Rush Limbaugh: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
Bedford (talk | contribs)
rvt vandalism, and alpha cat
Line 8: Line 8:
|birth_place ={{flagicon|Missouri}} {{flagicon | USA}} [[Cape Girardeau, Missouri]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|birth_place ={{flagicon|Missouri}} {{flagicon | USA}} [[Cape Girardeau, Missouri]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|death_date =
|death_date =
| _place =
|death_place =
|occupation =[[Talk Show Host]], [[Commentator]], [[author]], and [[television personality]]
|occupation =[[Talk Show Host]], [[Commentator]], [[author]], and [[television personality]]
|spouse =Roxy Maxine McNeely (div.)<br>Michelle Sixta (div.)<br>Marta Fitzgerald (div.)
|spouse =Roxy Maxine McNeely (div.)<br>Michelle Sixta (div.)<br>Marta Fitzgerald (div.)
Line 164: Line 164:


=== Questions about accuracy ===
=== Questions about accuracy ===
Some groups and individuals have questioned Limbaugh's accuracy. The July/August 1994 issue of ''Extra!'', a publication of the progressive group [[Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting]] (FAIR), alleges fifty different inaccuracies and distortions in Limbaugh's commentary.<ref>[http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=1895 The Way Things Aren't] ''Extra!'', July/August 1994</ref><ref>''The Way Things Aren't: Rush Limbaugh's Reign of Error : Over 100 Outrageously False and Foolish Statements from America's Most Powerful Radio and TV commentator'', Rendall, Steve; Naureckas, Jim; and Cohen, Jeff; W.W. Norton and Company, 1995</ref> Others have since joined FAIR in questioning Limbaugh's facts. [[Al Franken]], a self-described "liberal infotainer",<ref>Vornic, Andre. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/3588767.stm "Talking back"], ''BBC News'', [[1 April]], [[2004]].</ref> wrote a satirical book (''[[Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations]]'') in which he questioned Limbaugh's accuracy.<ref>[[Al Franken|Franken, Al]], ''[[Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations]]'', Delacorte Press, 1996</ref> [[Media Matters for America]], a self-described "Web-based, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) [[political progressivism|progressive]] research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media" has also been critical.<ref> [http://mediamatters.org/issues_topics/search_results?qstring=rush+limbaugh&start_month=&start_day=&start_year=&end_month=&end_day=&end_year=&issue=&subissue=&topic=&person=&show=&outlet= Rush Limbaugh overview and search results] Media Matters for America</ref>
Some groups and individuals have questioned Limbaugh's accuracy. The July/August 1994 issue of ''Extra!'', a publication of the progressive group [[Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting]] (FAIR), alleges fifty different inaccuracies and distortions in Limbaugh's commentary.<ref>[http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=1895 The Way Things Aren't] ''Extra!'', July/August 1994</ref><ref>''The Way Things Aren't: Rush Limbaugh's Reign of Error : Over 100 Outrageously False and Foolish Statements from America's Most Powerful Radio and TV commentator'', Rendall, Steve; Naureckas, Jim; and Cohen, Jeff; W.W. Norton and Company, 1995</ref> Others have since joined FAIR in questioning Limbaugh's facts. [[Al Franken]], a self-described "liberal infotainer",<ref>Vornic, Andre. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/3588767.stm "Talking back"], ''BBC News'', [[1 April]], [[2004]].</ref> wrote a satirical book (''[[Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations]]'') in which he questioned Limbaugh's accuracy.<ref>[[Al Franken|Franken, Al]], ''[[Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations]]'', Delacorte Press, 1996</ref> [[Media Matters for America]], a self-described "web-based, for-profit, [[political progressivism|progressive]] research and information center dedicated to monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media", has also been critical.<ref> [http://mediamatters.org/issues_topics/search_results?qstring=rush+limbaugh&start_month=&start_day=&start_year=&end_month=&end_day=&end_year=&issue=&subissue=&topic=&person=&show=&outlet= Rush Limbaugh overview and search results] Media Matters for America</ref>


Limbaugh has also been criticized for inaccuracies by the [[Environmental Defense Fund]]. A defense fund report authored by [[Princeton University]] endowed [[geoscience]]s professor [[Michael Oppenheimer]] and [[Princeton University]] professor of [[biology]] [[David Wilcove]] lists 14 significant scientific facts which, the authors allege, Limbaugh misrepresented in his book ''[[The Way Things Ought to Be]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.environmentaldefense.org/documents/2432_WayThingsReallyAre.pdf|title=The way things really are|publisher=Environmental Defense Fund|year=1994}}</ref> The authors conclude that "Rush Limbaugh ... allows his political bias to distort the truth about a whole range of important scientific issues."
Limbaugh has also been criticized for inaccuracies by the [[Environmental Defense Fund]]. A defense fund report authored by [[Princeton University]] endowed [[geoscience]]s professor [[Michael Oppenheimer]] and [[Princeton University]] professor of [[biology]] [[David Wilcove]] lists 14 significant scientific facts which, the authors allege, Limbaugh misrepresented in his book ''[[The Way Things Ought to Be]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.environmentaldefense.org/documents/2432_WayThingsReallyAre.pdf|title=The way things really are|publisher=Environmental Defense Fund|year=1994}}</ref> The authors conclude that "Rush Limbaugh ... allows his political bias to distort the truth about a whole range of important scientific issues."

==Other==
===Harry Reid Letter===
On one of Rush's shows in Late October, Rush spoke of a man named Harry Leid who was impersonating to be a U.S. soldier. He called this man 'phony'. Later, he received a letter from 41 Democratic U.S. Senators complaining about this statement, claiming that Rush said this as a means to oppose the war in Iraq, and that it was wrong to ever call a soldier 'phony'. Finding this hilarious, knowing that the man was not evena real soldier, Rush posted the original letter on Ebay, with all the signitures, and promised to donate all the money and match the eBay winning bid with his money, and give the combined sum to 'The Marine Corps Foundation' at www.mc-lef.org. Amazingly, the letter sold for $2,100,100, the most of any item ever on eBay.


