I admit to finding Rush Limbaugh an entertaining and intelligent person. But he's also very outspoken and passionate about the things he believes in, even if those believes aren't in the majority of public thinking. The thing about the man is that generally Limbaugh calls things as he sees them. Most of the time it's against any liberal ideals and he's 100% conservative. However, don't confuse conservatives for Republicans. They are often grouped together, but more often than not aren't following the same ideals. Limbaugh's deal lately is that he can't really stand either the Democrats or the Republicans. Since the Republicans occasion put on the conservative hat, he'll side with the Republicans in a pinch. But if you listen to him carefully, he can't stand the elected officials in the Republican party, and harps on them almost as much as those in the Democratic. So to say that Limbaugh is running the Republican show is (in my view) inaccurate. The trend for the Republican party at the moment seems to be corporation with the Democrats. Remember, the other party is in the vast majority. So if they want anything done, they have to scratch certain backs in order to do it. If the Republicans were taking orders from Limbaugh, I guarantee there wouldn't be any talk about Global Warming, no consideration for Universal Health Care, and absolutely no debate over the Troop withdrawal. If anything the Republicans, at the moment, are peeved at the Radio-Sensation. A lot of people associate Limbaugh's views with that of the entire party, which they can't stand. A sort of "Don't group me with him" sort of mentality. But because he is the unofficial spokesman of the Republicans it can be said that his influence is hurting public opinion of the party.
Personally I like to listen to him for one thing. He is probably as extreme as you can get on the Right. If you hear his views you can sort out what's going on over there. The Left is relatively easy to hear their opinion as they seem to be slightly more popular now. (It goes up and down. The 80's was about as conservative as you can get politically). So I like to get both view points, pick the things I agree upon and make my decision on a certain topic based on the two completely different opinions on the facts. It's like... say, you're at school and you get in trouble with another kids and the teacher asks what happened. She usually asked both of you, not just one. In order to get a fair grasp on the situation you've got to be willing to listen to both. (Which makes things tough for me, because I'll agree with one side on an issue, then agree on the other for something else. Then when an election comes up I'm all conflicted >.<)
Sorry I wrote so much, but that's my view on things.
