Limbaugh vs. Krauthammer? Columnist calls radio talker ‘odd and condescending’

[Geee]

Daily Caller:

The reactions to President Barack Obama’s speech on Wednesday in conservative circles have been mixed – some have praised it and some have given it low marks for failing to preserve the traditional idea of what a solemn memorial service should be.

Rush Limbaugh was among those who were skeptical of the media’s reaction to Obama’s speech. On the Thursday broadcast of his radio show, Limbaugh was very critical of the response.

“They were slobbering over it for predictable reasons,” Limbaugh said. “It was smart. It was articulate. It was oratorical. It was all the things the educated ruling class wants their members to be and sound like.”

That prompted a response from Fox News Channel regular Charles Krauthammer. The conservative columnist had a strong retort to Limbaugh.

“As one of the three slobbers on the set, let me say I find it interesting that only the ruling class wants a president who is smart, articulate or oratorical in delivering funeral oration,” Krauthammer said. “It’s an odd and condescending view of what rest of America is looking for in their president.”

[Valin]

“As one of the three slobbers on the set, let me say I find it interesting that only the ruling class wants a president who is smart, articulate or oratorical in delivering funeral oration,” Krauthammer said. “It’s an odd and condescending view of what rest of America is looking for in their president."

 

This should be fun!

 

For the record, I think it was a very good speech....the crowd reaction however is something entirely different.

[righteousmomma]

Well, first let me say - the entire monologue is on Rush's site if you wannna read.

 

http://tinyurl.com/6bvul7m

 

I have no clue what has happened to Krauthammer lately --AND Fox and their pundits including Hannity and Beck.

Ailes' admonition to them to "tone down the rhetoric" must have had more to it than we heard. A reverse shock tactic??

 

Here is an excerpt from Rush:

 

Before I offer any opinion, and by the way, I want to tell you right now, I'm going to reserve my opinion of Obama's speech itself for later on during the program because we have serious news out there, Snerdley, that is being ignored about this country, the unemployment number skyrocketing, food prices are about to skyrocket. We have no change whatsoever happening economically. We had a speech last night where essentially the people of this country were commanded to change the way we are behaving because of events like this. I know he gave lip service to the notion that we didn't have anything to do with this, but he didn't specifically say it. We'll get into it here in due course. I know people question my ability to do this each and every day, but I am host. I always trust my instincts. So here, last night, MSNBC Hardball, Chris Matthews and the senior political editor of the Huffing and Puffington Post, Howard Fineman, have this exchange.

MATTHEWS: Will Fox, for example, or Rush Limbaugh say, you know, he was okay last night. Is that the scorecard he's looking for, that the other side of him politically get to the side where he was nonpartisan?

 

FINEMAN: That's a very good question, and I think you're right, I think in his mind -- I'm guessing here -- the president is playing as much to the right here. He would like everyone to say from Fox to MSNBC and everybody, you know, all around the spectrum that he served a civic --

 

MATTHEWS: Yeah.

 

FINEMAN: -- important civic healing function tonight, and that's it. And that's it.

RUSH: So apparently Matthews and Fineman are of the opinion that I will be the ultimate arbiter of Obama's speech. That if I can say positive things about it, then okay, it will have been of the right tone with the right message. Now, Fox loved it. The Fox All Stars when this was over were slobbering over the speech. It was predictable. And they were slobbering over it for the predictable reasons. It was smart; it was articulate; it was oratorical; it was all the things the educated ruling class wants their members to be and sound like. Later on on Hardball, this is before Obama's speech, Matthews, New York Magazine columnist John Heilemann had this exchange about Obama's speech and me.

 

MATTHEWS: Who's to decide what has a political overtone? Rush Limbaugh? Will he score the president tomorrow?

 

FINEMAN: I think that's why it's very difficult. Everyone's gonna score the president tomorrow. But, look, this thing that happened last Saturday, I think many people hoped that this would bring a moment where everyone would pause and reflect, and instead what's happened over the course of the day since then is everything that's bad about our political culture has speeded up, and the first opportunity was to attack one side, and then the other side attacked the attacks, and it's become this -- it's become everything that you hoped it wouldn't.

