Rush Limbaugh Today Show Interview VIDEO: Business And Ideology Are 'Inseparable'

Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh gave a wide-ranging interview to the Today Show's Jamie Gangel, which NBC is airing over two days. In the segments aired this morning, Limbaugh denied leadership of Republican party, scoffed at the suggestion that he was in anyway responsible for the defeat of the McCain campaign, and confirmed that his show is mainly about making money: "I'm doing my show for ratings. I want the largest audience I can get because that's how I can charge the highest advertising rates, which means what else do I want? Money."

Perhaps the most revealing clip from today comes during a discussion about how ideology and business are "inseparable." Limbaugh became defensive about any hint that people consider him just an entertainer and not a serious critic.

I'm not an actor, but let's face it. Radio and showbiz, this rap, that I'm just an entertainer, is a way that critics of mine try to discredit me. You'll note nobody takes me on on my ideas. Nobody argues, they always say God, you hear what he said? He's this, he's that, he's outrageous, he's bombastic. Those are attempts to discredit me among people who don't listen to me. But the media didn't make me and they can't break me. They've been trying the same plays from their playbook for 21 years.

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Comments

[TimtheEnchanted]

Sign of the apocalypse?
2 Timothy Chapter 3
In the last days...men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty....

[toocoldout]

Rush is a liberal. Not as liberal as most of the media, but still a liberal.

[chaz69]

What's up with NBC Today? Why are they propping this demon up? And Matt Lauer referred to Limbaugh as "fascinating." THIS is the 'liberal' media?

[wantthetruth]

You can't be serious. First you wonder why they would cover "this demon," as if, the media is too liberal to cover a conservative radio host. Then you talk as if "fascinating" is a term of endearment, and imply that the "liberal" media shouldn't use such endearing terms for a conservative. It is obvious that this "liberal" expectation exists in your own mind.

[chaz69]

Conservative and bigotry and are not synonymous. 'Covering' someone is different that profiling them in a puff piece. As for the purported 'liberal press,' my point is that is the right-wing that claims the eastern press is liberal. I could not disagree more.

[JScott]

Stating the obvious.

[Hopster1]

So Rush Fans, Rush has finally exposed his true agenda when he said that business and ideology are inseparable. How does it FEEL to know that your GOLDEN PIG believes that his views are completely tied to his OWN personal financial well being? And he thanks GOD for his ability to fleece you while he says whatever brings him the most cash.

John Kenneth Gailbrath's quote fits Rush to a tee;

The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the serach for a superior moral justification for selfishness.

[mcmutter]

Rush plays his hick audience like a fine violin...

[kwonzer50]

It feels like day 10. How long is this inane Rush interview from NBC? How many days will they rebroadcast this waste of airtime. Don't they have other things to cover in the news? The Today Show is so disappointing.

[rmct]

They have Rush which gets ratings. Something that MSNBC does not do

[JMBrodie]

Sad commentary.

[DesertKayaker]

OMG Rush told the truth - his only one - when he said he's out to make money. It's the "why" behind everything this sicko does. Yeah, to him business and ideology are inseperable - he worships $$$

[CynAnne]

I think Jamie Gangel deserves praise for being so composed in her response to Limbo's literal 'childish antics' in answering her queries..between the fake yawning and other juvenile muggings for the cameras benefit, I would've been severely tempted to smack his jowly noggin with the nearest teleprompter (several times, in fact, just to reinforce my point)..! ;) ...

[normalintexas]

Agreed...I admire her control...I would have pulled out the old b**ch slap in the first 10 seconds

[Wendy Johnson]

Well now, that was distasteful. Beck's act is at least fresher, and he isn't quite as impressed with himself.

[Harlyridr]

Oh please, he's just as pleased with himself if not more so, both are just plain POS.

[Wendy Johnson]

I'm not going to argue, both of them set my teeth on edge.

[timberdoodle]

The best and easiest ways to make money in America is to either be a drug pusher or a right wing media talk show host.

You don't need much of a brain and the lack of character and having the scruples of an alley cat are essential ingredients for your resumes.

[CynAnne]

Heehee..faved and agreed, timberdoodle! ;) ...

[SARGE1]

Most NEOCONS do not even know or understand the concept of the "Fairness Doctrine" it was established in 1949 amazingly enough during the first years of the Cold War.
The "Fairness Doctrine" was a policy of the United States FCC, introduced in 1949, that required the holders of broadcast licenses both to present controversial issues of public importance and to do so in a manner that was (in the Commission's view) honest, equitable and balanced. The Reagan administration in August 1987, the FCC Director Mark Fowler ( Reagan's Campaign Staffer 1976-80) abolished the doctrine
Strange that Rush in the early 90's didn't make it on Prime Time TV and was sent right back to Talk Radio. His BS does not sell to the majority of Americans,because they saw for themselves he was not "Honest, Equitable or Balanced". Lets be fully honest Limbaugh did not come to prosperity until 1987 after the Fairness Doctrine was removed. In the New York Tri-State area he was knocked off from being #1 on Talk Radio by Wendy Williams, he whined and demanded to be placed in his "Own Category" so he can claimed #1 when Wendy Williams truly is #1 in the New York Tri-State area in "Talk Radio"

-Sarge

[Pfrye55]

Sarge,
I was never a huge fan of Wendy Williams, however I despise Rush. So knowing that Wendy dropped kicked him from that number 1 position is wonderful in my book!

Pfrye55

[chaz69]

Mention the Fairness Doctrine to Hannity, Limbaugh and company and they go ballistic. That's what we need to neuter these guys, once and for all!

[Shayrae]

Its a sad commentary on America that we have alcholics and drug abusers making millions for being hateful and devisive. Thanks WH for calling these hacks out for what they are. Anita Dunn, keep the light shining on these guys at Fox.

[JcFractal]

He's full of it.
"nobody takes me on my ideas"
He's totally wrong half the time.

[warriorpatriot]

I love capitalism ain't it great ...

[lafayette2009]

It sure is - I own my company and pay my employees well and they have an exellent healthcare program (of which I am a participant) and 401k plan (to which I contribute per standard) and this is their word - not mine.

Limbaugh is a leech. If you don't believe me check his own words. All he is interested in is making MONEY at the expense of others and that - sir or madam - is not capitalism.

It is Anarchy.

[Whitley2009]

Fanned. Ditto.

[warriorpatriot]

maybe you guys are mad cause a college drop is making 400 million and about to own a football team

[lafayette2009]

Actually he makes $35 miilion but - hey! - allowing for $5 million differential - what does a 0 matter?

I will bet my 2008 income - which is in 6 figures - that he never owns an NFL team. Want to take me on??????

[StormWarrior]

"Now Limbaugh has extended his contract through 2016 — $38 million per year with a "nine-figure signing bonus." The total package is valued at "north of $400 million."

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/02/living-limbaugh-400-milli_n_110449.html

but., it just goes to show why he's working so hard for his money, republic be dam ned.

[Tommygun264]

Actually, the racist hatemonger is making one tenth the amount you claim, but $40 million is still some serious coin. I hear pimps and drug dealers rake in some hefty sums of cash. Do you find them worthy of praise and admiration as well?