Back in the 1990s, when gay bashing was de rigeur among certain segments of the right, a good number of Americans not favorably disposed to people like us became more sympathetic. We Americans don’t have much stomach for scapegoating, at least not in the past forty years.
I have seen Republican candidates lose support from Republican voters in Northern Virginia when they made an issue of a candidate’s sexuality or referenced “homosexuals” overmuch in their campaigns.
By the same token, I’m beginning to see people even here in Hollywood become increasingly sympathetic to Carrie Prejean, not because they like her bleach-blonde hair or her views on gay marriage, but because they’ve had enough with the media making mockery of her and her convictions. Just like those Northern Virginia Republicans becoming annoyed at their fellow partisans fault the gays, they’d just rather people leave her alone.
And now, I wonder if the Administration’s attempt to destroy Rush Limbaugh will backfire and increase his standing not just with his conservative audience, but also with Americans not favorable disposed to his viewpoint . . . or his persona. At the White House Correspondent dinner on Saturday, Wanda Sykes laid only kid gloves on the President, while reserving her rancor for Republicans and their allies in the media, particularly Limbaugh.
She compared the talk show host, not present at the dinner, to Osama bin Laden: “Because I think maybe he was the 20th hijacker. But he was just so strung out on Oxycontin that he missed his flight.” Even she realized she went overboard. Still, she later expressed the hope that his kidneys might fail.
Even self-professed liberal Democrat Nikki Finke thought “her overall performance was inappropriate for the room.” (H/t: Glenn.)
Like Perez Hilton insulting Carrie Prejean, Wanda Sykes, normally quite funny, assumed (quite correctly) that she could get away with replacing gentle jabs with nasty jugular thrusts. Despite her abuse, Rush Limbaugh will do just fine. I’m sure his opening monologue today will be one to remember.
But, more interesting to me will be to see if Camille Paglia comments on the dinner on her blog. She’s sure to roast her fellow Democrats for their mean-spirited attacks. Rush, however, resilient as ever, will relish them. He’s like the Hydra of Greek myth. Cut off one of its heads and two grow in its place.
Now that the Democrats are in power, the more manifest will become the contempt they and their allies in the media hold for conservatives. And the American people will react to them the way they react to most such purveyors of hate.
UPDATE: Pete Wehner offers:
. . . one cannot help but note the extraordinary double standard when it comes to the rhetoric of conservatives and liberals. If a conservative had said something similar about a liberal at the Correspondents’ Dinner, the press would be outraged and in high dudgeon. But because the target was Rush Limbaugh, most in the media appear quietly, or less-than-quietly, satisfied.
Read the whole thing and while you’re at it, check out Toby Harnden’s column.
I disagree with you that this will end up hurting the Democrats, but I do agree with you that Rush Limbaugh is going to be great today. You are also right in the analogy that Rush Limbaugh is the Hydra. Whenever he’s hurt, he thinks it’s the funniest thing since Bob Hope!
And their biggest folly is the refusal to listen to what he says.
How many times will he have to say he wants Obama to fail because he feels that is the only way for America to succeed?
Everything Obama stands for (possibly even his gay marriage stance) is not good for the USA in the long run.
I want his National Health programs to fail.
I want his take over of Banking to fail.
I want his take over of the auto industry to fail.
I want his massive budget to fail.
I want his presidency to fail because that is the only way to preserve the nation I love.
What Obama is doing reminds me of Zimbabwe and Venezuela.
Wanda accused Rush of wanting the Nation to fail.
Wrong.
Projection maybe? Did the left want America to fail when they prayed Bush would fail?
Today’s Rush Show will be a hoot. But he is getting tired of s’plainin’ things to these morons.
Dan, I don’t know if all of this will make Rush Limbaugh a martyr. But I agree with you that it would be better for Democrats and liberals to leave him alone. He feeds on this stuff well, and is able to make his incredible positions more credible.
