Prometheus 6

GOP Launches Counteroffensive To Rush Controversy
Posted by Michelle Levi

The Republican Party today has launched a counteroffensive to the controversial recent questioning over conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh’s "leadership" of the party -- describe it as a White House diversion attempt.

And a weak counteroffensive it is.

And in a carefully calculated campaign, operatives and allies of the Obama administration are seeking to divert attention toward radio host Rush Limbaugh, and away from a debate about our alternative solutions on the economy and the irresponsible spending binge they are presiding over. This diversionary tactic will not create a single job or help a single family struggling in today's economic crisis. And that is where our focus should be.

Make no mistake: This strategy did not develop out of thin air. Democratic pollsters began laying the groundwork for this effort last fall. What's particularly regrettable is that all this is unfolding at a time our nation can least afford it.

None of your problems around this would have arisen if Rush hadn't declared he wants the President to fail, Mr. Boner. We can hang this fat ass albatross around your collective neck as long as Rush spews and your peers agree, defend and vote accordingly. You want to put this to bed, tell Rush to shut up.

The administration is enabling me,” he wrote in an e-mail to POLITICO. “They are expanding my profile, expanding my audience and expanding my influence. An ever larger number of people are now being exposed to the antidote to Obamaism: conservatism, as articulated by me. An ever larger number of people are now exposed to substantive warnings, analysis and criticism of Obama's policies and intentions, a ‘story’ I own because the [mainstream media] is largely the Obama Press Office.”

But you can't do that, can you?

Watch Micheal Steel be gutless.

Check out the Boner himself, with support from Mr. Cantor, being gutless.

QUESTION: Mr. Boehner, what’s your response to the White House announcing that Rush Limbaugh has become the leader of the Republican Party, one that’s rooting for Obama to fail…

BOEHNER: The White House has created this big distraction so nobody will pay attention to what they’re doing in their budget. We shouldn’t be distracted. This budget calls for higher taxes and more spending.

QUESTION: How do you see Mr. Limbaugh’s role in the Republican Party?

BOEHNER: This is nothing more than a distraction created by the administration to take people’s attention away from the fact that they’re trying to raise taxes and grow the size of government.

QUESTION: Does Mr. Limbaugh have a role in the Republican Party?

CANTOR: Let me just say this: It is not about Rush Limbaugh. It’s not about Rahm Emanuel. It’s not about individuals right now. This is about real impact on families across this country.

Watch Georgia Congressman Phil Gingrey be gutless.

And though some are reporting on a poll that claims 81% of Republicans say Rush isn't the leader of the Republican Party, the question was,

Rasmussen Reports is testing public reaction to a series of quotes made by newsmakers recently. For this topic, respondents were asked if they agreed or disagreed with the statement, “Rush Limbaugh is the leader of the Republican Party. He says jump, and they say how high.”

Worse for the Republican Party,

While Limbaugh is arguably the most high-profile conservative commentator in the country, even 76% of self-designated conservatives do not see him as the Republican leader. Fifty-two percent (52%) of moderates share that view, but the plurality of liberals (45%) do see Limbaugh as calling the shots for the GOP.

This means almost one in four Conservatives DO see Rush as the Republican leader, Almost half...48%...of moderates are at least open to the idea.

I know Republicans, feeling they have bigger problems than Rush, would really like to get out from behind this discussion. But they really have no bigger problem than the guy who represents roughly half their membership, a guy they really have no recourse against, pushing them over the right-hand side of the cliff to make room for his ego.