Rep. Todd Tiahrt: Rush Limbaugh "Just An Entertainer" [Updated With Apology]

UPDATE 4/21/09: Less than a week after calling conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh a mere "entertainer," the apology from Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Ks.) has arrived. Not only did Tiahrt deny any attempt to denigrate Limbaugh, Tiahrt's spokesman called Limbaugh a "great leader."

"The congressman believes Rush is a great leader of the conservative movement in America -- not a party leader responsible for election losses," the spokesman said, according to the Wichita Eagle. "Nothing the congressman said diminished the role Rush has played and continues to play in the conservative movement."

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee can barely contain its glee over adding Tiahrt to the I'mSorryRush.com apology generator.

EARLIER:

Congressman Todd Tiahrt, Republican of Kansas, might have stepped in it this week. In a meeting with the editorial board of the Kansas City Star, Tiahrt was asked if conservative talk radio king Rush Limbaugh is the de facto leader of the Republican party.

Tiahrt took the bait: "No, no, he's just an entertainer," the congressman said, according to Star columnist Yael T. Abouhalkah.

Similar remarks by Republican politicos have led to abject groveling at the throne of Rush.

Congressman Phil Gingrey called Limbaugh's show to say "I regret those stupid comments" after he'd told Limbaugh to "back off."

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele insisted that Limbaugh was not the de facto leader of the Republican party, calling Limbaugh's show "ugly" and "incendiary." On his show two days later, Rush took Steele to the woodshed, and Steele apologized before the day was out.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee set up an "I'm Sorry, Rush" website with an apology generator. We'll see if Tiahrt changes his tune and joins the list.

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Comments

[texasrodeoqueen]

Limbaugh being a "great leader of the GOP" is one huge reason they are becoming extint.

[MarsAmbassador]

The GOP is pathetic. At least the Whigs went out with a platform, albeit before they fractured on the slavery debate (amongst other issues). There has been NOTHING consistent about Republican policy over the past 30 years. They don't even do what they say they are supposed to be about (fiscal responsibility, ergo the Bush Era Spending Spree). These simpering apologetics are a bunch of deluded toadeys who feel the fear when they are faced with being left to their own devices and no support (or daily talking points) from Rush. All they have are opinions, not ideas. Rhetoric, not answers. Bluster, not questions. Listen for the bell, GOP, it tolls for thee.

[hmsbeagle]

a comedy act .

[johnfoirdfw]

How much ass could an ass kisser kiss, if an ass kisser could kiss ass?

[pissdoffinohio]

love it. and wil bbe borowng it.

sereusly, what tthe hell is all th apolgizng to the drrtbag abowt?! is he callin thees peeps up and thretning to sit on them? ther's obvesly SOME kind of thret goin on.

*forgiv spellng erors, medicl battl woond*

[noaxe397]

Why isn't the Democratic Party leadership continuing to push the issue of Limbaugh as head of the GOP? This works (besides, it's true,) and if done right may lead to Limbaugh losing his show because if the GOP decides he is too much a liability they may lean on his broadcaster to shut him down.

[fairlymay]

Dream on you left winged group of crazies. It's called free speech and we have just begun. Interesting you understand and "fight to uphold" the concept when you are the minority party, but when you are the majority, the only valid point of view is yours.... I wish I had a dollar for the number of times Bush stood up for your right to dissent from his point of view and now my point of view and those of my compatriots is being squelched and belittled as if it is not relevant or real. Think again my friends and think carefully how you wield your current power. Our country is only as strong as the principles that bind it and our freedoms are a terrible thing to waste.

[cmurray48]

These republicans need to grow a spine. Who is ever going to take them seriously (except other republicans) if they continue to worship and grovel at the feet of "leaders" such as Limbaugh, Hannity, Savage, Beck, O'Reilly, Palin, etc. These people are so full of hate, anger, holier than thou attitudes, that they cannot see the forest for the trees. I'm so proud of Obama. It's been a long long time since I have felt hope replace anger.

