Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Bill Posey

2013-02-28T15:16:53Z

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Tom Rooney

2013-02-28T15:16:24Z

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Frederica Wilson

2013-02-28T15:15:45Z

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{{Officeholder
|name=Frederica Wilson
|party=[[Democratic]]
|spouse=widowed
|religion=[[Episcopalian]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Florida
|district=17th
|terms=January 3, 2011 - Present
|preceded=[[Kendrick Meek]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}

}}
'''Frederica Wilson''' (born November 5, 1942) is the [[Democrat]]ic U.S. Representative from Florida's 17th congressional district, succeeding [[Kendrick Meek]], who retired to run for the [[U.S. Senate]]. She was previously a member of [[Florida]]'s State Senate and State House of Representatives.

==Early Life and Education==
Wilson was born to Beulah Finley and Thirlee Smith in Overtown, a community near Miami, Florida, and raised in Liberty City.<ref>[http://wilson.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=2&sectiontree=2 Biography]</ref>
==Private sector==
==Political career==
===Florida State House of Representatives===
===Florida State Senate===
===U.S. House of Representatives===
==Political views==
==Public criticism==
==Personal life==

==References==
<references/>
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wilson, Frederica}}
[[Category:Florida]]
[[Category:Democratic Party]]
[[Category:United States Representatives]]

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

2013-02-28T15:15:17Z

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Ted Deutch

2013-02-28T15:14:28Z

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Debbie Wasserman Schultz

2013-02-28T15:13:06Z

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{{Officeholder
|name=Debbie Wasserman Schultz
|image=Debbie_Schultz,.jpg
|party=[[Democrat]]
|spouse=Steve Schultz
|religion=Jewish
|offices=
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Florida
|district=20th
|terms=January 3, 2005 - Present
|preceded=Peter Deutsch
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}

}}

'''Debbie Wasserman Schultz''' (b. September 27, 1966) is the [[Democrat]] U.S. representative from Florida's 20th district. She was appointed Democratic National Committee Chair by President [[Barack Hussein Obama]] in May 2011. Schultz is a [[liberal]] who supports [[gay rights]], [[abortion]], and is anti-second amendment.

==Early Life and Education==
Schultz was born to Larry and Ann Wasserman in Queens, New York and grew up in Long Island. She attended the [[University of Florida]], earning her bachelor's degree there in 1988 and her master's degree in 1990. Both degrees were for political science.<ref>[http://wassermanschultz.house.gov/about/biography.shtml Biography]</ref>

==Political career==
===Florida State House of Representatives===
===Florida State Senate===
===United States House of Representatives===
===DNC Chairwoman===
President Obama nominated her for Chairwoman in April 2011 and the Democratic National Committee confirmed her appoinment on May 4, 2011. Immediately, Schultz began attacking Republicans. She lied about [[Paul Ryan]]'s [[Medicare]] plan, stating it would deny care to seniors with preexisting medical conditions. <ref>[http://newsbusters.org/blogs/nb-staff/2011/06/01/open-thread-dnc-chair-lies-about-ryan-medicare-plan#ixzz1OdjLjbsu DNC Chair lies about Ryan Medicare plan]</ref> She called Republicans "anti-women" and that they wanted to bring back [[Jim Crow]] laws. Mitt Romney publically said that Obama's policies have failed, to which she replied "Mitt should look in the mirror." In another statement, Schultz claimed that Republicans think that [[illegal immigration]] is a crime. <ref>[http://newsbusters.org/blogs/fred-lucas/2011/05/31/dnc-chair-republicans-believe-illegal-immigration-should-be-crime Illegal immigration should be a crime]</ref> Also, she claimed if it were up to Republicans, we would all be driving foreign-built cars. It was noted that she owns a 2010 Japanese-made Infiniti FX35.

==Political views==
Schultz supports gay marriage and abortion. She also supported the [[Occupy Wall Street]]-movement.<ref>http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2011/10/11/debbie_wasserman_schultz_fully_embraces_occupy_movement.html</ref>

==Public criticism==
In her short time as Chair, she has already made a number of foolish statements.

