CNN

Democrats are all about the next elections. You see so many derogatory comments made by democratic party leaders about the soldiers, that I being a foriegner in this country feel very bad about and sorry for these brave people betting their lives on the front. Any one having a common sense cannot end the war as it is. It is not only important to USA, but also to the entire world that we can fight terrorism. I bet not a single democrat leader has any plan to end this war without furhter destabilising the middle east. Slogan or speech to end the war is not sufficient, a plan to do it without destabilising the area is important. But, I totally agree that the reason to begin Iraq invasion was not warranted. If WMD is a reason, probably North Korea, Iran must have been attacked before Iraq.

I heard the whole show that day. What happened was someone took PART of what he said and has tried to make it sound like something that it wasnt. Rush need not say "sorry" when he did nothing wrong. The reporters and information gatherers have lied and made a bunch of people look really stupid for believing them.

I feel sorry for Rush and his disciples who appear to have such a hard time taking criticism or admitting fault. I see a lot of name calling from the posts supporting Rush and denouncing Democrats and Harry Reid. It continues to surprise me how sensitive the right is to criticism, while at the same time their main tactics in any discussion remain insults, platitudes, and bullying. Let me try to put this situation in terms the radical right can understand, because I fear some of the posts from other liberal voices are too grammatically correct and polite not to be lost.

Rush Limbaugh is an idiot! He refers to phony (note that this is spelled with a “ph”, not an “f” you right wing morons) “soldiers” (again, note the plurality of this word), not phony “soldier”. It would be helpful if he mentioned who these other phony soldiers are? Let’s see, there’s Jesse Macbeth………and who!? Who! Please tell us who these other phony soldiers are, because Rush seems to CLEARLY be stating that the soldiers (again plural) that are anti-war, speaking on behalf of the “left”, are phony soldiers. Would Rush or any of you be so courageous as to speak to these anti-war soldiers and discuss how phony they are? There are plenty of them other than the infamous Jesse Macbeth, so I’m sure they would be willing to hear you inform them of their phony service.

You right wing whining cry babies, who’s support of our country consists of a bumper sticker, make me sick! You attack and attack, but are completely incapable of honest dialogue or owning up to mistakes and errors in judgment. You balk at even the idea that you should have to make sacrifices here at home to pay for the war effort you claim to support. Pathetic!

If Rush were truly the “man” he believes he is he should either apologize for painting those who disagree with him with such a broad brush or invite other soldiers he claims to be phony on his show to discuss their service. My guess is this weak, pathetic, man will do neither.

I am speaking on behalf of my daughter who is in Iraq right now (third time), who is a liberal democrat, who opposes the war, yet does her job regardless of hardships and hazards, who has earned two bronze stars and seven distinguished service citations for her performance. "Phoney soldier" indeed.

Since 9/11, my daughter has missed every family milestone – every holiday, every birth, and every death. I call it “Family Interrupted.” With each passing year, there is always the empty place at the family dinner table. I watch the evening news and note the losses of other families, hoping my daughter’s name will never appear on a casualty list. "Phoney soldier" indeed.

I think you can well understand my rage over this remark.

About that Jingo Limbo comment, it offends me to the point of wanting to hunt him down like a dog and push in his face and pluck out his eyes.

Reid is a duplictous, slimy little pig of a man. He takes the comments completely out of context – YES OUT OF CONTEXT FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO CAN READ LOOK IT UP, and smears him on the Senate floor. Come out into the open you little coward, go on Rush's show and discuss this with him face to face.

realdemocracy

This is one hell of a post, excellent job!

Kevin

I don't like the war any more than you do, but I also don't think supporting withdrawal is the same as supporting defeat. The war in Iraq has evolved into a civil war and I've yet to see any concrete, non-partisan, evidence stating otherwise. For example, I would rather the USA re-deploy the same troops to Afghanistan to go after Bin Laden and Co.

There may be people out there who "invest in the triumph of our enemies" (BTW, good phrase) and I would agree that it is borderline traitorous. However, by and large the people in the USA who want withdrawal aren't cheering for the enemy. They simply don't see a viable, sustainable, winnable situation in Iraq. For the record I did support the initial Iraq invasion and I supported the initial goals. Overtime though, it has become apparent to me that a solution to the Iraq war is unattainable. In the end though, you will have your opinions and I will have mine; so we will just have to agree to disagree. This thread isn’t a debate about Iraq, so we should probably stick to the subject at hand.

Posted By Curt Houston, TX : October 2, 2007 4:59 pm
I think it's hilarious how the Dems like Harry Reid and the usual clowns like Pelosi, Kennedy etc.. complain and make an issue with private citizens such as Limbaugh, Colter etc…they are simply people getting their points across in an entertainment setting, and people are actually arguing about him having an "S" at the end of the word phony. WHAT A JOKE!!

The people that Republicans are going after (Clinton, Reid, and the other clowns)for completely disrespecting a 4 Star General, just becasue he actually had some positive news to report (God forbid) are POLITICAL figures of our government. BIG difference. Radio people and book writers, shouldn't even warrant our governments time

Ah, now you're actually getting close to the point of all this. Reid's statements is merely an echo of others on the progressive side asking why it is okay for Congress to waste valuable time that they could be using to get us out of Iraq, to instead vote on a resolution to condemn a MoveOn ad. While anyone can certainly see that some portion of the country might disagree with the ad (either the opinion expressed in it, or the manner of that expression), was it the sort of thing that should be introduced into the Senate? Of course not. But it was, largely because John Cornyn is an idiot. And despite your attacks upon Reid and Clinton, they voted "for" that amendment (largely because they too are idiots).

...unless that is all Dems can do to reflect all the negative attention they would be getting otherwise for continuing their pursuit to completely disrespect the whole country, by not supporting what is the right thing to do, rather than worry so much on how to win an election instead. The USA isn;t buying it any more. Dems stand for lack of religion, lacj of values, freedom of speech pnly when they like it, and a pure loser mentality on protecting our country. WAKE UP AMERICA, be strong and respect the values that have made us the best country in the world.

I'm not going to try to defend Democrats, because with a few exceptions, they are indefensible sellouts...almost as bad as Republicans, who are all indefensible sellouts. Nevertheless, I will point out some of the errors in your statements (but I will leave the typos alone. I make them too sometimes).
You suggest that the Democrats are disrespecting the whole country by not supporting what is the right thing to do. While this is vague, I will guess that you are talking about the occupation of Iraq, or what some would call "the war." Your assumption that continuing the occupation is "the right thing to do" shows either your inability or unwillingness to examine the facts objectively. Our occupation is not creating any political or social stability in Iraq, has resulted in over 500 Iraqi deaths per day, on average, since it began, and the death tolls are not changing in any significant way due to the "surge." There is no political progress among Iraqis because the primary focus of so many of them is simply to get the US out. Certainly, there is also a civil war in which American soldiers are just caught in the crossfire, and in fact, in the last year or more, the civil war has probably been more of an issue than the insurgency against the occupation, but in neither case is the presence of American troops helping anything. Some proponents of the occupation suggest that by pulling out, we would leave a vacuum into which chaos would flow. Newsflash! It's already chaos! We are pouring hundreds of billions of $$ into a conflict in which our soldiers are mostly bystanders getting killed for being where they shouldn't be. We have no legitimate goal there, are not helping the Iraqis reach any goals, and very simply have no right to stay, except that in realpolitik, might gives right.

