Monkey See, Monkey Do
A Washington Monthly post tries to dismiss the impact that Rush Limbaugh has on the right by citing that Limbaugh's favorability rating is as low as 19%.
That misses the point. The overall popularity of right-wing bigots and hater-mongers like Limbaugh, Hannity, O'Reilly, and Coulter doesn't matter. What matters is that they make it acceptable for millions of Americans to proudly ape their hateful rhetoric.
As long as their are millions of these tin-foil-hat types out there baying at the moon, the Republican party will continue to be pulled towards the far right.
Comments
19% is probably close to Republican popularity rates. But you are correct, just keeping the rabid right alive is a worry.
Posted by: Dennis Cartledge | May 11, 2009 05:24 PM
They're always gonna be there, even without prominent demagogues like Limbaugh. It's very good news the approval rating is so low, actually. Now if only this President can convince me he's working for those of us who actually voted for him...
Posted by: NYC Educator | May 12, 2009 05:20 AM
Cart, even 19% is too high for my comfort level.
NYC Ed, I know exactly what you mean. For me, the big test will be health care. If he abandons a strong public option, he'll finally convince me that he's NOT working for those of us who elected him.
Posted by: abi | May 12, 2009 07:03 AM
These wingnuts are hiding out in such places as northern Idaho and old dixie planning another Oklahoma City bombing. They respond to the hate and fear tactics of Cheney and Limbaugh and don't have enough sense to come in out of the rain but their hate gives them something to focus on rather than their own miserable lives.
Posted by: Lev | May 13, 2009 06:55 PM
I'm afraid you're right, Lev. And that's what the Republican party has become - the party that appeals to our worst instincts.
Posted by: abi | May 13, 2009 09:38 PM