Fox Circles The Wagons Around Rush; Attacks Reid, Media Matters, And ‘The Left’
Fox Circles The Wagons Around Rush; Attacks Reid, Media Matters, And ‘The Left’
On the Senate floor yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) condemned right-wing standard bearer Rush Limbaugh for his claim that service members who support withdrawal from Iraq are “phony soldiers,” saying that Limbuagh “owes the men and women of our Armed Forces an apology” for his comments that “went way over the line.”
But instead of apologizing, Limbaugh attacked Reid, calling him a “nut” and saying that it is the senator who should apologize.
Following Reid’s comments, Fox News began blanket, unbalanced coverage of the controversy that almost always offers Limbaugh’s spin. Beginning last night and continuing today, Fox overwhelming featured guests who supported Limbaugh. Some examples from Rush’s defenders:
Bill O’Reilly: “In addition to me, Rush Limbaugh is a favorite target of these gutter snipes who distort hours of talk radio, hoping to create false controversies.”
Sean Hannity: “Phony battle and total mischaracterization of Rush Limbaugh’s comments.”
Brian Kilmeade: “The transcript backs [Rush] up.”
Ann Coulter: “Rush was absolutely right, what he was talking about.”
Rick Santorum: “There is no story here. It’s very clear what Rush said.”
Watch a compilation of Fox’s pro-Rush coverage:
As ThinkProgress has noted, Limbaugh’s argument that he was only referring to a single soldier, rather than pro-withdrawal troops as a whole, is severely undermined by his inclusion of Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) as an example of a “phony soldier.”
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62 Responses to “Fox Circles The Wagons Around Rush; Attacks Reid, Media Matters, And ‘The Left’”
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What’s phony is the Right’s cacophony.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:04 pmMore signs of desperation among the …. whatever you call these freaks.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:14 pmWhy is the last 28%r’s allowed to frame the debate? Everybody knows Limbaugh’s explanation is bogus, and he was caught editing the transcript. Is the right so brainwashed, they cannot simply read Limbaugh’s actual words and discover the truth for themselves?
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:15 pmEven Rick Santorum came to Rush Limbaugh’s rescue..!!
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:15 pmrush is kind of like a troll on steroids.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:16 pmSo Fox is now supporting anti-military rhetoric? No surprise.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:18 pmYes they are that brain-washed!
Comment by criticalthinker
Damn. I thought it was something that would wear off over time. I guess not.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:19 pmPoor, poor Rush no one understands his plight of doing whatever to get all the attention that Bill O gets. Keep it up you conservative pundits let the world see what idiots you are.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:19 pmAll the reichwing brownshirts are following their orders - get in lockstep and defend one of our own.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:19 pmIt’s the same kind of thought process that they all follow in Bush&Co.
Limbaugh, OReilly, and their minions are all over talk radio talking up their case in support of the bigmouth, racist, propagandists.
Were a Democrat to say anything close to what Lintball says they would be pilloried; I recall Sen. Durbin being forced to apologize for repeating words from an FBI report on the Senate floor.
The reichwingers are edging us ever closer to a fascist state, and when the people finally awaken to what is going on in their name and before their eyes, it will be too late.
Freedom of speech is a right - I agree with it entirely - but OReilly, Hannity, Coulter, Limbaugh, Malkin et al and their jackboots want freedom of speech only for their position. They would have everyone else banned to to a “free speech zone” where they will be ignored.
In 2002, if you were opposed to the invasion you were unpatriotic, in 2003, if you were against the war, you were a traitor. Nothing has changed.
I wouldn’t let this bloated sac of pus run a sausage cart.
The Republicans are truly in the bunker….they’ve been run into a corner by their lunatic fringe.
It is like watching a bad reality show.
Maybe Rush and Coulter can lead the family values crowd out of the woods.
-GSD
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:23 pmI’m reading Jack Cafferty’s first book It’s Getting Ugly Out There and he refers to F*cks nOooze as the “F-Word Network.”
I like that!
