How can seemingly intelligent and concerned people be drawn to Rush Limbaugh?

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

:shrug:

I just do not get it. There must be some psycho-social thingy at work that I haven't grasped but really want to understand.

You ask, "What are you talking about?"

Well, without identifying the relationship I have with this particular individual, I will describe the characteristics I have observed. This individual is educated, pragmatic, concerned, loving towards family and friends, engages in acts of kindness/consideration, helpful, active, thoughtful and generally easy to get along with. This person also hesitates to identify with a particular political association (I thought it was because independent analysis and thinking was important).

Then, out of the blue, this person expressed a practical idolization of Rush Limbaugh. I'm, like, "WOW!!! Don't you think he's kinda',...hateful?" "

"Oh, NOOOO. Rush is a thoughtful, patriotic American that cares about the American people's interests", according to this individual.

I just shook my head and said, "I'm sorry but,...I can't listen to that man for more than a few minutes because his forte seems to be visciously attacking fellow Americans who disagree with his perception of the world." The response: "If you don't listen to him, how can you say he's hateful. Besides, he just talks about politics."

:rofl:

I actually started laughing, not meaning AT ALL to offend this person who immediately got a little upset. I explained, I was honestly confused at how extremely different we perceived a blow-hard, radio-talk-show rump considering everything the two of us had in common (Air America was immediately thrown out and I tabled it). But, frankly, how on EARTH could I begin to explain to a person (who considers him/herself 'rational' yet idolizes Limbaugh) the unadulterated drive for money that makes polished emotional button-pushing people, like Rush Limbaugh, successful. Hell, Limbaugh personally admitted what drove him to be what he is to this day,..."it's a living". Anyway, it seems like, just when I think people can't surprise or shock me,anymore,...someone always does. The experience is surreal and, maybe, someday, I will grasp the emotive stuff behind it.

Personally, I think there are a lot of people who would just prefer others think for them or others validate their frustrations or beliefs or illusions because it's easier than spending the energy to do otherwise (as in actually LOOKING at reality and analyzing it then making a decision about it). But,...I would like to understand such strange phenomena as what appears to be otherwise intelligent, gracious and caring people being attracted to the likes of Rush Limbaugh who does not give a personal cent to anyone.

[Demeter]

1. Somebody Who never Had a Paradigm Shift

A privileged white male.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

5. EEEK!!!

:rofl:

You got that one right. It's really aweful when certain assumptions spill right out as facts, so quickly! In a way, it's not fair to those who break such a mold. What's even more concerning is, of course, this individual WOULD NEVER view himself as a 'privilege white male',...ever,...'cause,...well,...he's too, you know, "exposed" to be THAT.

:rofl:

[classof56]

2. I saw a great bumper sticker a few years ago:

"I think, therefore I do not listen to Rush Limbaugh."

Pretty much sums it up for me. As far as an answer to your question, I don't have a clue that goes beyond your notion that a lot of people prefer others to think for them or--and I believe this is a key point--validate their frustrations, etc. What really gets me is how reasonable, rational people can remain "Dittoheads" no matter how Rush screws up, how many lies he tells...that whole messed up psyche thing he's got going. I guess there are some things in this world that defy all logic.

Tired Old Cynic

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

9. It is that "psyche thing" I am even MORE interested in figuring now more than ever.

There have been times in my life when people have criticised my own tendency to "emote". But, I have to wonder about the "emotive" thingy because those same people seem to be far more vulnerable to manipulation than I.

I dunno'. Maybe, Rush leashes those who pretend/deny that they are far more emotional than they care to confront/admit/own (especially, males,...no offense intended).

:shrug:

[Zomby Woof]

3. Because he validates their prejudices

[Marr]

7. That's exactly what it is.

Also, his world view offers his listeners a scapegoat for every failure they've ever had. Liberals, blacks, women, gays... it's all *their* fault.

[NI4NI]

13. BINGO!

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

20. Well, I'll moderate by saying, their expectations didn't work out.

It's easier to explain away expectations (that, most likely weren't even their own to begin with e.g. 'if you do this or that, you will get this or that') OR "belief systems" by adopting an automatic "it is THEIR FAULT" than actually taking the time to examine the whole of facts.

