[mrnoodle]

Alternate to tw's explanation (although this is a little like trying to argue with an extremely intelligent, stubbornly self-satisfied brick wall):

Rush came along when it became apparent that the standard sources of information were completely one-sided and had more to do with Democrat agendas than actual truth. He's not independent in the least. He's right-wing all the way. It's the left's media that wants to claim the "independent" label, even though it doesn't apply.

Anyway, Rush Limbaugh came along and took over AM radio, which was supposed to be a dying format, and millions of people finally heard someone saying what they were thinking themselves. Liberals can't stand the thought of anyone challenging them, so they've made it a major goal of their existence to discredit Rush and anyone else who passionately (and entertainingly) opposes them.

The result is a lot of cherry-picked, out-of-context quotations, some flatly made up, that are supposed to paint the picture of Limbaugh as a misogynist, racist, homophobic, etc. etc. etc. pig. Plus, he's fat. And stinky.

No one wants to be associated with hateful people, so there's a big chunk of the population who parrots the liberal line on Rush without ever having listened to the show. So, from "I've never seen him act like this. He's either off his meds or acting", we get "Rush says Michael J Fox is faking his illness". We are not to critically analyze what was actually said, nor are we to hear the context. Rather, we just get angry that such a mean asshole is allowed to pollute the airwaves. Meanwhile, Air America files chapter 11. It's just not fair.

He's comically self-absorbed, pompous, and arrogant. That's his schtick. His political viewpoint is what keeps conservatives listening to him, and his insufferable inflated ego is what keeps him in the news and at the top of liberal hit lists. He's a shrewd cat. And filthy rich. And he believes every word he says.

And liberals can't effing stand it. I love him for that alone.