==Awards and recognition==
==Awards and recognition==
Line 233: Line 229:
{{DEFAULTSORT:Limbaugh, Rush}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Limbaugh, Rush}}
[[Category:1951 births]]
[[Category:1951 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American infotainers]]
[[Category:American political pundits]]
[[Category:American political pundits]]
[[Category:American political writers]]
[[Category:American radio personalities]]
[[Category:American radio personalities]]
[[Category:American television talk show hosts]]
[[Category:American television talk show hosts]]
[[Category:American political writers]]
[[Category:American infotainers]]
[[Category:Conservatives]]
[[Category:Conservatives]]
[[Category:Criticism of feminism]]
[[Category:Deaf people]]
[[Category:Deaf people]]
[[Category:Drug scandals]]
[[Category:Drug scandals]]
[[Category:Global warming skeptics]]
[[Category:Global warming skeptics]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Ozone hole skeptics]]
[[Category:Ozone hole skeptics]]
[[Category:People from Cape Girardeau County, Missouri]]
[[Category:People from Cape Girardeau County, Missouri]]
Line 248: Line 245:
[[Category:The Rush Limbaugh Show]]
[[Category:The Rush Limbaugh Show]]
[[Category:WABC-AM]]
[[Category:WABC-AM]]
[[Category:Criticism of feminism]]


[[de:Rush Limbaugh]]
[[de:Rush Limbaugh]]
Line 255: Line 251:
[[fi:Rush Limbaugh]]
[[fi:Rush Limbaugh]]
[[sv:Rush Limbaugh]]
[[sv:Rush Limbaugh]]
[[yi:??? ??????]]
[[yi:ראש לימבאו]]

Revision as of 06:55, 21 October 2007

Rush Limbaugh
File:Rush Limbaugh 2004 cropped.jpg
Rush Limbaugh
Born (1951-01-12) January 12, 1951 (age 73)
Occupation(s)Talk Show Host, Commentator, author, and television personality
Spouse(s)Roxy Maxine McNeely (div.)
Michelle Sixta (div.)
Marta Fitzgerald (div.)
Childrennone

Rush Hudson Limbaugh III (born January 12, 1951) is an American conservative radio talk show host and political commentator. Born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, he is a self-described conservative, who discusses politics and current events on his program, The Rush Limbaugh Show. He has been credited with reviving AM radio in the United States, and is considered to have been a "kind of national precinct captain" for the Republican Party's Congressional victories in 1994.[1]

Personal life

Limbaugh was born to Rush Hudson Limbaugh Jr. of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Mildred "Millie" Limbaugh originally from Searcy, Arkansas. His father was a lawyer and a World War II fighter pilot who served in the China-Burma-India theater. The name "Rush" was chosen for his grandfather to honor the maiden name of family member Edna Rush.[2] His family is filled with a number of lawyers including his grandfather, father and his brother David Limbaugh. His uncle, Stephen N. Limbaugh, Sr. is a Ronald Reagan appointed federal judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri and his cousin, Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr., is Judge on the Supreme Court of Missouri. Rush Limbaugh, Sr., Limbaugh's grandfather, was a Missouri prosecutor, judge, special commissioner and served on Missouri's state House of Representatives from 1930 to 1932.[3] Limbaugh's grandfather was very well respected as one of the "patriarchs" of the Cape Girardeau community. Rush, Sr., passed away at age 104 and was still a practicing attorney at the time of his death. Limbaugh began his career in radio as a teenager in 1967[4] in his hometown of Cape Girardeau, using the name Rusty Sharpe.[2]

Education

He attended Southeast Missouri State University, where he earned a "D" in a speech class. (Some contend it was an "F".)[5] Limbaugh dropped out after two semesters and one summer; according to his mother, "he flunked everything", even a modern ballroom dancing class.[2] This would have normally made him eligible to be drafted for service in the Vietnam War but he was classified as "1-Y" (later reclassified "4-F") due to a diagnosis of Pilonidal disease.[6][2]

Relationships

Limbaugh was first married on September 24, 1977 to Roxy Maxine McNeely, a sales secretary at radio station WHB in Kansas City, Missouri. They were married at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. In March 1980, McNeely filed for divorce, citing "incompatibility." They were formally divorced on July 10, 1980.[2]

In 1983, Limbaugh married Michelle Sixta, a college student and usherette at the Kansas City Royals Stadium Club. They were divorced in 1990, and she remarried the following year.[2]

On May 27, 1994, Limbaugh married Marta Fitzgerald, a 35-year-old aerobics instructor. They were married at the house of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who officiated. On June 11, 2004, when the couple separated,[7] Limbaugh announced on the air, "Marta has consented to my request for a divorce, and we have mutually agreed to seek an amicable separation. As I said, it's a personal matter and I want to keep it that way. I don't intend to say any more about this on the air." The divorce was finalized in December 2004.[8]

Professional career and rise to fame

1970s

Following college, Limbaugh moved to McKeesport, Pennsylvania. There he became a Top 40 music radio disc jockey on station WIXZ, a station that covered the Pittsburgh area. In October 1972, he broadcast over Pittsburgh station KQV under the name "Jeff Christie". For the rest of the decade Limbaugh moved around to several radio stations before settling in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1979, after several years in music radio, he took a break from radio and accepted a position as director of promotions with the Kansas City Royals baseball team.[2]

1980s

In 1984, Limbaugh returned to radio as a talk show host at KFBK in Sacramento, California, where he replaced Morton Downey, Jr.[2] The repeal of the Fairness Doctrine—which had required that stations provide free air time for responses to any controversial opinions that were broadcast—by the FCC in 1987 meant stations could broadcast editorial commentary without having to present opposing views. Daniel Henninger wrote, in a Wall Street Journal editorial, "Ronald Reagan tore down this wall (the Fairness Doctrine) in 1987...and Rush Limbaugh was the first man to proclaim himself liberated from the East Germany of liberal media domination." [9]

