big government or other weak candidates.
In short, the Republican track record on conservatism isn't strong. Rush Limbaugh's is strong, but then again, he's an entertainer.
Timothy L. Pennell| 1.4.12 @ 8:31AM
I don't wanna Brag, but I think that I predicted this at least a week ago.
Now, if Bachmann gets out, and throws her support to Santorum, and should she be touted for a Santorum/Bachmann Ticket, then maybe I DO deserve a Show of my own.
Like Reggie Jackson said: "It ain't bragging, if you can do it."
Hmmmmm? A Timmy Bar. White Chocolate, with Big Nuts, who's not afraid Taste Good.
I like the sound of that.
Occam's Tool| 1.4.12 @ 1:14PM
You gonna sell Chef's Salty Chocolate Nuts on your show, Tim? ;)
Tina B| 1.4.12 @ 1:28PM
You don't want the power of the media, Timmy, it could corrupt you. . . You're so clean now, white chocolate and all.
Margie| 1.4.12 @ 6:59PM
Tim,
You can sell Obama is the Anti-Christ bars. Put them out every forty-two weeks.
Heh.
Kade| 1.4.12 @ 8:54AM
How is Rush’s conservatism strong if he defends leftie Newt who embraces Pelosi, Dede Scozzy and Sharpton? Yes Rush is an entertainer and also a GOP hack and until the base understands that conservatives will only get RINOs to vote for.
Rush continually bashing Independents, many who are former frustrated GOP conservatives, is an example of how he hurts conservatism.
jothepro| 1.4.12 @ 9:06AM
Kade, If you listened to Rush's show you would not say these stupid things. Would you?
Kitty| 1.4.12 @ 9:26AM
We can always tell those who don't listen to Rush. They display their ignorance for all to see.
Kade| 1.4.12 @ 9:34AM
How so Jo? Once Newt started his surge Rush starting defending him -- suddenly Rush had amnesia about Newt’s lefty positions.
Just recently he was bashing Independents; he mocks them because they are not registered Republicans yet many are patriotic conservatives.
Rush also hurts conservatism by embracing liberal Republicans like NEWT and thus allows the MSM to paint RINOs as conservatives, which misrepresents conservatism.
jothepro| 1.4.12 @ 10:09AM
Kade, If you listened to Rush you probably would notice in a few weeks that you are happier with yourself and you would not post this nonsense.
Todd Powers| 1.4.12 @ 11:26AM
Nope. Rush pointed out Newt's leftism and explained his surge has a remembrance of Newt's House leadership that won the House in 1994. Rush constantly brings up the Pelosi couch and the dissing of Paul Ryan and other things that escape me at the moment. He hasn't been overtly negative to Romney, but he is very critical of the Establishment for ignoring conservatives.
Kade| 1.4.12 @ 11:54AM
Then why was Rush praising Newt during his surge instead of reminding the base what a turncoat & lefty he is? Rush is very clever for sure.
Kitty| 1.4.12 @ 12:37PM
If you'd listen to Rush you'd know.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 1.4.12 @ 9:09AM
Someone can be a strong conservative without achieving perfection.
Rush Limbaugh is the entertainer. He brings out themes and discusses them. That may or may not be actual conservatism.
However, you bring up an excellent point. Why does he support Newt Gingrich who has more liberal themes in his substance than many other candidates?
As has been pointed out Newt appears to have policies based on his latest talking points for sale. He made millions behind the scenes keeping Fannie/Freddie afloat while the taxpayers take it up the keister.
I don't have any problems with Newt making the money. What I have a problem with is that Fannie/Freddie can apparently corrupt the entire Congress using former political paid for hacks like Newt.
Think about it. Congress creates Fannie/Freddie. Crooks like Franklin Raines bribe government officials while they absconded with millions. Then along comes Newt who works behind the scenes to keep Fannie/Freddie afloat after it's revealed how corrupt Fannie/Freddie has become.
What a corrupt figure. While Rush supports him I don't know.
Margie| 1.4.12 @ 7:05PM
Why does he support Newt Gingrich?
For the same reason or reasons that I do~ he can beat Obama.