Well, without even getting into "targets", I am thinking the process involves, quite simply, the shortest cut to maintaining a status quo of perception,...whatever the particular perception may be.

Status quo tends to equate to a feeling of "safety" even when the fear for safety is irrational.

I'm getting into a whole, here. I think they want to feel safe. I think they are battling irrational fear. What I'd like to know is,...what IS IT they fear because,...that particular fear draws them to some pimple-assed, selfish, UNcaring money-grubber like Rush Limbaugh. How is their ability to rationally assess people so completely defeated by the likes of that man?

[Marr]

50. Here's the kind of failure I'm thinking of.

I've got a cousin who's never held down a job more than a year in his entire life, and he's 40 years old. Probably worked a total of 5 years since he was a teenager. One holiday, can't remember which one, we were talking about the job market, and he remarked that he could've been a fireman but they gave the openings to the black guys, because of Affirmative Action.

Now this guy has *never* bothered getting firefighter training, never spoken to anyone at the fire department about it (at least not face to face), never made the slightest effort. The fact is that he's not a fireman because he's lazy. But he can just put it all off on black people, and maintain his comfortable illusion that he's done everything right, he's the salt of the Earth, it's just these liberal elites have screwed him. And there's Limbaugh on the radio every day, backing him up on that point.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

56. Yes. Rush ENABLES troubled people. No doubt about that.

"Rush" is a perfect name for this man who makes millions off peoples' weaknesses,...gives them a RUSH of emotive release.

Whoah!!!

Rush is an enabler!!!

Now, I understand both his success and the reason why I am so repulsed by him: He ENABLES human weakness, FOR A PROFIT, just like his masters.

No wonder these people viciously attack anyone who is sane and balanced and genuinely concerned.

[speakclearly]

68. I disagree

I know some Republicans like that. They are educated and sound rational, but they listen to Rush and Hannity, and even think Coulter is a great "comediene".

Its not that they aren't intelligent or uncaring, its just that they see things through a different lens. They are usually accomplished people who have risen to their position through their own efforts without help from parents or government. They think that everyone is equally capable, and can also be successful through applied effort. They don't see racism as quite as serious as we see it. They don't recognize "classism". They think women are capable, but that their parents and society raises them "different" which gives them different perspectives and goals that are not equally rewarded in the marketplace rather than there being conscious gender bias.

These people look at crime, and think it is the failings of the criminal, not the failings of society by not providing an adequate environment for proper development or recognize the predjudice or abuse that may have "warped" the individual. These seemingly intelligent people fail to see the dots that outline the conspiracies between those who have, to deny those who haven't. They don't see the intersections where the conservative politicos cross with the corporate leaders and the Opus Dei. They think the economy is "market driven" instead of dictated by the elite that skim off the cream and leave the waste for the Average Joe.

These "well meaning" conservatives think that the Katrina disaster was a "natural disaster" the scope of which was simply too great to deal with effectively, and that several layers of government failed to respond adequately. They don't recognize the connection between this "chocolate city", which was largely Democratic, and a vindictive Republican Party that wanted to punish blacks in New Orleans as an example for fother cities. Basically to keep them subjugated and "in their position". This was a failed attempt to help a city revoer in their view, instead of an orchestrated attempt to force out the Democratic Black vote so that conservative whites could benefit from the restoration and move in to change voting outcomes. And if you speculate that the Bush Administration may have used technology from Area 51 to "steer" and amplify the hurricane towards NOLA, they positively go crazy calling you a nutcase!

Basically, these "intelligent" conservatives lack imagination. They just can't seem to see what is all around them. They go through life thinking what they have and what everyone else has is simply a product of their own industriousnous. They can't imagine that there are sinister forces at work that "reward" their "friends" and "punhish" their "enemies". They don't even realize how they are benefitting personally from those forces by being a supportive pawn in the grand scheme. They think they "earned" what they have, instead of being "drawn in" to the cover story. Essentially, without even knowing it, they have been "bought off". Their imagination has been excised. And their daily dose of mind control has taken effect.

What else would you expect?

[harun]

69. They think they are right, Rush tells them that, then they feel good about

how right they are.

[Ezlivin]

71. You've described my conservative friend to a tee

Excellent deconstruction of the conservative mindset!