On August 1, 1988, after achieving success in Sacramento and drawing the attention of a former president of ABC Radio, Edward F. McLaughlin, Limbaugh moved to New York City and began his national radio show. His show debuted just weeks after the Democratic Nominating Convention, and just weeks before the Republican Nominating Convention. The then current U.S. Vice-President, George H.W. Bush, would become the Republican Standard Bearer, and the then current Massachusetts Governor, Michael Dukakis, would become the Democratic Candidate for President. Rush Limbaugh's radio home in New York City was the talk-format station WABC-AM, 770 AM, and continues to this day as his flagship station.[2]

1990s

The program gained in popularity and moved to stations with larger audiences eventually growing to over 650 radio stations nationwide. When the GOP won control of Congress in 1994, one of the first acts by many freshmen (calling themselves the "Dittohead Caucus") was to award Limbaugh the title of "honorary member of Congress" in recognition of his support of their efforts during this period.[10]

Humor columnist and journalist Lewis Grossberger acknowledged that Limbaugh had "more listeners than any other talk show host" and described Limbaugh's style as "bouncing between earnest lecturer and political vaudevillian".[11]

The Rush Limbaugh Show

Limbaugh's radio show airs weekdays for three hours daily, beginning at 12 noon Eastern time in the US. It also is carried worldwide over the Armed Forces Radio Network, and in some markets is carried on FM stations.

Radio broadcasting shifted from AM to FM in the late 70's because of the opportunity to broadcast music in stereo in FM, with better range and musical fidelity. Limbaugh's show was first nationally syndicated in August 1988, when AM radio had been in decline. With the meteoric popularity of Rush Limbaugh, talk radio stations, many built around Limbaugh's show with conservative programming, have now come to dominate AM radio. As of 2005, Arbitron ratings indicate that the Rush Limbaugh Show has a minimum weekly audience of 13.5 million listeners, making it the largest radio talk show audience in the United States. Such high ratings have been a consistent hallmark of his show.[12][13] [14] A three-question survey from the Pew Research Center found that 48% of regular listeners had a high knowledge of current events, compare with 39% for NPR listeners and 38% for the Daily Show, and had the highest percentage, 56%, of hard news consumers[15]

The show has had controversies. On the October 23, 2006 edition of Limbaugh's radio show, Limbaugh imitated on the "DittoCam" (the webcam for website subscribers to see him on the air) the physical symptoms of actor Michael J. Fox, who has Parkinson's disease and has appeared in political campaign ads for candidates who support a form of embryonic stem cell research,[16][17] and has stated that he sometimes doesn't take his medicine explicitly to show the effects of the disease.[18] Limbaugh imitated Fox's Parkinson's symptoms as displayed on the commercial, stating that "(Fox) is exaggerating the effects of the disease. He's moving all around and shaking and it's purely an act.... This is really shameless of Michael J. Fox. Either he didn't take his medication or he's acting."[19] Limbaugh later explained [citation needed] that he made this remark in reference to Michael J. Fox's remarks on a C-SPAN interview years earlier at which point Fox admitted [citation needed] to occasionally not taking medications before some public appearances so that people can truly understand the nature of the disease.

During the September 26, 2007 broadcast of Limbaugh's radio show, he used the term "phony soldiers". A caller said he was a Republican who had served in the military and felt it was time to leave Iraq. The next caller, who also claimed military service, said, "They never talk to real soldiers. They pull these soldiers that come up out of the blue and spout to the media." Limbaugh responded, "Phony soldiers." The caller responded, "Phony soldiers. If you talk to any real soldier and they're proud to serve, they want to be over in Iraq, they understand their sacrifice and they're willing to sacrifice for the country." [20] Later in the show Limbaugh ended the discussion with the caller and went on to read from a recent "Morning Update" about Jesse Macbeth[21]. Jesse Macbeth joined the Army but did not complete basic training, yet claimed in alternative media interviews that he and his unit routinely committed war crimes in Iraq. [22][23]. On June 7, 2007, he pled guilty to one count of making false statements to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and was sentenced to five months jail and three years probation[24][25]. Media Matters noted Limbaugh's use of the term "phony soldiers" in an article on their website[26], and their article received substantial press coverage after it was discussed in speeches by Presidential candidates John Edwards and Chris Dodd[27]. Limbaugh later made critical statements about Media Matters, stating that he had been talking about only Macbeth when he had made the comment about "phony soldiers" and that "Media Matters takes things out of context all the time"[28]. Media Matters disputed the accuracy of Limbaugh's claim, noting in a later article that "Limbaugh then purported to air the "entire" segment in question. In fact, the clip he aired omitted a full 1 minute and 35 seconds of discussion that occurred between Limbaugh's original "phony soldiers" comment and his subsequent reference to MacBeth."[29] Limbaugh responded in his October 3, 2007 broadcast that the omission was made for brevity, had nothing to do with the story, and included the caller discussing a different subject while Limbaugh was working with his program director while his microphone was muted.[30]

Limbaugh auctioned off the "smear letter" sent to Clear Channel CEO Mark Mays by Sen. Harry Reid (and signed by 41 senators) to a charity benefiting children of Marines killed in action. The auction's winning bid was $2,100,100.00. The letter had attacked Clear Channel, whose Premiere Radio syndication arm syndicates the show, over comments made by Limbaugh in the "phony soldiers" case. [31] The winning bid, as announced by Limbaugh on October 19, 2007, was by Betty Casey, the trustee of the Eugene Casey Foundation. Shortly before the end of the auction, Harry Reid [32] and discussed the auction - and omitted the fact that Limbaugh personally matched the $2,100,100.00 donation, increasing the total donation to the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation to just over $4.2 million. In his statement he said "I don't know what we could do more important than helping to ensure that children of our fallen soldiers and police officers who have fallen in the line of duty have the opportunity for their children to have a good education." On his website, Limbaugh was critical of Reid's perceived claim that Reid and the senators are responsible for the success of the charitable proceeds. [33]

Television show

Limbaugh had a syndicated half-hour show from 1992 through 1996, produced by Roger Ailes. The television show discussed many of the topics on his radio show, and was taped in front of a live audience.