While the Dems snort and chuckle at the bashing going on, they only seem to be lining the pockets of those they bash. Rush has a consistantly high rating which translate to earnings for him. When the British government announced the banning of Michael Savage, the rating doubled. And look at Fox Network’s shows that are blowing away all the other networks.
Its difficult to listen to this type of talk. The arguments from the left tend to name call, dirty talk, mean spiritied attacks with really no intelligent argument to back up their positions. Its a turnoff because it is just a rant. I try to listen or read the left point of view, but tend to turn it off because there is no substance. The right has their share of rants and strong opinions but they are more supported by facts and data rather than soundbites and opinion.
I doubt this will make Rush a martyr, but Sykes certainly didn’t come across very well at all nor did her side any favors. Eh, Rush is an entertainer and has survived this kind of nonsense before. He will stand or fall depending upon his own work.
Wanda Sykes!
Speaking Truth to the Out-of-Power! What a wonder!
Heard that she also made fun of Bristol Palin with her parents right in the room. Real classy, Wanda!
I hope her kidneys are fine.
Best wishes,
-MFS
Wanda Sykes is a blip on the radar….soon to fade into obscurity. She did not become a popular comic by doing political humor.
Here is another financially successful person (I don’t see her giving away all of her money to help others achieve equal status) spewing bitterness over a “friendly” media audience.
She will be a “what was her name?” soon enough and the Rushs, PJ O’Rourks and Ann Coulters of the world will still be entertaining with wit and class.
I tried to think of a really funny liberal comic but they are all just too bitter.
I am bored already!
What? Where was the criticism of the “9/11 harpies” or that “faggot” comment about Senator Edwards?
Again, conservatives reveal themselves. The problem is, you want everyone to forget about the eight years prior to Obama’s inaugeration, and polls seem to indicate the public is simply not in the mood. We have a senate supermajority, a popular president with a decisive mandate and you just can’t deal. So you need to turn to people like Limbaugh to keep your movement alive and, when others point out the egregious things that he said, and mock him for it, you rush to his defense like the predictable lapdogs the GOP is known for siring.
Again, after all the abuse doled out by the loudmouths on the Right, why should we take this seriously? Some of what Sykes said was inappropriate, I agree, but the defenders of Rush’s honor and Coultergeist simply have no moral standing to complain. Case closed.
Case closed?
I am sure Rush’s ratings will rise this week. I normally don’t listen but will be tuned in.
Wanda is just nasty, not only to Republicans but with anyone she disagrees with as well. She even jokes about abortion.
One thing for sure, the left definately has the lead on who throws their propaganda around best. Their hate jokes & satire, hate videos & movies, and hate music far exceed that coming from the right. I realized that truth which is why turned me to my conservative side after the 2000 election.
I do believe it will all backfire on them eventually. I just hope it isn’t to late to save the country, but then again, the revelation is…
#6 – “Where was the criticism of the “9/11 harpies” or that “faggot” comment about Senator Edwards?”
Uh, that was Ann Coulter who made those epigrams, not Rush Limbaugh. Make sure you get your Daily Kos talking points correct.
Maybe because what Coulter said regarding the left’s sense of martyrdom and victimhood hit a nerve – and that’s the point of a good zinger. It has an element of truth to it.
Of course, that whole “faggot” thing has been disproved now that Silky Pony has fathered a child out of wedlock. Unless the DNA test proves to be negative, in which Johnny is in a whole hell of a lot of trouble now that he’s admitted to having an affair. But since when did that ever stop any Dhimmicrat politicians? In fact, it’s more like a resume-enhancer.
(And speaking of martyrdom/victimhood, Liz Edwards is now milking it for all she’s worth. The only thing that would have made her Oprah interview more fascinating would have been Ann Coulter calling in to her – live – and asking her why she’s being such a crybaby now. You know, the way Liz did to her on MSNBC.)
“Again, after all the abuse doled out by the loudmouths on the Right, why should we take this seriously?”
