Thursday’s "Today Show" gave yet another demonstration that the mainstream media can’t get over the success of Rush Limbaugh. NBC correspondent Michael Okwu, reporting on Limbaugh’s new contract, which the New York Times has indicated is worth $400 million, "reminded" viewers of three past "controversies" involving the talk radio host: his 2003 resignation from ESPN after remarking on the sport media’s coverage of NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb; how Limbaugh mocked Michael J. Fox, "accusing the actor of exaggerating symptoms of Parkinson's Disease;" and the legal trouble he faced in Florida related to his addiction to prescription painkillers.
On this "doctor shopping" issue, Okwu remarked, "In 2003, Florida authorities charged Limbaugh with illegally-deceiving multiple doctors, in order to get overlapping painkiller prescriptions. He pled not guilty and the charges were later dismissed, though Limbaugh admitted he was an addict."
It’s not surprising an outlet like NBC and its "Today" would bring up these issues again, since it was the mainstream media that worked overtime to spin them when they first emerged. When Limbaugh, during an ESPN broadcast in 2003, charged that "the media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well" and that McNabb "got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he really didn’t deserve," the mainstream media, and the "Big Three" network in particular, painted Limbaugh as a racist for the remarks. "Today’s" own co-host at the time, perky Katie Couric, gave a list of supposedly racist comments made by Limbaugh on his radio show.
With the "controversy" surrounding Limbaugh’s "mocking" of Michael J. Fox, "Today" co-host Matt Lauer asked, "How did it all get so ugly?....it got really personal this week when Rush Limbaugh accused Michael J. Fox of exploiting the effects of Parkinson's disease to make a political point in a campaign ad." However, the talk radio host received an at least partial vindication when Fox himself admitted that he didn’t take the drugs that ease his Parkinson’s symptoms before some of his public appearances, in order to show "what Parkinson’s was like."
Then in 2006, when Limbaugh was booked in Florida on "doctor shopping" charges, many mainstream media outlets led with the news, including NBC’s "Nightly News" program. On sister network MSNBC, gadfly Keith Olbermann celebrated over Limbaugh’s mug shot.
The full transcript of Michael Okwu’s report from Thursday’s "Today:"
MATT LAUER: Conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh is never really at a loss for words, and now, thanks to a very big new contract, he'll never be at loss for money either. Here's NBC's Michael Okwu.
MICHAEL OKWU (voice-over): It must have been a 'rush.'
RUSH LIMBAUGH: .. And you are worth what you earn.
OKWU: According to reports, which Limbaugh says are mostly true, the contract will pay a whopping $400 million -- $38 million a year for eight years.
MICHAEL HARRISON (Editor, Talkers Magazine): Clearly, this is the biggest deal that we've ever heard of, if in fact, this is the deal. This one's off the charts.
OKWU: The signing bonus alone is a reported $100 million -- up front. With that cash, Limbaugh could buy a couple of his own Boeing business jets, or say Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's French chateau; and still have enough dough to buy this Caribbean island -- twice. For the past 20 years, Limbaugh's talk show has been the most popular in the country, his loyal listeners a major force on the political right.
HARRISON: Limbaugh may be like Elvis Presley or The Beatles, kind of a once-in-a-generation phenomenon.
OKWU: But Limbaugh's reign has included its share of controversy. In 2003, he resigned from ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, after suggesting that football star Donovan McNabb received undue credit because of his race. Some of his own supporters thought Limbaugh went too far when he mocked Michael J. Fox, accusing the actor of exaggerating symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.
OKWU (on-camera): In 2003, Florida authorities charged Limbaugh with illegally-deceiving multiple doctors, in order to get overlapping painkiller prescriptions. He pled not guilty and the charges were later dismissed, though Limbaugh admitted he was an addict.
OKWU (voice-over): None of the controversy has slowed him down.
LIMBAUGH: To me, the great thing about it is -- another eight years, all the way through 2016. I'm not going anywhere. I've told all of you that I am not retiring until every American agrees with me.
