CNN International’s Jonathan Mann labeled Rush Limbaugh the “anti-Obama” in a CNN.com article on Friday, and condescendingly listed the reasons why the talk show host is the antithesis of the president: “Rush Limbaugh isn’t black, slim, stylish or well schooled.” He later described why Democrats are so eager to portray Limbaugh as the leader of the Republican Party: “They think that Limbaugh, 58, is the very personification of an ugly Republican stereotype: he’s a small-town college drop-out, an angry white man, who they believe offends the ethnic, urban and educated Americans the Democrats want to attract.”
Mann, a native of Montreal, Canada, seemingly wrote the article with an overseas audience in mind. He began with the assumption that the whole globe is familiar with President Obama and that his major domestic opponent on the airwaves needed to be introduced: “It seems like the whole world knows all about Barack Obama, so let me introduce you to the anti-Obama, the second most interesting man in American politics.” After giving his “black, slim, stylish or well schooled” line, the CNN anchor went on to describe Limbaugh further, repeating some other common liberal characterizations of the talk show host: “He’s a Republican with no elected office but a powerful hold on his party and a place in the news once again. Limbaugh is the host of a radio show heard across the United States, a big-bellied man who bellows into the radios of millions of people. He’s confident, uncomplicated and almost always on the attack against Democrats, feminists and anyone on the Left.” In so many words, the impression Mann gives is that Limbaugh is a right-wing, overweight simpleton.
The anchor devoted the second half of his article to giving an oversimplified synopsis of the Democratic strategy to make Limbaugh out to be the de facto leader of the GOP:
As Republicans adapt to the role of an opposition party and search for a new opposition leader, Limbaugh may be emerging as their champion.
The Democrats would love it.
They think that Limbaugh, 58, is the very personification of an ugly Republican stereotype: he’s a small-town college drop-out, an angry white man, who they believe offends the ethnic, urban and educated Americans the Democrats want to attract.
His latest headline: even in the midst of a profound economic crisis, with millions of Americans waiting for help, Limbaugh says he hopes President Obama’s recovery plan fails.
“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?”
Obama reportedly told Republican leaders they would have to decide. “You can’t just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done.”
But abandoning Limbaugh hasn’t been easy.
This week, the Republicans new party chairman, Michael Steele, called Limbaugh’s brand of politics “incendiary” and “ugly.”
Congressman Phil Gingrey told Limbaugh that “you don’t have to try to do what’s best for your people and your party. You know you’re just on these talk shows and you're living well.”
Limbaugh attacked them both on the air and they quickly offered public apologies.
Note how Mann omits the role of Democratic operatives like White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel in perpetuating the Limbaugh affair. On the other hand, he at least gave the full context of Limbaugh’s “I hope he fails” remark.
The CNN anchor concluded his piece by portraying the conservative radio host as a mere novelty: “The next time you’re in the U.S., turn on the radio or check out Youtube.com from home, on your computer. The big man with the booming voice that you’re bound to find is the anti-Obama. He’s something to hear.”
—Matthew Balan is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
I have ...
March 6, 2009 - 13:28 ET by SentryDanI have 2 degrees and about 50 years of world experience, does that make me as well or better schooled than "the one"?
I think my dog is better schooled than Obama is. Maybe he should go visit Ceaser, the Dog Whisperer, to get better schooled.
Remember folks, Freedom isn't Free. It was bought with the blood and sacrifice of the men and women who are serving and who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
For those who fought for it, Freedom has a flavor that the protected will never know.
Also remember folks, that the way to SUPPORT THE TROOPS is to support their mission. Anyone who says that they support the troops but don't support their mission is lying about supporting the troops. And if you want to know, yes I do have a dog in the fight, he is a United States Marine.
The well-schooled
March 6, 2009 - 13:31 ET by Paul Atreideshas to have a teleprompter everywhere he goes.
Let's see...
March 6, 2009 - 13:49 ET by Prester John...a B.A., an M.A., 31 years of real world experience (22 Army and 9 in business), 7 years living/working in Europe, speak Russian, a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College as well as the Armed Forces Staff College.
Of course none of that compares to the Harvard Law School, the Chicago School of Political Sleaze, and a few years "working" as a community organizer.
same here prester
March 6, 2009 - 13:54 ET by candanceHubby attended on of the best schools in the nation (UNC) and is currently getting his MBA. He agrees with Rush on every point and thinks Obama is a moron.
At least Rush knows what a price to earnings ratio is.
The Dog Whisperer
March 6, 2009 - 14:17 ET by BlondeI doubt even Cesar could correct Cur Obama's red-zone spending and lying habits.