Abuse? You mean like picking on a sitting governor and claiming that her child is really her daughter’s illegitimate offspring? Or maybe hoping that a former vice president gets waterboarded? Or that they wish they could go back in time and smother a young baby in their crib so that way they don’t grow up to become president?
Oh, wait – that was all done by YOUR side of the aisle against Republicans. Silly me.
“the defenders of Rush’s honor and Coultergeist simply have no moral standing to complain”
You must really be afraid of women to use that name on Ann Coulter. Was mommy too harsh with you growing up?
And speaking of moral authority, your side has none. Case closed.
Regards,
Peter H.
Ah, see Peter, a completely irrational response. Of course I knew it was Coulter; my point was that there was no attempt to curb her out of control “humor” by her fellow conservatives. Even now you legitimize it.
And this is hilarious:
But since when did that ever stop any Dhimmicrat politicians? In fact, it’s more like a resume-enhancer.
Senator Vitter, Congressman Gingrich, Senator McCain….shall I go on? Do you live in a bubble?
Oh, wait – that was all done by YOUR side of the aisle against Republicans. Silly me.
It is funny that you mention that (and also ask if my DailyKos talking points are up to speed) because when such comments were made they were heavily criticized on that site (I was participating there during the primaries and general election). On the other hand, jabs at Senator Clinton’s sexuality, ranting about then Senator Obama’s birth certificate and pastor, etc. were all tolerated by the denizens of Free Republic and other outlets, and mainstreamed by the likes of Limbaugh, Coulter and Hannity. Again, unless you spoke out against that (as opposed to legitimizing it, which is what you are doing here) you have no standing to complain of anything that happens on the “other side.”
Coultergeist is a perfectly appropriate term for someone who consistently refuses to extend even basic respect to her political opponents. Since you defend (or fail to condemn) her use of a homophobic slur against Senator Edwards, I’m not surprised that you find her beyond criticism. Most Americans, however, find her act disgusting.
I thought our new young President was going to bring a new tone, change to DC. I expected a change, him listening to all Americans, bringing us all together. What a fraud. We were misled. Two days after another 550,000 Americans lost their jobs. A month after the most soldiers lose their lives since he took office, he’s sitting there laughing and chuckling. How sad. Now this morning it is announced Obama’s record breaking budget deficiet….4 TIMES as high as the previous record!! Holy cow. What a mess. Aren’t there any adults around?
I see Alec practices the same bitter speech as Ms. Sykes.
And “the case” is certainly NOT closed….
And who is the “we” in your comment?
Do you think Obama and his progressives care about you?
I assume you are giving away your income to help equalize the haves and have nots.
NO WINNERS OR LOSERS, eh? Good for you!
Well from my perspective we are ALL losers under the Obama Administration.
Why work, I will just sit back and wait for my golden check. Oh wait, if I quit what will happen to my 90 employees……???
Never mind, Obama has a plan for them too!
God bless us everyone……
#9 – “my point was that there was no attempt to curb her out of control “humor” by her fellow conservatives”
Why is it always the leftists who want to “control” other people’s emotions and responses? Answer – because you are all manipulative pigs a la Animal Farm. Or a bunch of Thought Police.
Funny, too, that the same crowd that is always demanding that “government should stay out of our bedrooms” doesn’t find the hypocrisy in wanting others to be controlled through laws and/or punishment.
“Do you live in a bubble?”
No, but I did spend the night at a Holiday Inn Express if that counts.
Funny how you could only name 3 Republicans who have had extramarital affairs – I could fill up the entire blog with just the Kennedy family alone. But I digress.
“On the other hand, jabs at Senator Clinton’s sexuality, ranting about then Senator Obama’s birth certificate and pastor, etc. were all tolerated by the denizens of Free Republic and other outlets, and mainstreamed by the likes of Limbaugh, Coulter and Hannity.”
I’m not sure what you are trying to say here, so I’ll take a stab in the dark:
I for one have ZERO interest in Sen. Clinton’s sexuality or lack thereof. However, questions about why The Snob is withholding his personal information (birth certificate, college transcripts etc.) and why the Drool-By Media did not properly vet him during the campaign is a worthwhile question. As is his 20-plus years sitting in the pews at Jeremiah Wright’s church, where black liberation theology was expounded.