And I'm not speaking for Rush here, but I know that's at least one of the reasons.
Deborah D | 1.4.12 @ 9:37AM
Kade -- You might want to read this excellent post on Newt: http://spectator.org/archives/.....t-gingrich
And, Rush is tired of RINO's taking out conservatives, period. If you read the above, it might make you understand why Rush does what he does. Rush wasn't a Newt supporter -- he never threw his support behind anyone. He's just tired of so-called conservatives bashing other conservatives in general. Independents (of which I am a former) -- he believes don't have any beliefs. What beliefs do independents have? They're usually in transition between the Dems to a Republican (or vice-versa). If you're a libertarian -- just say so.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 1.4.12 @ 9:53AM
That article contains some misleading information, particularly as it pertains to any alleged surplus.
Forget the article though.
Look at the facts.
Mr. Gingrich is just another slime trail headed out of D.C. who wants to return.
He has few principles worth fighting for, and those appear available to either the highest bidder or political movements which can garner him votes.
He's for stealth amnesty to illegal aliens and threw his political name behind the global warming movement.
There are his views and they are not principles.
Something from the Washington Post . Gingrich taking $300,000 from the ethanol mafia:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/....._blog.html
ormer House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who has tangled with conservatives over his support for ethanol subsidies, got $300,000 from the ethanol lobbying group Growth Energy in 2009. He was described by the group as someone who would offer advice on “strategy and communication issues” and “speak positively on ethanol-related topics to media.” He did not get any money from the organization in 2010. A spokesperson for Gingrich responded to National Review about the story, saying the likely presidential candidate “supports an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy.
Kade| 1.4.12 @ 10:05AM
Deb
Many Independents are America-First conservatives and to the right of Dubai Ports Rush. Many have left the RINO Party because the RNC backs liberals like McCain, Specter, and Dede in primaries.
Rush is very clever – he never backs any primary Republican candidate until they are the nominee. What he does not like is other presidential hopefuls exposing Newt’s left wing positions and associates.
If Rush were a true conservative he would welcome the truth coming out – it is called vetting. But Rush only likes vetting Dems -- you are being fooled by this clever entertainer who puts ratings first not conservatism or the good of the country.
jothepro| 1.4.12 @ 10:13AM
Hey Kade, I am now convinced that you don't listen to Rush. You read the blogs that talk about Rush.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 1.4.12 @ 10:21AM
Kade has an excellent point. And I listen to Rush just about every day.
However, the fact that he backs Newt doesn't indicate anything about conservatism.
It indicates that there is choice.
Margie| 1.4.12 @ 7:06PM
"Dubai ports Rush."
LOL.
So dumb.
Margie| 1.4.12 @ 7:10PM
Debra, you are right. The key word is support, and Rush hasn't actually thrown his support behind anyone as a candidate yet.
Not SUPPORTING yet. I change my above wording to WOULD support IF he became the nominee.
Rush, as I see it, is into defending the truth, and pretty much lets the chips fall where they will.
He's my kind of guy. He gives credit where it's due, and vise-versa.
In other words, he's an honest man.
Lawrence Boccardi| 1.4.12 @ 6:58AM
My greatest satisfaction, this morning, is that everyone is ignoring Alan Brooks! Opps!
Alan Brooks| 1.4.12 @ 7:31AM
Your boys Cheney and Rove spent over 5x more than Clinton! you chumpo, Bacardi.
Loser? look in the mirror, sucker-- you were HAD.
Alan Brooks| 1.4.12 @ 7:42AM
Larry Bacciagalupe, a Pinocchio for the GOP.
Charie| 1.5.12 @ 5:32PM
Are we just ignoring the fact that Obama has spent more than all previous presidents, including Bush, altogether? Who's the chump?
chuck| 1.4.12 @ 9:05AM
Alan always responds to himself, because no one wants to talk to him.
somnolence| 1.4.12 @ 7:18AM
Romney shouldn't relish that endorsement or the endorsement of any past losing Presidential candidates at all. Santorum has the capacity to take out the quickly graying pretender in the White House with just a few soundbites, strategically placed. Both Romney and Santorum did well with Evangelicals last night, and Romney did better with the Tea Party camp than Gingrich or Perry did percentage wise. So if Rick can be there while Newt and Mitt carve each other up, he may very well benefit big-time.