I believe you are right when you say that it's a failure of "imagination." Just recall the infamous words of Condalezza Rice: "Nobody could have imagined a plane being used as a weapon..."

[RDANGELO]

4. Have you read John Dean's book "Conservatives without a conscience".

My theory on these people is that they strongly need protection. Politically, above everything else, they want protection, even at the expense of someone else. Once they perceive someone as being their protector, they believe everything they say. Hence you have shrubs twenty six percent.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

28. I have read a great deal of John Dean's work because,...he's been there in the middle of that,...

,...particular mind-set. I have not read his, "Conservatives without a conscience" but will examine it.

I imagine Professor Dean has done quite a bit of self-examination in addition to his study and maintenance of his speciality in law. I would really REALLY enjoy Professor Dean joining with a seriously experienced doctor in psychology and socio-psychology to write a book about the workings of politics on people and its impact upon a democratic system (or something along those lines).

You say, "Politically, above everything else, they want protection,..."

I don't believe "wanting protection" is political. I guess I don't consider "politics" as a science but rather as a means to manipulate masses without regard to consequences.

What is "politics"? Is is a science or just a system to control others?

[KittyWampus]

47. Rush appeals to the reptilian brain. That basic part of us which responds to fear/threat

He reaches out to the most elemental part of people's psyche.

Rational discourse will not dissuade them.

[Emit]

72. Or Bob Altemeyer's - The Authoritarians

He's the psychologist who conducted much of the research that Dean's book was based on. He has a free, online book with additional insight. A must read, IMHO:

http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~altemey/

I think Altemeyer's work, and Dean's subsequent take on the matter, explains the thinking of right-wing authoritarian followers and helps explain the OPer's questions.

[undeterred]

6. Because that's all they listen to.

Its like if you ate Gerber baby food all the time and considered yourself an expert on all food. In reality you barely know the taste and you know nothing about the texture of the real stuff. Somebody else has totally prepared it for you so all you have to do is open up and swallow.

[Marr]

8. I was in a meeting for one of Limbaugh's advertisers. Want to hear something funny?

I won't name the advertiser, but this was a national marketing strategy sort of thing-- coordinating TV, radio, print, internet campaigns... very boring stuff. Anyway, the outline that had gone out to every group involved actually made a point of the fact that their targetted demographic was 'males in their 40's who have self esteem issues' and specifically pointed out that their clients "are not winners"'.

I am NOT shitting you. I swear to god. I almost died laughing.

[aquart]

12. This is a treasure which must be preserved.

But I truly truly MUST see a list of those sponsors so that I can PNL (point 'n' laugh) whenever I see or hear one of their ads.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

14. WOW!!! Actually, THAT would not be funny to all males dealing with conflicting/changing roles.

I hope you don't mind if I'm not laughing about that.

[Marr]

17. I hear ya. It's funny-

these marketing people know how to zero in on a specific type of person so accurately, but there's no value judgement attached at all. It's very clinical and cold and... well, business-y.

Still- I definitely agree with you on that point. The "self-esteem issues" they mentioned must certainly be rooted in changing roles, a middle class that's being squeezed from all sides, etc. There's a cause for it and it's tragic, but at the same time... well, I laughed my ass off. I mean... Limbaugh! C'mon! :)

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

22. These are the same people who will purposely exude "values" to manipulate anyone.

I call that, "FRAUD".

Yeah. I would have laughed at the extreme disconnect,...too. These people portray themselves as the "success" of a democratic nation while doing everything possible to fuck the American people,...and thoroughly enjoying their creativity in so doing.

:rofl: "I LOVE AMERICANS!!!!" :rofl: "LET'S TAKE THOSE STUPID TESTORONE-CHALLENGED BUTT-HEADS, WIELD THEM TO OUR WILL,...AND DOWN SIZE THOSE IGNORANAMOUSES AT THE SAME TIME!!!" :rofl:

[NewJeffCT]

67. I agree 100% with you - I posted similar below

self-esteem issues. And, not just that - Limbaugh appeals to the folks who want to blame others for their own failings: Didn't get the promotion, so they blame "Affirmative Action" or Femi-Nazis in the work force taking all the good jobs.