[JMM1974]

The only power Rush Limbot has over the Republican party is making a loud and clear reason for leaving it.

-Independent for Common Sense

[cutesky]

Limbaugh'a not even an entertaine­r...just a big bag of hot air, and annoying too.

[rshrink]

Limbaugh, like Bush and Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rove, Norquist, Wolfowitz, Abramoff, Libby, Bybee and many more of the neocons and fake news reporters, are all an embarrassment to the Republican party or should be. If they continue to be relied upon to promote Repubs, that party may just pass from the scene. It has already been marginalized considerably. The level of incompetence that Bush and company displayed and then Rush supported was likely beyond anything previously seen. The Democrats are putting competency back in and taking ideology out, opting to actually problem solve. The difference will be powerfully felt by the electorate and nothing Rush can say can really change that. When people can get back to work, earn enough money, afford healthcare and education, who is really going to care about Rush then? He is just a huge fool living in his fantasy world.

[Raster]

Oh my, doggies! NOW he realizes that Rushbo is the heart and soul of Republican philosophy. Bow, kneel, grovel all the way out of the throne room.

[Mover]

I don't see a problem with this. When people say things that can be misconstrued, and the opposition does just that, they need to set the record straight.

FYI: Rush Limbaugh IS an entertainer, so calling him that is not an insult like calling Al Franken an entertainer would be.

And, while Limbaugh is a leader, he's not the leader of the Republican Party. At this moment in time, I would label Michael Steele as the leader of the Republican Party until someone else comes along and replaces him or becomes President of the United States and is a Republican.

Limbaugh's claim is that he is a conservative first. The Republican Party is closer to being conservative than the Democratic Party is, so naturally you would attack him and anyone that agrees with him for supporting GOP candidates.

I understand your motivation for it. But let us know when you have a real issue to debate such as tripling the deficit in 3 weeks or stating unequivocally that you aren't looking back and won't prosecute detainee interrogators, then in less than a week, do an about face (looking backwards) and support prosecuting members of the previous administration. It will allow you to distract the people from what is really important to them.

[rshrink]

Rush, just like Bush and Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rove, Norquist, Wolfowitz, Abramoff, and many more of the neocons and fake news reporters, are all an embarrassment to the Republican party. If they continue to be relied upon to promote Repubs, that party may just pass from the scene. It has already been marginalized considerable. The level of incompetence that Bush and company displayed and then Rush supported was likely beyond anything previously seen. The Democrats are putting competency back in and taking ideology out, opting to actually problem solve. The difference will be powerfully felt by the electorate and nothing Rush can say can really change that. When people can get back to work, earn enough money, afford healthcare and education, who is really going to care about Rush then? He is just a fool living in his own fantasy world.

[sippewissett]

Why don't ALL the GOP pols simply record anapology to Limbaugh in advance of whatever insult might drop from their lips in a moment of truthfulness? If the apology were generic enough and ended with a salute to Limbaugh's importance as leader of the GOP, they'd then be ready at a moment's notice and not get caught with an awkward gap if they were, say, busy attacking an Obama nominee or filibustering or having dinner with a lobbyist. Their loyal staffs could rush the apology digitally to Rush, who could then wrap tender paternal remarks around it about how great the GOP is.

WHAT A BUNCH OF WIMPS.

[Mekarri]

Yea, but remember they can kept us safe for 7 yrs. I say we got attack on thier watch. Or they did the attacking to get to iraq. I put NOTHING pass these souless criminals.

[hearmeloudandclear]

When will people learn? RUSH-publican - the leader of the "Party of No" - does not see himself as "an entertaine­r." So - stop calling him that guys and then you don't have to apologize. He is not a well person, nevertheless, and maybe should be forgiven his ranting and ravings. He's NOT okay.

[biged242]

Took him long enough. An entire week to apologize? He was required by the by-laws of the republican caucus to mail his cojones to Rush, and he must have used UPS Ground, instead of Two-Day Air, thus the delay.