Failure to ‘rush' to judgment hurts GOP

On February 29^th Rush Limbaugh trained his heavy artillery on the testimony of Sandra Fluke, a Georgetown University Law student, before the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. She had testified in favor of mandated health coverage for contraceptives.  He did so during one of his weekly broadcasts of the Rush Limbaugh Show that airs on the radio.

Mr. Limbaugh called Ms Fluke a slut, a prostitute, and a feminazi.  He defines feminazis as persons for whom the most important thing in life is ensuring that as many abortions as possible occur.  Mr. Limbaugh also called upon Ms Fluke to videotape her sexual encounters and post them on the Internet.

Since then, Mr. Limbaugh has aired an apology of sorts saying; “I chose the wrong words in my analogy.”  President Obama has called Ms. Fluke and expressed his personal regret over what she has had to endure.  And, given the fact that these events occurred during the run-up to the GOP Super Tuesday primaries, several of the Republicans have also commented.  The front-runner, Mitt Romney, has said, “I won’t weigh in on that particular controversy.”

But what people say, or choose not to say, has consequences.  And in this case the consequences are likely to be far-reaching and profound. 

When Rush speaks many listen.  His broadcast is the highest rated radio program in America.  In November of 2008 a poll by Zogby International found that Rush Limbaugh was the most trusted news personality in the nation.  Mr. Limbaugh’s bombastic persona has catapulted him into a place of prominence, influence, and great wealth.  He attended Southeast Missouri State University for a couple of years, but dropped out.  According to his mother, “he flunked everything.”  But the absence of much formal education has not stood in the way of his ability to amass great wealth.  In 2008 he signed an 8-year contract for his syndicated radio show that was worth $400 million dollars.

And there can be little doubt that Mr. Limbaugh revels in his ability to cast a giant and foreboding shadow over the landscape of the Republican Party.  That shadow has helped convince him that he can do no wrong.  But, of course, like all of us, he has feet of clay just as the Prophet Daniel said of King Nebuchadnezzar.

But in this matter Mr. Limbaugh is small potatoes.  He’s an unrepentant misogynist who will never comprehend the obligations that his privileged position demand of his behavior.  After all, he’s learned that regurgitating hatred inflates his ratings and feeds his cash cow.

But the larger matter here is how the Republican Party has chosen to deal with this matter.  Recall Mr. Romney’s dismissive comment, “I won’t weigh in on that particular controversy.”  What’s he really saying?  He’s saying, given the choice between crossing Rush’s bow and defending Ms. Fluke, he’s with Rush.  His response is morally offensive, disgusting, and politically stupid.  It’s driven by fear that angering Mr. Limbaugh might have deleterious consequences for him as he staggers toward the GOP nomination.  His words provide us with a chilling insight into his character. 

But more than that, his words demonstrate that he is oblivious to the political damage to his quest for the Presidency that he has inflicted upon himself.  All women, and many men too, have been sickened by Mr. Limbaugh’s outburst.  Moreover, most of those women, and men, are going to vote this November.

And you can count on the fact that the Obama Campaign will remind the nation this fall about Mr. Limbaugh’s tirade and Mr. Romney’s cowardice. 

Suburban women are one of the most pivotal voting blocks in the America.  How they vote can be determinative in electoral rich, swing states like Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida.

Since the next crucial primary is in Illinois this coming Tuesday, let’s take a look at the Land of Lincoln. Understanding how Illinois will vote in a Presidential election is straightforward.  The City of Chicago will vote Democratic.  The small towns and farms downstate will vote Republican.  The balance hangs in the “Collar Counties”, Will, Kane, DuPage, McHenry, and Lake, which surround Chicago.

Here you have middle class and affluent families who have traditionally been more Republican, than Democratic.  These voters are overwhelmingly conservative on fiscal and economic issues, yet moderate to liberal on social and cultural issues.  And this bias toward moderation on social issues is especially prevalent among these suburban women.

Once reminded of Mr. Limbaugh’s vitriol and Mr. Romney’s fearful acquiescence to it, they will take their revenge at the polls on November 6^th.  If Mitt Romney becomes the GOP standard bearer, his character flaw will bury him and the GOP next fall.  Stupid is as stupid does.

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