They Love to Hate Limbaugh

It has been amusing to see the nearly endless tirade of commentators criticizing Rush Limbaugh for his comments since the beginning of the Obama presidency. There has been considerably glee in dwelling on his physical form, his quirks, his speech mannerisms, and his ego. And he has enjoyed every second of the attention, watching as his listenership goes up and up.

If you are one of those on the Right or the Left engaged in either defense or attack on Limbaugh, I have to remind you of something: IT DOESN'T MATTER. The radio personality is taking part in an age-old practice of warfare: "Drawing fire." In the aftermath of George W Bush and Barack Obama, the Republican Party is in disarray with no clear leader. The Democratic Party has been taking their time targetting potential leaders - John McCain, Mitt Romney, Bobby Jindal - and was scoring some hits. Now, Limbaugh has raised his own profile and suddenly is drawing 99% of the attacks. And the GOP has time to reorganize and establish a new leader with suddenly less scrutiny.

If you enjoy the Rushathon on CNN, FoxNews, etc. right now, go ahead. But don't be decieved as to what is happening. This is no power play by the radio host. It is a strategic move to defend his party.

Does Talk Radio Matter Anymore?

Will talk radio play a role in this year's election? Michael Medved has up an interesting piece on the lack of effectiveness of the major conservative talk show hosts in affecting the South Carolina primary. Wit Rush and Sean Hannity (plus a slew of other conservatives) questioning both McCain and Huckabee's conservativeness, they both were a distant 1st and 2nd in the South Carolina primary which is thought of as a conservative state.