Rush Limbaugh, Tool of the Democratic Party

You have got to love the fight between Michael Steele and Rush Limbaugh. When I went home from work yesterday, I knew that whoever received the apology was the real head of the Republican Party. It didn't take long until Steele apologized to Rush for calling him an an ugly, incendiary entertainer.

Here's where it really gets fun. Rahm Emanuel has totally outmaneuvered both Rush and Steele. First, by egging Rush on, Emanuel he has made him the face of the Republican Party.

And what a face it is! He appeals to wealthy southern white conservatives, and few others. Even without that demographic, the Democratic Party is still able to win in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida with a black guy. It is now clear the that the Republican tent is not big enough for anyone with a broader appeal then Rush.

Emanuel is also exploiting the key difference between the interests of Limbaugh and the Republicans. It turns out that Steele was right about Rush, but especially the entertainer part. Rush cares about ratings, not about political parties, elections, or policies. His show is an act. He would play the part of a liberal on his radio show if he thought he could attract a larger audience. How else could you explain the fact that he has been openly wishing for President Obama to fail, and that he told an audience not to donate to the Republican party:

I don’t understand why you’re asking Republicans to donate to the Republican National Committee if their money is going to be spent furthering the agenda of Barack Obama? If we don’t want Obama and Reid and Pelosi to fail, then why does the RNC exist, Mr. Steele? Why are you even raising money?

Emanuel doesn't care about Rush Limbaugh or radio shows. Emanuel has successfully made Rush a tool of the Democrats by exploiting this narrow distinction between the interests of Rush and the Republicans. Rush is milking the controversy for ratings, while Emanuel has got Rush Limbaugh attacking the Republican party!

What's not to love?