Is it also just me, or do others find the facts that (a) The Snob still has not found a church in DC to worship in and (b) he publicly avoided the National Day of Prayer – to be rather distressing? Maybe because he has yet to find a congregation that prays to HIM, perhaps? Oh, wait, he already does – it’s called the media.
Moving onward:
“Coultergeist is a perfectly appropriate term for someone who consistently refuses to extend even basic respect to her political opponents.”
Tell you what, guy – I promise to extend the same courtesy and respect to Dear Teleprompter that you and your ilk did for the last 8 years against GWB. Sound fair to you? No? Oh, why not? After all, we were all told that “dissent is the highest form of patriotism.” And I’m not a Gay Patriot for nothing.
“Since you defend (or fail to condemn) her use of a homophobic slur against Senator Edwards, I’m not surprised that you find her beyond criticism.”
Let’s turn this statement around, shall we? Since YOU fail to condemn people on your side of the aisle for both bigoted and homophobic slurs – like WV Sen Robert Byrd (D-KKK) using the word “nigger” and former DC mayor Marion Barry for voting against DC’s recognition of same-sex unions by saying he didn’t like “those people” – then we can safely assume that you implictly approve of them.
Match, set, game. You lose. Have a nice day.
Regards,
Peter H.
Listening to Rush now, the guy is amazing, he has started his show talking about Dick Cheney and his love for his country. Rush has no need to respond to Wanda Sykes, he is using this first opening monologue to talk serious politics.
That is what makes him so successful, he knew the number of listeners would be much higher at the opening of the show, and he uses the time for a serious topic.
Must drive Alec crazy, he wanted a foaming angry Rush so he could show us all how mean we conservatives are.
Ah, Peter, your irrationality knows few bounds.
I mean, do you really want me to go draining the Republican swamp on adultery and other questionable sexual behavior? Senator Craig, Mark Foley, Vito Fossella, Jim Gibbons, Don Sherwood, Jack Ryan, Ed Schrock, Donald Lukens, Dan Burton, Henry Hyde, Jim Bunn, Ken Calvert….shall I go on?
I don’t want to “control” Coulter. Social pressure to conform to basic standards of decency and propriety are to be condemned now? Hmm….I didn’t realize the conservatives had all but given up. Who said anything about laws and punishment, apart from you? Again, you’re good with strawmen…can you address the actual points made from now on?
I promise to extend the same courtesy and respect to Dear Teleprompter that you and your ilk did for the last 8 years against GWB. Sound fair to you? No? Oh, why not? After all, we were all told that “dissent is the highest form of patriotism.” And I’m not a Gay Patriot for nothing.
Please do. I’m glad you discovered dissent; a pity it took the Republican Party eight years to do so, but better late than never.
Since YOU fail to condemn people on your side of the aisle for both bigoted and homophobic slurs – like WV Sen Robert Byrd (D-KKK) using the word “nigger” and former DC mayor Marion Barry for voting against DC’s recognition of same-sex unions by saying he didn’t like “those people” – then we can safely assume that you implictly approve of them.
See, but liberals *have* condemned those statements. I’ll go a step further: Senator Byrd is also an anti-gay bigot, and unlike his racism I don’t believe he has ever repented for his support of the Defense of Marriage Act and his senate floor condemnation of gay relationships. And plenty of people have condemned Barry. Now you’re just being silly.
Leah,
I listen to Rush every once in a while. Know thy enemy. But no, it doesn’t drive me nuts that he hasn’t responded. Even bad apples have some virtues.
Has he addressed the special election that put Scott Murphy in Congress? Or is that now a bitter memory? 🙂
Dan, I think you’re correct on the point about the farLeft, the WH, the MSM actually help make RushBlow a martyr rather than giving people a credible reason or excuse NOT to listen or follow. Same goes for OReilly et al at Fox.