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:25 pmWell, if there is “no” story here why are all the talking heads talking so much ? Perhaps to protect one of their idiots whose brain is not connected to his mouth.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:27 pmThe last nine-cubed percent (27% stupid trolls) of Ghoul-Aid guzzlers must circle the wagons because many of the REAL, ORIGINAL CONSERVATIVES in this country are already discussing the death of the RePugniScum Grand Old Pedophile party. JUST LIKE THE WHIG PARTY!!!
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:33 pmAw it’s natursl to prefer certain soldiers over others.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:35 pmI was just reading Rush’s website. And well he’s got nothing. He still reverts back to the same old ad-hominem attacks during Clintons presidency.
Why? Because he cant use the current day Republicans as an example. They are not a good fiscal example, they are not a good moral example.
Rush says he wants to protect the constitution, so where was he when the current admin was calling it a GD piece of paper? Why he was carrying the water for the shredders of it.
He plods on with the same tired diatribes he gave a decade ago. The fact is folks the current administraion has been a failure on so many levels that it is physically impossible for Rush to carry that much water.
And who can Rush really thank for his demise? The architect, Karl Rove.
The fat lady is singing and the fact is dear readers the people are streaming from the Republican theatre of mundane and decrepit talking points are being swept off the stage.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:37 pmI am reminded of Bill Mahar’s chillingly accurate description of the average Rush listener; overweight, 40-50 something white male who lives in the burbs in a house just like everyone else with a dead end middle management job in a loveless marriage.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:38 pmPsycho Pres - just because some people don’t like satire, it doesn’t mean all of us don’t. I personally really looked forward to your skits and wish you would continue. I do get a good laugh out of them.
Buck Fush
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:49 pmComment by dixie blood — October 2, 2007 @ 7:33 pm
It’s been a while since algebra, but I believe three cubed is 27 and nine cubed is 729……
I liked the Grand Old Pedophile reference, though.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:51 pmWhat did you expect from Faux Noise?
I heard Ed Schultz today say that Reid should take Rush up on his offer to meet face to face, but make Rush come to Washington. Reid is not about to take off his work as Senate Majority Leader to hop on a plane and fly to Rush. Rush is making a big stink about Reid not wanting to come on his show. Well, Jon Stoltz has offered to come on Rush’s show and talk to him face to face and guess what. Rush has not taken him up on his offer. What a phony talking head Rush is.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:54 pmYou libs have missed (on purpose of course) the entire NON STORY!!! This is not even a good attempt at spinning this and you libs KNOW IT!!
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:54 pmIt’s so completely amazing to me how spineless and very, very stupid the Democrats are as they continue to allow the Republicans to set the agenda for Congress. I’ve reached the point where I believe that ALL incumbents need to be opposed in the next election.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:55 pmYou just described me.
Comment by BARTLEBEE
My sympathies go out to you.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:58 pmAnyone know what the total # years those 6 commentators served in the military? Zero would be my guess. Just like their opinions.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:58 pmaaaw, leave the goddam pr!cks alone…
there is no redemption for them… there is no way to defend
the truth and facts against their idiocy…
concentrate on the truth and the facts… elsewhere…
this thread will probably devolve into a trooll fest…
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:59 pmi say, let them have at it… lurk around and read the fools…
but it’s not worth it to argue with ANY of them.
.
The GOP defends Limbaugh while many Democratic representatives jumped on the bandwagon to condemn Moveon. Do they now realize that they should have stood up to the Republicans? Why are the Dems so wimpy? 70 percent of Americans want to stop funding the war. Is anybody in Congress listening?
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:59 pmI agree that its free speech, but if the republican controlled congress (yes, its still republican controlled) can introduce an act to condemn moveon then they sure as hell need to do likewise to Limpballs.
Comment by BARTLEBEE — October 2, 2007 @ 7:46 pm
A republican that admits they’re wrong? That’s as likely as Craig admitting his toe-tapping was because he’s gay! ;)
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:00 pmI’ve reached the point where I believe that ALL incumbents need to be opposed in the next election.
Comment by Willy
Me too, except that I think there are a few exceptions. Barbara Boxer, Russ Feingold and Dennis Kucinich all come to mind.
