Al Rantel
Al Rantel (born October 14, 1955) is a conservative talk show host on KABC radio, Los Angeles, California. Rantel is unusual in being an outspoken conservative who is openly gay. He worked in Florida for many years prior to coming to KABC, and has appeared as a pundit on television news and discussion programs.
Show characterisitics
Rantel has characterized his program with several trademarks: live on-the-spot promotions of products and services (unusual in talk radio), frequent presentation of unusual and unknown news stories, and citation of analogies and adages, many of which are his own. In addition, he is one of the few personalities in the industry to host two shows daily, Monday through Friday. His morning show is a 45 minute "appetizer portion," and his evening show fills a standard 3 hour block.
Guests
Rantel frequently features guests on his programs, coordinating a weekly simulcast with British talkSport host Mike Mendoza and often conversing with conservative author Ann Coulter. Democratic strategist Bob Mulholland, public relations guru Michael Levine, columnist Gustavo Arellano, and former California governors Jerry Brown, Gray Davis, and Pete Wilson also make occasional appearances.
On the morning program, Newsmax writers often appear to discuss various issues with Rantel. Prior to February 27, 2006, his evening show usually ended with a brief conversation with Mr. KABC; this tradition ended with the expanded syndication of Mark Levin [1] on KABC and WLS.
During the California recall election, Rantel referred to then-Governor Gray Davis as "Governor Lowbeam." He has since not described Davis by that name.
Political views
Rantel is clearly a political conservative on issues such as the role of the Judicial Branch and taxes. He is known to be a strong supporter of the policies and presidency of Ronald Reagan [2]. However, Rantel is noticeably at odds with specific policies of George W. Bush and Republican members of Congress.
On federal spending
Rantel has criticized "pork" spending projects by Republicans in Congress, including the Transportation Equity Act of 2005 and the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act which he remarked "will bankrupt the United States."
On marijuana
Rantel has occasionally discussed with guests a perceived lack of logic in the current US prohibition of marijuana. However, he does not support legalizing other psychoactive substances.
On illegal immigration
Rantel has repeatedly criticized George W. Bush and California Democratic leaders for their stance on illegal immigration. However, he has remarked that he is in favor of legal immigration and considers it necessary for a country's prosperity. Minutemen Project founder Jim Gilchrist has occasionally appeared on the program to discuss the issue.
On gay marriage
Rantel has been critical of support for gay marriage [3]. He is opposed to the Judicial Branch defining marriage instead of the voting public.
Other views
On the Catholic church
A former Catholic, Rantel has been critical of the Roman Catholic Church, particulary in regard to the Roman Catholic Church sex abuse scandal. However, it should be noted that Rantel has praised the historical contributions of Pope John Paul II such as his role in the collapse of the Soviet Union and communism.
External links
- Al Rantel's website.
- KABC radio
- Al Rantel - Quotes from his show.
- Newsmax articles written by Al Rantel
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