Rush Limbaugh denied smoking risks in 2015: 'Smokers aren't killing anybody'

[C Moon]

https://www.denverpost.com/2020/02/05/rush-limbaugh-denied-smoking-risks-in-2015-smokers-arent-killing-anybody/

The conservative radio host has long extolled the glamour and societal benefits of smoking, while downplaying its dangers.

Just five years ago, conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh went on a pro-tobacco rant on his show, during which he downplayed the risks of smoking, said it’s “a myth” that secondhand smoke causes illness or death and argued that smokers aren’t at any greater risk than people who “eat carrots.”

“Smokers aren’t killing anybody,” the conservative host declared in an April 2015 segment of the “Rush Limbaugh Show,” then argued that tobacco users should be thanked because their purchases generate tax dollars that fund children’s health care programs.

“I’m just saying there ought to be a little appreciation shown for them, instead of having them hated and reviled,” Limbaugh said. “I would like a medal for smoking cigars, is what I’m saying.”