==Personal life==
Schultz has been married to her husband Steve for 20 years. The couple and their three children (Shelby, Jake and Rebecca) live in Weston, Florida.<ref>[http://wassermanschultz.house.gov/about/biography.shtml Biography]</ref>

She is a [[breast cancer]] survivor, having been diagnosed in December 2007. She underwent seven surgeries while continuing to work and take care of her family.<ref>[http://www.sun-sentinel.com/health/lifevictories/sfl-breast-cancer-congresswoman-091809,0,3611.story Representative shares her cancer story]</ref>

==References==
<references/>

==External Links==
* [http://www.house.gov/schultz/ Official Government Website]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaYb389Y7OQ American Crossroads "Debbie Downer" Video]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Schultz, Debbie Wasserman}}
[[Category:Florida]]
[[Category:Democratic Party]]
[[Category:United States Representatives]]
[[Category:Obama Presidency]]
[[Category:Liberals]]
[[Category:Women]]
[[Category:American Jews]]

Mario Diaz-Balart

2013-02-28T15:12:35Z

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{{Officeholder
|name=Mario Diaz-Balart
|image=MarioDiazBalart.jpg‎
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Tia Diaz-Balart
|religion=[[Roman Catholic]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Florida
|district=21st
|terms=January 3, 2011-present
|preceded=[[Lincoln Diaz-Balert]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Florida
|district=25th
|terms=January 3, 2003-January 3, 2011
|preceded=None (New district created after 2000 Census)
|former=y
|succeeded=[[David Rivera]]
}}

}}

'''Mario Diaz-Balart''' (born September 25, 1961 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida) is the [[Republican]] [[U.S. Representative]] from [[Florida]]'s 21st Congressional District, elected in November, 2010 to fill the seat vacated by his brother, Representative [[Lincoln Diaz-Balert]]. Prior to 2010, Diaz-Balert served as the U.S Representative from Florida's 25th Congressional District from 2002. He is a member of the House Budget Committee, Science and Technology Committee, and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Diaz-Balart, Mario}}
==External Links==
*[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=B000589 Congressional Biography]
*[http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/ Official House website]

[[Category:Florida]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category:United States Representatives]]
[[Category:110th United States Congress]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]

Mario Diaz-Balart

2013-02-28T15:12:24Z

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{{Officeholder
|name=Mario Diaz-Balart
|image=MarioDiazBalart.jpg‎
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Tia Diaz-Balart
|religion=[[Roman Catholic]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Florida
|district=25th
|terms=January 3, 2013 - present
|preceded=[[David Rivera]]
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Florida
|district=21st
|terms=January 3, 2011 - January 3, 2013
|preceded=Lincoln Diaz-Balert
|succeeded=[[Ted Deutch]]
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Florida
|district=25th
|terms=January 3, 2003 - January 3, 2011
|preceded=None (New district created after 2000 Census)
|succeeded=[[David Rivera]]
}}

}}

'''Mario Diaz-Balart''' (born September 25, 1961, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida), a [[Republican]], is the [[United States Representative]] for [[Florida]]'s 25th congressional district. He was first elected to the House in 2002 to represent the newly created 25th district. In 2010 he was elected to fill the seat vacated by his brother, Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balert, representing the 21st district, before returning to the 25th in 2013. He is a member of the [[House Committee on Appropriations]].<ref>http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/committees/</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External Links==
*[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=B000589 Congressional Biography]
*[http://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/ Official House website]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Diaz-Balart, Mario}}

[[Category:United States Representatives]]
[[Category:110th United States Congress]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:Florida]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]

Alcee Hastings

2013-02-28T15:11:28Z

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{{Officeholder
|name=Alcee Hastings
|image=AlceeHastings.jpg
|party=[[Democrat]]
|spouse=divorced
|religion=Methodist Episcopal
|offices=
{{Officeholder/representative
|state= Florida
|district=23rd
|terms=January 3, 1993 - Present
|preceded=new seat
|former=n
|succeeded=none
}}