You also say "Dems stand for lack of religion, lacj of values, freedom of speech pnly when they like it, and a pure loser mentality on protecting our country."[sic] Let me simply correct you, neither Democrats, nor progressives, nor liberals, nor even Greens or radical leftists (anarchists, socialists) stand for a lack of religion. What they do stand for is the freedom to have a lack of religion. Can you see the difference?
Neither do they stand for a "lack of values." Rather, they stand for a different set of values than you might like to espouse. Most leftists (including some Democrats – many are actually right of center) stand for values such as tolerance, valuing all persons regardless of race, gender, sexual preference or religion, dignity and a decent standard of living for all, a right to work and participate in society and in the decisions that shape all our lives....These are values, whether they fit into your narrow vision or not. I will leave the freedom of speech comment alone here, as most of th earlier part of this message addressed that topic, albeit perhaps not directly enough for some. And lastly, they (all of the groups I listed above) do not stand for "a loser mentality on protecting our country." Rather, we stand for an intelligent approach to defending our country, and realizing when military activities are more harmful than beneficial. Our unprovoked attack on Iraq turned most of the world against us, when immediately after 9-11, we had the world's sympathy and support. Our continued presence there does nothing but create more anti-American sentiment around the world every day, and especially in the Middle East, and when those people whose fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters are being killed, maimed, or displaced there grow up, if they have no other way of expressing their outrage, if they have no other avenue for trying to make the world a better place in their own eyes, they may likely resort to joining a terrorist group. And that is not making us any safer. That is not "defending our country" by any stretch of the imagination.

The typical "Out of context" non-story.

To anyone that actually investigates and reads for themselves – rather than just swallowing what Media Matters spoon feeds them – this story is an absolute waste of time.

It's frankly quite pathetic that Reid, or anyone, would jump on the bandwagon without even looking into the story first. This is exactly the garbage this country DOESN'T need, whether Democrat or Republican.

"1.Limbaugh, while trying to defend himself, doctored his own comments and erased 1:35 out of the recording from his website. Can anybody say NIXON?
2.He used “Phony soldiers” plural, slip of the tongue, perhaps. But it was nearly 2 minutes between the talk of phony soldiers and Jessie MacBeth. Now I know what some will say, “2 minutes isn’t a lot of time”. Yes it is, when talk radio is involved, 2 minutes is a life time.
3.At least 55% of the American population is unhappy with the way the war is going. No matter what the reasons for the unhappiness with the war, it is our constitutional duty and right to question the actions of the government."

You sound like a Media Matters robot my friend. Keep up the good work!

Seriously though you can't call those who don't support the war "un-American" or question their patriotism that is simply the wrong mentality. There are those who don't like the war like myself, but then there are those who support defeat and withdrawal.

Those who invest in the triumph of our enemies are borderline traitors, but you can only be traitorous if you intend to be. So at this point I can only assume that these people are uninformed and if they claim to be informed, then they are not or they truly are against what our troops are doing.

Harry Reid brings his Grandson to the Senate floor while he's telling lies and slandering people. Is this how Reid wants his Grandson to remember him?

First, Conservative James says:

"Limbaugh should make a clear apology,
For any soldier that served in Iraq that has publicly criticized the War – I apologize if you felt my comments were directed at you. To Jesse Macbeth and any others that falsely claim to have fought in Iraq and pawn themselves off as Iraq-War Veterans – you are a phony.
If anyone can't see or understand the objectional behavior of falsely impersonating a battle-hardened soldier – then you're piling on because you dislike conservatives."

Then Conservative James says:

Rush has NOTHING to apologize for. Anyone who opposes the war in Iraq is un-American. That goes for the soldiers on the ground.

I got a question, is it just me or doesn’t it sound like James just FLIP-FLOPPED? James posts numerous times on these CNN threads and he has made his conservative opinions known that he dislikes flip-floppers. Even though James and I don’t see eye to eye politically, doesn’t mean that I don’t respect his opinion or his right to voice it. I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and let him change his mind; after all maybe he made a mistake the during the first post in this thread. Or God forbid he is actually human and is allowed to change his mind, kind of like our politicians.

If you refer to soldiers on the ground as un-American because they don’t agree with the war; you are the real un-American. Why should everyone think just like you James? The whole thing about the USA that makes us great is that we can voice our agreement or displeasure with the government anytime we like. I’m really surprised that you would say these things James; I hope that this is some phony coward putting words in your mouth and not the real Conservative James.

Lemonheads abound not only in Congress it seems, but here, as well.

Anyone who actually believes Reid is in dire need of an Irony-oscopy, as well as a cranial-rectal extraction.

Have you guys not read the comments by Limbaugh? He did not say, imply, or think what Reid is accusing him of. And, for Reid to have the brass ones to go on the floor of the Senate and lambast Limbaugh... Well, that's astounding.

Have you never heard the endless anti-Military statements by Reid? HE is guilty of what he is projecting onto Rush.

This whole "scandal" requires willing suspension of disbelief.

Everyone who employs critical thinking and considers themself to be intelligent should definitely go to Rush's website. Read his official transcript in his own words. Then you will find that he made absolutely NO MENTION of Macbeth or "phony soldiers" before his controversial comment. He also said the plural "soldiers" and NOT "soldier". Don't bother to look at his videos like on YouTube because he has falsely cut out about 1 1/2 minutes to convince his highly gullible followers that the Macbeth comments came immediately after the "soldiers" comments. The choice is yours to either use your brain and think about things or use your emotions and simply react in a knee-jerk type of way.

If you employ critical thinking and consider yourself intelligent, then go to Rush's website and/or YouTube to see and hear for yourself what he said and its context.

If you just want to pile on and denouce Rush because you hate him then go ahead, that is your privilege.

But please notice in stories like this one, where they place the quotation marks so that they can claim accuracy while writing exactly the opposite.

The choice is yours to either use your brain and think about things or use your emotions and simply react in a knee-jerk type of way.

Rush has NOTHING to apologize for. Anyone who opposes the war in Iraq is un-American. That goes for the soldiers on the ground.

I must have read 20+ comments saying Rush is guilty because he spoke in plural. That's ridiculous..

Read the transcript.

CALLER 2: No, it's not, and what's really funny is, they never talk to real soldiers. They like to pull these soldiers that come up out of the blue and talk to the media.

LIMBAUGH: The phony soldiers.

~~
The Caller used the plural first, not Rush.. And since the term was already in the news that week(ABC Story), Rush has done segments on them in the past, and the Caller was talking in plural..

He naturally responded in plural using a term coined by ABC News (just 2 days earlier) and others.

How can this not be obvious?

I think it speaks volumes about our government (both Democrat & Republican) that this kind of crap is what requires the attention of the Senate! Why don't they use their limited time in session to accomplish something worthwhile? Besides, as it pertains to Limbaugh, the "condemnation" of a private citizen for saying is stupidity incarnate. Remember the 1st Amendment? If bad mouthing a talk show host is ok, then why isn't Congress going after all those who badmouth the President? Or other Senators? Or the janitor in their office building? You can't pick and choose when it comes to free speech, and to do so, as is the case here, is nothing more than a political stunt designed to disguise (in this case) the Democrat's inability to do what they want to do with respect to Iraq.

What a hypocrite...Harry Reid must have memory lapse. He has been one of the most outspoken and name calling concerning the military that there is.
He needs to GET A LIFE!!

I didn't know there were any well known Democratic talk show hosts?

These same senators that all but called a four star general a liar is now giving lectures on how to support the troops?

Don't these Senators have anything more important to do ? Don't people have anything more serious to work on than dissing Rush Limbaugh?

Harry Reid should immediately resign his position as Speaker. He is a disgrace to the Senate. This type of smear campaign is typical of the left; you can't accomplish anything so lets attack someone. Shame on Reid and all who support this incompetent fool.

I’m a veteran of this war and on my way back to Iraq in January, again. I do not support the reason for the war, and I definitely do not support bush but a support the soldiers like. That is more than you can say about patriotism. Rush was a chicken during Vietnam and a now drug addict.

And by the way I’m a Latino immigrant with 23 years in the service. Bush, Rush American citizen, unpatriotic chickens.

Posted By Jose, New Jersey : October 2, 2007 2:51 pm

Sounds like you never went to English class my friend,,You might want to try some tapes "HOW TO SPEAK ENGLISH"

This emphasizes one difference between Democrats and Republicans. Instead of standing up to Republicans when the Republicans went after "MoveOn" the Democrats caved in and supported a Republiucan measure against "MoveOn".
The Republicans will not do the same if the Democrats offer a similar measure against Limbaugh.
DEMOCRATS I DON'T CARE IF YOU CAN NOT PASS YOUR AMENDMENTS, BUT I WANT YOU TO KEEP BRINGING THEM UP.
IT'S NOT THAT YOU SUCCEED BUT THAT YOU TRY. YOU MIGHT NOT WIN, BUT WE WANT THE EFFORT.

