It's no surprise: A little-reported study of PPM data last year starkly shows that Rush Limbaugh's ratings go down when he approves of something!
When Limbaugh was expressing disapproval, he got a 5.71% share of
listeners, but when he expressed positives on people oir issues, his share went down to 5.43%.
Rush gets it (he's a genius!) so he rarely approves of much of anything.
The study, from respected research firm Coleman Insights, assessed hours of Limbaugh using minute-by-minute breakdown of data from Arbitron's Portable People Meters (PPMs).
It's great for him, knocking everything makes show prep easier: if Democrats are for it, he's ag'in it. But his scorn helps keep the Republicans in the sub-basement of American regard.
Big Pants is inarguably the most-heard spokesman for Obama opposition; and while he's not the "leader" of the GOP," (there isn't one) but, as Rahm Emanual says, he's "... the voice and the intellectual force and energy behind the Republican party."
Rush pointed out Friday that his numbers went through the roof after he said "I hope [Obama] fails."
But it didn't backfire. Obama's approvals remain in the low-to mid-60's, despite his bold policies, and the Wall of Republican No and the b eligerent negativity mouthpieced by Rush (and others).
Dittoheads obviously love the red meat -- maybe it's because he's more passionate when serving it up, -- or maybe it's because they hate America. But one thing we know: what's good for radio ratings ain't necessarily good for politics.
Democrats couldn't have dreamed it up better themselves: Big Pants gets the ratings; Obama gets an easy target and Republicans take the fall.
(photo: Rep. Michelle Bachman overdrive)
(Last week, Rush called Obama a "tyrannical extremist," while boob-tube creation, Rep. Michelle "you da man!" Bachman (an Oral Roberts Law School grad) called for "armed and dangerous" opposition to the government. Such talk can do
more than sully the hapless Republicans or light-up the pathetic dittoheads -- the American right always has a few Tim McVeys fuming in trailers, ready to be ignited).
David Frum, former Bush speechwriter, GOP clear-head and frequent hand-wringer compares the images of the two men:
On the one side, the president of the United States: soft-spoken and conciliatory, never angry, always invoking the recession and its victims. This president invokes the language of "responsibility," and in his own life seems to epitomize that ideal: He is physically honed and disciplined, his worst vice an occasional cigarette. He is at the same time an apparently devoted husband and father. Unsurprisingly, women voters trust and admire him.
And for the leader of the Republicans? A man who is aggressive and bombastic, cutting and sarcastic, who dismisses the concerned citizens in network news focus groups as "losers." With his private plane and his cigars, his history of drug dependency and his personal bulk, not to mention his tangled marital history, Rush is a walking stereotype of self-indulgence—exactly the image that Barack Obama most wants to affix to our philosophy and our party. And we're cooperating!
Frum says that Rush is "seriously unpopular" among the voters conservatives and Republicans need. Independents have a 41% unfavorable view of him. Women can't stand him: his audience is 72% male, according to Pew Research. Blacks, Latinos and people under 40 in large numbers believe that Rush Limbaugh wants to take away their birthdays.
So don't expect the Maha Rushee to go all squishy any day soon. He knows what he's doing. Frum says, "The worse conservatives do, the more important Rush becomes as leader of the ardent remnant. The better conservatives succeed, the more we become a broad national governing coalition, the more Rush will be sidelined."
It's pathetic that people are entertained by this shit, but it's a downright unconscionable (unpatriotic?) way to run an alleged major political party. The GOP deserves its present place in American esteem.
As long as The Pills Buried Doughboy leads the GOP, along with Malkin, Bachman, Coulter, and Hannity, the folks who really want to save America will contunue to vote Democratic (unless of course the Repugs attempt to steal another election)
Posted by: Highlander | March 28, 2009 at 07:17 PM
I am just thrilled that we, the Bla'M fans are able to get back to stalking El Rushbo again. I was a skeered that we were going to let too much time get by and folks would have forgot to hate.
Good job Michael.
Next week, let's talk about farting (sorry, I don't know how to spell flat chu lence, public schools you know).
Posted by: chucks | March 28, 2009 at 07:33 PM
I don't think you'd pass an entrance exam to get into public school
Posted by: Stewie | March 28, 2009 at 08:06 PM
David Frum is the de facto author of this piece so I don't get that last comment. Michael merely the interpreter.