}}

'''Alcee Hastings''' is a [[liberal]] [[Democrat]] representing [[Florida]] in [[Congress]] since 1992. He was U.S. [[District Court]] judge appointed by [[Jimmy Carter]] for the Southern District of Florida from 1979 to 1989, until he was [[impeached and removed]] from office for [[corruption]] and [[perjury]]. He was only the sixth federal judge to be impeached and removed from office in American history. He ran successfully for the U.S. House in 1992.<ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2007/6/10/115916.shtml?s=al&promo_code=353D-1 Hillary Names Impeached Judge as Co-Chair], ''NewsMax.com'', June 10, 2007.</ref>

==Obamacare==
In a classic comment showing disdain for the [[Constitution]] and the rule of law, Hastings admits, ''"There ain't no rules here, we're trying to accomplish something...All this talk about rules...When the deal goes down...we make 'em up as we go along."''<ref>[http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=OGM0ZjlhMDRkMzBmM2ZhMmY4MmExOTNhMWM5NDUyMTk=&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter Rules? This. Is. Congress!, National Review Online, March 20, 2010]</ref>

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT: Hastings, Alcee}}
[[Category:Corruption]]
[[Category:United States Judges]]
[[Category:Reagan Era]]
[[Category:Liberals]]

Alcee Hastings

2013-02-28T15:11:15Z

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{{Officeholder
|name=Alcee Hastings
|image=AlceeHastings.jpg
|party=[[Democrat]]
|spouse=divorced
|religion=Methodist Episcopal
|offices=
{{Officeholder/representative
|state= Florida
|district=20th
|terms=January 3, 2013 - present
|preceded=[[Debbie Wasserman Schultz]]
|succeeded=none
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state= Florida
|district=23rd
|terms=January 3, 1993 - January 3, 2013
|preceded=new seat
|succeeded=[[Debbie Wasserman Schultz]]
}}

}}

'''Alcee Hastings''' is a [[liberal]] [[Democrat]] [[United States Representative]] for [[Florida]]'s 20th congressional district. He was first elected to the House in 1992 to represent the newly created 23rd district.

Hastings was U.S. [[District Court]] judge appointed by President [[Jimmy Carter]] for the Southern District of Florida from 1979 to 1989, until he was [[impeached and removed]] from office for [[corruption]] and [[perjury]]. He was only the sixth federal judge to be impeached and removed from office in American history.<ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2007/6/10/115916.shtml?s=al&promo_code=353D-1 Hillary Names Impeached Judge as Co-Chair], ''NewsMax.com'', June 10, 2007.</ref>

==Obamacare==
In a comment showing disdain for the [[Constitution]] and the rule of law, Hastings said, "There ain't no rules here, we're trying to accomplish something.... All this talk about rules.... When the deal goes down ... we make 'em up as we go along."<ref>[http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=OGM0ZjlhMDRkMzBmM2ZhMmY4MmExOTNhMWM5NDUyMTk=&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter Rules? This. Is. Congress!, National Review Online, March 20, 2010]</ref>

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT: Hastings, Alcee}}
[[Category:Corruption]]
[[Category:United States Judges]]
[[Category:Reagan Era]]
[[Category:Liberals]]

David Rivera

2013-02-28T15:10:56Z

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'''David Rivera''' is a member of the [[Florida]] House of Representatives and [[Republican]] U.S. Representative-elect from Florida's 25th congressional district, succeeding [[Mario Diaz-Balart]].