Lets just give Rush Limbaugh an extra dose of Oxycondon and be done with it. He squeaked out of his drug charges, he will not be held accountable here either. Sad isn't it.

I am sick to death of people here making comments on "democrats trying to act tough." What does it take in their minds to be tough, NOT go to war?? Because that is what all your right wing heroes did, avoided war at all costs. All those supposed "weak-kneed liberals" were wimpy, they actually fought in wars, got shot at, were injured. I guess blowing hot air is more important than shooting hot lead.

So should the Department of Justice apologize for using the exact same vocabulary? This DOJ report shows Rush's honesty. It is clear not only by the specific word usage what he was reffering to, but also, by his explanation later on.

Read the Report and see for yourself:
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/waw/press/2007/sep/operationstolenvalor.html

I think it's hilarious how the Dems like Harry Reid and the usual clowns like Pelosi, Kennedy etc.. complain and make an issue with private citizens such as Limbaugh, Colter etc...they are simply people getting their points across in an entertainment setting, and people are actually arguing about him having an "S" at the end of the word phony. WHAT A JOKE!! The people that Republicans are going after (Clinton, Reid, and the other clowns)for completely disrespecting a 4 Star General, just becasue he actually had some positive news to report (God forbid) are POLITICAL figures of our government. BIG difference. Radio people and book writers, shouldn't even warrant our governments time, unless that is all Dems can do to reflect all the negative attention they would be getting otherwise for continuing their pursuit to completely disrespect the whole country, by not supporting what is the right thing to do, rather than worry so much on how to win an election instead. The USA isn;t buying it any more. Dems stand for lack of religion, lacj of values, freedom of speech pnly when they like it, and a pure loser mentality on protecting our country. WAKE UP AMERICA, be strong and respect the values that have made us the best country in the world.

I read the CNN blogs because I assume that most of the readers and blog participants are intelligent and can respond intelligently about a situation. But some of these comments have proved me wrong. This issue with Rush Limbaugh is about the nasty comment(s) he's made about our soldiers who are fighting and dying for us. This is not about politics and whether Reid should resign or whether if it were a Democrat spewing these horrible comments the Republicans would be calling for a Democrats head.

Also we can't read Limbaugh's mind about the fact that he's talking about phoney soldiers.

Have some RESPECT Limbaugh and pick on someone or something that deserves it.

I am truly disappointed with the CNN bloggers.

RSMITH

And the Senate has nothing better to do than chastise a talk-radio show host. No wonder the Congress rating is at 11%. Shame on you Senators, wasting the taxpayers time for petty showmanship. You have much more important matters to tend to like border protection, illegals sucking up resources, Iraq; matters that affect the American citizen. What a bunch of poor legislators, seems to be a communicable disease all over the US, the legislators in my state idolize the illegals. I can turn off Rush, but I am stuck with your petty ignorance. Retaliation for the disgusting MoveOn.org ad in the NYTimes?

It is obvious from the transcript that Rush was talking about any soldier who opposes the war. He calls these people "phony soldiers".

I have just one question for Rush and is idolators: Why do they hate America so much?

If Rush is all ginned about the war, perhaps he can redeam himself and volunteer to serve.

Keep this war going long enough, keep recycling the same troops and pretty soon they (the troops) will all be speaking out against it. I know for a fact that a sizeable number of troops hate this war.

To me, this looks like a VERY weak rebuttal at the MoveOn.org controversy of the past two weeks where Democrat congressmen were sweating bullets when asked to vote on the resolution condemning MoveOn. Pretty weak response if you ask me

I have the perfect solution to Rush.

The channel changer.

Im a Viet Nam era veteran. Over the years, and it ramped up with the Winter Soldier issue of Kerry, there have been a number of reported interviews with alleged veterans or soldiers. Any news outlet should be wary and check credentials before they use that soldier's or veterans comments. A copy of the veterans DD 214 should be produced to verify he/she is who they say they are. At the moment, it is illegal to portray a soldier or even claim you earned certain medals.

There is a Congressional Act Known as the Stolen Valor act that is not just used against non military pretending they are military. It even goes so far as to prosecute military members who wear unauthorized medals.

For example, I am a Viet Nam "era" veteran. If I wore any ribbons associated with service in Viet Nam or a bronze star and combat V, I could be proscecuted.

There are many phony soldiers out there. I read articles about them all the time. If Rush had not used the plural "Soldiers". I doubt this would even be an issue. However, using the plural form has put him in the sights of every antiwar person out there which is a shame, because it is a real issue. As a veteran, even a noncombat one, I am still proud of my service to my country. I took an oath to defend it and the constitution and stood ready to go where I was asked. There is nothing wrong with that. After 4 hard years of service which included several search and rescue cases, I was discharged with just two ribbons, the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. I did my job. I do not understand why others have to inflate their records or pretend that they were soldiers. It is dead wrong and they should be punished to the fullest extent possible.

I’m a veteran of this war and on my way back to Iraq in January, again. I do not support the reason for the war, and I definitely do not support bush but a support the soldiers like. That is more than you can say about patriotism. Rush was a chicken during Vietnam and a now drug addict.

And by the way I’m a Latino immigrant with 23 years in the service. Bush, Rush American citizen, unpatriotic chickens.

I've listened to a recording of the radio program in question, and there is no doubt that Rush is being smeared. His comment about "phony soldiers" clearly referred only to a few soldiers with dubious experience and not to the military as a whole. Rush consistently pretends to support the military, but he would say anything that keeps ratings up, so we don't really have any idea what he thinks.

It is too bad that I cannot find it in myself to feel any compassion at all for poor Rush, who has smeared many a person, ruined many a reputation, and told many, many lies to his gullible, non-thinking audiences.

Instead, I find it amusing that he has been run over with his own limo this time. Now the smearer has become the smearee.

I was also amused when he was caught with those thousands of pain killers that he had bribed his housekeeper (I think it was his housekeeper) to procure for his addiction. I found it amusing that he was not charged, tried, given community service, or anything else.

A poor kid in my town who was caught with a few thousand oxycontin would still be in jail. And Rush would have been the first to demand a maximum jail sentence for him.

It was also amusing when he was caught in Florida with a viagra prescription that was not in his name while entering the country. While this was not much of a crime (the Rx was in his doctor's name), he got away scott free again.

And, he still blows the law-and-order trumpet louder than anyone. His hypocrisy is a big as his ego.

It sounds to me like Rush is pulling the victim card..... Rush, don't be a baby, you never have a problem "dishing" it out now learn to take it, like a soldier oh ya you never served....

Richard from Orlando wrote:

"Big, bad media ("conspiracy") get to you? Poor things, you have become so delusional that you don’t even realize rich, conservative corporations overwhelmingly control our media."

Sweetie, there is no conspiracy. A conspiracy would imply there is actually an attempt to keep things secret. Liberal media types no longer even attempt to appear neutral.

Oh, yes, the media is actually controlled by the eeeeeeevil rich conservative corporations. Dunn Dunn Dunnnnnnnn! (cue gloomy music here).

Ask any journalist (print or broadcast) or editor (print or broadcast) the name of the last conservative from whom he/she voted. You'll be met with stunned silence (if said journalist doesn't sock you in the nose for even THINKING he/she might be a conservative).

Yes, eeeeeeeevil corporations might control the stock and the greater business dealings of most media outlets, but the content is entirely controlled by liberal media types. Don't believe me?

Imagine how quickly journalists would flee media outlets if they really and truly had to work under conservative editors and bosses, folks who would have a no-kidding impact on their daily operations. Newsrooms everywhere would look like a scene from the motion picture "28 Days Later." Silent... No one around... random pieces of paper floating in the breeze...

Which is worse? Phony soldiers or chicken-cowards who hide behind deferments? Will the senate waste tax dollars to condemn Rush, the dope addict who got away without spending time in jail, Limbaugh? Don't hold your breath.