And I always thought Frum was Squiggy but I'm starting to change my mind. Maybe he's not quite the idiot I used to think he was.
Posted by: joanie | March 28, 2009 at 08:09 PM
Rush Limbaugh is the Tiger Woods of talk radio. There is no other talk host in his league when it comes to drawing power. Sean Hannity is the second most listened to guy in America and even he runs a huge distance behind Rush. Liberals need to stop trying to minimize Limbaugh's success. Have enough class to acknowledge greatness when you see it.
Posted by: mrogi | March 28, 2009 at 08:45 PM
Yes, I agree. And the conservative market is probably about the size of the golf market in the US. I wonder what percentage of Americans actually play golf. Not a bad analogy.
Posted by: joanie | March 28, 2009 at 09:02 PM
I thought Limbaugh was the Pablo Escobar of the Florida Oxycontin industry...
Posted by: Highlander | March 28, 2009 at 09:07 PM
Had to look it up...
More troubling to golf boosters, the number of people who play 25 times a year or more fell to 4.6 million in 2005 from 6.9 million in 2000, a loss of about a third.
Notoriously drug-addicted with a following equal to that of the diminishing sport of golf... I wonder what the future holds for this poor man and his fans?
Posted by: joanie | March 28, 2009 at 09:15 PM
chucks...we just call them farts.
Posted by: sparky | March 28, 2009 at 09:24 PM
I am surprised that joanie and sparky chose to post during the prohibited hour last night. That you apparently couldn't resist and reflect on what this earth means to us says much. Like some have said on this blog before, it portends of phoniness or your need for this computer is out of control. Thanks for being so earth-conscious.
Posted by: KVIFan | March 29, 2009 at 05:53 AM
I do think rush is popular and it doesn't really matter what I think because everything on this site is irrelevant anyway..but I also think that it's fine that joanie should take her meds....it's only fair for the people that are around her..
Posted by: pleasetakeyourmedsjoanie | March 29, 2009 at 08:06 AM
Part of the healthcare crisis in America is a nationwide shortage of meds, which is traced directly back to Rush Limbaugh
Posted by: Stewie | March 29, 2009 at 08:53 AM
Hey, Sparky, do you know what KVI-F is talking about? I don't.
Explain, Fan. Explain.
Posted by: joanie | March 29, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Very simple did you observe the hour of reflection on energy use and it's implications on our good green earth last night.
Posted by: KVIFan | March 29, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Sorry. Didn't know about it. Why didn't I observe it? Because I didn't know about it.
Just checked it out: Part of Earth Hour which I've never heard of before. Sorry. I'll be more vigilant next year.
Posted by: joanie | March 29, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Look whose numbers are also falling.
Apparently that trend also holds true for the president's primetime telecasts.
Posted by: nevets | March 29, 2009 at 11:10 AM
No TOTUS equals no ratings.
Posted by: nevets | March 29, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Rush is hopelessly addicted to drugs yet he manages to dominate talk radio ratings. He is so great, he does his show with half his brain tied behind his back.
Posted by: mrogi | March 29, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Limbaugh is currently enjoying the highest popularity of his spectacularly successful career because of his unique ability to expose the weakness of President Obama. Rush reveals Obama as a magnificent campaigner with absolutely no clue how to govern once he wins the office.
Posted by: mrogi | March 29, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Mrogi, Stop battering the regular commenters of a leftwing persuasion with the truth - it is bruising their fragile egg-shell egos..
Posted by: KS | March 29, 2009 at 02:44 PM
It's time for mrogi and ks to quit fantasizing; call Rush NOW! Go get a room, you three! Rush will supply the Viagra, plus any other pharma you may need so you won't remember it in the morning.
Posted by: Stewie | March 29, 2009 at 03:16 PM
mrogi, you must be doing a good job. the 'usual suspects' have to resort to the 'jeff smithers'; 'stewie' and 'highlander' nom de plumes.
Posted by: Puget Sound | March 29, 2009 at 07:11 PM
"Sorry. Didn't know about it. Why didn't I observe it? Because I didn't know about it.