Herb| 1.4.12 @ 7:30AM
I hope the Iowa results embolden Rick Santorum to come out swinging as the real conservative and that he continues to do so from here to Christmas. And by the way would Balan Rooks or some other troll please point out where a candidate was defeated not only for being a conservative but because he angered all those women, minorities, and independents?
somnolence| 1.4.12 @ 7:21AM
So Obama's mouthpiece babbles on about the money ROMNEY has spent? Give me a freaking break. Only from the lips of the billion dollar incumbent could such snug self-assured delusion flow forth.
obadiah| 1.4.12 @ 7:26AM
Rush taught Republicans the politics of abuse. Insults, smears, and distortions are the 90% of the content of Rush and the Republicans. The problem with the Republican party is that the rest of the country didn't take to the lessons. They don't know that Obama is a Marxist and may not be listen long enough to be persuaded.
Brian Mc| 1.4.12 @ 8:06AM
No, the problem with the Repulican Party is the battle they are having with the party that runs the indoctrination mills; the so-called public school system. Your post is a case in point.
jothepro| 1.4.12 @ 9:10AM
Hey obadiah, You and Kade could be real good buddies. If you listened to Rush's program, you might have a clue.
Occam's Tool| 1.4.12 @ 1:17PM
Tell me why I should like a guy who started his career with a social gathering in the House of a lady who was a Cop-Killer. Hmm? And Obama gets worse from there.
Charie| 1.5.12 @ 5:38PM
The politics of abuse, insults, smears and distortions and I'll throw in outright lies for good measure! You must have been bused in to Madison WI with the rest of your union/Democrat buddies. They're past masters of those lovely things. They do all these things and then blame them on the Republicans. You've learned your lesson well, Obadiah.
Kade| 1.4.12 @ 7:37AM
Rush loves Santorum because he is so much like W. -- check Rick’s big government voting record, his Numbers USA D rating on immigration and his relentless campaign to get militant pro-abort Arlen Specter elected in a primary against pro-life Pat Toomey.
Rush again is misrepresenting conservatism by saying that Santorum is a staunch conservative when Rick is really Bush’s twin – an establishment Rockefeller Republican except at election rime.
Nevertheless I would vote for Rick’s if I had to against Obama but only if Rush and his clones first pledge to the base to hold a president Santorum’s feet to his conservative campaign promises instead of covering for him and making excuses when Rick veers left as Rush did for Bush over 8 years.
I doubt this though since Rush only harshly criticizes liberal Democrats and rarely or tepidly liberal Republicans and this has distorted the meaning of conservatism and thus gave us a near RINO GOP, a Dem congress and now Obama.
martin j smith| 1.4.12 @ 7:51AM
I am general Rush tells it like it is from a Conservative perspective. I agree with Rush but not 96.6 % of the time maybe 75-80% maybe but when he is right he is spot on. He covered for GWB a bit too much but now I think he know of what speaks of the fraud and the wrong leadershit in the Republican establishment --who are losers. Romney,McCain perfect together.
Kade| 1.4.12 @ 8:01AM
Another problem with Rush is that he constantly bashes pro-America Independents, many who are former Republican conservatives who left in disgust at the RINO GOP. And since Independents make up the largest voting block Santorum’s love affair with Rush will hurt him in the general election with this mostly patriotic group.
The problem with Rush, Hannity, etc is that they love anyone with an R next to their name. Rush having Karl Rove as a substitute host and Hannity constantly promoting him on his show are perfect examples of this.
jothepro| 1.4.12 @ 9:12AM
And since you are so smart Kade, tell us what it meant when Chris Mattews used to fill in for Rush?
Occam's Tool| 1.4.12 @ 1:17PM
That they both hated Clinton?
WRTolkas| 1.4.12 @ 8:01AM
McCain backing Romney? The kiss of death.
Bob K.| 1.4.12 @ 8:04AM
Rush agrees with Michael Savage and vice versa (Although neither will admit that they agree with each other on anything!) that this is an insane way to determine who will be the Presidential Candidate.
