Post
by Mark Elliott » Wed Dec 30, 2020 7:30 pm
As one who has actually met and dealt with the man, the myth, the legend (WCKY Cincinnati, late 80s, I think we were one of the first 10 affiliates of his syndicated show) let me offer a few tidbits:
Despite what you think of his politics, he's a master showman, great communicator and one heck of a radio personality. With very little help, he turned from a failed rock jock and football marketer to a talk show host. He used a job offering at WABC in New York (after success in California) to leverage himself into syndication (he worked FOR FREE at WABC doing a uniquely NY show, in exchange for studio and satellite time for his national show). He was one of the most charming people I've met in the business (on a remote broadcast from Cincinnati, he managed to talk 2 younger women in the sales department to sit in the studio with him instead of being out selling - I even think one of them lost the job). He was a master shit stirrer (he leaned back in his chair after an opening monologue/tirade , flicked off the mic and chuckled to me "That'll get them going.")
At the beginning he was genuinely funny. Yes, most of the time he was lampooning the "left" but his was a patter then unheard on the radio. He never berated a caller for disagreeing with him, he carefully showed them why he was right and they were wrong. Even if you hated his politics, you could enjoy his program. In my mind, he singlehandedly saved many stations on the AM dial.
Then came the 1994 "Republican Revolution" led by Newt Gingrich and the Contract for America. The H*** win was credited to Limbaugh, and he was let "into the tent". He became a star and began to believe his reviews. The drugs, deafness, doctor shopping and divorces took its toll. His harshness turned off many of those who were previously entertained, and he started preaching to the choir, Funny became super partisan. Kindness towards disagreers became hateful and degrading. He still had a boatload of listeners, but a much smaller playlist. To some extents, he mirrors President Trump - every day is Rush's Greatest Hits.
Don't hate him - that is what he wants from "the feminazis, ANTIFAs and <deep gravelly scary voice> THE LEFT". But when he's gone... he's gone. Take comfort in the fact that he is not replaceable. Just like the icons before him.. we'll remember him fondly and move on. I'm much more worried as who sits in his chair next, and how he/she will attempt to "out Rush" him.