Pzzzzzzzt.
I hope he fails, too.
Bill Gates Never Finished Harvard
March 6, 2009 - 17:00 ET by allanfBill Gates does not have a bachelors degree, yet he was blazingly effective in a field where many had doctorates.
Limbaugh also did not complete a bachelors degree. Here too the marketplace judges his knowledge of history, constitutional law, and politics superior to that of any CNN reporter. To say he is not "well schooled" is sophistry.
How would Mann know?
March 6, 2009 - 13:37 ET by RoussePerhaps "CNN International’s Jonathan Mann" would take this splendid opportunity (of pointing out Obama's superior attributes) to write in detail about what exactly makes Obama "well-schooled."
I was under the impression that all of Obama's "well-schooled records" were strictly off limits. How could Mann know?
Exactly Rousse!
March 6, 2009 - 17:59 ET by IamTinmanAnyone else runnimg for public office has to pretty much open up everything from tax records to a birth certificate. When are we going to get the real info from "the One"?
Given his reluctance to divulge any of this information why should we ever believe his statements on anything?
I agree with Mann that...
March 6, 2009 - 13:43 ET by wnaegele...Limbaugh is "something to hear." On the other hand, I find CNN is "nothing to watch," so I have removed it from my channel viewing list...
“They think that
March 6, 2009 - 13:49 ET by Texasteacher“They think that Limbaugh, 58, is the very personification of an ugly
Republican stereotype: he’s a small-town college drop-out, an angry
white man, who they believe offends the ethnic, urban and educated
Americans the Democrats want to attract.”
Well if that be the case, then f*** you democrats.
I have 2 older brothers (one owns his on electrical business, the other an oilfield welder) who were both small-town college dropouts, both white, Christian, and straight, and are extremely successful at what they do. They are good men but the democrats want them to fail because they are "urban" enough. What a bunch of racist bastards.
obama's notion of bi-partisanship is telling conservatives to shut up and do what he wants.
Exactly
March 6, 2009 - 14:22 ET by BlondeThere are many extremely successful people who don't have formal educations, but who possess the intellectual curiosity to educate themselves.
I find Rush to be far more "successful" than Obama for one reason...he achieved his success entirely on his own. Obama has ridden the coat-tails of the Chicago political mob, taken hand-outs from the likes of Rezko and lord knows how many other criminals (gee....Blago exited stage left awfully fast, didn't he now?).
Who had the bigger personal net worth on November 4, 2008?
I rest my case.
I hope he fails, too.
BACK TO SCHOOL...
March 6, 2009 - 22:52 ET by danybhoyIf you have watched the Rodney Dangerfield movie "Back To School", there is a scene where he is in a college economics class. The Professor, who is an over-the-top ellitist intellectual snob, is trying to explain the buisiness works from an academic point of view, is interupted by Dangerfield's correcting him about how things are in the REAL WORLD. You know, mafia payoffs, bribes to city inspectors, paying off city council members, those sorts things. The Professor is upset by Rodney's interjection.
It is an excellent example of what is on display here... In the BLUE corner, we have the well educated man of the world, who has loads of academic experience with almost no real world experience in the private sector. He has NEVER created a job, never had to make a payroll, & has never had to answer to investors. All of his "success" has been with other people's money, tax money, & he has had people looking out for him all along the way... In the RED corner, we have a man who has EARNED fame & fortune with the help of private investors. There were people who believed in him who risked THEIR money, not OUR money, & were rewarded & rewarded him. He is a self educated man & a self made man. He is the most successful person in the history of his buisness, & he understands what it takes to make it in the private sector.
Both Obama & Rush are well spoken, but Rush can speak off the cuff for hours at a time, Obama cannot. Obama is the singer who does'nt write his own songs because he can't. Rush is the guy who writes, produces, & performs his own songs.
"The Fairness Doctrine = Jim Crow laws for Conservatives". Jim Quinn from "Quinn & Rose"
paging lefties
March 6, 2009 - 13:50 ET by candanceWho are the elitists in America?
If Mr. Deeds went to Washington today, he would be laughed out of town for not being a Harvard grad beltway insider.
Not another word about wanting the little people to control the government. You really do want Marie Antoinette to run DC - as long as Marie is a liberal.
Interesting how they
March 6, 2009 - 13:59 ET by oldArmyInteresting how they brought education into this and I think that was a little mistake because mystery still surrounds the Presidents college days. I heard he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard, however....he has not released his transscripts to this day and one has to wonder why?....we all know why Kerry never released his military records to the public so....all this talk about how educated the President is to me....unproven.