And to that extent they are both way ahead of all the political pundits who prostitute themselves in the advancement of this lunacy!
Jonathan Swift! Where are you when we need you most?
donserge| 1.4.12 @ 8:10AM
Why are we placing so much emphasis on the votes of under 150,ooo people? A little perspective is needed.....Also....75% of voters were "anybody but Romney"....ditto Santorum....78% said: "anybody but Paul".
John Navratil| 1.4.12 @ 8:22AM
donserge,
You may observe that the 75% "anybody but Romney" statement is based on the fact that Romney consistently polls 25% while the 75% wanders around looking for the candidate - that's the "anybody" part.
When Santorum is similarly stuck, the comparison may be apt.
W| 1.4.12 @ 8:39AM
Debbie Wasserman Schulz was on TV this morning saying Romney did not really win. I hope the Dems keep putting Debbie up front. She may be our secret weapon. Annonying, irritating, stupid, and a whiny voice, she will remind every guy of a bad blind date.
Con Chef (NB) | 1.4.12 @ 9:35AM
Debbie "I Failed My Wasserman" Schultz was, unfortunately, the image I was greeted with first thing this morning when I turned on the TV. Not a good way to wake up.
W| 1.4.12 @ 11:51AM
ConChef,
Now you know what I mean by a bad blind date
Occam's Tool| 1.4.12 @ 1:18PM
Thanks, Con. You put me off my feed for a minute or so.
John Navratil| 1.4.12 @ 10:30AM
W,
I sure don't know what the Dems see in her, but good for them (and us). Do you thinks she's Alan Grayson in drag?
KennesawJack| 1.4.12 @ 11:20AM
Could be. Don't every recall seeing them in the same room at the same time.
W| 1.4.12 @ 11:52AM
John and KJack
Now that would be a real bad blind date. The thought of it has made me ill.
Charie| 1.5.12 @ 5:41PM
I thought it was James Carville with a bad hangover in a bad wig.
Anthony| 1.4.12 @ 9:09AM
Rush and Levin have been coy about not making any commitments to any of the candidates, although they have hinted about the qualities needed to beat Obozo and take over the R party.
A smart move if you're in the radio business to make money and not lose audience like MSLSD.
Look for Rush and Levin to be much bolder today, with a decidedly pro Santorum bent and a message to any fool thinking of running 3rd party.
Santorum pulled off a major upset. He has the smarts, the conservative bona fides, and life style credentials. Today is a good day for America.
Romney is finished, same with Ron Paul.
Levin put the shot across the bow last night; if Trump and/or Paul decide to go 3rd party and hand this election to Obozo, there will be severe consequences for their actions.
This just might be our time!!!
Mike Hawk| 1.4.12 @ 10:08AM
You obviously don't listen to Levin or Rush or you would not say that.
Anthony| 1.4.12 @ 3:28PM
Yeah, I do, every damn day. Clearly you don't.
Vern Crisler | 1.4.12 @ 11:53AM
I'd like to remind conservatives that Santorum actually lost in Iowa. You can't win the world series by coming in second. It's doubtful that Santorum will do as well in other states, especially New Hampshire.
Anthony| 1.4.12 @ 3:31PM
Who are you kidding?? Romney has been in Iowa since the Mormons left for Utah, and dropped more money there that Obozo's deficit.
Santorum did to Romney what the Red Sox did to the Yankees in 04, as painful as that memory is.
Vern Crisler | 1.4.12 @ 3:36PM
The best thing Santorum did was to put a brake on Romney's bid for the nomination, but Santorum is way behind in New Hampshire.
Anthony| 1.4.12 @ 4:10PM
Wanna bet any new polls in N.H. have the race tightening significantly?
Michael Tomlinson| 1.4.12 @ 9:19AM
The only winners in Iowa are the Iowa businesses and egos that fleeced the suckers again. The time is now for the GOP to tell Iowa to implement a closed primary or plan to be ignored next time there is a contested Republican nomination.
Vern Crisler | 1.4.12 @ 11:54AM
Dittos
Michael Tomlinson| 1.4.12 @ 9:20AM
W just read your post about one of the dumbest and most irritating people in the universe. You were spot on.
