# How will Rush Limbaugh handle Ted Kennedy's death \[whenever it happens\]? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [May 18, 2008, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721 "2008-05-18T04:56:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2008, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/21 "2008-05-19T13:24:55Z")
Do people actually tune in to listen to such an asshat as Rush Limbaugh? That’s scary! ---
**Author:** ![mswas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e99b99/32.png) [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2008, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/22 "2008-05-19T13:28:05Z")
[QUOTE=Phlosphr] Do people actually tune in to listen to such an asshat as Rush Limbaugh? That’s scary! [/QUOTE] Well you wouldn’t have heard of him if they didn’t, now would you? ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2008, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/23 "2008-05-19T13:43:20Z")
[QUOTE=mswas] Well you wouldn’t have heard of him if they didn’t, now would you? [/QUOTE] I was being a little facetious - I tuned in to him on Friday to listen for a little while to see what everyone is talking about and not a minute into listening to him I hear things like, “That Muslim Barack” and other far reaching conspiracy theory bullshit that I can’t believe people actually pay any credence to. ---
**Author:** ![BarnOwl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e95f7d/32.png) [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2008, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/24 "2008-05-19T13:45:41Z")
[QUOTE=mswas] Well you wouldn’t have heard of him if they didn’t, now would you? [/QUOTE] On cable news we’re occasionally favored with some of his asinine quotes, sadly enough. Other nuts can be worse. A few years ago a black woman with 7 or 8 kids was murdered (in NYC) and of the right wing hate mongers on radio called her a brood sow. He was fired, but, of course was almost immediately hired by another hate station. ---
**Author:** ![CurtC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce73a5/32.png) [@CurtC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CurtC)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2008, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/25 "2008-05-19T16:33:01Z")
Limbaugh won’t attend Kennedy’s funeral, but he will _approve_ of it. ---
**Author:** ![descamisado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@descamisado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/descamisado)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2008, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/26 "2008-05-19T19:13:41Z")
[QUOTE=BarnOwl] A few years ago a black woman with 7 or 8 kids was murdered (in NYC) and of the right wing hate mongers on radio called her a brood sow. He was fired, but, of course was almost immediately hired by another hate station. [/QUOTE] I wonder what would have been said had she been Catholic (don’t know if she was or wasn’t). I agree with the poster who said that he’ll spout off with whatever he thinks will get him the most ratings. I’m also inclined to think Teddy will outlive Limbaugh. So many Kennedys have died young (well, at least 4-5+); it seems Ted might just have inherited that Rose Kennedy gene. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2008, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/27 "2008-05-19T22:08:09Z")
[QUOTE=5-4-Fighting] So many Kennedys have died young (well, at least 4-5+) [/QUOTE] Really? Of natural causes? A quick check of the first nine kids shows death by plane crash (Joseph jr., Kathleen) and by murder (John, Robert). Two who died of natural causes (Rosemary, Patricia) were in their eighties and of the three survivors, Ted is the youngest at 76. As for _their_ kids, well, there’s a stillborn, a death after premature birth, one dead by plane crash, one in a ski accident and one of a drug overdose. That’s five out of 31, assuming you count the first two (if not, 3 out of 29). I don’t see any family history of premature heart disease, stroke, diabetes, etc. In fact, their family history overall is pretty non-tragic. It’s just that when one of them dies, it tends to be in an unexpected and news-worthy way. ---
**Author:** ![descamisado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@descamisado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/descamisado)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2008, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/28 "2008-05-19T23:15:50Z")
[QUOTE=Bryan Ekers] Really? Of natural causes? A quick check . . . . . . unexpected and news-worthy way. [/QUOTE] All I was saying was, however those young relatives’ lives were ended, _in the scheme of things_, Ted might have a chance to outlive Limbaugh. I wasn’t trying to make it that complicated. ---
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2008, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/29 "2008-05-19T23:32:54Z")
[QUOTE=BrainGlutton] The Dems are going to sweep Congress this year. One senator more or less, however venerable or iconic, won’t make a significant difference. The more interesting question is how Limbaugh, who treated the whole Clinton Admin to the “Day X! America Held Hostage!” theme on his short-lived TV show, is going to adjust to a new political reality where it is undeniable that the just-barely-left-of-center holds the entire balance of power, and that with undeniable legitimacy. [/QUOTE] _No_ legitimacy is undeniable, if you try hard enough. ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2008, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/30 "2008-05-19T23:40:07Z")