OKWU: That may or may not happen, but Limbaugh doesn't appear to be worrying. He's still on the air, still attacking liberal foes, and still getting paid. For 'Today,' Michael Okwu, NBC News, Los Angeles.
VIEIRA: Attacking liberals definitely pays off.
LAUER: Wow.
VIEIRA: (Laughs) Geez!
LAUER: This is Vieira-type money.
VIEIRA: (Laughs)
LAUER: This is crazy money -- crazy money!
VIEIRA: Don't even start.
—Matthew Balan is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.



















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preaching to the DKOS
July 3, 2008 - 14:42 ET by TruthMongerpreaching to the DKOS choir
take heart rush haters - courage, courage
These people are not big
July 3, 2008 - 14:45 ET by JTPenough for Rush to even stub his toe on.
Why not celebrate the success instead of trying to bring him down to your level.
What jealousy
The 2ND Amendment exists to secure the rest
Crazy money indeed...keep
July 3, 2008 - 14:49 ET by bigtimerCrazy money indeed...keep it up leftists, you are the very nit-wit critters that give Rush the ammunition to laugh all the way to the bank....
For that I also ...Thank you.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Unlike many in the msm who
July 3, 2008 - 14:53 ET by gopsteveUnlike many in the msm who are not getting the ratings...Rush does...and he derserves every penny...he's earned it
I am happy for newsbusters,
July 3, 2008 - 14:57 ET by gopsteveI am happy for newsbusters, but I pity you for having to watch all this dribble...I get annoyed just reading the posts...can't imagine having to watch the smug libs all the time...
keep it up!
WHAT RATINGS!!
July 4, 2008 - 10:21 ET by STANISZCHARLIE Like his program he has or his backers have everything controlled. From his gestapo screener, to the real coverage by columnists who tell it straight, IE: his commercial deals with the stations is why he has strict parameters on no guests and just commercials. This is the real reason that these talkers on mostly, ABC stations are really worried about reinstating the, F/D as it will cut into thier advertisement revenue.
The other day his was
July 3, 2008 - 14:54 ET by Biff McCainThe other day his was telling his followers how real men don't go to college anymore, because it has become so "feminized."
"Burn that mother down." -- Jimmy Ellis
Why Biffy... You listen
July 3, 2008 - 14:58 ET by bigtimerWhy Biffy...
You listen to Rush...proud of ya!
Now, if you could just comprehend what he is saying, you may be okay someday down the long dusty road of life.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Biff... and your point
July 3, 2008 - 14:58 ET by gopsteveBiff...
and your point is...
What college did you go to
July 3, 2008 - 14:58 ET by KarmaWhat college did you go to Biff?
LOL Karma! I agree, Biff
July 3, 2008 - 15:56 ET by bassndudeLOL Karma! I agree, Biff must be in collage now. Bet he goes to Stephens and majors in dance... thnk he is a "real man"...?
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
There is a real problem in
July 3, 2008 - 15:26 ET by ApacheThere is a real problem in that parents and students think they need a college degree to get a job yet they don't understand that the type of degree matters. Professional and accredited institutions are willing to provide worthless paper for high dollars if you want them. So we get graduates with underwater basket weaving degrees that can win graduates that job at Starbucks but not a job they can pay off the loan with. Yet the student who went to vocational school instead has less to pay back and makes more money than a worthless college degree. College is the only way for those wanting to be lawyers, doctors, engineers, scientists, etc. Not so much for many of the liberal arts degrees that often just let you feel smart while broke.
Biff:
July 3, 2008 - 15:43 ET by mattmA typical hate-filled liberal hypocrite misrepresenting Rush's words, deliberately missing his point(s) and mischaracterizing his audience. I guess that all you can do since you can't refute him.
mattm... Yeah... Biffy
July 3, 2008 - 15:48 ET by bigtimermattm...
Yeah...
Biffy seems to have disappeared immediately after the followng posts...
typical...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
That's exactly what he said
July 3, 2008 - 15:58 ET by Biff McCainThat's exactly what he said and more.