Other television appearances

Limbaugh's first television hosting experience came March 30, 1990, as a guest host on Pat Sajak's CBS late-night talk show, The Pat Sajak Show. ACT UP activists in the audience[34] heckled Limbaugh repeatedly; ultimately the entire studio audience was cleared. In 2001 Sajak said the incident was "legendary around CBS". [35]

On December 17, 1993, Limbaugh appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman.[36] Limbaugh also guest-starred (as himself) on a 1994 episode of Hearts Afire. He appeared in the 1995 Billy Crystal film Forget Paris, and in 1998 on an episode of the The Drew Carey Show.

Most recently, in 2007, Limbaugh has made cameo appearances on Fox News Channel's The 1/2 Hour News Hour in a series of parodies portraying him as the future President of the United States. In the parodies, his vice president is fellow conservative pundit Ann Coulter. He also made a cameo in the Family Guy episode "Blue Harvest". In the episode, a parody of Star Wars, Limbaugh can be heard on the radio claiming that, among other things, the "intergalactic liberal space media" was lying about climate change on the planet Hoth, and that Lando Calrissian's administrative position on Cloud City was a result of affirmative action.

His persona has often been utilized as a template for a stereotypical conservative talk show host on TV shows and in movies, including an episode of The Simpsons (as a conservative talk radio host named Birch Barlow), as "Gus Baker" on an episode of Beavis and Butt-head, as "Lash Rambo" (host of "Perfection in Broadcasting") on an episode of The New WKRP in Cincinnati, and as "Fielding Chase" in the Columbo Mystery Movie Butterfly in Shades of Grey (played by William Shatner).

Cigar aficionado

In the early 1990s, when the cigar boom was gaining momentum, Limbaugh was seen frequently with a cigar in hand and by the end of the 1990s, cigars had become Limbaugh's staple in many public appearances. Often starting segments of his show with the phrase, "Amid billowing clouds of fragrant and aromatic first, second, and sometimes third hand premium cigar smoke", cigars became a common topic of discussion. In the spring of 1994, Limbaugh appeared on the cover of the popular magazine Cigar Aficionado and shared the story of his conversion to cigars. He has since been a frequent participant in many events such as "The Big Smoke", hosted throughout the year by the magazine. Limbaugh has participated in many charity cigar auctions hosted by the magazine, and is known to talk frequently with his listeners about his and their cigar interests, preferences and recommendations. "I think cigars are just a tremendous addition to the enjoyment of life."[37]

Other ventures

In 1992, Limbaugh published his first book, The Way Things Ought To Be, followed by See, I Told You So in 1993.[38] Both became number one on the New York Times Best Seller list; The Way Things Ought to Be remaining there for 24 weeks.[39] Limbaugh acknowledges in the text of the first book that he taped the book and it was transcribed and edited by Wall Street Journal writer John Fund. In the second book, Joseph Farah of WorldNetDaily is named as his collaborator.[40]

As a result of his television program, Limbaugh became known for wearing distinctive neckties. In response to viewer interest, Limbaugh launched a series of ties[41] designed primarily by his then-wife Marta.[42] Sales of the ties reached over five million dollars (U.S.) in their initial sales year, but were later discontinued.

On October 19, 2007 a letter from the 41 U.S. Democrat Senators trying to intimidate the president of Clear Channel Communications into distancing himself from Limbaugh was sold on E-bay by Limbaugh, setting the Ebay record for largest charity bid in its history, of $2,100,100. Limbaugh has pledged to match the winning bid, with the proceeds going to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation. It was won by Betty Casey of the Eugene B. Casey Foundation.[43]

2000s

Sportscasting career

In 2000, ABC considered adding Limbaugh to their Monday Night Football broadcast team before deciding on comedian Dennis Miller instead.[44]

On July 14, 2003, ESPN announced that Limbaugh would be joining ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown show as a weekly analyst when it premiered on September 7. Limbaugh would provide the "voice of the fan" and was supposed to spark debate on the show.[45] On the September 28 episode of Countdown, Limbaugh commented about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb's role in his team's 0-2[46] start to the season:

Sorry to say this, I don't think he's been that good from the get-go. I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well. There is a little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve. The defense carried this team.[47]

On October 1, 2003, Limbaugh resigned from ESPN with the statement:

My comments this past Sunday were directed at the media and were not racially motivated. I offered an opinion. This opinion has caused discomfort to the crew, which I regret. I love Sunday NFL Countdown and do not want to be a distraction to the great work done by all who work on it. Therefore, I have decided to resign. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the show and wish all the best to those who make it happen.[48]

Hearing problems

By August 2001, Limbaugh's listeners had noted changes in his voice and diction.[49] On October 8, 2001, Limbaugh acknowledged that the changes were due to complete deafness in his left ear and substantial hearing loss in his right ear. He revealed that his radio staff was helping him receive calls on his show by setting up a system where he could appear to hear his callers. The system worked well but did not convince all listeners, some of whom noted a long delay between a caller ending his point and Limbaugh responding or Limbaugh occasionally speaking over a caller. At times Limbaugh asked callers to hold on while the caller's comments were typed and shown on Limbaugh's computer monitor.

In December 2001, Limbaugh underwent cochlear implant surgery, which restored a measure of hearing in his left ear. His voice and enunciation returned to normal after the implant. According to his doctors, the deafness was caused by an autoimmune disease.

Some medical experts have speculated that his use of opioids, such as OxyContin and hydrocodone [50], could have caused or contributed to his hearing problem.[51][52] Limbaugh's doctors stated that they did not know the exact cause of Limbaugh's hearing loss, but ruled out "overuse of medication" as a factor.[53]

On February 27, 2007, in the BBC Radio 4 program, No Triumph, No Tragedy, Limbaugh explained that his deafness had been caused by a malfunction of his immune system which started attacking and destroying his inner ear. He also explained that he had a full time stenographer in his employment, making notes of everything that was said around him so that he did not miss a word of what was being said.