I can’t speak for Rush, but I personally will heave a sigh of relief once he’s out of the Senate. Even if that is feet-first. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2008, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/31 "2008-05-19T23:48:47Z")
[QUOTE=Clothahump] I can’t speak for Rush, but I personally will heave a sigh of relief once he’s out of the Senate. Even if that is feet-first. [/QUOTE] [McCain sees the matter differently, or says he does.](http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat/321847) > [@](#): > > McCain, who has actually worked most closely with Kennedy in the Senate (especially on immigration issues, but also on a host of other matters), released the most detailed and laudatory statement. > > “I was very sorry to hear that Senator Kennedy has taken ill, and like millions of Americans, Cindy and I anxiously await word of his condition. Senator Kennedy’s role in the U.S. Senate cannot be overstated,” said the presumptive Republican nominee. “He is a legendary lawmaker, and I have the highest respect for him. When we have worked together, he has been a skillful, fair and generous partner. I consider it a great privilege to call him my friend. Cindy and I are praying for our friend, his wife, Vicki and the Kennedy family.” ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2008, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/32 "2008-05-20T17:32:55Z")
[Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has a malignant brain tumor](http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080520/ap_on_go_co/kennedy) > [@](#): > > His treatment will be decided after more tests but the usual course includes combinations of radiation and chemotherapy. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2008, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/33 "2008-05-20T17:37:55Z")
[QUOTE=Squink] [Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has a malignant brain tumor](http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080520/ap_on_go_co/kennedy) [/QUOTE] Simulpost to my new thread… ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2008, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/34 "2008-05-20T17:54:27Z")
If he has a malignant brain tumor, he ain’t going back to the Senate. So, what’s the procedure in Massachusetts for choosing a new senator to fill out the remainder of an incapacitated senator’s term? (I believe it varies from state to state.) ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2008, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/35 "2008-05-20T18:03:26Z")
[QUOTE=BrainGlutton] If he has a malignant brain tumor, he ain’t going back to the Senate. So, what’s the procedure in Massachusetts for choosing a new senator to fill out the remainder of an incapacitated senator’s term? (I believe it varies from state to state.) [/QUOTE] I think the Governor can appoint somebody if a US Senator dies, but I don’t know if mere incapacitation can prevent a Senaor from serving out his/her term. If Teddy passes, I think the seat would be ok. Deval Patrick is the Guv there. I have no idea who he would pick, but at least he would keep it safely in bleeding heart hands. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2008, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/36 "2008-05-20T19:37:22Z")
[QUOTE=BrainGlutton] So, what’s the procedure in Massachusetts for choosing a new senator to fill out the remainder of an incapacitated senator’s term? (I believe it varies from state to state.) [/QUOTE] walking a straight line would be a start. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2008, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/37 "2008-05-20T19:56:09Z")
[QUOTE=Magiver] walking a straight line would be a start. [/QUOTE] [Indeed.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=9821017&postcount=12) ---
**Author:** ![photopat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e95f7d/32.png) [@photopat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/photopat)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2008, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/38 "2008-05-20T20:23:21Z")
I kind of wonder more how Ann (Satan) Coulter will handle it. I suspect she’ll make Rushy look positively respectful. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2008, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/39 "2008-05-21T00:17:46Z")
[QUOTE=BrainGlutton] [Indeed.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=9821017&postcount=12) [/QUOTE] Senator Kennedy was never held to any standard in his early years of repeated drunken driving. He eventually killed someone because of it. While it may have prevented him from becoming POTUS it didn’t harm his career as a US Senator. He’s never shown any remorse in the form of responsibility for his actions. If he did I would have some empathy for him but I don’t care either way what happens to him. My comments were aimed at his constituents as much as at him. I don’t think it’s too much to ask that his replacement be sober. I’ve never understood his legacy other than to assume he was somehow rewarded for the loss of his brothers. I’d like to think his behavior would not be tolerated today without full atonement. So indeed – you speak of peoples actions when presented with a crisis, I give you Senator Ted Kennedy. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2008, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721/40 "2008-05-21T00:18:55Z")
Cite that Ted Kennedy was drunk during the Chappaquiddick incident? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721.md?page=3)