Michael Tomlinson| 1.4.12 @ 9:20AM
W just read your post about one of the dumbest and most irritating people in the universe. You were spot on.
TommyFrisco| 1.4.12 @ 9:41AM
When everyone looks at Santorum's record closer, they will find that he is much more like GWB than Perry was. He has the same compassionate conservatism and the same spending problems. When his 15 minutes of fame are over, he will endorse Mitt Romney, as he did in 2008.
Romney and Paul should have done better in Iowa. I believe Gingrich was the real winner because Santorum's fame will not last and Paul will go back to being in the single digits in most of the remaing states. That translates into a two man race beginning in South Carolina between Romney and Gingrich. Romney won't last long going up against only one candidate.
Vern Crisler | 1.4.12 @ 11:55AM
I think this is a good analysis. Santorum's electibility is going to become an issue, and Newt's conservatism and debate skills will remind people of why he surged in the first place (before the Romney attack ads).
KennesawJack| 1.4.12 @ 2:25PM
Very astute, TF. I think you're probably right with this but, as big a Newt fan as I am, I think Santorum is a better candidate. The Marxist/Socialist hate America crowd (that would be the MSM and Dems) will spend every penny of every campaign dollar pilloring Newt. It will be personal destruction on a level never seen before and I'm not at all sure he can withstand it. He is a tough guy but they'll attack his kids and Calista unmercifully because they are shameless Obamarx lemmings willing to destroy anything in their path towards their consolidation of power. If Obamarx gets re-elected, I predict it's going to get really ugly in this country.
Cynicon Implant| 1.4.12 @ 9:51AM
I'm from Massachusetts (sorry everybody for the idiots we send to Washington DC on a regular basis) and I will say this about Romney: he's tougher than he comes across on TV and is absolutely a fiscal conservative. If he has a Republican congress, he will absolutely cut taxes.
I can live with either Romney or Santorum. Slight preference to Santorum.
Stormy| 1.4.12 @ 9:56AM
Romney may want to run away from McCain. McCain pulled a coup when he selected Sarah Palin as his co, then as he rose in the polls, inexplicably, he let his campaign destroy his co, and inevitably himself.
bill| 1.4.12 @ 10:05AM
Romney won the IA Caucus by default. Evangelic votes were split among Santorum, Perry, and Bachmann. This won't happen in SC and FL. He needs to compete Santroum, Perry, and Gingrich in SC and FL. He's more vulnerable than any candidate, losing the GOP nod to one of the contenders: Santorum, Perry, Gingrich.
George S| 1.4.12 @ 10:25AM
What does Rush Limbaugh "win"? He knows enough not to endorse a primary candidate -- it will antagonize his listeners. Bad for business; as any entertainer knows, you have to keep 'em interested. Limbaugh's priorities start with keeping an audience. Being a mouthpiece for any one candidate will cut into his bottom line. Even Ron Paul supporters drink iced tea.
Ken (Old Texican)| 1.4.12 @ 10:48AM
George:
"Even Ron Paul supporters drink iced tea."
That was a good one, George, but they prefer the koolaid it seems.
Resist We Much! | 1.4.12 @ 10:44AM
"We Got Our Predicted Numbers In Iowa."
buT, yoU diD noT geT youR predicteD wiN, yA facE-stompeD-tO-smithereenS-boY!
Occam's Tool| 1.4.12 @ 1:29PM
Yeah, Resist. The purpose was to "win," boy. want me to dig up all those taunts Jack and Clint used to sling my way? Sorry---finished third, rhymes with turd.
It's over, Rover. Go outside and poop out a Paul.
martin j smith| 1.4.12 @ 10:48AM
Kade you are extremely confused or something. I think the issue is NOT THE 'R' cut the 'C'. That would mean CONSERVATIVE -NOT REPUBLICAN. You Kade sound phoney to me or just uninformed. Or,misinformed.
Kade| 1.4.12 @ 12:25PM
Martin
I appreciate your views but did you ever hear Hannity interview a Republican candidate? Sean throws softballs so big that a six year old could hit a home run. Hannity also tried his best to get super-liberal Rudy elected in 2008.