Just checked it out: Part of Earth Hour which I've never heard of before. Sorry. I'll be more vigilant next year.
Posted by: joanie | March 29, 2009 at 10:59 AM"
hey Nevets, maybe ph(J)oanie can go buy some of those 'carbon offsets' she is so fond of to 'atone' for her greenhouse gas faux paux. unless of course, she really doesn't believe in the crap she emits.
Posted by: Puget Sound | March 29, 2009 at 07:24 PM
Putsie, your paranoia is not our fault. Actually, Highlander and Stewie are friends who I have invited to come post here, as they are both good writers. I have no idea who jeff smithers is, but as far as I know, it could be you trying to fill in for Duffman. You must be lonely with only KS to play with.
KVI fan, Im on spring break and I am currently not in the PDT zone, so my lights out part was over before I posted last night. Never assume anything.
Posted by: sparky | March 29, 2009 at 09:10 PM
Sparky- thanks for the invite.
Pungent Sound- if you could just pull that tin hat of yours down a little tighter on your pointy head, it will be less likely to blow off when Rush begins to speak, and, you'll enjoy all-day protection too.
And KVI fan- I was given an exemption to the energy awareness thing at 8:30 pm, in order to keep up the pressure on you republicants. This is no time for our forces to become complacent.
Posted by: Highlander | March 30, 2009 at 01:33 AM
Nice try. You claim progressive values but you (and others) will not walk the talk.
Posted by: KVIFan | March 30, 2009 at 08:29 AM
Spot on!
Posted by: Coiler | March 30, 2009 at 08:33 AM
I think you hit the nail right on the head Puts. After reading some off Joanies posts since Randi has been off-air, she is definitly struggling to put up any kind of substance in defense of her vote for Obama.
Now how about Sparky Puts. Do you think her inviting friends to come here has anything to do with Joanies non-Randi-hate-filled-posts. I have to admit, I do like Highlanders Tin-Hat reference. Thats a good one for a radio blog. Wish I would of thought of that one. And stewie, does he sounds like a little Coiler to you. Witty one-liners. I think after a few flushes he'll disappear like the others who also haven't been able to justify the Libs socialist ideas for this Country which Conservative Talk is exposing these days.
Posted by: nevets | March 30, 2009 at 09:25 AM
It's good to keep you guys in a state of paranoia. Did conservative talk help you guys win any elections lately?
Posted by: Coiler | March 30, 2009 at 10:04 AM
nidbits-
I'm still here, and I'm gonna take up residence (hehehe). Seems that you neo-cons still feel you can justify the erosion of democracy under Cheney/Rove (oh, I almost forgot to give Bush his due, sorry!). Too bad you cons weren't able to completely screw the country into the ground in 8 years, but we owed it to folks like Madison, Jefferson, and Paine that we stop your efforts, and continue to stop them. Just so we're clear here, Obama didn't win the election: WE won the election! We took our country back, and we have every intention of keeping it.
Think I'll build in this neighborhood...
Posted by: Stewie | March 30, 2009 at 12:33 PM
It is fascinating to me how so many of the greatest radio talk hosts have weight issues. Rush, Kirby Wilbur, and even Bernie Ward, who before his unfortunate child porn incident, was probably the most successful left-wing talk host ever. Where I grew up in St. Louis there was an excellent late-night host named Jim White, who was like 5'6" and 280 lbs.
I believe that these people are simply super-efficient at digesting and processing their food. This allows them to be always quick-thinking and quick-witted, the hallmark of a good host. The normal person grows dull and slow after eating, but these radio gods do not.
A corollary to this explains why talk shows on TV are so bad--there is an inherent bias against heavier people on TV, so we end up with thin but dull and slow people as TV talking heads.
Posted by: woody held | March 30, 2009 at 01:07 PM
It reminds me of the article in the Washington Post last August:
" Spread John McCain's official talking points around the Web -- and you could win valuable prizes!
That, in essence, is the McCain campaign's pitch to supporters to join its new online effort, one that combines the features of "AstroTurf" campaigning with the sort of customer-loyalty programs offered by airlines, hotel chains, restaurants and the occasional daily newspaper.
