Rush Limbaugh Speaking At CPAC 2009

Rush Limbaugh will be the closing speaker at the major Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) gathering later this month, according to a message distributed to CPAC supporters, further bringing the brash conservative radio host into the forefront of Republican leadership.

A Mecca of sorts for conservatives, CPAC is a forum for political aspirants and activists to make their case to the party faithful. It was during their convention in 2008 that Mitt Romney formally dropped out of the Republican presidential primary to endorse John McCain -- who in turn received a tepid welcome from attendees.

That Limbaugh would keynote the affair is a telling indication of just how lacking the GOP is for actual elected leadership. The radio host has never been one to claim he is an insider or party leader. But Republican officials often treat him as such, following his lead politically and going out their way to reiterate their respect for him and his audience. But Rush's propensity for the controversial makes him a potentially toxic figure for any prime-time role, as public opinion polls show.

The equally provocative and acidic Ann Coulter was not given an official speaking role last year over concerns about what she might say.

Comments

[Minsi]

wow I'm from Germany and I'm amazed at how some people in this country can take him serious. He might make one or two good points, but the rest is just ridiculous. He is a hater, doesn't anyone see that? Haven't we learned from the past?

[Dragonslazer]

It is astonishing to have a person like Rush Limbaugh be a voice for a populist position in 2009.

I have never in my lifetime seen anybody with so much anger, hatred and who is so polarizing have such an audience and be so popular in a democratic society like The United Stats of America . This ideology is usually relegated to the extreme fringe of society, which survives only because of free speech, but is almost never accepted as an alternative or an option.

Check out RUSH LIMBAUGH IS THE PERFECT ILLUSTRATION OF WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE UNITED STATES! http://rushlimbaughatcpac.blogspot.com/

[BeverlyM]

I believe Mr. Limbaugh has motivated more Americans to think about their personal responsibility . My mother taught me to ask three questions before spending money:"Do I want it?" Yes
"Do I need it?" sometimes 'yes'"Can I do without it?" If THAT answer is 'yes', you don't buy.
My mother had polio as a child in the early 1900s. Her mother raised three children (one an illegitimate child of a sister) without her husband's help. Grandma taught mom that there were two ways out of poverty: education and hard work. I was to get an education so I could support myself My parents saved money so my twin and I could go to college.St­arting at 14, my twin and I had to save half of our wages. Dad told us if we flunked out we would be living at home and paying back every penny they had invested in our education. Result: I didnt' do drugs or get pregnant. I knew I would be paying for my choices. I taught emotionally disturbed youth for twenty five years.I've seen a generation of parents more concerned with the latest reality show or electronic toy than with their child's education. Rush reminds Americans that there are multiple ways of solving problems other than expecting a government hand-out. Oh, while teaching, renovating roach infested apartments, taking additional college courses to earn my higher degree, we rented to people on housing assistance who consistently left owing rent for damaged property.

[Roofman]

Rush is one of the Greatest Americans out there right now. He is fighting for all of us. Oh, that's right there's more freeloaders out there than actual taxpayers. He's fighting for all of us who actually carry the water. So are you a water carrier or just a water drinker. If you do carry you need to stop and ask yourself why would you want a welfare nation, because that's exactly where Hussein is taking us.

[TucsonGirl]

Rush Limbaugh is a great American and proud of his Country. He believes in the great American dream that if you work hard ,you can become sucessful. He doesn't believe in hardouts and neither do I. My dad always told me when I was a kid that "Nobody owes you a damn thing, so you better get off your ass and work hard". We have become a nation of lazy people looking for the government to solve all of our problems and save us. If you are poor now, the only way you can get out of that situation is to work hard. The government cannot make you sucessful, but they sure can keep you dependent on the government. That appears to be Obama's goal. You see, he is in control if he governs a bunch of losers that are dependent upon him.

[ava martin]

I felt nauceous! I had to change the channel.
Never cared for the guy - ALL THESE YEARS - not one bit. He used to destroy women too. Anybody remember that? All the disdain and hate from his mouth?!
He is trouble. And yes, I agree with the fellow, does seem like shades of the group with the hoods. Do we really need this type of commentary coming from, representing our country?
Only problem? We can not do a thing to stop the venom.
Yes, free -- speak, but be civil, get real! Haven't all, enough damage?
Sick of all the vitriol. -- AREN'T YOU?
In closing, his body form fairly, in my mind, describes what he is.
CA SA RA

[daVoiceOfReason]

how many will blame the messenger

without even listening to the message

ad hominem attacks are a sign of intelligence and open mindedness

[Firbolg]

The GOP refugees are beginning to look more and more like the crew of the Golgafrincham B-Ark in the Restraunt at the End of the Galaxy. All that is left is for the rest of us to build the giant spacehip and persuade them to take off in it with the promise that we will follow them shortly.

[Roofman]

Ya sure, take your space ship and fly it where the sun don't shine!

[OctoberMermaid]

Well, I can see the appeal for conservatives. Rush is only one letter away from Bush, so they don't have to get a headache trying to learn a scary new name or anything. And, to further sweeten the deal, Rush is happy to tell them how to think. It's like Christmas for idiots!

[munki]

he has a problem because he is NOT a true AMERICAN

[ConstitutionCrusader]

*shudder*

[iswideopen]

The republican regional minority party of Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, and Joe the Plumber. Go Thugs!!

PS You can step up when "told" to, MIchael Steele.

[SnapShots]

Here's a saying that an Egyptian said to me, an American, last year while I was in the Middle East:

"You deserve your president.­"

It was true in '08 and it's true in '09. How different their meanings.

[IhaveaDREAMwhitegirl]

When will he just find a cute boy and settle down already! Jeesh.

[Oonagh]

The Republican party has gone down a strange road.... They are all looking for a leader but it sure says a lot about them when they pick someone like Rush....