Limbaugh's Love Letter -- To A Huffington Post Blogger!

"I have actually been moved by what you have written and the way you have written it," Rush Limbaugh wrote to me. "So, thank you for fairness and accuracy, and for taking the time to try to discover what my program is (and is not) and how it is executed."

First, a confession: The above passage comes from an actual letter I got from "Boss" Limbaugh. But it wasn't written after my much-commented-upon Huff Post blog last week about how Limbaugh's radio talk show was given away for free to local stations in exchange for pre-sold ad time -- and how these barter deals had built his radio empire.

This letter was dated May 9, 1991, not long after Limbaugh moved his dubious radio enterprise from Sacramento to New York City. I'd completely forgotten about the missive until I found it recently amidst some old newspaper clips I'd written as TV-radio columnist at the liberal Oakland Tribune.

I'm not sure which column (or columns) I wrote that prompted the billet-doux from The Uber-Bloviator, but I do recall having heard Limbaugh's show for the first time back then, and finding it different and somewhat entertaining -- initially. I also remember saying back then that I didn't agree with much of what Rush said, but that he said it entertainingly.

But it wasn't long before Limbaugh's radio act became stale and astringent, and I started calling him a heartless bastard (or words to that effect) in my columns. In fact, "heartless," I would submit, is still the modifier that describes him best. (I can almost hear his bellowed response -- and some comments this post will get from Dittoheads: "And liberals are BRAINless!" )

(Note: For "historical purposes" /proof, I've posted the Limbaugh letter at my web site, dc weasels).

In his sincere-sounding thank-you note to me, Limbaugh mentions another newspaper columnist, in Detroit, who'd also praised Limbaugh in print, but who later had, Rush implied, "caved" after a handful of readers protested. Limbaugh says he thanked the Detroit columnist on his radio show but apparently felt betrayed when the Detroit Free Press writer later called him a bigot.

My initial response to Limbaugh's show had also been positive, obviously. Then the mean-spiritedness of Rush's politics and pronunciamentos became too much to endure. I stopped listening. Still, I'm surprised at how many Obama supporters, in their comments about my piece last week, said they still tune Rush in, either because they find him entertaining or to monitor the "opposition." Sorry, but I just can't do it.

So, what (if anything) does this all prove?

Primarily, that Limbaugh had all but given up on getting any favorable press a long time ago -- after being "burned" by newspaper turncoats. And as we all know, Rush is such a sensitive guy.

In 1991 I was a political oddity -- a registered Republican who was a newspaper columnist in the liberal San Francisco Bay Area, something I got a lot of kidding about. (That was then, this is now). Rush's staff may have even investigated my political affiliation. Imagine the disappointment Rush must have felt when I also "betrayed" him!

Limbaugh obviously relished the thought of a daily newspaper columnist in the Berkeley area actually praising his act, and he closed his letter with this parting shot at the progressive, heavily Democratic city in our prime East Bay circulation area:

"Hang in there on the hit-mail thing. Remember: It's the pioneers who take the arrows. Try that one on the new Dances With Wolves P.C. crowd in Berkeley."

Today, this Prius-driving, Obama-supporting Dem prints columns that include lines like "Limbaugh's first three wives weren't even in love with him. They were drawn by his gravitational field."

I've been such a disappointment to Rush.

Stay Tuned/Coming Soon: I'll report on the ugliest -- and more significant -- reasons for Limbaugh's radio success.

Comments

[Christopher Coombs]

I've become a fan of Bill Mann.

[winstonian22]

The bizarre thing here is the Left's complete and interminable fascination with Rush Limbaugh. Honestly, more liberal writers write about Rush than conservative writers.

It's a little weird.

[MsYellowDog]

It is so disgusting to have to live in an era when the Rush Limbaughs of the world are lionized and respected.

[Ryan Martens]

I think its disgusting how hypocritical this guy is. I remember how he touted himself as so patriotic and he supported the troops, then he went off calling those who disagreed with Bush on the Iraq War as phony soldiers. Now today he slams our Commander in Chief minute by minute. So, what message does that send to the troops? He was never concerned about the troops, just listeners and his conservative hate message spreading. Take it from this airman not all good troops are only conservatives and to say this is fact, like Limbaugh portrays is ridiculous. I support my new Commander in Chief and Limbaugh is a joke. Even curiosity can't get me to listen to that hate program of his anymore, hopefully more of our men and women in uniform will realize this and he will be removed from the Armed Forces Network.

[manofmystique]

When it comes to Obama they (Fox News) are not held to any FCC standards or rules and regulation, and no one in power (network) exposes these idiots of the dangers posed by constant vitriol attacks on this black man (they could start a race war).
Sadly it is obvious not much has changed in America, because a “black man has no rights a white man is bound to respect”. This is the President of the United States and they treat him like a common criminal.
What happens when you demonize a black man in white society? You put that man’s life in danger.
I honestly believe this is what they want to happen. They do not like the idea of a black man sitting in the white house. The Tea Party Fox News endorsed and promoted was nothing more then a lynch Party.
They are determined to sabotage Obama’s presidency and they don’t give a damn what clauses.