Put up....or shut up....
Come on Mr. President......release your transcripts.....
lol...it will never happen....cause he isn't what they all say he is and HE knows it.....
Why is it that Republicans release this info and the Dims never do...there is always something kept out of public eye....one has to really ask themselves why.
Also on Law Review
March 6, 2009 - 14:58 ET by richb313He is often touted that he was on the Law Review while attending Law School, but I do not think he ever actually wrote anything for it. Then why tout the Law Review experience in the first place?
law review
March 6, 2009 - 15:02 ET by katainkentone article was found by Politico.
Harvard Law Review
March 6, 2009 - 15:12 ET by slickwillie2001True, Obammy was elected President of the Harvard Law Review. He did not write a single article as President. It was later admitted that the election was done as an affirmative action measure. Seems the law review saw an opportunity to elect their first 'black' President. Prescient huh?
slick, like your word for the new age of oaf Prescient..
March 6, 2009 - 19:57 ET by upcountrywaterDick Armey Has some good Rush comments.
My only comment on Rush is, 'Rush, you know the rules of the game of
political discourse well enough to have not walked yourself into that
trap.' And by some inference, not to have walked some of us into that
trap with him."
Shovel ready ( some cussing YT clip)
Wait, I thought
March 6, 2009 - 13:56 ET by SilverZeroWhat does Obama being black, stylish, or slim have to do with his policies?
And that whole "well-schooled" thing only works if there's some demonstration or application of knowledge gained.
For the Old Media,
March 6, 2009 - 13:59 ET by celatorFor the Old Media, everything.
The Government cannot give to anybody anything which the government does not first take from somebody else. Dr. Adrian Rogers
i'd rather have a president who's an everyman,
March 6, 2009 - 19:46 ET by puredmashieand not afraid to ask for expert opinion than a genius who thinks he's smarter than he is.
swing hard in case you hit it.
Sure, Rush Limbaugh isn't
March 6, 2009 - 14:06 ET by fitzfongSure, Rush Limbaugh isn't black, he isn't slim...the "stylish" thing is eye of the beholder kind of stuff, not to mention a non sequitur. He also isn't an economic illiterate or an elitist, Marxist, social-climbing leech like That One.
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
About the "well schooled"
March 6, 2009 - 14:32 ET by R D HelmI think Charles Krauthammer said it well in his column today:
"Indeed, one could perversely make the case that, if anything, the
proliferation of overeducated, Gucci-wearing, smart-ass MBAs inventing
ever more sophisticated and opaque mathematical models and debt
instruments helped get us into this credit catastrophe in the first
place."
Ouch.
For those of you who haven't seen his excellent column yet:
http://www.realclear...
-Dave
This coup has gone on long enough. The time to put it down is NOW.
A liberal CNNster telling
March 6, 2009 - 14:40 ET by eaglewingz08A liberal CNNster telling people to listen to Rush, this is great news.
Why is it that these mental giants of the airways have failed..
March 6, 2009 - 14:47 ET by ThalpyWhy is it that these mental giants of the airways have failed in their responsibility to see and report what is obvious to so many of us, the vulgar many? If the MSM were not complicit in it, they would report with great fanfare this attempted stealth coup d'etat.
I want to be called an Anti-Obama too! Please!!!
March 6, 2009 - 14:56 ET by The Smokin FrogI want to be called an Anti-Obama too! Please!!!
I beg to differ with Jonathan Mann's silly premise. No one really knows Obama. He's a liar. He is here there and everywhere. He is duplicitous about every subject. He is bringing in a complete socialism with Capitalist and Christian terms. So his groupies, especially the media, can fill in their own meaning. On the other hand Rush has principles and American ideals that he clearly states repeatedly which is why the left hates him. He tells the truth exposing their vacuous nature. The electorate by and large has become cerebrally paralyzed, so naturally they prefer a man with empty words that they can 'feel' good about, like Obama.
But Rush hasn't destroyed my savings, Obama did. He is a destructive force and must be stopped.
Well-Schooled?
March 6, 2009 - 14:57 ET by slickwillie2001Obammy has a couple of degrees from some of the better affirmative-action steeped colleges in the USA, but I see no evidence that he learned anything there. Most of what we have seen of him comes from his mentors Obama Senior, Frank Marshall Davis, Bill Ayers, and Jeremiah Wright, all extreme-left socialists and communists.
Still waiting for any evidence of intelligence in President Asshat...
I applaud Rush for being
March 6, 2009 - 15:11 ET by Clear thinkerI applaud Rush for being the "Anti-Obama". We need someone willing to fight evil when they see it. In fact, if you look real close, you will see '666' carved onto Obama's forehead. Not really, that's just my way of showing how much I care for you-know-who.