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rivera, David}}
[[Category:Representatives-elect]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category:Florida]]

Rush Limbaugh

2013-02-28T15:10:09Z

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[[Image:RushLimbaugh 1.jpg|right|200px]]
'''Rush Limbaugh''' (born January 12, 1951) is an American radio talk show host popular with an older, largely male, audience. The typical listener to Rush Limbaugh and conservative talk radio is a 67-year-old male. Married and divorced three times -- and now married for the fourth time -- Limbaugh participated in the [[media bullying]] of [[Todd Akin]] in August 2012, along with other [[RINO Backers]].<ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0812/80003.html#ixzz253Tv1IjT</ref><ref>http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2012/08/21/akin_s_remark_was_stupid_and_untrue_now_he_must_put_the_nation_s_future_first</ref>

== Media bullying of Todd Akin ==
Congressman Todd Akin is the [[Republican Party]] nominee for one of the most-watched races for the [[U.S. Senate]] in 2012. He has represented a portion of the greater [[St. Louis]], [[Missouri]] area in the [[House of Representatives]] since 2000 (Missouri's 2nd congressional district).

On August 19, 2012, in a local television interview with KTVI, Akin rejected a suggestion that there should be a broad [[rape]] exception to limits on [[abortion]]. He distinguished between an actual rape and a false allegation of rape by referring to the former as a "legitimate rape," terminology that the [[liberal media]] then unfairly took out of context to engage in demagoguery against him.

Perhaps fearful of losing an advertiser, even though he's already made millions by pretending to be [[conservative]], Limbaugh piled on with the [[media bullying]] against Akin. He called Akin's comment "stupid" and then, illustrating his foolish self-centeredness, declared that "If I had demanded Akin drop out, he’d be gone."<ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0812/80003.html#ixzz253Tv1IjT</ref> Limbaugh added, "What I think Mr. Akin should try to realize here as he makes his decision is that all of these things that he truly cares about will be much easier to make happen if we win the Senate and the White House and hold the House this November. He must put the nation and its future ahead of everything else that he's considering. And I hope he comes to the right conclusion."<ref>http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2012/08/21/akin_s_remark_was_stupid_and_untrue_now_he_must_put_the_nation_s_future_first</ref>

True conservatives stood with principle and defended Akin's remarks, and his right to remain in the race.<ref>http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=004DDFAC-6907-452E-93F5-62D3793BBABE</ref><ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/wp/2012/08/21/tony-perkins-gop-treatment-of-akin-suspect/</ref><ref>http://www.rollcall.com/news/missouri_delegates_still_support_todd_akin_despite_controversy-217050-1.html</ref><ref>http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57497428-503544/rep-steve-king-backs-up-todd-akin-weighs-in-on-rape-and-abortion/</ref><ref>[http://mycn2.com/politics/rand-paul-reticent-to-weigh-in-on-akin-s-future-but-says-akin-s-comment-was-incorrect Rand Paul reticent to weigh in on Akin's future but says Akin's comment was incorrect] by Ryan Alessi, mycn2.com, August 22, 2012, retrieved August 24, 2012</ref><ref>http://akin.org/huckabee-chip-in</ref><ref>http://hinterlandgazette.com/2012/08/social-conservatives-including-frc-head-tony-perkins-defending-rep-todd-akins-legitimate-rape-comment.html</ref><ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0812/80049.html</ref><ref>http://buchanan.org/blog/a-grand-old-party-in-panic-2-5223</ref>

== Early Years ==
Rush Hudson Limbaugh III was born in 1951 in Cape Girardeau, [[Missouri]]. At age 16, he chose to explore his passion for broadcasting by working as a [[disc jockey]], hosting a radio show in his hometown. After four years, he left for [[Pittsburgh]] to work for the former [[ABC News|ABC]] owned and operated ''KQV''. Following his work as a disc jockey, Rush briefly left broadcasting for [[business]], joining the [[Kansas City Royals]] as Director of Group Sales, and then Director of Sales and Special Events. In 1983, he re-entered radio as a political commentator for ''KMBZ'' in [[Kansas City]]. A year later, in 1984, Rush dropped out of [[college]] after his freshman year to pursue work full-time as a disk jockey, when ''KFBK'' in [[Sacramento]], [[California]] hired him to host a talk show that reveled in controversy about conservative politics. Limbaugh tripled the program's ratings in four years. From there, in 1988 he went on to [[New York]] where the record-breaking national show, the ''EIB Network'', was born.