Prescription drug addiction

On October 3, 2003 the National Enquirer reported that Limbaugh was being investigated for illegally obtaining the prescription drugs OxyContin and hydrocodone. Other news outlets quickly confirmed the investigation.[54]

On October 10, 2003, Limbaugh admitted to listeners on his radio show that he was addicted to prescription painkillers and stated that he would enter inpatient treatment for 30 days, immediately following the broadcast.[55]

Limbaugh has said his addiction to painkillers came as a result of several years of severe back pain heightened by a botched surgery intended to correct those problems.

A subsequent investigation into whether Limbaugh had violated Florida's doctor shopping laws was launched by the Palm Beach State Attorney, which raised privacy issues when investigators seized Limbaugh's private medical records looking for evidence of crimes. On November 9, 2005, following two years of investigations, Assistant State Attorney James L. Martz requested the court to set aside Limbaugh's doctor-patient confidentiality rights and allow the state to question his physicians, stating it was necessary because "I have no idea if Mr. Limbaugh has completed the elements of any offense yet."[56] Limbaugh's attorney opposed the prosecutor's efforts to interview his doctors on the basis of patient privacy rights, and argued that the prosecutor had violated Limbaugh's Fourth Amendment rights by illegally seizing his medical records. The ACLU issued a statement in agreement.[57] On December 12, 2005, Judge David F. Crow delivered a ruling prohibiting the State of Florida from questioning Limbaugh's physicians about "the medical condition of the patient and any information disclosed to the health care practitioner by the patient in the course of the care and treatment of the patient."[58]

On April 28, 2006, Limbaugh and his attorney, Roy Black, went to the Palm Beach County Jail to surrender after a warrant was issued for his arrest on the charge of doctor shopping.[2] According to Teri Barbera, spokeswoman for the Sheriff, during his arrest, Limbaugh was booked, photographed, and fingerprinted, but not handcuffed. He was then was released after about an hour on $3,000 bail.[59] [3] [4] After his surrender, he filed a "not guilty" plea to the charge. Prosecutors agreed to drop the charge if Limbaugh paid $30,000 to defray the cost of the investigation and completed an 18-month therapy regimen with his physician.[60]

Limbaugh asserted that the state's settlement agreement resulted from a lack of evidence supporting the charge of "doctor shopping." Under the terms of the agreement, Limbaugh may not own a firearm and must continue to submit to random drug testing, which he acknowledges having undergone since 2003.[61]

Limbaugh has, throughout the years, condemned illegal drug use on his radio broadcast and has stated that those convicted of drug crimes should be sent to jail.[62]

Roy Black, one of Limbaugh's attorneys, stated that "Rush Limbaugh was singled out for prosecution because of who he is. We believe the state attorney's office is applying a double standard." [63]

Philosophy

Defining the conservative movement

Limbaugh made the following comments in an op-ed piece in The Wall Street Journal in 2005:

  • I love being a conservative. We conservatives are proud of our philosophy. Unlike our liberal friends, who are constantly looking for new words to conceal their true beliefs and are in a perpetual state of reinvention, we conservatives are unapologetic about our ideals.
  • We are confident in our principles and energetic about openly advancing them. We believe in individual liberty, limited government, capitalism, the rule of law, faith, a color-blind society and national security.
  • We support school choice, enterprise zones, tax cuts, welfare reform, faith-based initiatives, political speech, homeowner rights and the war on terrorism.
  • And at our core we embrace and celebrate the most magnificent governing document ever ratified by any nation — the U.S. Constitution. Along with the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes our God-given natural right to be free, it is the foundation on which our government is built and has enabled us to flourish as a people.
  • We conservatives are never stronger than when we are advancing our principles.[64]

Leukemia and lymphoma telethon

Limbaugh holds an annual fundraising telethon called the "EIB Cure-a-Thon"[65] for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.[66] In 2006 the EIB Cure-a-Thon conducted its 16th annual telethon, raising $1.7 million;[67] totaling over $15 million since the first cure-a-thon.[68] According to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society annual reports, Limbaugh personally contributed between $100,000 and $499,999 from 2000 - 2005, [69] and Limbaugh claims to have contributed around $250,000 in 2003, 2004 and 2005.[70] NewsMax reported Limbaugh donated $250,000 in 2006.[71] Limbaugh donated $320,000 during the 2007 Cure-a-Thon[72] which reportedly raised $3 million.

Balance and point of view

In his first bestseller, Limbaugh explicitly describes himself as conservative, and is sharply critical of broadcasters in all media for claiming to be objective.

Limbaugh is highly critical of environmentalism and climate science. He has disputed anthropogenic global warming, and the relationship between CFCs and depletion of the ozone layer, claiming the scientific evidence does not support them. [73] Limbaugh has argued against the scientific opinion on climate change by stating that scientific consensus "is just a bunch of scientists organized around a political proposition. You can't have consensus in science... they think consensus is the way to sell it because, 'Oh, but all these wonderful people agree.'" [74] Limbaugh has used the term "environmentalist wacko" as a reference to climate scientists and other environmental scientists and advocates.[75]

Limbaugh is sharply critical of feminism, believing that "Feminism was established so as to allow unattractive women easier access to the mainstream of society."[76] He also popularized the term "feminazi", referring to radical feminists "to whom the most important thing in life is ensuring that as many abortions as possible occur."[77] He credited his friend Tom Hazlett, a professor of law and economics at George Mason University, with coining the term.[78]

Limbaugh's views on immigration have changed over the years. In the 1990s, in response to NAFTA, he was supportive of allowing immigration from Mexico: "Let the unskilled jobs, let the kinds of jobs that take absolutely no knowledge whatsoever to do - let stupid and unskilled Mexicans do that work."[79] Since then, he has taken a more hard-line stance on illegal immigration.[80]

Limbaugh supports capital punishment, having said "the only thing cruel about the death penalty is last-minute stays."[81]

