The public argument over who runs the Republican party took a bizarre turn yesterday as Rush Limbaugh demanded on his radio show that “true conservatives show their fealty and give me a sacrifice worthy of my greatness.”
Limbaugh has been the center point of an argument regarding the leadership of the Republican party that has been playing out in the press for over a month, with many political observers noting that Republicans seem wary of distancing themselves from the often inflammatory host. A recent interchange with RNC Chairman Michael Steele, in which Limbaugh demanded Steele apologize for calling him an “entertainer” who makes “ugly” comments, resulted in Steele retracting those comments on several talk shows. This and other stories like it have naturally given momentum to the speculation that Republicans are afraid to go against the Radio host for fear of the sway he holds with their constituents, yet even with this history Limbaugh may be testing the limits of his influence. In his radio show, which aired yesterday morning, Limbaugh heavily criticized those that have been distancing themselves from his rhetoric, and said that:
“Republicans in congress need to prove who’s side they are on – President Obama and the big government socialists – or the conservative base of the country. I call on all Republicans to denounce the people like Michael Steele who are interested in misinterpreting me and helping the liberals. And to I call on them to prove their loyalty to me by giving me a sacrifice.”
Many in congress have appeared skeptical about the idea of owing sacrifice to Limbaugh, but most have taken action to avoid invoking the wrath of the radio host who has in the past expressed no hesitation in using his listening base against a Republican congressman. Utah Senator Robert Bennett almost immediately announced that he would be “sacrificing three of my finest oxen in honor of the great Limbaugh,” and Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina pledged “a full grown, strong goat” to honor the radio host.
Still, some Republicans expressed frustration and resistance to Limbaugh’s request.
“This is exactly what the Democrats want,” said Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe. “When Rush Limbaugh makes a demand like this, Democrats put it into fifty TV spots to make it look as though we take all of our cues from a radio host, which is just ridiculous. I’d say more on the subject, but I’m really overloaded trying to corral the virgins and livestock needed.”
Speaking on CNN’S The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, Indiana Senator Richard Lugar delivered the strongest criticism of Limbaugh, saying that “Limbaugh is not the boss of me,” and criticizing the host for his “over the top demands.” However, after a stinging rebuke from Limbaugh this morning, Lugar quickly scheduled a press conference in which he proceeded to “beg forgiveness from the almighty Rush God, and declare my shame for displeasing you! I offer you a host of livestock to appease your holiness, and my young daughter, that she may sate your anger!”
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