Yet Another Republican On Bended Knee After Limbaugh Remarks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: April 21, 2009
Yet Another Republican On Bended Knee After Limbaugh Remarks
Just Like All the Others, GOP Rep. Todd Tiahrt Back in Line After Daring to Suggest Rush Limbaugh Not the Leader of the Republican Party
Washington D.C. - Americans United for Change released the following in response to U.S. Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) joining the club of Republican politicians compelled to peddle back remarks playing down Rush Limbaugh's role as undisputed leader of the Republican Party or criticizing the conservative radio host's divisive rhetoric.
Tom McMahon, Acting Executive Director, Americans United for Change: "There's a pattern emerging here that makes it pretty clear that we will sooner pigs in flight before we see a Republican politician actually stick by any remarks daring to condemn Rush Limbaugh's routinely divisive, hate-filled, sexist and racist rhetoric or suggest that Limbaugh is anything other than the leader of the Republican Party."
For those keeping tally - Rush Roundup:
- Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS): When asked if Rush Limbaugh is de facto leader of the GOP, Tiahrt told the Kansas City Star editorial board, "No, no he's just an entertainer." As has been the pattern with other Republicans who insulted Limbaugh, Tiahrt's office quickly tried to cover his tracks. "Nothing the congressman said diminished the role Rush has played and continues to play in the conservative movement," said Tiahrt's spokesman Sam Sackett.
Tiahrt joins the growing list of Republicans who have had to apologize to Limbaugh, leaving little doubt as to who is the actual GOP leader.
- GOP Chairman Michael Steele: After also calling Limbaugh an "entertainer," Steele backtracked, saying "There was no attempt on my part to diminish his voice or his leadership."
- Additionally, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who delivered the Republican response to the President's recent address to the joint session of Congress and who is considered a top GOP presidential hopeful in 2012, offered his take on the vacuum of GOP leadership: "I'm glad [Steele] apologized...As I said before, I think Rush is a leader for many conservatives and says things that people are concerned about."
- Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA): In January Gingrey said that Limbaugh and other conservative talkers are able to "stand back and throw bricks" and "stir up a bit of controversy" without showing "true leadership." The next day, Gingrey went on Limbaugh's show and offered his "sincere regret" for his comments.
- Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC): Breaking with Limbaugh's frequent refrain, Sanford said, "Anybody who wants him to fail is an idiot." When Limbaugh called out the governor's comment, Sanford's office clarified his remarks, saying that "the governor was not referring to anyone" in particular when he said that anyone hoping for Obama to fail is an "idiot."