BTW, I found a fun website today. Answer 11 questions and it will show you how you stack up against the presidential candidates. My result was no surprise. It was 100% agreement.
http://www.wqad.com/Global/link.asp?L=259460
Have fun.
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:00 pmWhy are the Dems so wimpy? 70 percent of Americans want to stop funding the war. Is anybody in Congress listening?
Comment by Damien — October 2, 2007 @ 7:59 pm
You see the Dems being consistent as wimpy, but not the cowardice of the GOP to hold their own to the same values they espouse as wimpy? How very republican of you!
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:01 pmIs anybody in Congress listening?
Comment by Damien
Apparently not.
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:03 pm(on purpose of course)
Comment by John Kerry
The word your looking for is intentional.
Actually the story is not about the phony Limbaugh, the story is he has no story, his team, morally bankrupt, has limped off the field leaving the brokeback cheerleader with no second string and no game plan.
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:05 pmYou libs have missed (on purpose of course) the entire NON STORY!!! This is not even a good attempt at spinning this and you libs KNOW IT!!
Comment by John Kerry
Right Wing Loon John thinks this is a non-story. But he thought that the moveon.org ad was a huge story. Right Wing Loon John is a hypocrite of the first order.
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:07 pmI’ve already reached that point.
Comment by BARTLEBEE — October 2, 2007 @ 8:09 pm
Just remember, that point is what the GOP has counted on for decades, and why Bush won in 2000. If you have a conservative dem in your district, then find the progressive candidate and work like crazy to get them elected in the primaries. If you have a progressive, tell them you expect more from them, especially if we win enough seats to finally overcome the Filibustering loons.
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:13 pmRight Wing Loon John thinks this is a non-story. But he thought that the moveon.org ad was a huge story. Right Wing Loon John is a hypocrite of the first order.
Comment by bilbobaggins — October 2, 2007 @ 8:07 pm
Otherwise known as a republican.
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:14 pmThe last nine-cubed percent (27% stupid trolls)
Comment by dixie blood — October 2, 2007 @ 7:33 pm
Heh, heh, heh, prog math? Who’s stupid, dix? ;)
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:16 pmHeh heh…Olbermann just played the whole (unedited) Rush clip.
BUSTED!
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:19 pmRush is just pissed because as he loses ratings Moveon recruits more and more members.
More and more Americans are fedup. Rush, O’Reilly, etc….hasbeens……nothings.
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:26 pmJust remember, that point is what the GOP has counted on for decades, and why Bush won in 2000. If you have a conservative dem in your district, then find the progressive candidate and work like crazy to get them elected in the primaries. If you have a progressive, tell them you expect more from them, especially if we win enough seats to finally overcome the Filibustering loons.
Comment by Ryan Neat — October 2, 2007 @ 8:13 pm
Absolutely…take ‘em down in the primaries. They easy to spot…just get their voting record. But also understand how the Republicans are going to work this election. They know they can’t motivate their base and the voters who went with Bush in 2000/2004 are lost…so what will they do? Work hard to demoralize Democrats…we’ll be hearing a lot of concern trolls lamenting how there’s no difference between Republicans and Democrats. I hope we are all prepared to knock the crap out of that Naderism.
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:29 pmHeh, heh, heh, prog math? Who’s stupid, dix? ;)
Comment by upright left — October 2, 2007 @ 8:16 pm
Uh, that would be you! ;)
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:30 pmThe folks at moveon saw the single largest donation day in their history after the wingnut attack, today sees the largest exit of GOP voters - ah the beauty and balance in the world ;)
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:30 pmWork hard to demoralize Democrats…we’ll be hearing a lot of concern trolls lamenting how there’s no difference between Republicans and Democrats. I hope we are all prepared to knock the crap out of that Naderism.
Comment by Innocent Bystander — October 2, 2007 @ 8:29 pm
Exactly. But only the trolls are that stupid. Most Democrats learned their lesson in 2004, and that dog won’t hunt anymore. All of the old GOP tricks have been used up, and they’re headed the way of the whigs.