 

RUSH: Oh, come on. It was everything we knew it would be. It became everything we knew it would be, and that is attacking talk radio, attacking Sarah Palin. We knew. It was utterly predictable. I tell you, the reason why they waited as long to do this was they were waiting for polling data. The polling data shows the American people do not associate political rhetoric with anything that happened in this incident. That's what they were waiting on. If the polling data had been different the speech would have been different, but because the polling data says the American people don't associate political give and take, the political rhetoric in the media with what happened here, that pretty much dictated how the speech had to go. So they had to wait for the polling data to come in. That's why they waited -- I have no doubt -- plus, plus, my friends, they needed time to print those T-shirts to give away at the rally.

[Valin]

 

I have no clue what has happened to Krauthammer lately --AND Fox and their pundits including Hannity and Beck.

 

?

[NCTexan]

Like my ol' Louisiana Grandma used to say... "This whole conversation makes my butt ache."

 

The fact that everyone is acting like a Obama's 30 minute speech is a "life changing" event for the whole universe is beyond ridiculous.

 

Just because any politician stands in front of a teleprompter and reads some words (that at best they reviewed and approved) with good theatrical delivery is generally meaningless. That is unless the speech actually commits an official or legal policy... which this didn't.

 

The people who are acting like this signals a change in Obama's beliefs and future actions need only to consider all of his actions after his "defining" speech at the 2004 DEM Convention.

 

And since his taking office... how many times have Obama's pretty words been 180 degrees away from his actions and policies? (hint: almost every time)

 

As P.T. Barnum is famously quoted, "There's a sucker born every minute."

[nickydog]

I agree with your ol' Louisiana grandma, NCTexan. What happened in Tucson was a shocking tragedy, but the overkill in print, TV, and talk radio has been exhausting. I haven't been able to listen to Rush this week -- all he has done is rant, adding to my exhaustion.

[pollyannaish]

I agree with your ol' Louisiana grandma, NCTexan. What happened in Tucson was a shocking tragedy, but the overkill in print, TV, and talk radio has been exhausting. I haven't been able to listen to Rush this week -- all he has done is rant, adding to my exhaustion.

 

I agree with you. The speech was fine. There are parts I agree with, and parts I didn't care for. I don't trust the president so there are parts that seemed disingenuous but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. He was very clear with the "It did not" and I appreciate that. The venue made me uncomfortable with the yelling, whistling, t-shirts, etc. It did not sit well with me, and made me horribly frustrated with the general public. I could have used less DC participants on stage and more AZ participants on stage.

 

And I'm done talking about the shooting. It was a random shooting by a lone gunman who was a frenchfry short of a Happy Meal. There are NO political ramifications on either side in reality. The let overreacted and MESSED UP. But if our side keeps on with the hysteria, we will be MESSING UP.

 

I wish Ms. Giffords all the best and many prayers on her long road to recovery. I hope that this time next year we'll be discussing how miraculous it is that she is back on the job.

[nickydog]

Amen, pollyannaish. Couldn't agree more

[Valin]

I agree with your ol' Louisiana grandma, NCTexan. What happened in Tucson was a shocking tragedy, but the overkill in print, TV, and talk radio has been exhausting. I haven't been able to listen to Rush this week -- all he has done is rant, adding to my exhaustion.

 

I agree with you. The speech was fine. There are parts I agree with, and parts I didn't care for. I don't trust the president so there are parts that seemed disingenuous but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. He was very clear with the "It did not" and I appreciate that. The venue made me uncomfortable with the yelling, whistling, t-shirts, etc. It did not sit well with me, and made me horribly frustrated with the general public. I could have used less DC participants on stage and more AZ participants on stage.

 

And I'm done talking about the shooting. It was a random shooting by a lone gunman who was a frenchfry short of a Happy Meal. There are NO political ramifications on either side in reality. The let overreacted and MESSED UP. But if our side keeps on with the hysteria, we will be MESSING UP.

 

I wish Ms. Giffords all the best and many prayers on her long road to recovery. I hope that this time next year we'll be discussing how miraculous it is that she is back on the job.

 

 

How did you get so smart!