[KillBillV2]

Please Bill, keep it up. I never listen to Rush on the radio, nor do I ever watch Fox News, I think I'd lose IQ points, but tonight my friend just happen to turn it on Greta Van Sustren and what do you know? They were speaking to Rush over the phone, he was claiming that Obama thinks he is "messianic" etc. A lot of h a t e f u l things.

Made me feel d irty!

[-0013]

It's probably wise to only watch, listen, and read media that reinforces your beliefs. That way you don't need to think critically anymore.

[Seltzer]

I don't think your response is a fair one, -0013. There's no reason a thoughtful, rational person should listen to the froth-mouthed rantings of a Sean Hannity or Rush Limbaugh. This is not to say that those of us on the left politically shouldn't challenge our beliefs whenever possible. But when the opposition is so mean-spirited and vicious, ignoring those haters might be the only way to preserve our sanity. Find me a rational right-winger who does more than hurl schoolyard insults and I'll be happy to pay attention. Unfortunately, such commentators are an endangered species in this age of Ann Coulter and Glenn Beck.

[arnray]

You are absolutely correct. If it is raining outside I should try to find a weatherman who will tell me that it is just the sun sweating.

[Nonpartay]

I'm a reformed Conservative myself, but even after my change of heart, I used to love to listen to William F. Buckley because he was smart and funny and actually could articulate his message in a way that wasn't a constant put-down of the opposition. So please don't accuse more liberal folks of not wanting to listen to the other side. If the other side were worth listening to, we would. But I refuse to listen to someone as unamerican as Rush Limbaugh, whose entire life is now spent trying to undermine the duly elected President of the United States. No thank you.

[KillBillV2]

No I love listening to more Independent media, I even think Keith Olbermann is extremely partisan. I even know a lot of my republican friends who feel the same way about Fox News. There is no such thing as "thinking critically" when listening to such l ies coming from a "so-called" news organization. If anything it just reinforces my beliefs that those on Fox are h ateful money hungry people.

[MJinCanada]

I accidently ate a bug once. I don't need to repeat the experience to remember that it was disgusting and without gastronomical merit.

[Amazed42]

what amazes me is that when you listen to Rush and those other talking heads, is that when people call in, they always begin their questions with, "Rush you are a great american" or the like. How on this wonderful planet can anyone say this to someone who is filled with such hatred and dislike for their fellow man is beyond my comprehension, I must admit I have listened to most of these talking heads and have found their commentary quite disturbing, thankfully I found once I stopped listening to them, I could think much more rationally and clearer, and have also since stopped watching the Tube and gotten away from the spun news and when I want to learn of the news both local and world, I spend my time reading articles from several sources and my own opinion of it.

[theyak]

careful now, you just described my older brother. He lives in the insular world of San Diego's suburbs, where "quality people", like Ivan Boesky, frequent the overproced bars, salesmen and "dealmakers" of every stripe sit around and whine about the "non-producers and riff -raff that want to leach off there hard earned gains". Rush gives voice to all the petty hatreds and fears that these people seem to live on, and therefore must be a great American, or else, what would that make them.

[maxfax]

The guy is heartless and ignorant, and people believe him? Someone explain that.

[ebanks84]

The people who listen are probably heartless and ignorant also. Why else would they love him so?

[force fed up]

From what I understand, the majority of his listeners hate him. If they would just stop listening to his drivel, he would quickly go away.

[ladyvader]

The listeners are just sheep.

[Wordstosay]

WE NEED NOT TO SPEAK OF SUCH AGAIN! TOO MUCH ATTENTION IS GIVEN TO THE BOUNCING HEAD! TOUCH! SILENCE SHH! HE WILL GO AWAY! I NEED TO HEAR SOME CLASSICS OF THE 80'S LIKE PHILLIS HYMAN 'S ..."ALL ALONE"

[ebanks84]

Closing our minds and ears will not make this creature disappear.

[force fed up]

tuning out will, actually. No listeners, no advertising, no advertising and his stock drops and suddenly, poof, he's an obscurity.

Seriously, more liberals listen to Rush to froth then conservatives. I know several of them, I ask them all the time why they keep giving him the time of day, usually its because they love to hate him, or I get the lame, "i'm monitoring the 'other side'" excuse.

[progressivegreg]

I was involved with a radio station in a small market back in the early 90's and helped convince the manager that Rush was a good fit on our Am station. Back then he was Funny. Lot's of good bits well thought out humor. Then he started taking himself seriously and lost it! Maybe he gained big numbers, but he sure isn't fun anymore. Can't stand to listen to him anymore.

[TakeNoNeoConPrisoners]

RUSH is just a four letter synonym for HATE.