TomNYNY Firstly, "I'm rubber you're glue. It bounces off of me, and sticks to you." What good does it do to engage in name calling? Do you think if you shout loud enough that will make you right? Do you think you can win an argument with angry or insulting words? If you heard or read the original transcript, you would know that you are repeating talking points, instead of repeating the truth. So why are you having a highly emotional response to this situation?

I suppose big mouthed Rush will also say that the Phony soldiers have died a phone death.

Rush Limbaugh is a traitor, a liar, a hate monger, a racist, a drug addict, a thief, and an idiot. I am enraged that he is on Armed Forces radio with all of his lies and propaganda.. What is the Army thinking? The man is a detriment to everything we value as Americans and patriots. Just the fact that Cheney uses him as a mouthpiece sickens me. He should have been taken off the air years ago! He is nothing but hatred and greed personified!

While we're all debating he's skipping all the way to the bank. He says whatever he thinks will cause the most controversy.

We need people like Rush because they hold CNN, Democrats, Medai Matters and MoveOn.org to account for the things they say and do. Taking things out of context and telling people what was said and done instead of showing what was said and done was the norm in the old days when all you had was ABC, NBC, CBS and CNN. The left just doesn't like that people have access to the truth and don't believe everything they are told. CNN over and over again plays about a five second clip and says it was the entire conversation. They are intellectually dishonest on this and know it, but defend themselves under first ammendment rights. Senators take to the floor of the Senate and do the same thing under protection of the same office that gives them the pulpit. They should be ashamned of themselves, but that's way too much to expect.

Reid joins his buddy Jesse MacBeth as two of the biggest phony's around!

And anyone who thinks the Majority Liar...er, Leader really believes what he said here is truly delusional. He purposefully took comments WAY out of context and then went off on some rabid diatribe like a lunatic. Harry Reid, you sir are a phony!

Rod from SLC,
The MoveOn.org advertisement was directed at one non-combat (i.e. not getting shot at) officer, a general, who is percieved to have been carrying the president's water and reporting to congress what he is told to report rather than the un-biased reality, when he is supposed to be independent of such politics.

Rush Limbaugh made a blanket statement that all soldiers who disagree with the war and believe we should withdraw are "Phony Soldiers". This is a dispicable and hurtful comment, more so than the MoveOn.org ad, or even the Don Imus incident. What he said to all of the families of soliders killed or maimed in action is that if their child(ren) thought the war was wrong and that troops should be drawn down, then they were phonies. They were only playing soldier. Implying that they maybe deserved what they got, or at least that they weren't real soldiers so don't deserve our sympathy, empathy, or support.

Rush is a slimeball and his corporate masters should fire him, just like Imus was fired. After all, which is worse, making an insensitive racist comment, or making fun of our FIGHTING soldiers during war time?

The fact that Limbaugh cannot tell the difference between singular and plural words is not his fault. He has probably been listening too long to George Bush. Even though Daddy Bush got George into Yale's graduate school after his own college rejected him, George still frequently struggles to display an elementary school level of English.

Wow, does Rush need his minions to take up for him, or what? The funniest thing about it, they follow him aimlessly and try to play it off as if they can “think” for themselves. LOL

Ah, did the big, bad media ("conspiracy") get to you? Poor things, you have become so delusional that you don’t even realize rich, conservative corporations overwhelmingly control our media (research it if you do not believe me). The Rush gang can surely dish their vile comments, but they can't take it when he steps out of line. His commentary continues to be deplorable in the context given. To call any individuals serving in our military phony soldierS is so lacking of respect, it is hard to fathom why anyone would admit listening to his show, much less defend him.

And to those desperate enough to throw around the “commie” label, please enlighten us with your Rush-filled intelligence. Exactly which party over the past six years has indebted our children and grandchildren to communist China for the unforeseeable future over an ill-directed debacle of a war? I’ll give you a hint: Greenspan referenced their irresponsible spending habits and record-breaking deficits in his new book. So, who is really enabling communism? Hmm…

It is reassuring to know our country is finally awake to this “neoCONic” reign of terror that has clouded our great nation ever since the turn of the century. I thank my fellow Americans for paying attention now and have faith we will be done with this nonsense in 2008.

Maybe Harry Reid has had another stroke.

By the way, Harkin, if you have a problem with drug addicts you should probably stop listening to your base.

Harry Reid, Tom Harkin and the other Democrats reveal themselves as petty people more interested in poll ratings and playing to their base in MoveOn and Media Matters than doing anyhting meaningful in Congress. They couldn't be bothered to condemn a despicable personal attak by their supporters but jump at the chance to condemn something THAT WAS NEVER SAID!!

Personally I'm glad they decide to expose themselves as such idiots in this way. Otherwise they might spend the time doing things that actually matter and hurt the country.

Limbaugh is like a broken down washing machine. He's a worn out agitator stuck on spin cycle. What a pathetic joke of a human being.

CNN has relegated itself to the dem equivalent of Rush's conservative talk show. And we are its callers..

Ha Ha!

But Limbaugh said "Soldiers" (plural) "Soldiers" with an s at the end of the word. If he says it was taken out of context and is actually referring to A SOLDIER (singular).......how does that add up? I would of had more respect if he had said it was a slip of the tongue and that he meant to say "Soldier" (singular). Very confusing man that we're all taking way too seriously.

I disagree with the saying that Rush is unpatriotic. Check my blog out. I cannot state everything in a comment...

http://millerkevd.wordpress.com/

Godamn you Senator Reid! Why dont you pick a real fight about something that is important. You are such a sniviling weasel...you are truly a politician at it's worst moment. This is why Americans hate politicians!

Pretty sad day in this country when the terms Harry Reid and Top Democrat are inextricably linked.

I did listen to the whole transcript and it is clear that Rush made the comment "phony soldiers" in a general manner to discredit any soldier who criticizes this war. He did not mention the specific soldier unitil later in the broadcast. Media Matters played the whole segment in context. Rush tried to interpose the two statements to cover this outrages display of disrespect for our soldiers. Whenever Rush is exposed for his stupidity and hypocrisy he always wines about the drive by medai and being quoted out of context.

Rush vigorously screemed about the General Betray-US MoveOn ad, eventhough, he called Senator Hagel (a Vietnam Vet) Senator Betray-US.

Lets keep exposing this guy for the lying hypocritical chicken-hawk, drug infested loser that he really is.

Harry Reid should subpoena Rush Limbaugh

Harry Reid is a terrible senator. We need more honorable senators like David Vitters, Henry Hyde, Tom DeLay, Larry Craig and Mark Foley.

oh, come on. this is the first thing the Dems could find to jump all over after the GOP jumped on the "Betray Us" ad. so sick of this Punch & Judy show between our sad two party system that is already bought and paid for by the elite. and the media follows suit.

Please, our president is bad enough, but Harry Reid? No one should be listening to this swindler.

Harry Reid is a phony senator.

Why are Harry Reid and other Dems wasting time with this crap? Who cares what that idiot said? Concentrate on more important things, like cleaning up federal contracting in Iraq, forcing Bush to redeploy US forces, fixing healthcare, getting the budget under control, and reinstating the basic civil rights laid out by the Constitution.

This is what these NEOCON are about. They are HATEFUL, UGLY LIARS and the WORST AMERICANS. Mr DRUG ADDICT RUSH is worst the TERRORISTS........

Umm, Tommy: Most people in the military have more respect for "Haditha Murtha" than they do for all the rightwing chickenhawks who started this stupid war put together.

You're a fine one to talk about "speaking before they know what the hell is going on".

"Pre-Madonnas?" OMG

'This man is the biggest coward in the history of American politics'

Wrong Answer.

Right Answer. Dick Cheney-5 cowardly deferments

If you didn't serve in the Civil War because you had 'other priorities' THAT WOULD BE TREASON and betrayal.

Josh

If anyone should be apoligizing it should be Harry Reid. This man is the biggest coward in the history of American politics and the state of Nevada should be in utter embarrassment of this deceitful TRAITOR.If we lived during the civil war era this man would have been hung for TREASON!!!!!!!

