Obama Vs. Rush

We are eight days into the Obama Administration and everyday seems to be an adventure into unchartered waters. It is clear that the new President wants to project a post partisan image in the press while satisfying the desires of the far left of his party. This is a dangerous game and cannot be go on forever since in life and politics you can't make everyone happy all the time. The most obvious example of this is Obama's effort to woo Republican members of Congress while attacking conservative icon Rush Limbaugh. Everyone after the inauguration was saying that they wanted the new President to succeed, but Rush said he did not want Obama to succeed if that meant that socialism would prevail in this country. These comments obviously got to Obama as he then told GOP leaders they should not spend all their time listening to Rush.

Obama's comments about Rush triggered a firestorm within the GOP and caused a few Republicsn leaders to distance themselves from the talkshow host. However, because of the strong reaction from grassroot conservatives these officials immediately "clarified" their remarks and at least one has appeared on Rush's show and apologized to him. It does appear that because of the stand of Rush and other conservative talkshow hosts the Republican members of Congress are showing some spine in opposing the outrageous elements of the stimulus package.

Meanwhile Rush, who is laughing all the way to bank, has actually offered a creative alternative to the current stimulus package. He points out that about 54% of the people voted for Obama and third party candidates last year and 46% voted for McCain. He recommends that Obama can spend 54% of the stimulus money on his programs and that 46% go for conservative programs such as a broad range of tax cuts for businesses and individuals. Rush believes that this will give people a chance to see which approach really works. Some may laugh at this idea, but the Wall Street Journal will feature an article by Rush in its January 29, 2009, edition describing his proposal. While Obama is currently riding high in the polls he may find that attacking El Rushbo could be his Waterloo.