[Cooley Hurd]

10. Brian Williams?

:shrug:

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

16. Sorry. Haven't a clue 'bout what you're talking about.

:shrug:

[AspenRose]

24. Brian Williams once said he was a fan of Rush Limbaugh.

eom

[Cooley Hurd]

33. NBC anchor Brian Williams is a devout Libaugh follower...

He's bright, funny and hasn't a clue about Limbaugh's agenda.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

38. Oh.

IOW "oblivious". Too bad. Odds always are,...everyone grows up, at some point in their lives.

[aquart]

11. I had a dear friend who thought the columnist Friedman made sense.

Occasionally I would send him emails saying, "Friedman is still an idiot." Otherwise, we avoided the topic.

Then he went to work for the IMF. We stayed friends. Then he died. I still miss him.

Sometimes wonderful, loving, intelligent people have bizarre and inexplicable worldviews.

My surviving best friends are a neo-nazi sympathizer and a pro-Palestinian reporter. Darlings, both of them. Whatcha gonna do?

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

23. Stay,...friends.

Although, I must say,...none of my best friends have "bizarre and inexplicable worldviews",...nor do they view me as having that.

The person I am referring to in the OP is not within the realm of a "best friend". However, I do care about him.

But, "best friends" are those who will stick with you even when others abandon ship. So,..

"Whatcha gonna do"? I say, "Stay,...friends.".

:hug:

[KharmaTrain]

15. Authoritarian Reaffirmation

There are those who need certainty in this world...to know there are answers to everything...that the world is black and white. These are your typical Rushbo listeners. He offers that certainty...digging at those little abcess and recesses in the pschye that these people want to believe in. He touches on the emotions that are easily manipulated and then after the seed is planted, he produces a daily affirmation that is almost like an endorphin release for these people.

The want to believe in a world that they can and do control...a world of privilidge where critical thinking is considered a threat and that order is a must.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

49. I had someone close to him suggest that "black and white" certainty was a need.

This individual would never EVER imagine himself in need of "authoritarian reaffirmation" and would blow a psyche gasket at the suggestion.

While you say, "certainty" and "control",...I still think, FEAR.

I am becoming increasingly convinced that, we are dealing with people who exude confidence and "fearlessness" but, in reality, are far more fearful than you or I. They just hide it better. Perhaps, their whole unconscious drive is towards overcoming an irrational fear that can NEVER be defeated.

I am talking about people who are not in the "power seats" of this country. Those who have wrapped their tenacles around this country and the globe are a different matter, entirely, because they DO THINK in terms of threats to their power over others rather than a more common human being that wants power over their immediate lives. On the other hand, I'm sure there is a connection,...but,...it is distinguishable.

[MrMickeysMom]

18. Because their favorite color is "clear"?

...or they have borderline personality disorder?

maybe, they equate getting away public hating the homeless and denial of a drug habit, with machesto?

or, perhaps they were never really hugged as children? :shrug:

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

19. The same reasons that "intelligent, concerned" Germans listened to Hitler.

He offers simplistic messages of fear decorated with "patriotism" and erects bogeymen as the causes of all the woes besetting America. In Hitler's case it was the "Jewish Bolsheviks" and/or the "Jewish Capitalists" plus the "Stab in the back" liberals/democrats/Socialists.

Rush, like Hitler, offers the dark side of "populism".

[jgraz]

21. Gravity?

Just a guess...

[Bonhomme Richard]

25. The fact that he got upset when you laughed tells me...............

that he is already defensive (he actually does know right and wrong) and can't really justify to himself why he likes limballs. It's like a guy that watches too much porn. He knows it's wrong but just can't stop himself.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

39. ,...and makes up for it by being especially appreciative,...

,...of my presence.

People are complex. He has many concerns tearing at him, as we all do. We talked about how our "plans" have been thwarted by life,...by incidences out of our control. Now, I wish we could or would have had a discussion about how we deal with those cards dealt beyond our control,...rather than stopping any discussion at his revelation to me, Rush is a 'good guy'.

hmmmm

[treestar]

26. People they know are different than people they don't know

I know a few such individuals, too.

They are good to the people they know. In fact, that can stretch out to people of color, gays, Blacks and Hispanics, even illegal aliens. So long as they personally know the individual. People of this type will honestly believe their friend who is an illegal alien should be admitted to the U.S. regardless of the law, while condemning all those they don't know as "criminals who break the law" and not see the irony. The Black people are all "lazy and on welfare" except for any individual they particularly know, whom they see an an exception. Etc., etc., I have even be tolerant of homosexuality, but only because there is a gay person they eprsonally know, that they happen to like.