He’s a lot like Obama, he can take almost any potshot or even well-earned slam and turn it into lemonade… and sell it for twice its cost. And get you to smile while he’s a-doing it. And come back for more. Again and again. Over and over. All the way to the bank.
I was wondering where was the courage of the WH in allowing a conservative comedian come forward for a little MC’ing time like the Bush WH allowed with StevenColbert. Instead, all we got was more worship time from the adjunct MSM comedy types… CNN declares the evening was “magical”; ABC said it was “glittering”; CBS said “Michele never looked so good and the Prez more at ease”. Worship is the new currency of the realm.
Obama & Crew help RushBlow everytime they take aim at him. I think RushBlow knew that last fall and, I think, was hoping for an Obama win. Like the farRight soc-cons, there was element inside the electorate that knew electing an adversary would be good business for them. It’s as manipulative and cynical and self-serving as you can get. And it’s not beyond RushBlow and others.
Don’t cry for Rush, Dan. He’s more than capable of wringing out empathy from his listeners while Obama & Crew make him into a martyr for the Right.
Alec Spewed
Please do. I’m glad you discovered dissent; a pity it took the Republican Party eight years to do so, but better late than never.
*yawn* that old chestnut? It’s been more debunked than Rosie’s belief that fire doesn’t melt steel.
Please check your talking points and try again.
It has been debunked only by people who refuse to see it. Tea bagger protests were nowhere to be found 2001-2008. Except, perhaps, among the Birchers, but it isn’t like the GOP paid them much mind.
#16 – “Ah, Peter, your irrationality knows few bounds.”
Sounds like a case of projection to me.
And it also sounds as if you agreed with me that the GOP and independent conservatives should give Dear Teleprompter the same attention that your side did to our president for the past 8 years. Thanks for admitting the truth for once.
“I mean, do you really want me to go draining the Republican swamp on adultery and other questionable sexual behavior?”
Actually, I don’t recognize any of those other names except for Mark Foley (who only texted a page, unlike Gerry Studds – who actually raped one), Larry Craig and Henry Hyde (what exactly did HE do that was so annoying to the left, besides handle Slick Willie’s impeachment?).
I do not construct so-called “strawman arguments.” I will, however, disagree with the premise of any arguments that I believe are not legitimate.
“liberals *have* condemned those statements”
Really? Name some.
“Senator Byrd is also an anti-gay bigot, and unlike his racism I don’t believe he has ever repented for his support of the Defense of Marriage Act and his senate floor condemnation of gay relationships.”
Yet you will never see the anti-Prop 8 people trying to get him out of the Senate, or hear anyone on that side of the aisle do anything but excuse him. If “Sheets” was so offensive and violently anti-gay, how come you are the first one to point it out?
“And plenty of people have condemned Barry.”
Again, please provide names and I’ll believe you.
“Now you’re just being silly.”
Hey Alec, the Kettle just called and said, “Same to you!” 😉
Regards,
Peter H.
PS – Your last name is Baldwin, right?
Ah Petey, here we go again.
By all means, YES! Treat Obama just like you treated Clinton. I doubt you’ll have any sex scandals to drag up, but please do! People responded very positively to the drip drip drip smear machine in 2008, and man, did he suffer for it in the primary! I understand that you have little else to do now that the Decider’s legacy is beyond rehabilitation, and I welcome it. I’m sure the public will respond, eventually.
The guy Studds had sex with consented and was over the age of consent (16 in DC; he was 17 at the time). So criticize it all you like, it wasn’t rape by any stretch of the imagination. I understand that you are reduced to lies in order to protect the imaginary bubble universe you’ve constructed from imploding, but can’t the lies be a little more difficult to spot? In the meantime, Foley apparently solicited sex (or may have) with a minor online (minor for federal purposes being under 18), and there were indications that there was an improper relationship with a young male page in CA. Apples and oranges.