Rush Limbaugh makes me sick. Who even listens to his show anymore, besides idiotic Repugnants who have nothing better to do with their time than listen to his garbage.

I find it hilarious that those who have defined 'phony soldiers' and 'patriotism' in this country were repeat military deferers, and air guard pre-madonna's who probably got sand kicked in their face when they were lying on the beach during the war.

Keep defending them people, it's like a train wreck that keeps piling up.

Frank

"-if a well-known Democratic radio personality had used the same insulting line of attack against troops who support the war," the Nevada Democrat added.

?? Could there be anymore of a mindless stmt than this??

Pretending to be a soldier is a crime Harry. Doesn't matter which personality or what ideology they represent. Don't you know this...? Harry gives the term "dem majority leader" a whole new meaning..

Sen Reid is a disgrace to this country and the service members serving. Sen Reid is trying to rattle the cage of the conservatives by attacking one of the most influential conservative talkers of our time. Sen Reid should have listened to the entire comments by Mr. Limbaugh before spewing his lies. I counted 7 lies that Sen Reid stated in his speach. Sad, sad, day Shame on you Sen Reid I expect either an apology to our service members and Rush Limbaugh or your resignation.

This is getting out of control,,,,CNN tell the truth, Rush was speaking about "fake Solidiers" that lie about their experiences or were never even in the military...Hey harry nobody is getting fooled yet you are the coward that declared the WAR WAS LOST before the surge even started...if anyone should apologize it should be you,,,HARRY REID IS THE SINGLE BIGGEST EMBARRASSMENT TO EVER WALK INTO THE SENATE,,,shame on you CNN FOR NOT REPORTING THE REAL STORY

The last time Limbaugh called someone a phony, he made a complete fool of himself for picking on Michael Fox and had to eat his mindless words. After the embarassing defeats for Republicans in the Senate and House in 2004, Rush Limbaugh said “I'm liberated from having to constantly come in here every day and try to buck up a bunch of people who don't deserve it, to try to carry the water and make excuses for people who don't deserve it.” Simple supporters never did figure out that that statement shows how little he cared about telling the truth and how gullible he thinks his listeners are.
Four times this loud advocate of family values has stood in religious ceremonies and sworn to God to stay married “till death do us part” and three times so far he has not told the truth.
He has also loudly blamed “liberal” judges for being soft on crime and then fought to get laws liberalized so that a person’s right to privacy should allow them to hide drug prescription abuses.
Probably most of Limbaugh’s gullible listeners think that his drug abuse problem wasn’t really a police matter. Limbaugh, who has condemned illegal drug use and advocated prison for users, tried to just fluff it off. I wonder how many of his listeners know the truth. He paid $30,000 for costs of the investigation. He has to complete 18 months of drug therapy. He cannot own a gun. He has to submit to random drug testing. I'll bet he also hasn't told his listeners that his mugshot and fingerprints are on file with all the other arrested people at the Palm Beach County Jail.

Harry Reid is clutching for some kind of credibility. He is about as believable as a used car salesman.

"The Phony Soldiers" should be the title of a book about George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Paul Wolfowitz, and all those who brought us to this point in our foreign policy. This policy has stained our nation for a generation to come.

Its the failure of the MSM, not to have checked out this story first, instead of taking it off of a Liberal Web Site. I actually heard what Mr Limbaugh had said, because I listin to his program everyday. One would have thought the MSM would have clarified this before there Liberal friends took it to the floor of the Senate. Someone owes Rush an apology, along with Bill O'Reilly. These reporters that sit on their duffs all day instead of getting out an breaking stories, instead of reading Blogs. ABC had this same story two days before Rush's show, which is what prompted the discussion. By the way there were more than one person in the story by ABC. Rush has supported the troops all along. His radio show is enjoyed by many of the soldiers. Just reading some of the comments on here, indicates, that the haters never check anything out for themselves. Shame on the MSM. Shame on MediaMatters.

I never heard Rush say that John Kerry's statement about C Students getting us stuck in Iraq was taken out of context.

"Phony soldiers" are those people who embellish their military experience to give "credibility" to their brutal lies about the "horrible" things our soldiers "have done" to the citizens of Iraq.

Upon hearing these horrible stories from "credible" sources (after all, why would someone lie about bad things he has done?), the media just gobbles them up in order to influence the public.

Jesse MacBeth is but one phony soldier. There are others, and they've already been exposed. That's where the plural "phony soldiers" comes from, everybody.

Fine- hate Limbaugh. But at least sound intelligent when you do it.

This is the biggest double standard i have ever seen. Where was this outrage Mr. Reid when one of your fellow dems called our soldiers "cold blooded killers", or even better, on the same level, Rosie calling our troops terriorists.

Harry Reid needs to get his facts straight. Those remarks were taken out of context. Limbaugh did say that but was referring to one "soldier" who has been proven a fake, never made it out of basic training yet has made claims of serving in Iraq. This is a perfect example of the Dems desparity -what a joke.

That's great to know that the democratic leadership watches Rush! It just goes to show you what great appeal the man has. I don't watch him, but anybody with half a brain can see where he was going with this. JUST MAYBE, Limbaugh was talking about how the media interviews only selected individuals who opposed our presence in Iraq. Ya think? Has anyone ever seen one soldier interviewed by the media that will tell us anything positive about the war? I spoke with a woman a couple of weeks ago whose brother is in Iraq and she said that the media does NOT reflect the solders' views. No surprise there. People believe just what they are fed by the media – that's why Europe hates America – all they see is what their media tells them, too.

The phony soldier Limbaugh referenced was in fact, a phony soldier. And he has now been convict of pretending to be a US Ranger and purple heart recipient. Just like many other phony soldiers from other wars.

Obviously, quite different from mega billionaires paying for attack ads that demoralize our country and troops while they fight on the battleground.

Our blind, pitiful 110th Congress continues to show how out of touch they are with reality. Is there any wonder why they continue to rank as the worst Congress in American history?

"Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel," and Limbaugh is proof of that. Mr. Anal Cyst has no business judging whether soldiers are "phoney", when it is he that is the biggest phoney of all.

Yeah, why would anyone listen to that imbecile Rush? CNN never sensationalizes and always reports the facts!

One can only hope that every lying democrat is elected out of office. They are an embarrassment to the US. I regret ever being one and will be changing my party affiliation in the next election. The democratic party is once again showing its true colors as terrorist supports who have no platform and have accomplished nothing since they were elected into office.

What Rush did was imply that any soldier who isn't pro-bush-war was a phony soldier, using one example to 'prove' his point. He and Spongebob are both entertaining, but Spongebob's political commentary is more insightful.

Wow, at least CNN told the truth – though it took the 2nd to last paragraph to get to it. I hope you can be honest with this story and not give the dems a free forum to spred lies. We'll see.

I don't mind him humorously presenting his side; what I mind is that he seems to gloat evilly over the nastiness of his insults. He'd burn up in direct sunlight like Dracula. He's like a comic-book villain, hunh-hunhing away over something on a slab; why is he the darling of so many Christians?

There have been "phony soldiers" since there have been wars. They walk our streets today claiming heroism wearing medals. I am sure that there are soldiers in Iraq that are against the war. I cannot be they enjoy being shot at or coming under attack by IED's. BUT the bottom line is that it is an ALL VOLUNTEER MILITARY. I hear no one in Congress standing up and making speeches condemming the "phony soldiers" only jumping on the bandwagon trying to make political hay condemming Limbaugh for his supposed remarks.

If Rush should make an apology them the DEMS should make an apology also of its remarks toward the military before the General returned home with the SUCCESS of the War. Murtha, Reid and others of the DEM party made smeering reamrks in regards of betray, innocent killing, and night killing.

I've listened to the comment and obiously many who commmented here have not. Otherwise, you would conclude Harry Reid is a disingenuous,bag of crap who must not have anything relevent in his head if he is going to lock horns with a mere talkshow host.
Are there any statesmen left in America?