They can't deal with the humanity of the masses they don't know personally.

For 911, they could extend their empathy to some degree to "Americans" as such.

But tell him of the issues and problems facing large numbers of people the individual doesn't know, and their kindness goes out the window. People dying in Iraq (besides Americans?) You will get the crap about how they "want to kill you and destroy our way of life."

[many a good man]

27. Ask your friend if he has a glass belly button

He'll need it to see where he's going because his head is shoved so far up his ass.

Limbaugh is a comedian. He is not to be taken seriously. Almost everything that comes out of his mouth is based on lies.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

41. I seriously doubt I'd reach a person I DO care about,...in such a way.

True, Limbaugh COULD be characterized as a person with a "glass belly button" because he is chasing nothing but money up his own ass.

However, those he influences should not be compared to him. His AIM is to manipulate,...and he succeeds.

My question is HOW. How does a man who doesn't give a shit about anyone other than himself succeed in convincing others that he is some "idol".

Frankly, I view those pulled into this de/man's dominion as victims of a predator. I want to figure HOW this man manages to enjoy extreme success at victimizing others.

[many a good man]

64. What's the matter with white folks?

You must acknowledge that there are lots of intelligent people with their heads lodged firmly up their arses. I know exactly where you're coming from: I have a couple of friendly acquaintances who fit the description of your friend. They are otherwise good people, highly intelligent, very friendly, have friends who are black, Muslim, feminist, etc. But they worship Rush. One says won't get on a plane if there are Muslim-looking people on board.

If he has your respect, you have to level with him. Tell him the truth. Tell him how it makes him look to associate himself with the clown. Laugh at the clown, but not at your friend. Use facts, reason, logic. Be a good representation of a liberal. Blow away the stereotype. Stand your ground. I told my friend with a big smile on my face that if there was ever to be a civil war in this country between liberals and right wingers that I would have to kill him. He respected that!

I think it's extremely unlikely to reform a Rushbot because so much of their identity and ego is tied with this world view. It would be shattering. There are several good hypotheses on this thread about why people are attracted to Limbaugh. Like many, I believe they are deeply, internally threatened by the erosion of white male privilege in society. Not just white male, but there are different kinds of "privilege" in our society, like religion, that are under attack.

I strongly urge you to read this article by Tim Wise called "What's the Matter With White Folks?" I think it's the best analysis I've seen that describes this phenomenon and our political culture in general. http://www.lipmagazine.org/articles/featwise_whitefolks.htm

[Swamp Rat]

29. Rash Limpballs fans are not intelligent.

At all.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

57. No, my friend. They are intelligent. They just don't know they're being manipulated.

Even the genius intellects are subject to being emotionally manipulated.

I am sure you know that as well as I or any other human being on the face of this great planet of ours.

We are emotional beings, too,...probably more than we are willing to admit.

[Swamp Rat]

60. Well, not a lot of them.

I have had too much experience with those folks (in my own family) to conclude otherwise. Most of them I have met are lobotomy candidates. :D

Nevertheless, I concede that your post is certainly more reasonably than mine. ;) :D

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

61. I'm just saying, they are not maligant-hearted like those who manipulate them.

It TAKES a MALIGNANT human being to profit off others' uncertainties.

Others' uncertainties do not bother me,...as a human being who copes with uncertainty every damn day of my life.

Those who PROFIT off others' uncertainties, well,...bothers me,...pisses me off, totally.

I want to innoculate/immunize our fellow humanity and this earth from these infections. Science has proven that, defeating malignancies isn't about killing them off but rather making ourselves stronger. Don't treat the symptoms, grow the defense.

[yurbud]

30. Rush said Iraqi chained to prison floor naked was covered in feces because those people don't wipe

[Disturbed]

36. It's a RW mindset. People can be higly intelligent and still believe

in things that defy non-non RW mindset. Saying that people are stupid who have a conservative view or even a Fascist view is an error. In fact, there are people that are extremely evil that have high IQs. Underestimating people's IQ because of their beliefs can be dangerous.