On his radio show, news about the homeless has often been preceded with the Clarence "Frogman" Henry song "Ain't Got No Home."[82] For a time, Dionne Warwick's song "I Know I'll Never Love This Way Again" preceded reports about people with AIDS.[83] These later became "condom updates" preceded by Fifth Dimension's song, "Up, Up and Away (in My Beautiful Balloon)."[84] In 1989, Limbaugh performed "caller abortions" where he would end a call suddenly to the sounds of a vacuum cleaner and a scream, after which he would deny there was ever a caller, explaining that the call had been "aborted". According to his book The Way Things Ought To Be he was using caller abortions to illustrate "the tragedy of abortion". [85]

On the Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse scandal issue, Limbaugh said, "This is no different than what happens at the Skull and Bones initiation and we're going to ruin people's lives over it and we're going to hamper our military effort, and then we are going to really hammer them because they had a good time. You know, these people are being fired at every day. I'm talking about people having a good time, these people, you ever heard of emotional release? You ever heard of emotional release?"[86][87][88]

Questions about accuracy

Some groups and individuals have questioned Limbaugh's accuracy. The July/August 1994 issue of Extra!, a publication of the progressive group Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR), alleges fifty different inaccuracies and distortions in Limbaugh's commentary.[89][90] Others have since joined FAIR in questioning Limbaugh's facts. Al Franken, a self-described "liberal infotainer",[91] wrote a satirical book (Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations) in which he questioned Limbaugh's accuracy.[92] Media Matters for America, a self-described "web-based, for-profit, progressive research and information center dedicated to monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media", has also been critical.[93]

Limbaugh has also been criticized for inaccuracies by the Environmental Defense Fund. A defense fund report authored by Princeton University endowed geosciences professor Michael Oppenheimer and Princeton University professor of biology David Wilcove lists 14 significant scientific facts which, the authors allege, Limbaugh misrepresented in his book The Way Things Ought to Be.[94] The authors conclude that "Rush Limbaugh ... allows his political bias to distort the truth about a whole range of important scientific issues."

Awards and recognition

Limbaugh was the 1992, 1995, 2000 and 2005 recipient of the Marconi Radio Award for Syndicated Radio Personality of the Year (given by the National Association of Broadcasters), joining the syndicated Bob & Tom Show as the only other four-time winners of a Marconi award. He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1993.

In 2002, Talkers magazine ranked him as the greatest radio talk show host of all time.[95] Currently, Limbaugh is the highest paid radio syndicator.[96]

March 29, 2007, Limbaugh was awarded the inaugural William F. Buckley, Jr. Award for Media Excellence, by the Media Research Center, a conservative, media analysis group.[97]

Books by Rush Limbaugh

  • The Way Things Ought to Be (1992) Pocket Books ISBN 067175145X
  • See, I Told You So (1993) Pocket Books ISBN 067187120X

Bibliography

  • Arkush, Michael. Rush!. New York: Avon Books, 1993. ISBN 0380775395.
  • Colford, Paul D. (1995). The Rush Limbaugh Story: Talent on Loan from God an Unauthorized Biography. St. Martin's. ISBN 0312952724.
  • Davis, J. Bradford. The Rise of Rush Limbaugh Toward the Presidency. Norcross, Ga.:MacArthur Pub. Group, c1994. ISBN 0964261901.
  • Derych, Jim. Confessions of a Former Dittohead. Brooklyn, N.Y. : Ig Pub., c2006. ISBN 0975251783 (pbk.).
  • Evearitt, Daniel J. (1993). Rush Limbaugh and the Bible. Camp Hill, Pa.: Horizon House Publishers, c1993. ISBN 0889651043.
  • Al Franken (1996). Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot. New York: Random House. ISBN 978-0141018416. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  • Jacobs, Donald Trent. The Bum's Rush: The Selling of Environmental Backlash : phrases and fallacies of Rush Limbaugh. Boise, Idaho : Legendary Pub., c1994. ISBN 096250405X.
  • Keliher, Brian. Flush rush. Berkeley, Calif.: Ten Speed Press, c1994. ISBN 0898156106.
  • Kelly, Charles M. The Great Limbaugh Con: And Other Right-Wing Assaults on Common Sense. Fithian Press, 1994. ISBN 1564741028.
  • King, D. Howard. Rush to Us. Windsor Pub., c1994. ISBN 0786000821.
  • Layne, Tom. The Assassination of Rush Limbaugh. Red Ginger Publishing Co., Inc. ISBN 0976851504.
  • Mahurin, Cecil. A Public Rebuttal to Rush Limbaugh. Vantage Press, 1993. ISBN 0533107660.
  • Perkins, Ray, Jr. (1995). Logic and Mr. Limbaugh: A Dittohead's Guide to Fallacious Reasoning. Open Court Publishing. ISBN 0812692942.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Rahman, Michael. Why Rush Limbaugh is Wrong, or, The Demise of Traditionalism and The Rise of Progressive Sensibility as Perceived. Mighty Pen Pub., 1995. LCCN 95077891.
  • Rendall, Steve, Jim Naureckas, Cohen, Jeff (1995). The Way Things Aren't: Rush Limbaugh's Reign of Error : Over 100 Outrageously False and Foolish Statements from America's Most Powerful Radio and TV Commentator. Written for FAIR. New York: W.W. Norton. ISBN 1-56584-260-X.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Seib, Philip M. (1993). Rush Hour: Talk Radio, Politics, and the Rise of Rush Limbaugh. Summit Group, 1993. ISBN 1565301005.
  • Tucker, R. K. (1997). The Rules According to Rush : the American people vs. Rush Limbaugh. Bowling Green, Ohio : OptimAmerica ; Chapel Hill, NC : Professional Press, 1997. ISBN 1570873399.
  • Varon, Charles. Rush Limbaugh In Night School. Dramatists Play Service, c1997. ISBN 0822215349.

