Politics | 03/03/2009 12:40 pm

RNC's Steele Apologizes to 'Incendiary' Rush Limbaugh, Jindal Agrees

By The Staff at wowOwow.com

Michael Steele © Getty Images

There’s a power struggle in the Republican Party — and chairman Michael Steele’s losing. For many weeks now, pundits and the press have been celebrating radio host Rush Limbaugh as the symbolic leader of the GOP. Well, that probably doesn’t sit well with Steele, who was elected party chairman last month.

Steele appeared on CNN’s "D.L. Hughley Breaks the News" this weekend and took particular offense when Hughley described Limbaugh as the "de facto leader of the Republican party," to which Steele replied, "No he’s not. I’m the de facto leader of the Republican Party." He continued, "Rush Limbaugh is an entertainer. Rush Limbaugh, his whole thing is entertainment. Yes, it’s incendiary. Yes, it’s ugly." Rush of course used his radio show to blast Steele:

Michael Steele, you are head of the Republican National Committee. You are not head of the Republican Party. Tens of millions of conservatives and Republicans have nothing to do with the Republican National Committee … and when you call them asking for money, they hang up on you.

Rather than letting it slide and having faith in his own abilities, Steele yesterday offered an apology, reports Politico.

Insisting Limbaugh’s no "boogey man," Steele insisted he himself has been "inarticulate": "My intent was not to go after Rush — I have enormous respect for Rush Limbaugh. I was maybe a little bit inarticulate … There was no attempt on my part to diminish his voice or his leadership.” Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal definitely agrees with Steele’s take. Jindal, who was widely ridiculed for his televised response to President Obama’s speech last week, says he’s happy Steele apologized and offered his wholehearted support for Mr. Limbaugh: "I think Rush is a great leader for conservatives. I think he articulates what a lot of people are concerned about."

Well, we know who won that round …

Read more about: GOP, Media, Michael Steele, News, Politics, Republican Party, Rush Limbaugh, U.S.

104 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

This is turning into an hilarious soap opera.

By f p on 03/03/2009 12:41 pm

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Why isn’t the RNC apologizing to the American people? That would certainly at least make some sense.

By Mugsy Peabody on 03/03/2009 11:54 pm

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I agree! To funny!

By Grande Camper on 03/03/2009 12:44 pm

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So, the Repubs feel the necessity to sell out to Limbaugh. I wonder why, if what they are selling is so very valid. Well, so much for self confidence if they feel so insecure about their party. I could use other names that come to mind, but I don’t want to get deleted.

By Diana T on 03/03/2009 12:57 pm

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Diana,

Rahm E is a political genius! He set up this situation and is making Republicans look like fools. I’m an embarassed Republican, and I can promise you, Rush does not speak for me…or anyone I know. I’m disgusted with the party. I wish Rahm E was on my side;-)

By Lee Harrison on 03/03/2009 3:17 pm

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Actually, Rahm is on your side, if you let him. If you want to enjoy yourself, go to Charlie Rose and watch the conversation he had with the 3 Emmanuel brothers last year. It is an amazing family, and when you know their history, you will better understand his competitive personality. His brother Zeke, is a world famous cancer researcher and physician, and brother Ari is a very well know Hollywood agent. They have a sister, and dad was from Israel. Rahm was ballet trained and had a chance to go with Joeffrey Ballet Company.

Really, it’s a blast watching the brothers interact.

By Diana T on 03/03/2009 5:55 pm

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Thanks Diane, I’m going to Charlie Rose’s site and look for the interview!

By Tee Zee on 03/03/2009 9:35 pm

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I hope you do that TZ. It is so much fun watching the 3 brothers that are so very different, and each wildly successful in their own fields. And, their household must have been a wonderful place to learn and grow.

By Diana T on 03/04/2009 12:13 am

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Thanks for the tip Diana, I’ll check it out!

By Lee Harrison on 03/04/2009 6:53 am

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Lee H,….Political genius — he isn’t the only political genius working for Obama. That’s what it’s all about! "Just keep campaigning baby". If this idiot were on your side he would be so criticised by the MSM that it would be unbelieveable! If he were a Republican he would be mince meat by every MSM reporter.

Rush does not speak for me either — however, he did give a d—- good speech! I have been disgusted with the Republican party in the past, however, I think they learned their lesson and will, at some time, put it together and come back stronger. With what we are looking at today - it could be sooner than some people think.

By Lady Gator on 03/03/2009 8:37 pm

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Actually LG, I think Rahm is so savy he could get the media on his side no matter what side that is. We need the conservative clone of that guy…yesterday!

By Lee Harrison on 03/04/2009 6:56 am

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I wonder if Steele was required to kiss Limbaugh’s pinky ring. I guess Rahm was spot on about who is running the GOP and how they have to apologize if they cross him. Meanwhile… why in God’s name is the media allowing that little criminal Karl Rove to speak on Sunday News Talk shows (This Week with George Stephanopoulis) about the economy??

By DeBúrca obj on 03/03/2009 1:00 pm

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I want to say that I do not want this nation to fail.

I want to say that I believe that we are on a very destructive course.

I want to say that this is not a black vs white thing.

I want to say that this is not a rich vs. poor thing.

I want to say that this is not a Republican vs Democrat thing.

I want to say that "class warfare" is a concept devised to break ALL of the US down.

I want to say that your religion is not an issue, that is between you and God.

I want to say that killing a "fetus" is MURDER.

I want to say that anything worth having is worth working for. It even adds value when you had to earn it.

I want to say that I have an undying love and devotion to this nation.

I want to say that a nation without the freedom of mind, the freedom of will, the freedom of choice, is not a place that anyone would care to live. Maybe you need to live without these things to understand. Do you want to take a look?

For what do we have other than the quest for knowledge?

I want to say that ALL men are born free, we trade freedoms for rights; yet it must always be our decision as to which freedoms we trade.

I want to say that an organised society necessitates the structure we call government, and that this is preferable to an anarchy.

I want to say that there will always be those that will feed on the weakest while doing the least.

This is a great and beautiful nation, all creatures are born free. That is the plan. And however you feel you need to phrase it; to me, God put this whole thing into motion and I do not question that. I see God every day.

For those of you that wish to take my faith and turn it against me, sorry, that will not work.

My values are based in the word of God. Yet that does not determine just who or what party I support.

I believe in minimal government.

I believe that the man that toils should reap what he sows.

I believe in helping my fellow man, not carrying a sluggard.

I believe in my God, myself, & my country.