Rush is slightly better but he too continually makes excuses or gives a pass for liberal Republicans -- a prime example is his carrying Bush’s liberal water for 8 years.
I am not confused, especially about lefty Newt Gingrich who Rush just now called a conservative. I want Republican candidates thoroughly vetted especially in primaries and only in this way will we rid ourselves of the RINOs that hi-jacked the GOP – just look at the RINO Senate.
Kade| 1.4.12 @ 12:39PM
Rush is now defending Santorum’s big government conservatism by saying it is the leftist media twisting the term-- that Santorum is not for big government. Yet it is a fact that Rick Santorum backed most of Bush’s expansion of government. Two programs I remember are Kennedy’s No Child Left Behind and Medicare Part D and there are probably others.
As I am typing Rush is now talking about these two programs and saying Santorum’s votes were to disempower the Dems. Rush is convoluting this and spinning for Rick – this is not helpful to conservatism.
jothepro| 1.5.12 @ 8:54AM
Kade,
You are not helpful to conservatives.
William R| 1.4.12 @ 11:03AM
No one has done more harm to the cause of limited government conservatism than HillyBilly Heroin Junkie Hush Bimbo. He spend eight years defending the disastrous Bush Presidency a man who doubled the national debt and launched two unnecessary wars.
Die Fledermaus| 1.4.12 @ 5:00PM
It's 2012. Get over it.
Nick| 1.4.12 @ 7:16PM
William R.,
Spoken like a true....conservative?
More like Rosie O'Donnell or Bill Maher.
PCP Smoker| 1.4.12 @ 9:41PM
Sound like a Ron Paul Kook. Where is your racist boy?
Petronius| 1.4.12 @ 11:32AM
Watch for this headline.
RUSH HUSHED
Dateline Washington, September 10, 2012.Today the FCC Chairman has announced the revocation of Rush Limbaugh's license to broadcast on orders from the White House. Also expected are further announcements from the FAA grounding his personal jet, and Executive orders for the confiscation of Limbaugh's property and financial assets worldwide along with a declaration from the State Dept. revoking his passport. Secretary Clinton has said that she will send him a personal note with one word over her hand written signature; "Gotcha!"
bill| 1.4.12 @ 11:40AM
Vote Rick Perry in NH and SC Primary:
-is the 3 term governor of TX
-created over 1 million jobs in TX, almost 1/3 of all jobs created in the USA last 10 years, a state with 25 million people and the 10th largest economy in the world
-helped TX become the "right to work state"
-helped enacted the most strict anti-abortion law in TX
-helped ban gay marriage in TX
-helped secure the TX border, diverting $400 million of TX money and putting the TX National Guard in the border
-led the charge against EPA's job killing regulations in TX
-led 26 other states in litigation against ObamaCare
-created a part time binual legislator in TX, saving taxpayers money and holding accountability
-is the father of the Evangelic movement in TX
Vern Crisler | 1.4.12 @ 11:58AM
I might support Perry next time around, but not this time. He needs more campaign experience.
bill| 1.4.12 @ 12:31PM
Romney: supported TARP,RomneyCare, pro-choice, gay marriage, for gun control, and cap and trade
Gingrich: supported individual mandate, cap and trade, funding abortion, TARP
Santorum: voted NCLB, Medicare Part D, increade the debt limit 8 times, and supported Arlene Spectator
Rick Perry: OPPOSED ObamaCare, NCLB, Mediacre Part D, TARP
Who is the most conservative? It's Rick Perry.
Vern Crisler | 1.4.12 @ 1:11PM
Newt on abortion:
"I think that abortion should not be legal, and I think that how you would implement that I'm not sure."
"And in that sense that we want to move the society as rapidly as we can that people should select adoption rather than abortion and that choosing abortion is not acceptable."
“I think that Planned Parenthood should be defunded, and I think it's a very significant issue to say to people, 'Should your tax money go to pay the leading abortion provider in America?’”
Newt's fuzziness about abortion is only in regards to obscure issues related to fertility clinics.