On August 1, 1988, Rush launched his phenomenally successful radio broadcast into national syndication, with 56 radio stations. More than 20 years later the show is heard on nearly 600 stations by up to 20 million people each week and is the highest-rated national radio talk show in America. Rush was awarded the "Syndicated Radio Personality" of the year by the [[National Association of Broadcasters]] in 1992, 1995, 2000, and 2005. He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1993 and National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1998. Rush Limbaugh has been labeled as the savior of AM radio by broadcast industry leaders, sometimes called the "Doctor of Democracy."<ref name=doctor>[http://www.twoifbytea.com/doctor.php Rush Limbaugh, the "Doctor of Democracy"], [[Two If By Tea|TwoIfByTea.com]].</ref>

== Radio ==
Limbaugh hosts a radio show famed for its incisive criticism of the follies of liberalism. He is often at odds with liberal activists, such as [[Al Franken]], who wrote a book entitled ''"Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot". Limbaugh habitually refers to [[feminists]] who support [[abortion]] as ''feminazis'' and to his own self as having "talent on loan from God". Sensitive about his own schooling, he ridicules the college educated as the "Arts & Croissant Crowd."

Limbaugh's conservative talk show is nationally syndicated and averages over 16-20 million listeners weekly, making him the #1 radio talk show host in America.
<ref>[http://www.talkers.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=34 The Top Talk Radio Audiences] Talkers magazine online</ref> In July 2008, Rush announced "he has renewed his contract with Premiere Radio Networks and Clear Channel Radio, continuing syndication of his show 'many years into the future.'" <ref>[http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=27326 Rush Renews Contract], ''[[Human Events]]'', July, 2, 2008</ref>

=== Audience ===
Limbaugh's fans enjoy his bluster and bombast, but behind it there is a substantive defense of a coherent political philosophy. He makes politics engaging and entertaining, producing an audience more eager to seek out other sources of information. Limbaugh "dittoheads" consume more print news than do non-listeners. Like Fox News viewers, Limbaugh fans are more likely to tune in to presidential debates. Far from making people cynical or indifferent toward public affairs, Limbaugh reinforces his audience's disposition to participate in the political process.<ref>Jamieson and Cappella (2008) </ref>

Conservative Republicans are in his audience, but educational attainment, family income, and race do not predict who listens. Listening to Limbaugh is significantly correlated with public affairs information. He is not merely an entertainer and people who listen to him regularly are very well informed on public affairs. However, his radio audience is smaller than the TV audiences of conservative commentators [[Bill O'Reilly]] and [[Sean Hannity]].<ref> Stephen Earl Bennett, " Who Listens to Rush Limbaugh's Radio Program and the Relationship Between Listening to Limbaugh and Knowledge of Public Affairs, 1994-2006," ''Journal of Radio & Audio Media,'' May 2009, Vol. 16 Issue 1, p66-82, in [[EBSCO]]</ref>

=== Poking fun at Obama liberals ===
Newsweek editor Evan Thomas said on MSNBC's "Hardball" that Obama was "sort of God."

Asking rhetorically what [[God]] has in common with Obama, Limbaugh said, "Neither has a birth certificate." <ref>[http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=100717 Rush Limbaugh pummels Obama on birth certificate] WND, June 10, 2009</ref> He went on to say "God does not think he's Obama," and "Liberals love Obama." Limbaugh explained more differences, "Another difference is that God only demands to be worshiped once a week," and "God asks for only 10 percent of your money", and "God gives you freedom to live your life as you choose."