You couldn't help but think he was trying to make his base feel good about themselves.
"Burn that mother down." -- Jimmy Ellis
Biff, My brother
July 3, 2008 - 16:15 ET by red_dragon311Biff,
My brother has a friend who went to collage to be a "bussiness man" he went for 4 years got a degree, and now he works for the the same company I do, doing the same job I do. his mom is a high muckity muck here, and she helped me get my job, and helped him get his.
I did not finish collage, reason being (that i regret everyday) was I got a "higher" education and droped out.
So two, people 10 years difference in age, one went, one did not, have the same job.....what good was collage to this person?
he knew he would be getting a job here, it was a waste of his parent's money....
oh did I mention he is African-American and the company i work at is HEAVY into affirmitve action.....so there still is one more step he had that I did not have.
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Gerald Ford
That's exactly what he said
July 3, 2008 - 16:18 ET by pbanks7That's exactly what he said and more.
Because he is self-made without a degree. When I had to quit being self-employed (after 13 years, due to 9/11) and hit the workforce, being a payroll manager, HR manager, 401k trustee, and accountant meant squat without the degree. Finally, somebody - an entrepreneur - hired me. I'm still working on the BS[M with BA minor] degree, just in case.
MSM - shaping all the perceptions you need to believe, then confirming it with a poll.
Biff... I went to work at
July 3, 2008 - 18:30 ET by Clear thinkerBiff...
I went to work at an early age because I had to. No time for a degree after my father died and my Mom went into a deep depression. I suddenly had to be the bread winner. It worked for me because I had no preconceptions or a Professor with an agenda to muck up my head. I sold my company almost 4 years ago, and am enjoying retirement by helping raise my granddaughter.
Would I have done it differently? Not a chance.
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
Leftist snobbery
July 4, 2008 - 08:04 ET by UnsaneYou couldn't help but think he was trying to make his base feel good about themselves. Are you implying in your Leftist snobbery that Rush's listeners aren't educated? If you are, the statistics so prized by Leftist snobs like yourself completely contradict you. According the the A&E Biography program that covered his life, the typical listener is in fact college educated. As am I.
As a guy with a liberal arts degree, I understood his point all too clearly. I took a course where I had to attend women's studies lectures to obtain extra credit. Other than providing me an opportunity to catch up with female friends and to hit on others, they were great opportunities to catch up on sleep, as they were utterly mind-numbing.
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Chauvinist snobbery
July 4, 2008 - 08:26 ET by BlondeSorry Uns...couldn't resist.
I was fortunate, that when I went to college, I didn't have to fill my core requirements with idiot stuff like that....we had our choice of a couple of excellent grade inflators...."Rocks for Jocks" and some goofy food science class (the prof. eventually was murdered by two gay guys...I kid you not).
I, of course, had none of it....my electives were Russian History.
I think I'd lose my mind on a college campus these days.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Painful
July 4, 2008 - 08:35 ET by UnsaneFortunately, that was merely one class where the professor saw everything through the prism of feminism. Had I known she was going to teach the class accordingly, I never would have taken it. One of my fondest memories when I took the course was muttering the same thing to my friends that they were muttering to me as the lectured droned on: "Painful. Painful. Painful."
Russian history electives? Good choice. Or, should I say, харашо. :-)
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Uns,
July 4, 2008 - 08:44 ET by BlondeNow that I'm thinking about it...they ought to have "Men's studies" classes. Where women could learn useful things like what "pick-n-roll", "clipping" mean, & how to tie on a hook, etc.
It would be better, and far more useful, than feminist studies....blech.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Men's studies, you say?
July 4, 2008 - 09:20 ET by UnsaneThere IS a men's studies course just for women. It's called the NFL. (h/t to Rush Limbaugh, who once recommended that women follow the NFL for one entire season as it would explain the entire male mindset.)
But seriously, if I were to teach it, I would have to play tons of Iron Maiden. "You see, ladies, Iron Maiden is derided as being a 'guy's band'. There IS a reason for this: look at their lyrics. What do they sing about? War, power, violence..."