If all you 'Limbaugh Zombies' had an independent thought of your own you would know that even if this was taken out of context it was done so because Rush has lost all personal credibility. No one really believes O.J. anymore either, except those who really "know the truth" about him. Rush is his own worst enemy even when he speaks 'in context'.

There are three kinds of people in politics: 1. those who cry foul when taken out of context 2. those who cry foul when when taken in context 3. and those who take things out of context to maliciously malign their opponent regardless of the original intent.

Both parties fall in all three categories and Rush Limbaugh has multiple personalities.

Jim

Well is this just great, a tit for tat, I can see Congress is so Bussssy making statments instead of doing some work. Dems you really shouldn't go there with all the crap that spews from your mouth along with your willing Media buddies basically trashing General Petraeus on the Senate floor. You have no respect for the Military, oh except when they are helping you get your loot out of New Orleans,(Rep. Jefferson). About the comment, your totally wrong get the whole story and your facts straight instead of listening to Left Wing anti-American blogs. Demorats, ask yourself why Hillary didn't condemn Move On, hmm

This Article is out of bogus and out of context. I as a soldier am insulted by CNN and the main stream media. You CNN and NPR types have your heads in the sand and only hear what you want!

Was moveon.org taken out of context with their ad? Harry Reid is just trying to turn the tables on the moveon.org thing by making it sound like Rush is doing the same thing.

I don't buy it.

Go away Harry.

ThirstyJon
freedomthirst.com

Typical Dummycrat rhetoric. If someone from the political right says anything that can be misconstrued as an attack against the military then it is fair game. Meanwhile, the same liberal left can say anything that they feel is pertinent, regardless of how indignant or damaging it is to the people who serve in the military and feel like they are the savior of the free world. Anyone who wishes to disagree with their enlightened values is then attacked as someone who has no moral compass or compassion toward the common soldier. Senator Reid needs to choose his words carefully or they may come back to him as misconstrued.

Don't any of you find it convenient that the networks that pursue this story with any vigor happen to be the ones that are in direct competition for advertising dollars with Limbaugh's network?

Give me a break. I'm no fan of Limbaugh, but this is another "phony" controversy cooked up by the media. It's intended to boost ratings, create more stories via reporting on the fallout, and smear a competing network. I use "reporting" in the loosest sense of the word – U.S. media doesn't "report" anymore. They give summaries that last a couple of minutes, at most, and amplify the "shock" details to get people to watch.

Same deal with accusations of racism against Bill O'Reilly in the last couple of weeks. Out of context. It was more cooked up controversy.

CNN is directly to blame for this, along with MSNBC. Why haven't they made equally spirited attempts to cream Jesse Jackson for not apologizing to Duke athletes? I'm guessing it's because Jesse Jackson isn't employed by Fox News.

This is what happens when morons rely too much on U.S. media to form their own opinions. In case alot of you haven't been keeping up on current events, it's common knowledge that the media lies to you so that you will earn them more advertising dollars.

Get real. Turn off CNN. Turn off Fox News. Turn off Rush. Do your own research. "Opinion" pieces should not be part of anything claiming to be a "news source". If somebody wants to write an opinion piece, then they should write a book.

Pull the plug on this bull, CNN, or I am going to make you wish I'd never started a blog.

Oh, get off your high dragon, Reid. "so beyond the pale of decency"? One remark by a talk show host - a remark with SOME validity –can't even begin to overshadow the atrocities cxommitted by your own boss and party leader, Shrub, such as willful ignorance of Constitutional intent, cover-up, deceit, outright lies and most of all, placing tens of thousands of young men and women in harm's way for the sole purpose of securing his oil-based retirement income.

It's sickening. I'll tell you about pale - even Richard Nixon pales in comparison to the fraud that Shriub has committed on Americans.

I am not a big fan of Limbaugh even I am on the right. But liberal anti-american news like troop hating CNN and freedom hating MSNBC have again taking the truth and twisted it around to fit their liberal ideas on how the world should be. Start reporting the whole story CNN. You attack Bill on fox news because their rating are triple of yours. CNN has become the new MSNBC, your ratings suck so you make up news. He was talking about a freedom hater whole claims he was in Iraq. Thats all. Ofcouse Harry Reid went after him, he needs to gain some approval ratings don't you think. Reid is at a awesome 11% approval Ratings but CNN forgets to report that, god for bid you report the truth. CNN is the liberals news station.

I normally regard Limbaugh as a windbag but, in this case, I think he is correct. The Democrat strategists that thought this would be a good way to...what?...weaken a conservative spokesman on a core issue?...made a blunder.
There are plenty of valid reasons to engage Rush on issues but this is not one of those valid reasons.

Limbaugh is fool. Enough Said.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid slammed Rush Limbaugh Monday over his recent controversial "phony soldiers" remark, despite the conservative talk-radio host's protests that his words have been taken out of context.

Haha! How typical of the DriveBy Media. CNN, do you get your news from MediaMatters or do you have someone actually listen to the show ? "Rush under fire" ?? No Bmedia, that's not the story. The story and the headline is " Rush Limbaugh slams 'Dingy Harry' for his lies and attempted smear and challenges him to appear on his radio show and tell it to his face."

MegaDittos

Typicla liberal reaction. Listen to the entire statement. What was objected to was a soldier who had lied about his military experience and was used as a shill for the anti-war crowd. Rush refered to that individual as a "phony soldier" not the entire army.
Never confuse a liberal with the facts or the truth – they can't handle either.

Its about time the Dems get a little back bone and call the chicken hawks out. All Chicken Hawks like Rush, Boehner, O'Reilly, Hannity, Hume, Cavuto, and Gibson who don't know the 1st thing about the military because when it was there time to serve they hid under there moms panties (stink), like the little cowards they are.

I'm a Christian conservative and member of the Republican Party. Yet, I do not waste time listening to Mr. Limbaugh. Why? Because I do not agree with his "I'm always right" mentality. No mere human being is right 100% of the time, Mr. Limbaugh. It's about time you learn that. You have certainly have had your share of opportunities to learn this valuable life lesson.

What CNN does not report, is that Limbaugh yesterday said that the only people who should apologize for HIS remarks should be Harry Reid, and the whole "democrat" party. He also called Murtha a phony soldier, not just Jesse MacBeth like CNN reported.
The audio transcripts are available.
Maybe CNN should do it's job at look at Rush's transcripts from yesterday before trying to sugar coat his "phony" remarks as referring only to Jesse MacBeth?

this story is what's as phony as the liar (phony soldier) who made the claims. Jesse McBeth never went to Iraq, washed out of boot camp after 44 days and lied about his military service. It's no wonder nobody watches CNN.

Although this is yet another distraction from the real issues, Rush was busted and anyone who heard the actual show and read the transcript before he edited it will see it. People who hang on his every word and don't question what comes out of his mouth are NOT thinking for themselves.

Mr "Stink Cheese" the right wing drug addict stays true to form with his LIES. Is it not the true Bush Republican way to LIE. His show is a disgrace.

In case anyone wants to read up on "Phony soldiers", ABC news did a story EARLY last week titled, yep, you guessed it, "Phony soldiers".

Or perhaps the fact that the United States Justice Department released a statement detailing the indictment of a dozen "Phony Soldiers". And yes, the USJD called them "Phony" too.

If you are a real soldier. One that has enlisted, currently active, currently reserve, or discharged, feel free to speak your mind. It doesn't bother me, a Republican, to hear your opinion even if it differs from mine.

Has there ever been a bigger hypocrite than this democratic congress? Harry Reid, jack Murtha, Dick Durbin, John Kerry and lets not forget that real patriot and murderer ted kennedy.If these people remain in charge you can bet our freedom will be diminished under the cover of political correctness and socialism with the government give away programs. All of you no balls liberals out there be very careful of what you wish for.

I am not a fan of Limbaugh's, but I actually heard this particular portion of his show and he was only talking about Jesse McBeth and others like him who are actually phony. Guys who never served pretending that they did and telling lies about the ones who are serving. I agree with Limbaugh on this point and unless you actually heard the broadcast, you have no idea what you're talking about.