=== Obama to Fail ===
Limbaugh made national headlines when he was asked to write 400 words for a newspaper column about Obama's plans. He said he didn't need 400 words, he needed just four: "I hope he fails." He was immediately attacked by the Obama White House and liberal pundits as an unpatriotic obstructionist. Limbaugh expounded his view in the show's [http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_011609/content/01125113.guest.html transcript]; if Obama is for socialist policies and against capitalist policies, of course Limbaugh could not support those policies, and hoped he would fail. <ref>[http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_011609/content/01125113.guest.html Limbaugh radio show transcript.]</ref>

Limbaugh addressed [[CPAC]] and further discussed his stance that generated so much attention. <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/03/01/limbaugh-leader-obama-chief-staff-calls-talk-host-barrier-progress/ Limbaugh the Leader? Obama Chief of Staff] Fox News, March 01, 2009</ref> {{cquote| ''"Did the Democrats want the war in Iraq to fail? Well, they certainly did. And they not only wanted the war in Iraq to fail, they proclaimed it a failure. ... The last thing they wanted was to win. They hoped George Bush failed. So where is it -- what is so strange about being honest and saying, I want Barack Obama to fail if his mission is to restructure and reform this country so that capitalism and individual liberty are not its foundation? Why would I want that to succeed?"'' }}

Republican National Chairman Michael Steele called Limbaugh an "entertainer" whose comments were "incendiary" and "ugly," and Limbaugh counterattacked Steele's fitness to run the party. A Gallup poll in May 2009 on who was the main voice of the GOP found Limbaugh leading the pack at 13%, with Steele trailing at 1%.

== Other Media Work ==
During the early years of his radio show, Limbaugh also had a syndicated, self-titled half-hour television show patterned along the lines of his radio show. ''Rush Limbaugh'' ran from 1992 to 1996. <ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103531/ ''Rush Limbaugh'' (TV series)] at the Internet Movie Database</ref>

''The Limbaugh Letter'' is a monthly publication that contains conservative articles and humor in Rush's style.

Limbaugh is involved in the conservative satire show ''The 1/2 Hour News Hour'' show on the [[Fox News Channel]]. <ref>
[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/16/AR2007021602098.html Fox News Channel's '1/2 Hour News Hour': Right Funny, in Spots] washingtonpost.com</ref>

Rush occasionally writes op-ed pieces for the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]''.

== Politics ==
Limbaugh endorsed [[Mitt Romney]] for the [[2008 Presidential Election]]. <ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/ThisHour.asp#Limbaugh%20Endorses%20Romney Limbaugh Endorses Romney], [[Melanie Hunter]], ''[[CNSNews]]'', February 05, 2008</ref> He was often critical of [[John McCain]] during the Republican primaries, but supported him in the general election.

Limbaugh has warned against false prophets, telling his audience in 1996 that, "You are being manipulated in a way that I find very bothersome." "Pat Buchanan is not a conservative. He's a populist."<ref>See [http://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/23/us/politics-on-the-air-radio-talk-show-host-fears-for-true-conservatism-s-fate.html?n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fPeople%2fL%2fLimbaugh%2c%20Rush Robin Toner, "Radio Talk Show Host Fears For True Conservatism's Fate," ''New York Times'' Feb. 23, 1996]</ref>.

=== The Harry Reid Letter ===
On October 2, 2007, Senate Majority Leader [[Harry Reid]] wrote a letter to Mark P. Mays, President and CEO of Clear Channel Communications, who is Limbaugh's chief patron. In it Senator Reid essentially demanded that Mays order Limbaugh to apologize for remarks he made concerning "phony soldiers."<ref name=ReidText>Reid, Harry, ''et al.'' "[http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=284699 Letter to Mark P. Mays of Clear Channel Communications]." [http://reid.senate.gov/ Electronic Office of US Senator Harry Reid], October 2, 2007. Retrieved October 19, 2007.</ref> A ''phony soldier'' is someone who is not a soldier at all but is pretending to be one, especially in a public forum. Such activity is unlawful, and the faker whose activity prompted Limbaugh's attacks has since been convicted and punished.<ref name=PhonySoldier>Limbaugh, Rush. "[http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_092807/content/01125106.guest.html The Anatomy of a Smear: 'Phony Soldiers' Is a Phony Story]." ''[http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/today.guest.html Rush Limbaugh Official Site]'', accessed December 25, 2007.</ref> This letter was co-signed by nearly all Democratic senators. In a speech in Philadelphia on October 11th, Limbaugh announced plans to sell the original letter on eBay in a charity auction. The proceeds went to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation. The letter sold for $2.1 million and Limbaugh matched the winning amount with a total of $4.2 million being donated. <ref>http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/420889/harry_reidrush_limbaugh_letter_nets.html</ref>