I could go on and on all day. Stop giving me ideas!!!:-)
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
I figured you'd
July 4, 2008 - 09:28 ET by Blonderise to that bait, Uns. Faircaught, dude.
NFL....no worries, once I went to UF and started watching exciting football....I got all of that. It's the basketball rules that I find problematic.
Dunno about your musical selection, Uns...but you already knew that!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
What is wrong with my musical tastes?
July 6, 2008 - 04:07 ET by UnsaneWhat is wrong with my musical selection?
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Unsane,
July 7, 2008 - 21:08 ET by RESTLESS 1Did someone say something about "war, power, violence..."?
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
Biff
July 3, 2008 - 18:10 ET by dronetekSomething tells me you missed his point.....
Nah, na, na, na, nah!
July 3, 2008 - 15:10 ET by CrashHe'll make more than all of those losers combined.
They hate him because he's
July 3, 2008 - 15:32 ET by mattmThey hate him because he's right and they're wrong, and he keeps blowing their sorry rear ends out of the water!
Jealous
July 3, 2008 - 15:57 ET by ToddonCapeCodJealous little F-ers.
"In 2003, Florida
July 3, 2008 - 16:14 ET by GregE"In 2003, Florida authorities charged Limbaugh with illegally-deceiving
multiple doctors........He pled not guilty and the charges were later dismissed, though
Limbaugh admitted he was an addict."
For those not versed in MSM depiction of conservatives, what he meant is....
He pled not guilty and the charges were later dismissed, though
Limbaugh admitted he did it."
Didn't OJ write a
July 3, 2008 - 16:16 ET by red_dragon311Didn't OJ write a book "If I did it"
so whats your point
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Gerald Ford
I wasn't clear in who "he"
July 3, 2008 - 16:29 ET by GregEI wasn't clear in who "he" was. What I should have said was....
"For those not versed in MSM depiction of conservatives, what he [Okwu] meant is.... "
Aside from my clarifying my point, I'm not sure what else you mean. OJ's book title was OJ's words (or at least his "agreed to" words if it was the publisher who titled it).
well now that you
July 3, 2008 - 17:02 ET by red_dragon311well now that you clarifed...I look like an ass.....sorry for that.
it was to mean that OJ is still walking free and he wrote a book "if I did it" ( which i alwys thought should have an extra bit like " If I Did It: Which I Did)
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
-Gerald Ford
Yea you're right about that
July 3, 2008 - 20:58 ET by GregEYea you're right about that one!
Vieira and Lauer don't begin to get it.
July 3, 2008 - 16:39 ET by ThalpyVieira and Lauer don't begin to get it. Rush is paid what he is paid because he generates that money and more. Why? Because he presents a product that is vastly superior to anything the msm produces.
McNabb
July 3, 2008 - 17:52 ET by PurdueMattRush was right about McNabb. Dead on.
He was also onto something with Michael J Fox.
PurdueMatt
July 3, 2008 - 18:11 ET by dronetekYeah, I like how they conciently left out any explination for why Rush went after fox. They imply that he did it out of love for evil or something. As if its too hard to go a little in depth and explain that Fox was being used as a politcal pawn.
Rush dead wrong on McNabb
July 3, 2008 - 18:44 ET by Biff McCainMcNabb will be MVP of the Super Bowl this year.
Besides, what's Rush right about? He's rates second among QB's with nine or more years. That's some feat.
"Burn that mother down." -- Jimmy Ellis
Biff.. Rush is
July 3, 2008 - 18:50 ET by bigtimerBiff..
Rush is right.
...deal with it.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Biff,
July 3, 2008 - 18:53 ET by RESTLESS 1I don't think a spectator can be Superbowl MVP. Not a knock on McNabb, I'm just a Cowboys fan. :)
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
You had to love Romo
July 3, 2008 - 19:20 ET by Biff McCainYou had to love Romo bobbling the field goal hold to knock the Boyz out of the playoffs.
http://www.youtube.c...
