When liberals argue with Limbaugh listeners, it often is like talking to a wall. Facts, logic, and the process of connecting the dots all have no power over these people because deep down it's like you're trying to take away their identity.
This perspective is part of a well-crafted mindset delivered by Karl Rove, Frank Luntz, the late Andrew Breitbart, the Koch brothers, and a host of other billionaires in the shadows. The operative words and phrases have been delivered by Rush and Beck with an intoxicating loathing. The key is to link an arrogant pride and Christianity to the messaging, which heightens the divisive nature necessary. In order for this mindset to work, there has to be lockstep uniformity, no breaks in the ranks. The sheer repetition is the antidote for deductive thought. That is the glue that keeps reason from leaking through. Talking points are enough. No work necessary.
Add to that the excessive ridicule that is blasted at the left. Rush and the rest have been doing it for so long, to right-leaning listeners it's like locker room talk, how you denigrate an opponent before you put on the pads and hit them. The funny thing is, the Rush/Rove method is not to butt heads on the playing field but only to make catcalls from the bench where it's safe.
Donny Dittohead doesn't want to go nose to nose. He's been trained to diminish opponents, laugh them off rather than face them. When you have no viable defense, mocking is your offense. And when a little truth does squeak through, you can always beat it back with self-righteous indignation. Complain like a little child, but do it with a deep, threatening voice. Boehner and McConnell are masters of this. Deflection over reflection; that's the GOP way.