As for Marion Barry, he’s been ripped across the blogosphere and in the media for his views. The DC gay Democratic club did condemn him:
As for Hyde, well, people in glass houses…
Plenty of people were critical of Senator Byrd at the time. If you believe we should primary him, where are all the independent conservatives when it comes to primarying oh, all of the sitting GOP senators (save the ladies from Maine , until a week or so ago, the gentleman from Pennsylvania) on that issue?
Give me a break.
OK Mr. Baldwin, so you show ONE group of liberal LGBTs who have yanked their support of Marion Barry. Just one. Where are the rest? After all, you said “plenty of people have condemned Barry.” I don’t see plenty of people in just one example.
Also, you have still to submit any proof that there are LGBTs in WV or DC who have condemned “Sheets” Byrd (D-KKK) for his anti-gay voting record. Maybe because there AREN’T any.
And you twisted yourself into prezel-shaped logic where you excused Gerry Studds’ statutory rape (again, it was with a minor so don’t even try to gloss over that fact) yet believed that Foley was “apparently soliciting sex” (your words) but with no evidence to prove it!
Hint, Mr. Baldwin – as of yet, there are no such things as “thought crimes” for anyone. Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? (Oh, wait – that doesn’t apply to anyone in the GOP according to the Dhimmicrats. Silly me.)
I still don’t see your point about Rep. Hyde except you are still mad about the House impeaching your favorite jerk-off fantasy named Slick Willie. Get over it, it was ten years ago. Move on.
Regards,
Peter H.
Let’s see… Perez Hilton, Jeanine Garofolo, Wanda Sykes. Very little tolerance for free speech among ’em.
BTW, what ever happened to Rosie O’Donnell?
20.
Bzzzt, thank you for playing Alec as has been shown previously there was complaints about President Bush from the right for spending too much.
But hey, you keep telling yourself you’re right. Who knows, in some alternate universe, it would be true.
Alec–please provide evidence of a conservative comedian at a bipartisan function calling for the death of an outspoken liberal. That you would use the term “tea bagger” protests diminishes your credibility on this issue. Only those who wish to smear them use such a term.
And BTW, the deficits were declining in W’s second term–until the election of a Democratic Congress.
Alec,
When you start criticizing your side as much as Bruce and Dan have criticized the Republicans on this blog, I’ll start taking your seriously.
You had no problem with all the hate thrown at Bush and the Republicans for 8 years, because of course they deserved it. Now that your side is in power they are still behaving like spoiled five year olds and all you can say is – you guys are critical enough for me!
I’ve never seen anybody work so hard at polishing bullshit like Alec does. Must be tuckered out.
It’s amusing that he gets all apoplectic about Mark Foley, but couldn’t care less about the “everyone knows gays are pedophiles” angle that was pushed by the left.
“BTW, what ever happened to Rosie O’Donnell?”
Not enough!
I hear that Dear Teleprompter had his first-ever colonoscopy last week. The doctors removed two benign polyps and the entire MSNBC network.
Regards,
Peter H.
very funny Peter!
No doubt they found Olberfrau swinging from his balls. The rumor is that Levi’s jealous.
Would that be an MRI? Most people have to be examined through the rear, but a total whatever needs a body scan, no?
#33 – The two things are different, helio. A colonscopy involves just the rectum; an MRI scans the entire body.
PS – It was a joke. 😉
Regards,
Peter H.
Funny, Alec disappeared from this thread.
Does anyone really take what celebrities say seriously anymore? These people are so out of touch with reality it’s scary. When was the last time any of them ever stepped foot inside a modern grocery store much less a 7-11. Hey, Hollywood, spread some of that wealth my way!
#34 Peter, I suggested the MRI because I consider The One to be an anal portal from head to toe. There are times I wish I could use the vernacular as the seven letter word which names the anal portal and also describes a lying, deceitful, arrogant person is without parallel in proper semantics.
#37 – Got it. He’s a human a$$hole.
(Sometimes you have to spell it out for me early in the morning before I have my third cup of coffee.)
Regards,
Peter H.