Newt on cap and trade:
"I think if you have mandatory carbon caps combined with a trading system, much like we did with sulfur, and if you have a tax-incentive program for investing in the solutions, that there’s a package there that’s very, very good. And frankly, it’s something I would strongly support."
Yes, he was wrong to support cap and trade, but people leave out the tax-incentive part. Newt now says he's not in favor of cap and trade. So, maybe he flip-flops on a couple of things: he's far behind Romney in that regard.
As I've pointed out before, Newt is a conservative who has a Progressive streak, and his rhetoric on environmentalism is probably the worst example of that (along with his Roosevelt as great President delusion).
Newt says he's now against the individual mandate because he now understands the Constitutional problems with government requiring people to buy something.
Sarah also supported TARP, as did many other Republicans. That's because Bush and company were predicting the apocalypse if something wasn't done. So TARP isn't enough to tell us much about Newt's governing philosophy.
Newt has baggage, to be sure, and his Progressive streak is annoying, but he's still one of the most experienced and knowledgeable conservatives to run in any election. Conservatives are shooting themselves in the foot by going for Romney over Newt.
TommyFrisco| 1.4.12 @ 12:39PM
I agree. I have voted for Perry several times, but was shocked at how ill-prepared he was for the national stage. I was embarrased for him and our state. After 25 years in politics, Perry should have been able to get in front of a TV camera without peeing in his pants from fear. He should have done his homework prior to entering the race. My wife and I know more about national and world affairs than what Cain and Perry seem to know. I have a pet peeve for mental laziness.
Occam's Tool| 1.4.12 @ 1:30PM
Yeah. He needs to learn his positions, learn foreign policy. In short, he needs to get some tutoring at the University of Texas graduate programms and pay attention this time. He's in Austin.
Oldefarte| 1.4.12 @ 11:46AM
Rush [and even more so his brother David] is a tremendous mouthpiece fro conservatism, but he should not be considered and influencial endorsement, since he has never run a government. His greatest achievement could possibly be his being fired by ESPN over their political correctness regarding his onair commentary as to McNabb's ineffectiveness as a QB. It appears now that Romney is headed toward winning the Republican nomination, and his first move after same should be to design a campaign poster showing big-toothy smilin' pictures of Nancy Pilosi, Debbie Wasserman Shultz, and Barack Obama [perhaps all sitting together inside a hot tub sipping champagne on the beach in Hawaii !!!!!!!!
William R| 1.4.12 @ 12:55PM
I'm listening to Hush Bimbo right now and he's defending big government conservatism. The idiot doesn't even know what conservatism means. Too much HillyBilly Heroin.
PCP Smoker| 1.4.12 @ 9:39PM
Got all your shots in, ehh? You, and your mother, are worse than dog shit.
Margie| 1.4.12 @ 10:57PM
Rush CAN hush bimbos, it's true. They don't have a chance with him.
By the way, Wm. R: real conservatives don't hate "the Jews".
The Bruce| 1.4.12 @ 11:16PM
Um, Will, I just listened to the same show. Rush was defending "big" government in the context of "big enough" to enforce the rule of law, big enough to enforce our borders, big enough to have a military providing for the common defense, yet small enough so as not to grow into areas the Constitution didn't specifically enumerate to the Federal Government.
Did you skip out on a bathroom break, sometime between the words "big government" and the period (.) that dotted the end of his point?
I'm just curious, as his point is that the government should only be big enough to do the things the Constitution requires, and nothing more. It would seem I heard a bit more of the show than you did.
Mike Hawk| 1.4.12 @ 5:35PM
Rush does not endorse candidates.
Charie| 1.5.12 @ 5:51PM
I remember that to-do all too well. Rush said he thought McNabb's coaches all put too much pressure on him because they overestimated his talent. He was launching on the coaches, not McNabb.
Kade| 1.4.12 @ 1:26PM
Yes Rush is incoherent on defending Santorum’s votes on No Child Left behind and Medicare Part D, saying it is not big government conservatism -- quite amazing to hear this.
The Bruce| 1.4.12 @ 11:20PM
Kade, [NCLB] wasn't big government conservatism, it was big government liberalism, a disease that some of our "compassionate" conservatives suffer from time to time, so technically Rush was correct.