See also

Footnotes

  1. ^ Toner, Robin. "POLITICS: ON THE AIR; Radio Talk Show Host Fears For True Conservatism's Fate." New York Times. February 23, 1996. Retrieved on October 13, 2006.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Paul D. Colford. The Rush Limbaugh story: talent on loan from God: an unauthorized biography. New York. St. Martin’s Press, 1993. ISBN 0-312-09906-1.
  3. ^ St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The loudest limb on the family tree, radio's Rush Limbaugh is the 'big mouth'; branch of a solid old Cape Girardeau family. September 27, 1992.
  4. ^ "Rush Limbaugh Gives Sean a Rare Interview". Fox News Channel. October 19, 2005. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ Smollar, David J. "RADIO: The prof who 'flunked' Rush Limbaugh in speech is alive and well and running a California university campus." The Orange County Register. February 25, 1996. Pg. F3
  6. ^ Mikkelson, Barbara; Mikkelson, David P. "Draft Notice." Snopes. December 16, 2002. Retrieved on October 13, 2006.
  7. ^ McCabe, Scott (June 12, 2004). "Limbaugh, third wife parting after 10 years". Palm Beach Post. Retrieved 2006-11-04. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ Herald Staff. "Rush's divorce final" The Miami Herald. February 19, 2005. Pg. 4A
  9. ^ Henninger, Daniel (April 29, 2005) "Rush to Victory". Wall Street Journal.
  10. ^ Carlson, Margaret (26 December 1994). "Public Eye - My Dinner With Rush". Time. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); External link in |title= (help)
  11. ^ Grossberger, Lewis (December 16, 1990). "The Rush Hours". New York Times. p. SM58. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); More than one of |pages= and |page= specified (help)
  12. ^ "Latest top host figures". Talkers magazine. October 2005.
  13. ^ "Rush Limbaugh: The King of Talk Radio Reigns Over Liberal Talkers in Top 25 Radio Markets" (Press release). Premiere Radio Networks. 2005-10-28. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ "News Audiences Increasingly Politicized" (Press release). Pew Research Center. 2004-06-08. Retrieved 2006-04-29. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ Online Papers Modestly Boost Newspaper Readership, Pew Research Center
  16. ^ Election 2004 | Pa. Sen. Specter Focuses on Stem Cell Support To Attract Moderate Voters, Distances Himself From Bush in Re-Election Campaign Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
  17. ^ Michael J. Fox Fires Back at Critics ABC News
  18. ^ Excerpt from Lucky Man, Chapter 8: Unwrapping the Gift. From michaeljfox.org, accessed on 28 October, 2006.
  19. ^ "Rush Limbaugh On the Offensive Against Ad With Michael J. Fox", Washington Post, accessed on November 1, 2006
  20. ^ [The Rush Limbaugh Show, Transcript]
  21. ^ Limbaugh falsely recasts "phony soldiers" smear Media Matters September 28, 2007
  22. ^ http://www.peacefilms.org/index.html "Jessie Macbeth: Former Army Ranger and Iraq War Veteran" video, peacefilms.org, retrieved May 23, 2006 (inactive as of May 24, 2006)
  23. ^ http://www.socialistalternative.org/news/article13.php?id=261 "The War the Media is Not Reporting — An Iraqi Veteran Speaks Out" by Justice, SocialistAlternative.org, April 26, 2006, retrieved May 23, 2006 (replaced with statement rejecting false statements May 26, 2006)
  24. ^ Seattle Times - Man who lied about actions in Iraq admits faking forms
  25. ^ Seattle Post Intellegencer - Poster soldier for anti-war movement was a fake
  26. ^ [http://mediamatters.org/items/200709270010?f=h_top Limbaugh: Service members who support U.S. withdrawal are "phony soldiers" ] Media Matters September 27, 2007
  27. ^ Dems Criticize Limbaugh's Comments AP September 28, 2007
  28. ^ "Phony Soldiers" is a Phony Story Rush Limbaugh Show Transcript, September 28, 2007
  29. ^ Limbaugh selectively edited "phony soldiers" clip Media Matters September 28, 2007
  30. ^ Limbaugh discusses phony soldier controversy Fox News Channel October 19, 2007
  31. ^ Rush auctions off the "smear letter" on Ebay
  32. ^ addressed Congress
  33. ^ [1]
  34. ^ Gehr, Richard (1990-10-08). "Mouth At Work". Newsday. p. 4. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  35. ^ Sajak, Pat (2001-05-03). CNN Larry King Live (TV series). CNN.
  36. ^ Maurstad, Tom (1993-12-20). "Stern, Limbaugh meet their match; Hosts Leno, Letterman hold their own in war". The Dallas Morning News. p. 1C. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  37. ^ Rothstein, Mervyn. "Rush's Judgment". Cigar Aficionado. Retrieved 2006-11-04.
  38. ^ Limbaugh, Rush (1993). See, I Told You So. New York: Atria. ISBN 0-671-87120-X.
  39. ^ Gregory, Ted (1995-08-18). "Right and wrong; Rush Limbaugh critics want to set the facts straight, but it's not easy". Chicago Tribune. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  40. ^ "Joseph Farah". Speakers and Talk Show Guests. WorldNetDaily.com. Retrieved 2006-07-19.
  41. ^ Parker, Penny (1996-03-20). "Ties loud, just like Limbaugh". Denver Post. pp. C-1. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  42. ^ Vinciguera, Thomas (1996-08-04). "No Talk Show, But a Loud Tie". New York Times. p. 43. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  43. ^ http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,303569,00.html
  44. ^ "Dennis Miller Live: Comedian among four added to 'MNF' broadcast". CNN Sports Illustrated. June 22, 2000. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  45. ^ "Limbaugh will be voice of fan on ESPN NFL show". ESPN. July 14, 2003. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  46. ^ "New England 31, Philadelphia 10". Yahoo! Sports. September 14, 2003. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  47. ^ "Limbaugh's comments touch off controversy". ESPN. October 1, 2003. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  48. ^ "Limbaugh resigns from NFL show". ESPN. October 2, 2003. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  49. ^ "Rush's Voice". Free Republic Forum. 2001-08-31-2001-09-25. Retrieved 2006-04-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)