[yurbud]

31. I used to listen to Rush and some of the others when I had a job driving around. I try to tell

righty friends that I'm very familiar with their shtick because I listened to it, but the words don't even register with them. They just say, 'How can you criticize him if you don't listen?' As if they didn't even hear the words come out of my mouth.

[BlooInBloo]

32. Because "seeming intelligent" is a very low hurdle in America.

[Demeter]

34. A Hit! A Palpable Hit!

We are so screwed.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

37. Well, I have to object to that because,...this person says the same thing in support of Rush.

He said the reason we have a "democratic republic" is because MOST people are too stupid to handle a democracy. I pointed out that, the world is a different place WHICH the founding fathers anticipated and fretfully attempted to MAKE SURE the people weren't placed right back where they started WHICH WAS a place of oppression by those who ASSUMED THEY KNEW BETTER than the people.

I always get kind of disgusted when ANYONE diminishes the potential of people.

I'm sure you didn't mean your post in such a way. But,...your words are demeaning.

[BlooInBloo]

46. I didn't say word 1 about their potential; I only spoke of their actuality....

... Thanks for illustrating my point.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

52. How did I illustrate your point?

:shrug:

[DemGa]

35. Rush gives them a place to channel their unconscious rage;

on "liberals" or whoever. Rush even feeds it to them in a style which says; "who me? I'm not hateful." Perfect storm for the repressed Repuke.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

43. Yes. He does draw on confusion and gives an excuse to maintain the status quo.

I did ask a pertinent question I'd completely forgotten until just now. I asked this individual, "Whose interests does Rush really serve?"

Dead silence.

I asked, again, "Whose interests does Rush really serve?"

Silence.

I messed up by saying, "The corporacrats." I should have said, "HIS!!!"

THEN, I should have asked, "Who pays him to serve HIS interests."

But, I messed up,...jumping to the whole picture before breaking down his SELF-interest, COMPLETE SELF-INVOLVEMENT, totally incongruent with OUR interests as a people and nation.

I'm just trying to understand and,...making my way through this insanity,...one day and one person at a time.

[stevedeshazer]

40. He is a DRUG ADDICT

Oxycontin Rush

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

44. That's an excuse or reason or,...???? What does that have to do with the OP?

:shrug:

[stevedeshazer]

74. He doesn't have any credibility

[dorkulon]

42. Gravity? (nt)

[ComerPerro]

45. he tells the lies that appeal to their worst nature

[JacquesMolay]

48. I think 'seemingly' is the keyword there...

...n/t

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

54. EXTRACT "seemingly". This person IS intelligent and caring and giving.

BY ACTION,...not word.

[terrya]

51. Lobotomies are making a comeback

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

53. "HELPFUL" would be,...good,...a GOOD THING,...please.

Even this individual maintained enough control over his perception to avoid "emoting" over my reaction.

Make sense?

NO?

That's okay.

:rofl:

[KG]

55. people who listen to rush are only 'seemingly' intelligent.

like dogs, while they may seem smart coz they do tricks, but what they really are is easily trainable.

[Jed Dilligan]

58. Two words: rush hour.

People caught in traffic are full of random directionless anger. No one is more responsible than they themselves are--they are each one individual driver in a mess of individual drivers. So who should they blame? All the afternoon squawk jocks get their audience in this imprintable state and send out messages of whom to blame for our collective dysfunction.

I would hesitate to categorize as "educated" anyone who falls into this trap, but the bar has been lowered and a college degree barely represents what a high school diploma once did in terms of critical thinking.

[Canuckistanian]

59. There's that line again

"If you don't even listen to Rush, then how can you disagree with him so much?"

Well, I do listen to him. And the man is loathsome. His rabid partisanship, his condescension, his "wink, wink" racism, his nonexistent logic skills, his utterly ridiculous "false modesty" act. I hate it all.

But I make it a point to listen to him when I can. It's sort of a fascination I have.

I take an analytical view. I listen to see what his big topics are for the day compared to what we're talking about. Especially the issues that he DOESN'T discuss.

I also listen to his phrasing, how he states his case, what words he uses. Because he seems to mention the big talking points first, even before Hannity or O'Reilly or any of the other lesser RW demigods. Then I know what all the others are going to be saying.