Baloney, another smear by George Soros crowd, Harry Reid without a doubt is the worst excuse for a Senate majority leader ever.

This a perfect example of what they call doublespeak. You can claim you were talking about one soldier but upon further thinking, you were really speaking as a whole to any soldier who speaks out against the war. It's not like he gives any "news" to real soldiers who do speak out but only the one's that do who are "phony". I understand Limbaugh and I respect that he puts his opinions out there but when people take his opinion as actual news, it becomes very dangerous. THINK FOR YOURSELF REPUBLICANS!!

So the King of misquoting people is upset he was misquoted. With our current president as top dog Rush runs a very close second in his ability to divide our country. If we do not think just like him we are wrong. Like our current administration this country will be better off when both are gone.

Read what was said.....was it a slam against out troops? No. Limbaugh stated what we all know...that mouth pieces are everywhere. Members of congress have better things to do then postulate on free speech. Better they clean their own house first...gosh I wish I could vote for my own salary and benefits plan at the expense of the US Taxpayer!

I agree Rush was out of line but I am not a fan of Rush, but I think Harry Reid is a joke of a poltician and even worse for a human being. He is the laughing stock of the nation, thank GOD I do not live in Nevada. I'd be embarrassed to call him my senator.

Harry, "those without sin cast the first stone"

Why don't you liberal bastards at CNN report a story accurately?

Why didn't CNN post a link to the transcript of Limbaugh's comments? I'm a soldier, my fellow soldiers and I discussed this and can only laugh at Reid and company. Democrats lose on this one.

Posted By Mike, Mt laurel, NJ : October 2, 2007 7:36 am

Well Mike that is because CNN stands for Clinton News Network. They would rather post trivial stuff like this. We dont want to get to the real meat and bone issues until there chioce gets elected. And then GOD save us all.

Rush is not an elected official. Dems drum the free speech drum all the time. Why not now? Also, if on any given day, you want to see worse, go to Dailykos. The reason why no one complains about Dailykos, because they are not elected officials. The reason dems flip on Rush is because he is the most highly rated political talker. I completely disagree with 95% of what he says, and truthfully could care less.

There is no comparison with Rush bad mouthing troops, and Hillary Clinton bad mouthing troops.

And let me repeat. . . .

Hey Dems, where is the outrage? Hillary now says she won't pull troops until after 2013 and she will use torture. If Bush today said troops won't be out by 2013, you would be freaking!!!! BLINDED BY HILLARY LOVE : )

This is a complete lie. Rush spoke at length about Jesse MacBeth who is a known phony soldier that was promoted by Media Matters before he was denounced as a liar by the VA. Media Matters took a tiny quote from that discussion out of context and created this false controversy. Congressional Democrats now complaining about about Rush'e comment are proving they don't do their home work and will say anything KOS, Media Matters, or Soros tells them to say. And you here at CNN are the lapdogs of the Democrats so you won't 'investigate' to find out this is a bald faced lie from Harry Reid and Media Matters.

Democrats in Congress are Grandstanding as usual. Reid and the rest, why don't you just go back to renaming post offices. That the only thing you have done since you were elected.

People who listen to Rush are very dedicated to his veiws and loud mouth. "Ditto's." His comments are irrelivant as far as I am concerned. He has the right under free speech to say stupid and offensvie things. Move-On has the right to run ads, even though others may find them offensive.

In the meantime Congress goes on and debates "who said or did what, and what is worse," is moronic and embarrassing. This is all happening while our young men and women are being killed over in Iraq.

So ....
Rush, you're a loud mouth. No one really cares what you say or think except for your Ditto heads.
Move-on, maybe it wasn't such a great idea to use such an "in your face" ad to make a point.
Congress....Shut up and quit attacking freedom of speech and figure out a way to get our soldiers home!

Even Ditto-heads should be smart enough to realize that the word "soldiers" is plural. You have to be drinking a whole lot of Limbaugh Kool-Aid to buy his excuse that he was talking about one specific soldier.

Rush is a bully: says what he wants then whines he was taken out of context.

As for the MoveOn ad? Not until the Swift Boats for Liars are all dead and buried.

It didn't start in 2000 with the lies about McCain fathering a black baby in SC – but that set the tone: All the "good" conservatives don't have the monopoly on spewing hatred but they did write the book.

Not Conservatives and not Christians.

Rush is a fine example of the lunatic fringe that posts on message boards. The ones who claim that everyone who doesn't fall to their knees in worship of Bush is a traitor and al Qaeda supporter.

I heard the comments live, what a hypocrit Ried is! They are only going after Rush because Ried, Murtha, Clinton are nothing more than a mouth peice for moveon.org What a bunch of phoney selfserving people we have in D.C.

PHONY SOLDIER
*Jesse Macbeth, 23, Tacoma, Washington, sentenced today in connection with his fraudulent claims of military service. Macbeth sought medical benefits claiming to suffer from PTSD related to service in Iraq and Afghanistan, in fact, Macbeth was discharged from the Army about a month after he joined. Macbeth never traveled outside the U.S. with the Army. Macbeth duped reporters, claiming to be a decorated Army Ranger who had witnessed war crimes.

TRUTH HURTS!

The smear police are at it again...how is it that Read and the like can call our heroes "murderers and rapists" and get away with it while Rush, who always supports our troops, rightly identifies MacBeth and friends and is sent to the auction block...on the floor of the Senate, no less? I am so sick of the dems smear merchants and their hinchmen the drive-by media. You all make me sick

I heard the statement made by Limbaugh and the reference to Jesse MacBeth. I had never heard of Macbeth before so I decided to do some research about the case and about how this phony soldier had been used by the left to promote their message. I wish people would do the same and look at the specific case that Limbaugh was referring to. Everyone should be outraged by this phony and should be condemning him. However, if you look at the case under CNN, you'll only find reference to the Limbaugh article, with no reference to the facts of the case. Why doesn't CNN write about this case?

Mr. Reid seems to be a hypocrite in this debate. Why was Hillary and Moveon.org given a pass when attacking a Four Star General? Shame on you Harry!

Murtha and Durbin are praised by dems when they demean the troops. Rush was exposing a lib mascarading as a soldier. The truth hurts.

rush limbaugh is irrelevant – why do we need this story on cnn.

The best thing to do is not give this story any legs at all...Limbaugh wouldn't know an apology if it bit him in his fat fanny, and the Democrats are wasting time on this, just like the entire Congress did with the MoveOn ad...it was an AD designed to spark some dialog. Frankly, had Bush NOT made his little secret trip to visit the General immediately before his testimony, he would have come off as more believable. We have real business to conduct here, like impeaching the cowards and liars in the WH, but somehow the distractions are easier to deal with. Sad.

Looks like the dems and the media (cnn) forgot to do their homework again. Rush was talking about one person who was making false accusations that the left propped up. This just goes to show you that the dems and the left media (cnn) are more concerned with sound bites instead of the truth. Imagine That!

Shouldn’t they be focusing on getting the troops out of Iraq or did they just say that to get elected?

I would think that our political leaders have more to worry about then the rantings of a drug-induced, egotistical radio talk show host.

'Anyone not blinded by conservative hatred could see that.'

Yet somehow you defend someone blinded by their acute, pointed, and unapologetic hatred of liberals. Round and round we go. Nice.

Jake

Its just "free speech" when every nut job at moveon.org or Cindy Sheehan says something ridiculous but when a conservative criticizes a democrat (even slightly) its considered a hate crime or something? Sounds like someone doesn't like the taste of their own medicine.

How is Limbaugh even a factor in the political debate anymore? He himself has been discredited and proven himself to be a hypocrite by illegally obtaining and abusing prescription drugs. He shouldn't even be a factor at all. Further, what branch of the service was he in? Which war did he serve in? Oh yeah . . . nothing. If a soldier goes and fights, regardless of whether or not they come home, they have been given an exceptional right to criticize or comment in any way on the war in Iraq or Afghanistan. I don't think Limbaugh can say, with a straight face, that his comment was taken out of context given the plural nature of the words in his sentence. He's a quack who spews ultra-conservative bias. It really is hard to believe that he still has an active voice in politics. If he's got so many great ideas, why doesn't he run for elected office?

