Thinking about the Ted Kennedy eulogy that Obama is going to give and the nonstop media clips highlighting positive qualities about Ted Kennedy got me thinking about the eulogies that other prominent people in politics would get if they died. It seems like a lot of eulogies tend to be about positive personal qualities of the person (kindhearted, compassion, caring, passionate), and perhaps only tangentially about their belief systems (their political/religious views, etc).
If Rush Limbaugh died today, what would the media say about him that could sound positive? I tried hard to put myself in a conservative’s shoes, but I really can’t think of any ‘soft’ or ‘likable’ or ‘human’ qualities about him; everything is so spiteful, arrogant, and hateful-- this is in contrast to, say, Bush or McCain or almost anyone else except maybe Dick Cheney. I don’t even really see the guy as human, and I could only see myself ‘liking’ him if I happened to agree with his views, in which case I’d be liking his views more than the person.
Any thoughts on how a review of Limbaugh’s life might sound through the words of friends, well-wishers, acquaintances, and the media?
I think conservatives would continue to sing his praises in death in order to pander to his fan base, but privately be very happy that their party’s boat anchor has passed on.
I think that a eulogy of Limbaugh would focus on his skills and successes. You could fill a whole speech talking about how influential he was, without saying a word about what you think about how he wielded that influence.
Talk would focus on his influence and success as a broadcaster. You can’t deny he pretty much invented (or at least popularized) modern political talk radio. His influence in that regard is enormous and widespread.
Whether or not that’s a good thing is another matter altogether.
His career will probably be covered in detail clips of interviews he has done over the years. I think many news agency’s would offer much shorter coverage then that of Ted Kennedy’s.
Comparing the two is difficult. Ted Kennedy is getting a lot of positive press because the way he tried to make a personal touch with everyone he dealt with(for reasons of being a good person or for political reasons is up to debate) Hundreds of anecdotal stories of Kennedy’s deeds can be brought to attention. He did things like send personal hand written letters to his constituents in times of grief and congratulating political opponents when they succeeded in even things he disagreed with. Doing things like that made him more likable to the friends and enemies alike. Stories of his life can work well in the news playing to the hearts of all Americans. Even many who hated him had respect for him so the right wing can at least stomach listening to the stories(provided they cover his scandals and flaws as well). He was in short an interesting person.
Rush will get positive press but people people who opposed him are less likely to want to sit through hours of news casts and talk radio detailing his life. Little in his character plays as well to peoples hearts. Rush as a norm is vile to his opponents. He’s done little to reach across lines, so people who hate him also tend to have little respect for him. It makes lengthy coverage more difficult because those against him have little interest in hearing about him. His character has made him only interesting to people who support him.
I suspect they’d say something like “Quick, drive a stake through his heart, cut off his head, and bury him at a crossroads so he can never threaten us again.”
Entertainers on the left would say some harsh things and those on the right would say opposing complimentary things. Most politicians on the right would be effusive in their praise - ‘outspoken voice for conservatism,’ ‘tireless figure in the conservative movement,’ ‘advocated the principles that made America great,’ ‘very funny and made our politics accessible,’ ‘articulated the views on mainstream America,’ that type of stuff. Maybe some of the moderates would be glad he’s gone but you wouldn’t hear many of them say it. I think Democratic politicians would mostly be quiet, they’d say the polite ‘we disagreed but’ things if asked, and that’s about it unless they were personal friends or something.
Look back at the way the media covered the deaths of Peter Jennings, David Brinkley and – a bit further back – Charles Kuralt. Each of them was a landmark figure. All of them were praised for their tremendous contributions. However, each of them had a reputation in the industry as being somewhat cold and distant. There were plenty of tributes, but not really an outpouring of affection.
Contrast that to Walter Cronkite, who was respected not just for his achievements, but for being an all-around good guy who loved to sail, stayed married to the same woman for decades, had lots of friends, was passionate about space travel, etc.
Limbaugh’s obituaries will recognize his considerable achievements, but that’s about it.
The left, most of who have never actually listened to a single Rush broadcast, let alone enough to be able to form an opinion on him, would laugh and dance on his grave.
Real Americans who love this country will mourn the passing of one of the last True Patriots with the guts to fight for liberty and celebrate all that is great about the USA.
chrissy mathews will probably feel a tingle that goes all the way to his cunt hairs.