CAGrandma| 1.4.12 @ 1:35PM
I am glad Santorum got this boost. We don't need "go with the flow" followers (Romney) but more of those willing to set a new standard. We HAVE to get O of the White House. THAT IS IMPERATIVE. We have to clean house and start with the RNC. Get the Rino's out and fill it with true conservatives.
gearjammer| 1.4.12 @ 3:48PM
Do not disrespect we Rinos. Without us you lose 80-20 to BO. So, you really think Cardinal Santorum can do it ? Guess he will court martial those gay military for be honest about who they are. And, will he attack those states that refuse to eliminate abortions ? Laugh all you want that this is ridiculous but by the time the election comes around he'll be seen this way by the overwhelming majority of Amreicans. Unless, he moves to the center once he secures the nomination. He's a pol. he'd dirty dance with Ellen if it would get him a vote. Point being nobody is gonna outlaw abortion, or purge gays serving honorably. You have fellow citzens stuck in the mud and sinking in this weak, stupid socialist economy. If, you care about them vote Romney.
Die Fledermaus| 1.4.12 @ 5:01PM
You write like a 14 year old on Twitter.
Appleby| 1.4.12 @ 7:16PM
It's "US Rinos", buster. Take away the last word and ask yourself, "Would I say DO NOT DISRESPECT WE" -- and voila, you will know.
The Bruce| 1.4.12 @ 11:23PM
I have to assume that English isn't your first language, gearjammer. If I'm incorrect, go back to your former High School and beat your English teachers repeatedly upon the head with a rubber hose.
WM| 1.4.12 @ 5:36PM
Rush Limbaugh is jeopardizing his own credibility by appearing to support Santorum. When Santorum's dirty laundry gets aired, Limbaugh had better be prepared to express disappointment, because if he tries to gloss over it and continue unconditionally cheerleading for Santorum, he will expose himself to charges of being a part-time RINO.
David| 1.4.12 @ 6:35PM
Hey WM, just what flippin' dirty laundry are you talking about you moron? Come on jerk, tell us what it is. We know all about Specter, we know about his defense of earmarks, we know all we need to know about him.
Come on moron, tell us what dirty laundry is in Santorum's closet.
Appleby| 1.4.12 @ 7:14PM
If I never hear the word IOWA again as long as I live, it will still not be long enough.
I am with John Huntsman in this: "IOWA --WHO CARES!"
P.S. Mitt Romney reminds me of the son of the best friend of one's Jewish mother; he is the one always being shoved at you as "A nice man, a good catch!" with the result that one is constantly going off with gypsies, tramps and thieves just because one is tired of having this paragon shoved in one's face.
Long Ben| 1.4.12 @ 8:51PM
Stay tuned , indeed !
PCP Smoker| 1.4.12 @ 9:37PM
I was going to vote for him until I heard him quoting Huckaphony and Coward Palin. The other Rick is better.
David| 1.4.12 @ 9:47PM
Hello Mr. Crisler,
You wrote "conservatives are shooting themselves in the foot by going to Romney over Newt".
I don't know what you are talking about!!! Conservatives are not supporting Romney!!! The conservatives have decided that Newt is not their guy. Conservatives had been supporting Bachmann, then Perry, then Cain, then Newt, and are now VOTING for Santorum.
Get behind Santorum or get Bam Bam 4 more years.
The Bruce| 1.4.12 @ 11:06PM
Umm, the "Fairness" Doctrine was lifted in 1987. And Rush was nationally syndicated on 1 August, 1988, not during the 1990's, as the author suggests.
mike| 1.5.12 @ 1:04PM
Great article Jay. Always enjoy them
POST American| 1.5.12 @ 10:46PM
--------------------BOTTOM LINE----------------------
"The Iowa caucus was, without question,
subject to widespread manipulation and
VOTER FRAUD."
-BEV HARRIS
Dir. Black Box Voting
(yesterday)
Next time you're experiencing nostalgia
for the REAL --conjure up that quaint
old term:
---------------------------------------TREASON!
----------------HUAC/ Nuremberg 2012---------------
Nuremberg 1945? ---or 1934?
-------------ONE or the OTHER is surely coming!