Now it's official: King Rush

In recent weeks, a controversy has erupted over whether Rush Limbaugh is the de facto leader of the Republican Party. Not only Rush devotees claim it but also a few Democrats are getting into the act, namely James Carville and even a nudge in that direction from Rahm Emmanuel -- a little bit like taunting, "let's you and him fight."

Within days of Obama's inauguration, Rush had declared, "I hope he fails." Congressman Phil Gingery (R-GA) called on him to "back off," saying how easy it was to sit back and throw stones. As reported by Joel Connelly of Seattlepi.com:

Gingery was back groveling before Mount Rush a day later, apologizing for "putting my foot in my mouth."

"Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Newt Gingrich, and other conservative giants are the voices of the conservative movement's conscience," he said, begging forgiveness. "Every day, millions and millions of Americans -- myself included -- turn on their radios and televisions to listen to what they have to say, and we are inspired by their words and determination."

Talk of Rush as head of the GOP took on new life when he was invited to give the keynote address at the recent CPAC conference, where he repeated his claim of wanting Obama to fail "at everything he does."

In a CNN interview with D.L. Hughley, who referred to Limbaugh as the de facto head of the party, the actual elected Chair of the Republican National Committee, Michael Steele, corrected him: "No, he's not. I am the de facto head of the Republican Party. Let's put it in the context here," said Steele. "Rush Limbaugh is an entertainer. Rush Limbaugh, his whole thing is entertainment."

Rush responded by pointing out that Steele is Chairman of the Republican National Committee. He is not the head of the Republican Party. So then Steele -- guess what? -- apologizes to Rush, saying:

"My intent was not to go after Rush - I have enormous respect for Rush Limbaugh," Steele said. "I was maybe a little bit inarticulate. ... There was no attempt on my part to diminish his voice or his leadership."

Let's see: if Republican leaders have to apologize for saying Rush Limbaugh is NOT the de facto leader of the Republican party, does that mean that he is?

Seems to me that it at least proves that he has tremendous political power and that they are scared of crossing him and upsetting his vast numbers of supporters.

Ralph