[Chickadee]

What I was looking at with the memorial service, was how the administration would handle yet another tragedy. Have they learned anything? It seemed obvious to me it was viewed by whoever was directing the 'SHOW' that this was thought to be yet another planned media event with the 2012 election in the back of their minds. Why can they not give us the president unvarnished--without bringing in the clowns, so to speak? Good people were injured and died, we as a nation grieve with all those affected by it. The killer will be dealt with swiftly. We will do whatever we can to not let it happen again.

 

And I absolutely agree with polly,

"It was a random shooting by a lone gunman who was a french fry short of a Happy Meal. There are NO political ramifications on either side in reality. The let overreacted and MESSED UP. But if our side keeps on with the hysteria, we will be MESSING UP."

[Casino67]

If you are afflicted with low blood pressure, check this out.

 

MSNBC

[NCTexan]

If you are afflicted with low blood pressure, check this out.

 

MSNBC

Casino67!

 

Fortunately, it invoked that gag reflex and I had to leave the room before my BP could really elevate.

[Geee]

The commenters were wonderful can't we all get along people also

[Sabre86]

If Krauthammer thinks he is going to defeat Rush, he is in for a serious disappointment.

 

As to why Fox has suddenly gone off the rails, it is because of this.

 

http://www.therightreasons.net/index.php?/topic/28454-fox-news-to-anchors-tone-it-down/

[Valin]

If Krauthammer thinks he is going to defeat Rush, he is in for a serious disappointment.

 

As to why Fox has suddenly gone off the rails, it is because of this.

 

http://www.therightreasons.net/index.php?/topic/28454-fox-news-to-anchors-tone-it-down/

 

 

Defeat Rush? Where did he say that?

 

How has Fox News gone off the rails?

 

 

 

A small question: Aren't people on the right allowed to hold different opinions? or are we supposed to be like the left all in lock step.

[NCTexan]

A small question: Aren't people on the right allowed to hold different opinions? or are we supposed to be like the left all in lock step.

Right Valin! The people on the right are not allowed to hold different opinions.

 

Is that the answer that you are fishing for?

 

Signed lovingly,

 

NCTexan - a mind numbed robot

[Casino67]

From Wiki:

 

"In 1978, Krauthammer quit medical practice to direct planning in psychiatric research for the Jimmy Carter administration, and began contributing to The New Republic magazine. During the presidential campaign of 1980, Krauthammer served as a speech writer to Vice President Walter Mondale.

[righteousmomma]

If Krauthammer thinks he is going to defeat Rush, he is in for a serious disappointment.

 

As to why Fox has suddenly gone off the rails, it is because of this.

 

http://www.therightreasons.net/index.php?/topic/28454-fox-news-to-anchors-tone-it-down/

Sabre , I read ya. Today they are back on track so methinks Ailes knew the spotlight was on and now there is absolutely no ammo (metaphorically speaking) to be used against Fox. 100% agreement that it "was not the President's fault" that others cheered , yada yada. Perhaps they took a page out of Alinsky's play book:

According to Alinsky, the main job of the organizer is to bait an opponent into reacting. "The enemy properly goaded and guided in his reaction will be your major strength."

 

Fox, talk radio (Rush, chiefly) and we have to add Sarah Palin are in their goading cross hairs.

 

Funniest line of today:

Rush: ""I was gonna name my first child Krauthammer, even if it was a girl. But no more."

 

Why is it funny? Because Rush is the same man who has said about Krauthammer:

RUSH: Now, look, I really am uncomfortable doing this, as you know. I've got profound respect. Krauthammer's brain is one of the brains I'd like to have if I didn't have my own. But I just think he's wrong on this whole Castle and Christine O'Donnell situation in Delaware. He said the Palin endorsement is destructive and capricious, that you're not gonna get a Republican majority in the Senate with O'Donnell, but you will get one with Castle, to which I said, "Well, what good is it? What good's a Republican majority made up of a whole bunch of Olympia Snowes and Susan Collinses?".....

[pollyannaish]

I agree with Charles when I agree with Charles and don't when I don't. Just like anybody else. Same is true for Limbaugh. And same is true with Obama.

