By way of introduction, I worked in broadcasting 38 years. As a DJ, film editor, director, TV reporter, producer, host of my own show at KCBS TV for 8 years and executive producer on prime time specials. I don't claim to know all about broadcasting but I have a pretty good idea what makes a good broadcaster. And you can count them on your fingers and maybe a couple of toes.
Rush Limbaugh is a good broadcaster. Still near the top of his game after 25 years he is, arguably, the best in the business today. He is also despicable, a monkey-turd of a man and a coward (more on that in a moment). But his skills are undeniable. Voice and delivery near flawless he has perfected the right-wing dog whistle. From racism to fema-nazi and everything in between, the blasphemies are provoking and get the kind of reaction others can only dream of. Who can forget his premier of the song BARAK THE MAGIC NEGRO, or his continued referring to Michelle Obama as "uppity" and now of course calling a young woman arguing for contraception to be included in health plans a "slut" and a "prostitute". The woman got a sympathy call from the president and Rush got loads of attention. Cable news made him the lead story for 3 days and each day he gave them more material. They tend to need each other. He provides programming and the cables drive his ratings.
This is a drug addict who sent his housekeeper out to buy his drugs, accused of doctor shopping he bought his Viagra using a false name and is afraid of confrontations.
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Steve Allen once wrote "Rush spends 3 hours a day debating himself." Married 4 times, he is very, very rich and is called the titular head of the Republican party. And at times he drives the nation's political conversation. It makes him richer and many of the rest of us poorer.