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:32 pmEvery time Rush or Guiliani or Coulter or Bush attack the patriotism or the loyalty to this country of liberals is one more vote they will lose in the coming years. Keep driving yourselves off the cliff, morons.
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:33 pmUh, that would be you! ;)
Comment by Ryan Neat — October 2, 2007 @ 8:30 pm
Not according to dix’s usage. ;)
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:36 pmJust remember, that point is what the GOP has counted on for decades, and why Bush won in 2000. If you have a conservative dem in your district, then find the progressive candidate and work like crazy to get them elected in the primaries. If you have a progressive, tell them you expect more from them, especially if we win enough seats to finally overcome the Filibustering loons.
Comment by Ryan Neat — October 2, 2007
I want to run against a conservo-dem, Carolyn McCarthy. Repub turned Dem, (even constantly wears striking red outfits, like Elizabeth Dole) She got in on the heels of her husband being killed on LIRR by whacko gun-totting madman Colin Ferguson. But, IS THAT ENOUGH…NO! I have had long conversations with her political point man, only to tell him, it is over, I will back ANY OTHER NON-REPUBLICON who would oppose her. But none appear. So it might be up to me. I just believe we need to move to a better way, and not keep this same Republic built on 1700’s conception of communication.
WE CAN HAVE A TRUE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT THAT WOULD BE IMMUNE FROM CORRUPTION.
http://www.thisinstead.info
ARGGHHH
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:37 pmThe folks at moveon saw the single largest donation day in their history after the wingnut attack, today sees the largest exit of GOP voters - ah the beauty and balance in the world ;)
Comment by Ryan Neat — October 2, 2007 @ 8:30 pm
I’m sure Soros appreciates ya’ll saving him from having to fund moveon. ;)
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:38 pmI was just joking around.
Comment by BARTLEBEE
I kind of figured that. So was I.
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:43 pmI laugh every time someone on FOX screams “George Soros!”
It reminds me of Enemy Mine when he tells the alien he worships Mickey Mouse and then the alien keeps making fun of his “god”.
It’s so lame.
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:43 pmYou see the Dems being consistent as wimpy, but not the cowardice of the GOP to hold their own to the same values they espouse as wimpy? How very republican of you!
Comment by Ryan Neat
God, you are so right. Let’s keep rolling over for the GOP. How could I be so blind. Sorry.
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:46 pmI laugh every time someone on FOX screams “George Soros!â€
It reminds me of Enemy Mine when he tells the alien he worships Mickey Mouse and then the alien keeps making fun of his “godâ€.
It’s so lame.
Comment by lefty — October 2, 2007 @ 8:43 pm
Yeah, you’re right. Soros has never supported moveon. Never supported moveon, never supported moveon….repeat as necessary. ;)
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:47 pmCLEARLY, Fox is anti-wounded Vet and pro fat drug abusing slandermongers.
October 2nd, 2007 at 9:00 pmSo,
“Yesterday Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) condemned right-wing standard bearer Rush Limbaugh for his claim that service members who support withdrawal from Iraq are “phony soldiers,†saying that Limbuagh “owes the men and women of our Armed Forces an apology†for his comments that “went way over the line.â€
First off, you understand we’re talking about Oxycotin Limbaugh who got out of the Vietnam War because of a cyst on his ass, right?
Then there’s Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity, and Ann Coulter who I have personally sent emails too asking them to “Shut Up or Put Up”. I asked them all to stop their bloviating and enlist in the war that they believe in. None of them have. All of them are chickenshits!
Troubled Texan
October 2nd, 2007 at 9:19 pmComment by Rory — October 2, 2007 @ 9:28 pm
Well, of course he is, NOW, its like a crawdad, a mudbug, backing into his hole. Rush is a hypocrite, and since hypocrites and cowards simply cannot apologize for their actions, they must re-invent the argument.
In other words, Rush did what a rapist would, DARVO. He knows he is guilty, but he first denies, then he attacks, lamely, and then reverses the role of him being the offender to victim.
Pundits do this all the time, but its too late, people recognize the playbook, the same tired act, and the true offender.
Nice Try.