Kill Rush Limbaugh
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
Define treason, Miss
March 6, 2009 - 15:42 ET by justathotDefine treason, Miss Miller. I think perhaps you might find a better candidate to be "executed for treason" than Mr. Limbaugh.
Treason is acting to betray and undermine one's country. Hmmmm...........anybody come to mind???
whoops!
March 6, 2009 - 15:57 ET by justathotThis post was for a different article. Sorry........going back there to put it in the right place!
Maybe the MSM will do honest reporting some day...
March 6, 2009 - 15:42 ET by Lord Erond....when they finally spit the taste of Carville, Emmanuel, Begala and Stephanopolous' man seed out of their mouths.
"To sin by silence when we should protest, makes cowards of men" -Ella Wheeler Wilcox
under intellectualized smart ass MBA-i like it!!
March 6, 2009 - 16:21 ET by JIMMY1660my successful company was sold to these types. knew all the answers, but had no idea what the questions were. it was great watching them swim with no water or direction. just like these a$$holes now in the white house. Rush and Dick Cheney are very good sharks, these new white house elite kids are fish food.
BHO- ill equipped to lead America
I would prefer to wait to see Obamas transcripts
March 6, 2009 - 16:49 ET by dark_dsI would prefer to wait to see Obamas transcripts until I declare him well schooled .....
"America is on the Short Bus to Socialism"
In what other ways is Rush the Anti-Obama?
March 6, 2009 - 16:58 ET by WingletDriverRush loves his country: the US. BHO hates his: Kenya.
Rush is a self-made man. BHO is the product of a broken family, communist indoctrination and government largesse.
Rush believes people can succeed on their own. BHO thinks everybody needs the government because that's how he succeeded.
Rush has been criticized for decades and has thrived. BHO is a whiner.
Rush is usually right. BHO, not so much.
He's right - Limbaugh isn't black, slim or well-schooled.
March 6, 2009 - 17:11 ET by DJEddleNeither am I. Neither are a lot of people throughout the country. In fact, I would guess that less than 3% of the population is. All of us "Anti-Obamas" comprise nearly the entire population.
The problem with Democrats is the fact that they see themselves as tempered, well-schooled, elitists. Unfortunately for them, they are anything but. A visit to their favorite websites will demonstrate the depth of their ignorance, their vitriol, and their ultimately tactless style of debate. Their perspective of the world is completely backwards. Their philosophies make absolutely no sense. They have no moral convictions.
I am one of those who they refer to as not "well-schooled." I am a self-educated man and damn proud of it. I'm glad I did not waste thousands of dollars on a worthless education from the universities they operate. I'm not a passionate follower of Rush Limbaugh, but I recognize that he is the epitome of a self-made man. He is the living proof of the reality of the American dream and proudly preaches the principles on which this country was founded.
As far as I'm concerned, he is better educated on the relevant topics than any "liberal" or Democrat I've ever seen or heard. Their attacks on him are quite embarrassing and will have no effect on him or the Republican Party in the long run - just as all their previous attempts have failed to make a dent. But they're too stupid to figure that out. So much for their liberal brilliance.
(If you want to see an example of how uneducated this "anti-Obama" is, visit my website...the link is below.)
Rational Liberty: Where Reason and Government Collide - The best website ever!
“He’s a Republican
March 6, 2009 - 17:16 ET by RESTLESS 1“He’s a Republican with no elected office but a powerful hold on his party and a place in the news once again."
Uh, yeah, because rahmbo and the 0 have put him there. Besides, the 0 is living proof that education does not equal intelligence.
"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
CNN is about as despicable
March 6, 2009 - 17:19 ET by RogerCfromSDCNN is about as despicable an organization as has ever been. Their bullshit ad hominem attacks on Rush and other Conservatives show just how many jackasses there are in our country who are television journos.
A nation cannot be free without a free, unbiased media. We are not free.
Yo...Mann...Newsflash! Of
March 6, 2009 - 18:01 ET by bigtimerYo...Mann...Newsflash!
Of course he's the anti-Obama...
...Thank God!!!
true
March 6, 2009 - 18:49 ET by totalkaosdaveTotalKaosDave
Rush is a self-made multi-millionaire, producer of a desired product, and Obama is a political machine-made, taker of millions from other people, and producer of nothing.
ok, hear me out...rush = porn
March 6, 2009 - 18:50 ET by tonemeisterlike porn many people wouldn't admit to viewing and/or hearing it. "it's sick, he's a hard core right wing nut job"etc. but, his success proves that many, many people listen. his actual audience is probably far larger than the usual survey would indicate.and he drives my liberal wife, god love her (and some of her friends) absolutely nuts. me, according to her i'm to the right of ghengis khan. she saw my picture of g.gordon liddy in my kitchen and didn't bolt. although she said she wanted to.......
