Remembering Rush

By Caroline Downey

Rush Limbaugh was a giant. He defended conservatism with an unyielding zeal and resolve, uplifted and inspired forgotten Americans, defied the odds of his industry, and good-naturedly triumphed over his enemies. Limbaugh revolutionized AM broadcast radio as a talk show space and dominated it for a third of a century, paving the way for other pundits like Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, and Mark Levin. A voice of reason for generations of average Americans, he touched millions of hearts and minds with his intelligent political analysis, sense of humor and optimism, and contagious love for America. To his beloved followers, he was a champion of American exceptionalism, a sage, a force of nature, a source of clarity and comfort in times of political uncertainty, and a dear friend. For us “Rush babies” who grew up listening to the EIB network in the car with our parents, Limbaugh was the reason we became conservatives and politically engaged citizens. Rush Limbaugh’s larger-than-life presence shook the political and cultural landscape and his absence leaves an enormous gap. Mark Levin’s comparison of Rush Limbaugh to colonial figure Thomas Paine is fitting. Just as Paine penned Common Sense to persuade patriots to pursue independence and a free republic, Limbaugh dedicated his life to educating his listeners on and defending the miracle of America. Knowing the fight for the country’s soul that lies ahead, it’s natural to wonder how we as conservatives can proceed without Rush Limbaugh. While we will never replace America’s anchorman, he would want us to carry his torch onward.