  50. ^ Dotinga, Randy (2003-10-16). "Painkillers May Have Caused Limbaugh's Deafness". HealthDay. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  51. ^ Friedman RA, House JW, Luxford WM, Gherini S, Mills D. (2002). "Profound hearing loss associated with hydrocodone/acetaminophen abuse". The American Journal of Otology. Retrieved 2006-04-29. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  52. ^ Oh AK, Ishiyama A, Baloh RW (2000). "Deafness associated with abuse of hydrocodone/acetaminophen". Neurology. Retrieved 2006-06-23. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  53. ^ "Abuse of painkiller could cause sudden hearing loss". Palm Beach Post. 2003-10-03. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  54. ^ Candiotti, Susan (2003-10-03). "Limbaugh mostly mum on reports of drug probe". CNN. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  55. ^ George Bennett & John Pacenti (2003-10-11). "Talk host Limbaugh to enter drug rehab". Palm Beach Post. p. 1A. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  56. ^ "Prosecutors Push to Speak with Limbaugh Doctors". The Palm Beach Post. November 9, 2005. pp. 3B. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  57. ^ "Improbable ally joins Limbaugh privacy fight". The St. Petersburg Times. January 13, 2004. pp. 1B. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  58. ^ "Judge Limits Limbaugh Inquiry". The Palm Beach Daily News. December 13, 2005. p. 1. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  59. ^ http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/04/28/national/main1561324.shtml
  60. ^ "Settlement Agreement Ends State Investigation of Rush Limbaugh". RushLimbaugh.com. April 28, 2006. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  61. ^ Skoloff, Brian (2006-05-01). "Limbaugh Facing Drug Tests Under Deal". Associated Press. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  62. ^ "Limbaugh reaches settlement in drugs case". Associated Press. 2006-04-29. Retrieved 2007-01-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  63. ^ "Limbaugh may face a rarely used charge". Associated Press. 2004-01-04. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  64. ^ Limbaugh, Rush (2005-10-17). "Holding Court: There's a crackdown over Miers, not a "crackup."". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2006-10-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  65. ^ "EIB Cure-a-Thon". Rush Limbaugh. RushLimbaugh.com. Retrieved 2006-08-04.
  66. ^ "Leukemia and Lymphoma Society". 501(c). Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Retrieved 2006-08-04.
  67. ^ "EIB Cure-a-Thon". Rush Limbaugh. RushLimbaugh.com. Retrieved 2006-11-15.
  68. ^ Newsweek. Rehabbing Rush. 2006.
  69. ^ Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Annual reports.
  70. ^ Rush Limbaugh Show. Transcript. April 28, 2005.
  71. ^ NewsMax Media. Rush Limbaugh Donates $250K for Cancer Cure April 29, 2006.
  72. ^ "Rush Limbaugh Donates $320,000 to Kick Off 2007 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Cure-A-Thon". Rush Limbaugh. RushLimbaugh.com. Retrieved 2007-04-20.
  73. ^ On the Issues.org. Rush Limbaugh.
  74. ^ RushLimbaugh.com. Transcript
  75. ^ Rush Limbaugh, Wednesday Morning Update (January 24, 2001). "Rush Limbaugh on energy & oil". {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  76. ^ Margaret Carlson (October 26, 1992). "An Interview with Rush Limbaugh". Time magazine. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  77. ^ Rush H. Limbaugh, The Way Things Ought to Be, Pocket Books, 1992 p.296
    “Feminazi: Widely misunderstood by most to simply mean ‘feminist’. Not so, boobala [sic]. A Feminazi is a feminist to whom the most important thing in life is ensuring that as many abortions as possible occur. There are fewer than twenty-five known Feminazis in the United States…”
  78. ^ Rush H. Limbaugh, The Way Things Ought to Be, Pocket Books, 1992 p.193
    “I prefer to call the most obnoxious feminists what they really are: feminazis. Tom Hazlett, a good friend who is an esteemed and highly regarded professor of economics at the University of California at Davis, coined the term to describe any female who is intolerant of any point of view that challenges militant feminism. I often use it to describe women who are obsessed with perpetuating a modern-day holocaust: abortion. There are 1.5 million abortions a year...”
  79. ^ Derrick Z. Jackson (July 16, 2003). "Limbaugh Brings Baggage with his ESPN Blabber". Boston Globe. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  80. ^ "<The Limbaugh Laws". Rush's Morning Update. April 6, 2006. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  81. ^ On the Issues.org. Rush Limbaugh.
  82. ^ Grossberger, Lewis (1990-12-16). "The Rush Hours". The New York Times. p. 58. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  83. ^ Remnick, David (1990-12-16). "Day of the Dittohead". The Washington Post. p. C1. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  84. ^ Grossberger, Lewis (1990-12-16). "The Rush Hours". The New York Times. p. 58. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  85. ^ Limbaugh, Rush (1990-12-16). "The Way things Ought To Be". Simon and Schuster. pp. 62–66.
  86. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/23/magazine/23PRISONS.html?pagewanted=3&ei=5007&en=a2cb6ea6bd297c8f&ex=1400644800&partner=USERLAND. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  87. ^ http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/05/06/opinion/meyer/main616021.shtml
  88. ^ http://mediamatters.org/items/200405050003
  89. ^ The Way Things Aren't Extra!, July/August 1994
  90. ^ The Way Things Aren't: Rush Limbaugh's Reign of Error : Over 100 Outrageously False and Foolish Statements from America's Most Powerful Radio and TV commentator, Rendall, Steve; Naureckas, Jim; and Cohen, Jeff; W.W. Norton and Company, 1995
  91. ^ Vornic, Andre. "Talking back", BBC News, 1 April, 2004.
  92. ^ Franken, Al, Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations, Delacorte Press, 1996
  93. ^ Rush Limbaugh overview and search results Media Matters for America
  94. ^ "The way things really are" (PDF). Environmental Defense Fund. 1994.
  95. ^ "The 25 Greatest Radio Talk Show Hosts of All Time". Talkers magazine. September 2002.
  96. ^ Weil, Dan. "Source: Limbaugh's New Radio Contract Worth $285 Million", The Palm Beach Post, July 20, 2001, pp.1D
  97. ^ Media Research Center. Rush Limbaugh to accept media excellence award at MRC 20th anniversary gala. March 20, 2007.

External links

Other links

Template:Persondata