[ShanniC]

Come on, that was eighteen years ago! Things have definitely changed since then and it is highly unlikely that Rush will ever write another letter like that again to a someone on the other side of the political fence!

[Ellyllon]

I've noticed that he mocks 'heart' and emotion with a degree some might consider pathological. My now ex-husband used to listen to him. (maybe he still does, but I doubt it) That was during the Clinton years. Sometimes, he was funny. (Rush, not my ex) But there was a meanness that was almost infectious in his work - as if he really was some carrier of a contagious hatred, and an underlying fear. After listening to his program for just a short while, anger just seems to permeate those who follow him. It's really quite frightening to behold.

[Evelyne Wallace]

" After listening to his program for just a short while, anger just seems to permeate those who follow him. It's really quite frightening to behold."

I am in total agreement with you. My husband passed away in 2006. I used to wonder why he would come home and pick a fight with me "the liberal". I would always accuse him of listening to Limbaugh (and Hannity) and be brain-washed by them. He seemed to have joined a cult of sorts lead by Limbaugh et al. and was unable to think for himself and often came home angry and dripped with hatred for all liberals or Democrats.
After he passed away, I felt the need to find out why he felt the way he did. I began to listen to what I call "hate radio" starting with Limbaugh. I was listening (even a year after he died) to the same words he used to use on me in our political arguments. I fully understand now why my husband felt the way he did---total indoctrination by the hate radio faction plus Fox News at night filled him with hatred for anything Liberal. How very, very sad. By the way, I just can't stand listening to all of the unpatriotic and twisted hatred coming from the mouths that proclaim that they and only they are the true patriots in this country. It really is quite frightening to behold as you said. Extremely well written by the way!

[KYlawyer]

Just some words from personal experience to add. 20 years ago I was a law student and came from a conservative family and came of age during the Reagan era. I listened to him and swallowed much of what he said. He seemed factual and logical. Of course this was before the rise of the internet when it became easy to fact check Rush's radio bloviations. Soon after I hit the real world, and was able to source things he would say, I figured out it was mostly pretzel logic. I quit listening and as the Bush administration ruined the nation, my politics evolved from center right to center left.

I look back and what I see with the friends and family that still listen and cite his arguments, is that with Rush, you enter a netherworld of right wing thought cocooned and sequestered from the real world. In this universe problems are simple, blame is easy to affix-all on leftists, minorities,etc,, and solutions would be simple, except for the mascinations of the evil liberals. For the true believers it is comforting to know that you are right, and there is no ambiguity to deal with. So you shut out the facts don't support the Limbaugh worldview, and dogmatically defend this view despite all evidence to the contrary. It does become indoctrination and shuts those afflicted from the world of reality.

[winstonian22]

So what would you call that stuff Garafalo said on MSNBC? Was that not hate?

[ebanks84]

Hate begets hate. You cannot constantly preach such foulness without affecting those who listen with that foulness. Listeners become what they hear and most don't even notice how they are emulating the hate.

[Nonpartay]

Perhaps the frog in the slowly heating water analogy might work. People started out listening and he was cool. But gradually he heated up the rhetoric and people didn't even notice, it was so gradual. By the time they figured it out it was too late and the damage was done. My mom became even more critical of liberals after starting to listen to him. We can't even discuss any of this anymore.

[LarrytheTAR]

Oh boy, you guys are inspiring. I feel like discarding my conservative values because one of the messengers is disliked by you. Convince me being liberal is the answer while at the same time making sure Al Gore, Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Nancy Pelosi, etc. are erased from my memory.
Rush may be an aquired taste, but the message is worth the discomfort.

[ColumbusMike]

Just as soon as you are kind enough to erase Tom DeLay, Larry Craig, David Vitter, Dick Army, Eric Can'tor, Mitch McConnell, Michelle Bachman, Phil Graham, Lindsey Graham, Bill Frist, Newt Gingrich, Denny Hastert, Trent Lott, Haley Barbour, Sarah Palin, Karl Rove, Dick Cheney, and George Bush from our memories.

[Yat1954]

More like an acquired DIS-taste. I started off listening to him and enjoyed the different way he presented himself, even if I didn't agree with a lot of his positions. The attacks on liberals in general and the Clintons in particular, including their daughter, just filled me with disgust. I could only think, "How would you feel if someone said that about your child? In front of the whole country?" That just isn't for me.

[winstonian22]

Oooh. You listed a bunch of Republicans. Clever.

[Bronxdude]

You forgot Boris.

[mulishmissourian]

You don't have to be liberal to be reasonable! Most liberals would defend your right to your opinion unless it would lead to violence. Think peace!

[Bernique]

Bill -- keep on posting on this ugly subject. I'll be reading!

[Bill Mann - Huffpost Blogger]

Then you'll love the upcoming piece I'm working on about how the radio business today is a rigged deck, thanks to Congress.

[REXHANDSOM]

your fear of and dependence of Rush Limbaugh is really funny in a perverse way, you must need approval from your lefty friends badly.