When Democrats and progressives get into debates or interviews, "That's what Limbaugh said" or "You sound like Limbaugh" should be standard responses to Republican lies, myths, and distortions.
That's like saying "You're lying", or "He's lying to you" without getting into a liar, liar debate, which doesn't change anyone's mind and wastes time. If there's going to be a pointless debate based on two different sets of 'facts' the Republican might as well have Limbaugh sitting on his lap. Or on his shoulders.
If the discussion continues, the Republican may suddenly have to rethink the talking points for fear of making the Limbaugh connection again. The Republican base, which knows Limbaugh and the talking points, will be thinking, "The Democrat is telling the truth, Rush did say that. What's wrong with it?". And if the Republican doesn't defend Limbaugh, that will be a problem with their base. If he disses Limbaugh, Rush might mention his name a few times.
In the next two months Democrats and progressives will waste way too much time battling Republicans who will regurgitate lies and myths that have weeks and even years of unchallenged repetition behind them. Republican candidates will use the same talking points and memes that got them through their primaries or past Democrats in general elections. Talk radio stations in every state will be working for the GOP, with programming tailored to local races. With the citizens united money it might be worse than usual.
Democratic candidates can't count on common sense and media correction to challenge the alternate reality Republicans have created and depend so heavily on. Republicans have Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and a legion of other talk radio and Fox talking heads blowing in their sails. The alternate reality is well established and there's going to be a lot more coming. The weight of all that unchallenged repetition will give them confidence and certainty that will translate into votes among the undecided and the confused, and those not paying attention.
The Republican base these days are not "low information voters", they're actually "well-disinformed voters". In the next two months they're going to be talking to millions of family, friends, and co-workers who really are "low information voters", reinforcing the same lies and distortions with the same disinformed certitude.
If it is a lie or distortion it is a near certainty that Limbaugh has had a hand, or mouth, in it. "That's what Limbaugh said" can be applied regularly. Every Republican in office spent some time on the Limbaugh bandwagon. Every Republican in the media or congress wafts of Eau de Limbaugh and it needs to be pointed out.
Both Republican candidates ride the Limbaugh bandwagon. Limbaugh might be driving it toward the cliff but it's still dragging the rest of us with it. The next two months every Republican that shows up in the media should have a Rush Limbaugh sitting on his shoulders. Or on his lap.
Fri Sep 14, 2012 at 7:11 AM PT: Cool, thanks for the spotlight.