"Burn that mother down." -- Jimmy Ellis
Hey Biff,
July 3, 2008 - 23:55 ET by RESTLESS 1Does it ever suck to be wrong? Just asking because I wouldn't know, but that was the wild card game, in the playoffs. Didn't knock them out. Still sucked though.
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
Eagles aren't going anywhere with McNabb
July 3, 2008 - 23:14 ET by CTMcNabb will never lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl, he doesn't have the chacter of a winner.
Really???
July 4, 2008 - 07:55 ET by UnsaneAnd how will McNabb win the MVP? For changing the channel with the remote without developing blisters? For getting his drinks and snacks without leaving the couch?
The choker Romo has a better chance than McNabb does. The Cowboys irritate me but I'll give the devil his due. That team will at minimum grab the NFC East title this year. Philly? No chance...
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Unsane,
July 6, 2008 - 03:34 ET by RESTLESS 1Friendly question here, but, how can you be from San Antonio and NOT be a Cowboys fan?
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
How to not be a Cowboys fan in TX
July 6, 2008 - 04:02 ET by UnsaneLong story, but it involves me being an Army brat and living for awhile in a city with an NFL team. To be more specific, the only AFC team in the Mountain Time Zone.
...and I don't jump on bandwagons. :-)
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
→ Usane, where's the love?
July 6, 2008 - 04:33 ET by Cool ArrowNo well-wising for Son of Bum? Sorry you missed it, but the Bum Phillips, Earl Campbell years were pretty exciting times for some of us Texans.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Those folks don't amount
July 3, 2008 - 19:29 ET by ConservativeRexThose folks don't amount to a mosquito on an elephants ass to Rush. Read the NYT magazine article, Rush doesn't care what these folks, or any other losers like them, think about him.
Good for Rush to finally get to that point. Some of us arrive at that point very early in our lives. I can understand how it would take some folks a little longer. As long as they arrive at that point. In the end, it's really just best how your family thinks of you.
CRex...
July 3, 2008 - 19:40 ET by Clear thinkerThe lesson of family is something that needs to be taught more often.
I tell my granddaughter all the time that supposed best friends and aquaintences are temporary, family will always be there for you.
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
rush
July 3, 2008 - 21:33 ET by Jay in NHI was watching CSPAN this AM for a bit (cause I cringe at Gretchen) and a caller very cleverly, stated that "Rush is an idiot" (he must have forgotten about the "big fat" part).. Steve asked him how he accounted for his large audience, and the loon replied "Well, they must all be idiots, too".
Compare their treatment of
July 3, 2008 - 21:53 ET by JerryCompare their treatment of Rush with their "objective" reporting on Air Amerika.
When Air Amerika debuted, the Today Show and all the media hyped it to the max, providing millions of dollars of free publicity, virtually having on-air orgasms with their glowing tributes. Every followup story about this vile and hate-filled station was yet another "thrill up my leg" love fest for AA.
Any mention of Rush is cast in a negative light, with complete and utter disdain.
If I didn't know better, I would think they favored liberals over conservatives.... but that can't be, because I've been told that journalistic integrity is beyond reproach... end of story.
Anyway, the good news is:
Despite their best efforts, Err Amerika was a total failure.
Despite their best efforts, Rush just gets more popular and more successful.
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
I love listening to Rush.
July 4, 2008 - 01:20 ET by maggieqpublicI love listening to Rush. My husband, not a liberal, doesn’t care for the show. I asked the spouse why he thought Rush secured this enormous contract. He said, “Yeh… yeh… yeh… yeh… It’s because YOU listen to his show.” I said, “No, it’s because MILLIONS of people listen to his show.”
Another reason Rush got $400 million:
July 4, 2008 - 07:57 ET by UnsaneRes tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Had to google that one for a
July 4, 2008 - 13:05 ET by maggieqpublicHad to google that one for a translation… learn something every day on Newsbusters!
The ultimate rule of economics
July 6, 2008 - 04:11 ET by UnsaneI love the tagline. It is the ultimate rule of economics. In a perfect world, it would be in every shop, supermarket, retail outlet...EVERYWHERE in the country where business is conducted.
:-)
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.