=== Victim of a Democratic prosecutor's witchhunt ===
On October 6, 2003 Limbaugh told his audience he was addicted to OxyContin and other painkillers citing a failed back surgery as the cause of his pain and subsequent dependence. <ref>The Rush Limbaugh Show, October 6, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/10/10/rush.limbaugh/ "Limbaugh admits addiction to pain medication"</ref> Limbaugh underwent treatment for his addiction, and charges against him for alleged "doctor shopping" to procure prescription medications were dropped<ref>http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/04/28/national/main1561324.shtml</ref> after Democratic prosecutors illegally seized private medical records<ref>http://archive.newsmax.com/hottopics/Rush_Limbaugh.shtml </ref> in a blatant misuse of the criminal justice system to discredit Limbaugh.

===Fluke Incident===
In March of 2012, Sandra Fluke, a 30-year-old former [[Georgetown]] law student, gave testimony in support of an Obama directive to have private healthcare cover contraception. Fluke chose Georgetown's law school despite knowing that its healthcare plan does not cover contraception,<ref>Holt, Mytheos. "Sandra Fluke: A Fake Victim of Georgetown's Policy on Contraceptives?" March 3, 2012. The Blaze. http://www.theblaze.com/stories/sandra-fluke-a-fake-victim-of-georgetowns-policy-on-contraceptives/</ref> but she then complained that contraception was expensive and that Georgetown's student health insurance should cover the cost. Limbaugh responded to her comments on his show where he said that her insurance paying for her to have sex made her a "slut" and a "prostitute."<ref>http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-limbaugh-apology-20120303,0,6854957.story Rush Limbaugh apologizes for 'slut' remarks aimed at Sandra Fluke</ref> He later went on to say that he would agree to the payment if she would film herself having sex and put the video online. After several days of backlash, which included condemnations from both parties and advertisers backing out, Limbaugh apologized, saying he "did not mean a personal attack" on Fluke and had used poor word choice but reiterated his opposition to her comments.<ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2109876/Rush-Limbaugh-apologises-calling-student-Sandra-Fluke-slut.html 'I sincerely apologise': Rush Limbaugh says sorry for calling student a 'slut' in row over birth control which led advertisers to boycott show</ref><ref>http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Elections/Vox-News/2012/0303/What-Rush-Limbaugh-actually-apologized What?? Rush Limbaugh actually apologized!!</ref>

== Sports ==
Limbaugh is an avid sports fan, particularly football. He briefly held a position as a commentator on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown pre-game show. He resigned from the show on October 2, 2006 after comments made regarding Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb received widespread criticism.

{{cquote|''' ''"I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well. There is a little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve. The defense carried this team."'' '''}}

After McNabb's response, "It's sad that you've got to go to skin color. I thought we were through with that whole deal," significant pressure was put upon Limbaugh to resign. <ref>http://espn.go.com/gen/news/2003/1001/1628537.html</ref>

