What makes Rush Limbaugh so revered and popular? Why isn't there a Liberal counterpart to him?

Question

Meaning on the radio and it's profound affects on the recent surge in Conservatism in America.

Answer 1

The conservative movement has found its niche in AM radio whereas the liberal movement typically has a monopoly over television news media. Moronic frumps like Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter are popular because they use mockery and smartass-ism in his rhetoric. Rather than using logic, they hit below the belt and attack the other side. But then again, the liberals do that too... I guess that's why I registered as "unaffiliated"....

Answer 2

This phenomenon that baffles you so is as follows: The country has been force-fed liberal propaganda for years. CNN and all the other alphabet networks, Stewart, Franken, etc. All these big-mouth dope-heads have been spewing filth and refuse from their mouths for years. Then suddenly, something the big networks never anticipated happened. Talk Radio burst upon the scene. The great alternative - truth! The people ate it up like candy. The networks reeled in terror. This new development meant they no longer had a monopoly on the truth. They couldn't spit crap out and make the people believe it anymore. This blew up in Rather's face. Now he's down. The ratings are plummeting, Fox news emerged as the news network leader, and
rush, Sean, and Michael Savage Dominate radio. Air America had to pay stations to let their liberal trash on, and are now fighting bankruptcy. A new day has dawned. The "liberal counterpart," as you called it, is running for the hills.

Answer 3

Oh crap, I was going to say that he does have liberal counterparts, but then you had to go and say radio counterparts. When I left the US, Al Franken had a radio show. If he still has it (and I I doubt it because despite what everyone says, the media is not liberal), then I suppose he would be Rush's liberal counterpart, but probably not quite as revered. If we can count television, Jon Stewart would be a more popular and revered counterpart to him.
As to why he's so popular, I think it had to do with his charisma and "sense of humor." Just because we don't see it doesn't mean that others don't think he's the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Answer 4

Rush tells it like it is, whether you like him or not people respect bluntness and the truth about issues. There may not be a liberal counterpart to him on the radio but look at the media, there are raging left wing fruit cakes everywhere! Read the New York Times, theres some liberal media for you, lots of newpapers around the country are very left wing. Watch CNN they seem to be more liberal oriented. Maybe Rush is popular because hes right, liberals make some pretty wild claims at times, and can be way out there.

Answer 5

I think a few reasons.

Obviously he must say things people want to hear - he's "entertaining," "educational" or whatever.

Also, I would guess that there is something dempgraphically about talk radio that naturally attracts conservatives. Maybe something about the age group, or whatever. Air America (the liberal network) clearly has not caught on in a big way. Maybe there is some other medium that liberals naturally flock to.

That's my theory. I tried to be "even-handed" and not take a political side.

Answer 6

People are happy believing Rush Limbaugh's drug induced delusions. They are stupid and easily led. Con artists call them "marks". Like PT Barnum said, there is a sucker born every minute. Reality, facts make no difference to them, they are functionally brain dead.

Fortunately there is a liberal alternative, Air America Radio, you can get it on about 70 or 80 radio stations from Maine to Hawai'i, or on your computer. San Francisco 960am, Seattle 1090am, LA 1150am, San Diego 1360am, Portland 620am, Honolulu 1500am, New York 1190am. Give it a try, it is GREAT!

Answer 7

He's popular because all of the right wing followers love to hear someone dribble on about how wonderful the president is. Try listening to Ed Shultz...he's a left wing "progressive" talker who is a bit like Limbaugh (even sounds a little like him) only with a brain. www.wegoted.com His show is excellent. He takes on everyone...including Democrats...when they screw up. He is syndicated by the Jones Radio Networks and the show is aired live from 3-6pm if any of your local radio stations carry him. He's so good, Ann Coulter said that his show is the only Liberal show she was willing to go on, but he turned her down. He's awesome!

Answer 8

I don't know about "revered," but I think he is popular, because he is correct so much of the time. I listen to him for one hour a day during my lunch break. I don't agree with ALL of his views, but most of the time, he's right on. He predicts things will happen and they almost always do. His arrogance is part of his celebrity personality. As far as a liberal counterpart to him...seems all the ones who try lack substance. I don't know...that's just what I think.

Answer 9

Liberals aren't intelligent enough to have a show like Rush's. The liberal demographic does not fit talk radio listeners (intellegent, mod-high income, employed full time, appriciate the American life style). The liberal target market is more the "name tag wearing, part time working, lazy, hate America" type.

Answer 10

Although I don't have a perfect answer I think that Al Frankin (who i love) is making headway in regards to Air America. I listen to his daily show on line and find his political and personal point of view very liberal. In regards to Rush's popularity I have found that many people don't care what you say but how you say it, if you can entertain with lies people will still be entertained. Hope this helps.
KA