 

I am not a follower of PEOPLE, but a follower of a philosophy. I thought that was one of the basic principles of being a conservative.

 

When did that change?! If we are not careful, we will become what the left has always accused us of being: Sheeple.

[righteousmomma]

I agree with Charles when I agree with Charles and don't when I don't. Just like anybody else. Same is true for Limbaugh. And same is true with Obama.

 

I am not a follower of PEOPLE, but a follower of a philosophy. I thought that was one of the basic principles of being a conservative.

 

When did that change?! If we are not careful, we will become what the left has always accused us of being: Sheeple.

Well, in that case then you have to agree with Rush.

Btw when has Obana ever been right in his policies and philosophy?

[pollyannaish]

I agree with Charles when I agree with Charles and don't when I don't. Just like anybody else. Same is true for Limbaugh. And same is true with Obama.

 

I am not a follower of PEOPLE, but a follower of a philosophy. I thought that was one of the basic principles of being a conservative.

 

When did that change?! If we are not careful, we will become what the left has always accused us of being: Sheeple.

Well, in that case then you have to agree with Rush.

Btw when has Obana ever been right in his policies and philosophy?

 

Well. He hasn't closed Gitmo, which I believe is the correct policy. He signed on to the GOP compromise on extending the Bush Tax cuts for the wealthy, so I give him credit for that. I think he made the right decision in replacing McChrystal with Petraus and from what I understand he met Petraus' requests. He rightly said "It was not" in his speech last Monday in relationship to blame of politics for the shooting.

 

Those are the things I can think of right off the top of my head. There are probably more...but I do have to search for them high and low. It doesn't happen often, but it DOES happen sometimes and when it does I try to be as intellectually honest as I can.

[pollyannaish]

Also, I have to be honest and say that I truly believe that Ailes works very hard to promote and protect professional journalism that provides a fair and balanced viewpoint. It really isn't a right leaning organization, it just looks that way in contrast. I think his goal was to allow the story to be the story, and keep FOX from being the story.

[righteousmomma]

Also, I have to be honest and say that I truly believe that Ailes works very hard to promote and protect professional journalism that provides a fair and balanced viewpoint. It really isn't a right leaning organization, it just looks that way in contrast. I think his goal was to allow the story to be the story, and keep FOX from being the story.

Most likely. I agree.

 

As far as Obama being right on the things you listed -- everyone of them was politically expedient. We must not lose sight of the fact that he is a left ideologue steeped in that perspective and world view. He may be a loving dad and a fun date but his policies and vision for the Country are the crux of the matter.

(Just look at whom he has surrounded himself with and the views of the czars he has appointed.)

[pollyannaish]

Also, I have to be honest and say that I truly believe that Ailes works very hard to promote and protect professional journalism that provides a fair and balanced viewpoint. It really isn't a right leaning organization, it just looks that way in contrast. I think his goal was to allow the story to be the story, and keep FOX from being the story.

Most likely. I agree.

 

As far as Obama being right on the things you listed -- everyone of them was politically expedient. We must not lose sight of the fact that he is a left ideologue steeped in that perspective and world view. He may be a loving dad and a fun date but his policies and vision for the Country are the crux of the matter.

(Just look at whom he has surrounded himself with and the views of the czars he has appointed.)

 

Oh I agree they were politically expedient! Isn't that the point? That we put so much pressure on him that they ARE politically expedient? I don't for a minute believe he has changed his stripes. Don't get me wrong. I have always believed however, if we don't say "Hey, great job!" when the other side does something we agree with...or even more importantly promote...we lose the moral high ground, compromise our intellectual integrity and politics is reduced to our guy against your guy, rather than principles and ideas.

[pollyannaish]

Oh and...

 

I've been thinking a lot about this "civil discourse" thing. I don't think agreement is what regular Americans are looking for, (politicians/leftists maybe, but not regular folks) but instead we are looking for REAL debate about issues and ideas. I don't hate Obama as a person, and I don't hate Michelle either. I PROFOUNDLY disagree with them and their vision for the country and am perfectly willing to discuss why using facts...rather than denigrating them personally. I just think that distinction needs to be made often—for our own good.