He's the Alpha Dog, he gets the first piece of raw, dripping red meat. If it goes over well with Rush, you'll be hearing it for MONTHS. If it doesn't fly, or the talking point gets OBVIOUSLY debunked, you never hear of it again.

And want to know a clue that he's about to make a BIG lie? A stinker so disgusting he's not even sure he can get away with it? He precedes the lie with "FOLKS,......". What follows is pure BS 90% of the time.

I don't know why I do it. Call it a hobby.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

62. I am trying to imagine myself as an "observer" of his show.

I could do that.

I just have to convince myself,..."it is worth it".

Seriously,...the man comes out swinging at every decent human being on the face of the earth: educators, problem-solvers, tolerant organizations, scientists, poor people, single moms, homeless vets, any weakness in our country, every person who advocates for human rights,....

He is so Hitleresque,...

Oh,...RUSH,...I am so sorry for suggesting that,...but, FUCK, Hitler would have LOVED you on his team and YOU WOULD HAVE PROFITTED just as you are now.

punk

RUSH NEVER WORRIED ABOUT HIS IMPACT UPON OTHERS" LIVES,...he admitted it, himself,...and is ADDICTED to the lifestyle he can't do without because he never had the strength of character to sacrifice a penny for the rest of humanity.

[Canuckistanian]

63. I don't look at him as a real human being

Mainly as a puppet. An actor. And a clumsy one at that. But it's just enough for his audience.

I've heard that when he's not on the air, he's quiet, introverted and non-social. He has few real friends, despite his chummy disposition with all the RW "celebrities".

But when he's on-air, he transforms into the monster we all know and despise.

I think he KNOWS he's the top snake oil salesman and will do anything to stay there. It certainly pays the bills.

But you're right about the damage he causes. He has almost single-handedly made the extremist wing of the Republican party palatable to millions of otherwise sane people. And he's lowered discourse, productive debate and decorum to new depths, while propping up the most corrupt band of thieves in three piece suits ever.

He just doesn't care. As long as that ego is fed.

[NewJeffCT]

65. He appeals to people who want to blame others their not getting ahead

All those white males in the 30s, 40s and early 50s who are maybe doing okay, or not so okay, financially. However, when they were in their teens, or in college, they dreamed of being a Captain of Industry who jets around the world with a trophy wife on their arm. And, now that they're older and realize that it ain't gonna happen, they're bitter and Rush gives them somebody to blame and play the victim. It's the classic Republican/Right Wing "Stabbed in the Back" meme:

1) The minorities for Affirmative Action programs have stopped them from getting ahead because such-and-such a boss promoted what they feel is an unqualified black man ahead of them.

2) Women in the work force. If women were back in their place in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant, there would be plenty more jobs for them and they would have gotten ahead if it wasn't for some Femi-Nazi woman.

3) Liberals/progressives/Democrats have caused all their problems because of (you name the issue)

[sutz12]

66. He tells people what they want to hear...

For all of their intelligence, many people want to feel superior to others. Rush preys on that. It is the source of his ratings. If one is unable to step back and hear the falsehoods inherent in his empty rhetoric, one will never truly hear him.

He is, and always has been, a right wing comedian, which means his 'humor' always involves derogation and humiliation of someone presumed to be of a lower stature to those who find it funny. It isn't even decent satire, which is why Colbert makes the big bucks. He merely presents them as they are, satire under the presumption of being serious.

Rather than try and bring down the arrogant, they deride others to pump up their own false personas.

Intelligence has nothing to do with it. In fact, it takes faith to believe Rush. As we all know, faith is belief in the absence of, and often in direct defiance of, factual evidence. Rush fans, like Bush fans, have faith in their guy. No evidence of malfeasance or incompetence will shake the faith of a true believer. If the facts don't fit the belief, change or ignore the facts.

[indypaul]

70. Because people buy his sponsors products.

No more sales, no more Rush. Simple fact of life.

[ChickMagic]

73. When Limpballs first started out

during Bush I, he eased peoples' minds about the situation the country was in. He had a calming influence. He would say "things are not so bad" and then lay out why. He soothed peoples' worries. That's how he suckered many thinking people in. Most abandoned him when they figured him out during Clinton's presidency, but some stayed. I don't know why.