PLATFORM : Rescuing Rush

Put the man in context, and he has a universal appeal. We liberals listen to feel superior. His true believers listen because somebody finally understands them. Polar opposites are served by a single show. Another plus: He has put the elite Republicans on the spot as liberals never could. His television show is a particular kick, especially when cameras pan the audience full of pimply-faced white male Young Republicans clapping wildly at Rush’s relentless self-promotion. An infomercial for conservatism--or just as easily, for liberalism. The voice-over for the Democratic Party could say: “If this doesn’t look like your kind of party, then join ours!”

National Review has implied that Limbaugh took over Ronald Reagan’s role as the national voice for conservatism. Would that it were so. Limbaugh or Pat Buchanan--who better to define conservatism than men who make Bob Dole come off as a cuddly old teddy bear?

What we liberals don’t need is to shut down the one amusing conservative on the airwaves. Let’s act big about free speech and bide our time until his left-wing equivalent comes along. Then, wait for all the Rush-lovers to roar.

If we look hard enough, we probably could find a witty, condom-wielding, homeless-loving broadcaster with a couple of failed marriages under her sizable belt. A mean liberal with a bad attitude. Now that would make good listening.