On McCain's Web site, visitors are invited to "Spread the Word" about the presumptive Republican nominee by sending campaign-supplied comments to blogs and Web sites under the visitor's screen name. The site offers sample comments ("John McCain has a comprehensive economic plan . . .") and a list of dozens of suggested destinations, conveniently broken down into "conservative," "liberal," "moderate" and "other" categories. Just cut and paste."
Yeah, that worked out great.
Then there was Bushie weighing in:
"See, in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda." (President Bush, May 24, 2005.)
And finally, Andrew Breitbart of the Moonie Times has this to whine about:
"ANALYSIS/OPINION:
A digital war has broken out, and the conservative movement is losing. Read the comment sections of right-leaning blogs, news sites and social forums, and the evidence is there in ugly abundance. Internet hooligans are spewing their talking points to thwart the dissent of the newly-out-of-power.
We must not let that go unanswered.
Uninvited Democratic activists are on a mission to demoralize the enemy - us. They want to ensure that President Obama is not subject to the same coordinated, facts-be-damned, multimedia takedown they employed over eight long years to destroy the presidency - and the humanity - of George W. Bush.
Political leftists play for keeps. They are willing to lie, perform deceptive acts in a coordinated fashion and do so in a wicked way - all in the pursuit of victory. Moral relativism is alive and well in the land of Hope and Change and its Web-savvy youth brigade expresses its "idealism" in a most cynical fashion.
The ends justify the means for them - now more than ever.
Much of Mr. Obama's vaunted online strategy involved utilizing "Internet trolls" to invade enemy lines under false names and trying to derail discussion. In the real world, that's called "vandalism." But in a political movement that embraces "graffiti" as avant-garde art , that's business as usual. It relishes the ability to destroy other people's property in pursuit of electoral victory.
Hugh Hewitt's popular site shut off its comments section because of the success of these obnoxious invaders. Breitbart.com polices nonpartisan newswire stories for such obviously coordinated attacks. Other right-leaning sites such as Instapundit and National Review Online refuse to allow comments, knowing better than to flirt with the online activist left."
He should visit HA, Free Republic or (un)Sound Politics..plenty of angry right wingers to satisfy even him!
Ok kids, back out to the pool and my book!
Posted by: sparky | March 30, 2009 at 01:17 PM
OMFG, have you ever asked yourself about the environmental ramifications of pools?
The answer to the question is here. Which pools are environmentally-friendly? "NO POOL IS."
Posted by: woody held | March 30, 2009 at 01:25 PM
Oh, just the thing I'm going to do. In the article woody, they suggested the best thing I can do is take my pool out. I better do that while my bride is at work and the grandkid is in school.
I wonder if I can live through the night?
Maybe I will take out my pool after Algore brings all of his mansions up to the best 21st century energy effecientcy standards.
Posted by: chucks | March 30, 2009 at 01:49 PM
By "WE" do you mean Socialists Stewie?
Stewie, thats the baby character on Family Guy right. Did you take that screename because you still fill your shorts with little coilers?
Posted by: nevets | March 30, 2009 at 02:05 PM
You can't define most of the terms you throw around steven/nevets so like B'lam said earlier, huh?
Posted by: Coiler | March 30, 2009 at 02:17 PM
Snippets-
The name is because of my love for stew. My favorite recipe is one made from sliced and diced republicans. Thoroughly wash and rinse before sloooooow cooking in some savory truth from Maddow, Hartmann, Schuster, and Olbermann.
My friends marvel at how one can take some worthless GOP roadkill and transform it into something exceptional. It takes a lot of effort to get rid of the rancid taste and smell of the tired old neo-con philosophies, but because we truly believe in recycling everything, even you and your species have some use.
Ok, time for you to get back in the crock-pot, wanker!
Posted by: Stewie | March 30, 2009 at 03:01 PM
with Ron Sims gone, who is going to keep the 'April Pools' program going?
Posted by: woody held | March 31, 2009 at 01:29 AM
Coiler, that was Sparkys long post above. Mine was the short one.
Posted by: nevets | March 31, 2009 at 08:08 AM
"My friends marvel at how one can take some worthless GOP roadkill and transform it into something exceptional."
Now I see why Sparky invited you. So when are you going to start.
Posted by: nevets | March 31, 2009 at 08:54 AM