George Bush had an Ivy
March 6, 2009 - 19:49 ET by RR GOPGeorge Bush had an Ivy League education...did that keep them from portraying him as a dope?
Bush as an Ivy Leaguer....playboy, party-animal, daddy's money.
Obama/Clinton...the smartest men evah, self-made, beyond moral reproach.
Actually, we still don't exactly what The One 'studied'.
At any rate, since when in this country do we disqualify someone from the political arena for not being highly educated?
One of the 24% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 89% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
It's like CNN is provoking a
March 6, 2009 - 20:10 ET by mostlymoderateIt's like CNN is provoking a race war. Reverse the roles in this story. What if they said "with his white, bold, distinguished and real-world-educated speech, Rush...
Why is everything white and black to liberals? Can't they get past race?
Hmmm mmm.
Limbaugh would absolutly
March 6, 2009 - 20:23 ET by nadadhimmiLimbaugh would absolutly destroy Obama in any non scripted debate, We know it, and Obama knows it. Obama is a chickenshit bitch.
You won't see Obama make too
March 6, 2009 - 20:30 ET by mostlymoderateYou won't see Obama make too many impromptu discussions because he really is nothing more than an actor. Think about it. The man needs a teleprompter and lots of angry people that want free stuff from the government. Without those two things, he's got nothin'.
".....who believes offends
March 6, 2009 - 20:50 ET by brerol".....who believes offends the ethnic, urban and educated Americans the Democrats want to attract". Want to attract? The Democrat party owns that group of voters. And since a strong central goverment is key to controlling ones way of life, whether one wants to be controlled or not, you can bet urban liberals will always support the liberal party.
And RUSH
March 6, 2009 - 22:05 ET by Delsalaughs all the way to the bank!
How did a guy who isn't Black get so far?
My guess?
Must have been Affirmative Action, because without glistening pecs or an education, how else could we explain it?
Hard work!
It couldn't possibly that
March 6, 2009 - 22:42 ET by pitter43It couldn't possibly that obama's policy's are going to destroy America like he planned. Oh no, I've just let the cat out of the bag. No one's supposed to know that!
That forgot something
March 6, 2009 - 22:47 ET by well99Rush also didnt get a land deal from Tony Rezko.
Wowie-wow
March 6, 2009 - 23:28 ET by slickwillie2001"By one measure, Rush Limbaugh is a clear winner this week: His ratings
have nearly doubled since his feud with the White House burst into the
media limelight."
I expected his ratings would be up, but nearly doubled?
http://www.washingto...
Rush is so far ahead of
March 6, 2009 - 23:35 ET by Clear thinkerRush is so far ahead of Obama in so many catagories. So maybe this is all about the O's ego.
Kill Rush Limbaugh
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
Rush Limbaugh.
March 7, 2009 - 00:07 ET by blazermaniacAt least Rush Limbaugh wouldn't need a teleprompter for a debate. Obama knows that he would get destroyed by Rush. That's why Obama's cronies want to eliminate Rush. The "Drive By Media" doesn't want to report the real news. They are just members of "The Kiss Barack Obama's Ass Club".
Can't you peoples see the logic here?
March 7, 2009 - 02:53 ET by JWFI can. Let me try it out.
...big man with the booming voice that you're bound to find is the anti-Obama.
That means Obama must be the anti-Reagan because he is not smart, charismatic, earnest, or proud of America.
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
Not black, slim, stylish, or well educated...
March 7, 2009 - 06:30 ET by jdlybrandSo he has that going for him... which is nice!
Whatever happened to. . .
March 7, 2009 - 06:48 ET by WingletDriverNancy Pelosi's line of dissent being the highest form of patriotism? The MSM pushed that crap for the last 8 years.
Let's take this to it's logical conclusion. Rush is the voice of dissent (Dems hold all of the power positions in DC). Rush must be the most patriotic person in America. Rush is the anti-Obama. Therefore, Obama must be the least patriotic person in America.
Boy, that was easy.
I'm not black, slim,
March 7, 2009 - 07:08 ET by SlicksterI'm not black, slim, stylish, or "well educated" either and I'm damn thankful for it.
"Anit-Obama"
March 7, 2009 - 10:04 ET by Greg Toombs"Badge of Honor"