October 2nd, 2007 at 9:37 pmIts what Oreilly does Rory, its what Coulter does, its what hypocrites HAVE to do to survive in their illogical irrational bubble in which they exist.
Oreill, just the other day did the same thing at a black restaurant. He was the offender, and when he was dressed down for it he did not apologize, no sir, he denied then attacked others saying they were smearing him.
YAWN, its so lame, I cant believe you cant see that. Try to keep up.
October 2nd, 2007 at 9:43 pmXisithrus,
Thank you.
Troubled Texan
October 2nd, 2007 at 9:44 pmI think “phony soldier” describes “mission accomplished” Bush perfectly.
October 2nd, 2007 at 10:49 pmGod, these right wing people are like sickening sociopathic criminals.
They just lie, smear, lie, and spew, constantly. They have no moral high ground, no logical point of view, they have no argument….
…they’re soulless bullies, oafs, and punks, and stand for nothing, yet stand on piles of BS.
October 2nd, 2007 at 11:03 pmThe whole world has known this guy is a paid sewer line direct from wh to his noise machine.When he speaks his market fills with sewage.
October 2nd, 2007 at 11:33 pmThose left who still let sewage dictate their thinking while totally aware it is sewage they are mistaking as knowledge need not be saved.Seems they do not like their septic tank played in.
After all, last month the discussion was whether a bullet in the head was actually intentional or did the dead civilian just walk into a bullet for the experience.
Are you here?You following this?This is what is captivating the media.
How far from what really needs discussion is this?
Who can draw this cartoon?
Don’t get distracted.You are being robbed if you haven’t noticed.
rush calling
the kettle black
heh…
October 3rd, 2007 at 12:54 amThe right needs to reconsider its fawning over Rush perhaps. Ed Brayton takes him to task, not over his “phony soldiers” comments but his complete idiocy about Thomas Jefferson and the separation of church and state.
October 3rd, 2007 at 1:14 amLimburgher cheese = have you no decency left., ?you who never served in the war, who attacks Murtha who did serve? Coulter, a thin legged, thin haired over the hill woman who seems to only own one lousy black dress., can you please stop personal attacks and have an intellectual discussion? Or do you know what that is?
October 3rd, 2007 at 1:34 amTHIS IS A PHONY CONVERSATION! JUST AS CAVUTO’S “STORY” OVER the
attack to get rid of “Christmas = (a commerical event = )
that was a phony attack., as witnessed by them now moving us to hurry up and get shopping done by July 31s!
You are such lying, hypocritical phony”Christians” whose only Jesus is $$$$ it is beyond words. To disgrace someone like Murtha, Kerry and others and use wounded soldiers to get your agenda is so disgusting I cannot continue to write anything …you peoplel Reilly, Coulter are beyond words….your money will never make up for the loss of any real heart you have left. You are just like Cheney, you have no heart…go ahead say something nasty to me, I dare you! I’m sick of it., SICK OF IT! You want my phone number contact me, I’ll be glad to give it.
O’Reilly, : whatever you, Bush, Limburgher Cheese, limp hair Coulter ==(please stop flipping your hair, it is thin and unsexy, you need a haircut and layering) Cheney, etc. etc., are for===I AM AGAINST, AND VICE VERSA. Thanks for the heads up., I have subscribed to Media Matters, donated to Moveon.org and let me know what I can support or should protest. Much appreciated.
October 3rd, 2007 at 1:45 amP.S. Coulter = how does it feel to be being attacked in a catty fashion as you so willing did to Edwards wife who has cancer? nice feeling, isn’t it, …please take off the $2.00 cross, you’re fooling no one.
WHO CARES ABOUT THIS NONSENSE! this is nothing but a distraction! you people are looking at clips of a fat loser running his mouth while some kid from a small town is sitting in a bunker hoping those bombs that are falling don’t come any closer!
http://www.ni4d.us !!!! SAVE YOURSELF do the right thing
October 3rd, 2007 at 2:47 amChacekhawks all ! The only man among them is Ann Coulter.
October 4th, 2007 at 9:00 pm