== Other Facts ==
The following is a list of other facts about Rush Limbaugh:<ref name=doctor/>
* Honorary Member of the [[Republican]] Freshman Class 1995 [[House of Representatives]].
* [[Time Magazine]]’s 100 Most Influential People in the world (2009).
* [[Forbes|Forbes Magazine]] 50 Most Powerful Celebrities in the United States, numerous years (#19 in 2010).
* [[Barbara Walters]]’ 10 Most Fascinating People (2008).
* The Giving Back Fund’s 10 Most Generous Celebrities for contributions to charities and individuals, such as the [[Marine Corps - Law Enforcement Foundation]].
* Raised 20 Million Dollars for the [[Leukemia]] and [[Lymphoma Society]] since 1989. Each year Rush hosts a Radiothon (one three-hour broadcast per year) during his program to raise funds for Leukemia and Lymphoma research.
* Author of ''The Limbaugh Letter'', the most widely read political newsletter in the country and two best-selling books, ''The Way Things Ought to Be'' (ISBN 067175145x) and ''See, I Told You So'' (ISBN 067187120X), which have sold over 8.9 million copies, including an American publishing record for ''See, I Told You So''.
* Guest Television appearances include ''[[Nightline]]'' with [[Ted Koppel]], ''Cross Fire'', ''[[Good Morning America]]'', ''[[CBS|CBS This Morning]]'', ''[[The Today Show]]'', ''The Phil Donahue Show'', ''[[The Late Show]]'' with [[David Letterman]], ''[[The Tonight Show]]'', ''[[This Week]]'' with [[David Brinkley]], ''[[Meet the Press]]'' with [[Tim Russert]], and [[The Drew Carey Show]]. Rush also starred as himself in the popular network sitcoms ''[[Family Guy]]'' and ''[[Hearts Afire]]''.
* Profiled on CBS's ''60 Minutes'', [[ABC]]'s ''20/20'' and in numerous publications including ''[[U.S. News and World Report]]'', ''[[Newsweek]]'', ''[[National Review]]'', ''[[Time Magazine]]'', ''[[New York Times|The New York Times Magazine]]'' and ''[[USA Weekend]]''.
* ''Miss America Pageant'' judge (2010).

== Quotes ==
* "You know why there's a Second Amendment? In case the government fails to follow the first one." - Rush Limbaugh, 17 Aug 1993

== The Rush Limbaugh Lexicon ==
Like Mark Levin and others, Rush Limbaugh holds a lexicon for many liberals and Democrats, although Rush's lexicon is less expansive as Mark Levin's

*[[Mainstream Media]] = Drive-by Media
*[[CNN]] = Communist News Network (was originally called the "Clinton News Network" during the Clinton administration.)
*[[Barack Obama]] = Barack "Mmm mmm mmm" Obama (This is in reference to the propagandist school song about Obama)
*[[Joe Biden]] = Joe Bite-Me
*[[Harry Reid]] = Dingy Harry
*[[Debbie Wasserman Schultz]] = Debbie Blabbermouth Schultz
*[[John Edwards]] = Breck girl
*[[Nancy Pelosi]] = Bela Pelosi
*Barbra Walters = Baba Wawa
*Chuck Todd = F Chuck Todd
*[[Ben Affleck]] = Ben Affliction
*Paul Begala = The Forehead
*[[Chuck Schumer]] = Chuck You Schumer

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==See Also==
*[[Previous Breaking News/Rush Limbaugh|Articles about '''Rush Limbaugh''' from previous "Breaking News"]]
*[[Conservative Links]]
*[[Rush Derangement Syndrome]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/today.guest.html Rush Limbaugh] - Official website
* [http://download.premiereradio.net/guest/rushlimb/LimbaughMuseum/Iphone2/PRELOAD_Outside.html The Limbaugh Museum of Broadcasting]
* [http://www.cspan.org/Watch/watch.aspx?MediaId=HP-A-15919 Rush's 2009 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Speech] - ''C-SPAN'', February 28, 2009
* [http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rush-limbaugh/id406055530?mt=8#ls=1 The Rush Limbaugh Show] - [[iPhone]] app, by Premiere Radio Networks, Inc.

==Further reading==
* Gordon, Scott. ''Rush Limbaugh: An Oral & Media Biography'' (2009). 258pp quotes and comments by his friends and enemies.
* Jamieson, Kathleen Hall, and Joseph N. Cappella. ''Echo Chamber: Rush Limbaugh and the Conservative Media Establishment'' (2008) balanced analysis by scholars; compares Limbaugh with Fox and ''Wall Street Journal'' [http://www.amazon.com/Echo-Chamber-Limbaugh-Conservative-Establishment/dp/0195398602/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261865854&sr=1-2 excerpt and text search]

{{DEFAULTSORT: Limbaugh, Rush}}

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