Like Sarah Silverman and Don Imus, he's only a comedian saying the nasty things his audience wants to hear. Why does anyone listen to the toadlike fellow anyway? Perhaps this is his 'Don Imus Moment' and he will go away now.

My, my, my.... Mr. Excellence in Broadcasting on loan from God sure screwed this one up. As much as I hate to admit it but I heard the interview on the radio only because the local talk show here in Tennessee is a nothing but a Republican mouth piece. But it’s amazing how someone how “claims” to be so perfect is such an abusive person and a liar.
He is constantly calling people names, seems to me, he likes to always distort the truth. He always runs his sound bites about others… but now that he’s made a “mistake” everyone else is wrong…. Surly not….. Not Mr. Excellence in broadcasting. But then again your talking about someone damns drug addicts and then low and behold the mighty one “On Loan from God” is a DRUG ADDICT! But then again most Republicans / Conservatives seem to think to be a Christian you have to be a Republican… interesting thought on this… I have never seen anything in the four Bibles I own about either party being exclusive to God… another slanting of the truth to make themselves “look better”… it funny it does remind me of something in the Bible. Most Bible thumping Republicans remind me of the Pharisees… but then again I bet most how read this will have no clue what I mean because they have NEVER read the Bible.

Why is it ok for the Republicans to demand that Democrats denounce moveon.org for something that moveon.org published but when Democrats question Rush Limbaugh's "phony soldiers" comment they're "taking it out of context" or trying to discredit "effective and powerful" people? It appears that Republicans can dish it out but can't take it. When will BOTH parties realize that we the people are sick and tired of the petty games they play with each other? Let's get on with managing our government, which is in dire straits, instead of trying to make each other look bad, which ultimately backfires anyway.

Plesae stop wasting time on this and cut taxes YOU MORONS!!!!!!!!!

Is there really a well-known Democratic radio personality? And there are 2 different types with totally different reasons that join the military: those that serve to protect our way of life and those that serve for self-fullfilling reasons (money, education, status). I'll bet 99% of the soldiers that are critical of the war fall into the second category.

all of you defenders of that low life drug addict...you have gone as low as a snake ass can go and furthermore....you are as useless as tits on a bull..be a real patriot, enlist in any branch of the armed forces if you have the guts to do it.

The most phony soldier that every lived is George W. Bush, and now he is commander-in-chief.

Although I am glad that the Democratic leadership has shown a spine and stood up to thease shamless attacks and lies. I must say this is what they want just like they wanted the Moveon.org issue. They will do what ever they have to do to not talk about the real issue . The War

Why didn't CNN post a link to the transcript of Limbaugh's comments? I'm a soldier, my fellow soldiers and I discussed this and can only laugh at Reid and company. Democrats lose on this one.

I don't know why everyone is so harsh on Rush, he never takes anything out of context. He's just a straight shooter that has no hidden agenda's or axes to grind. How dare anyone inpugn his integrity? He's the most misunderstood pundit in the political realm today. And those who follow him lock and step shouldn't have the burden of constantly setting the record straight for they who don't know a fair and balanced genius if it slapped them in the face. I admire Rush for standing for truth in spite of the toll he knows he'll take in attacking his integrity and credibility. He's got the moxy and courage that everyone craves so instead of attacking him, we should be pledging our unwavering and unequivocal allegiance to him. I'll go to the front battle lines with this true patriot anyday. He's proven his service to our great country time after time and has earned the right to critique and criticize anyone from private to general, councilman to President.

PT Barnum would be proud of our Congress. He'd be nearly as proud of the posters on this blog. For MoveOn, it's a free speech issue, but when Rush is the target, it's a bold move.

The bold movers that were elected in 2006 to change the course of the war just passed a 150 billion dollar bill to keep it going. It was a close vote too, 92-3. Our Senate, in its infinite wisdom and where much experience abounds, has categorized Iran's army as terrorists. The government of Iran returned the favor by recognizing the CIA and US Army as terrorist groups. Now the stage is set, they can go after our troops and call it part of their 'war on terror' to which our government (with the blessing of Congress) will have to respond. So, thanks Hillary and the rest of your ilk for opening this door of opportunity.

In addition, Ted Kennedy, whom the great story about Dems seeking his endorsement headlined the ticker yesterday, strapped Hate Crimes legislation to the back end of the defense authorization bill. Perhaps a political ploy to bring a veto on so the Dems can say, well we funded it, the president vetoed it. We support the troops, he doesn't. Out with all of these varmints.
But their game works! Get a story in the press that vilifies an out of context remark so the people argue about BS and call each other names, while behind their back we pull a fast one.

Mr Reid lied through his teeth about what Rush Limbaugh said about 'phony soldiers'. I heard the broadcast that day and want to say " nice try Harry but that lie won't fly in this house'.Sincerely, Rosanna Townsend, Augusta, Mi

I love how everybody here is jumping on the Hate Rush bandwagon when NONE OF YOU HEARD THE BROADCAST. If you had you would also know the context of the comment referred to ONE person, held up as a media darling but later shown to have lied about his background.

How would Limbaugh know a phony soldier from a real soldier? He and his fellow "HAWKS" never served! If they had they would have taken a different venue than putting our children in harm's way.

When a mouth is as big as Limbaugh's the foot is most certain to go in.

Within the last month, the left has ruthlessly criticized Republicans every chance they get:

(1) The NY Times General Petraeus or General Betray Us ad;
(2) Bill O'Reilly was unjustly slammed for supposedly voicing racial comments;
(3) Now it's Rush Limbaugh's turn to be lambasted by liberals.

Meanwhile, our nation and Western values are under attack by intolerant Islamic Fascists who believe "Allah" wants us all dead or converted to Islam.

Harry Reid is a dangerous phony. He could NOT care less about our brave soldiers.

I believe America and it's allies will prevail in the War on Terror. Moreover, I will NEVER forget how the far left undermined the war effort every single step of the way.

Limbaugh is a hypocrite. He's never served so much as a minute in any war, at any time. For him to criticize those in uniform is disgusting.

With Congressional approval ratings hovering close to single digits, Harry Reid and his liberal Democrats are at the point of desperation to deflect attention away from a failed Congress. Reid's attack on Limbaugh has no merit but does prove how the Democrats will resort to outright lies to divert attention away from their well-documented attacks on our brave fighting men and women. CNN is part and parcel of the neo-liberal left, and CNN's own drop in ratings is proof that Americans see CNN for the biased liberal news outlet it is.

I was listening that day, and his comments related to specifically MacBeth. Note this artical does not spend any time on the story of the Soros funded MoveOn.org's propping up of a 'decorated' soldier MacBeth who turned out to have never been decorated, and only served 47 days in the military...Meaning he never finished boot camp...

Note how no one did a story on that. Probably we could find it on the cnn.com archive if we spent several hours searching...

What are the politicians getting paid for? They are worse than a bunch of old women in the union sitting around griping. And with the tax payers money this is all we hear from them, who is there boss? Shouldn't somebody say shut up and get back to work?

How much does Reid get paid? $180,000 per year? How much did it cost the US Taxpayer for this nitwit to waste this time to censure Rush L? Get a clue. That's your money he's wasting. That's my money he's wasting.

Whenever a celebrity puts his or her foot in his or her mouth, the line is always, "I was taken out of context." Thanks to CNN for proving that to be untrue.

As to the notion that Blowhard Limbaugh was talking about one specific person who was a fraud, then why did he speak of "phony soldiers" rather than use the singular form?

I heard a clip of the total call and trust me what Drugbaugh said was NOT taken out of context. He called troops who did not support the war as 'phony soldiers'. What an idiot, but don't expect him to lose his job, because the stations who carry his show are owned by the 'right wing media'.

So many posts by people who never listen to Rush Limbaugh. I agree with him only about half the time. Anyone who does listen knows that Rush has unwavering loyalty to real soldiers... but not phony ones. He also has little time for phonies in congress like reid and pelosi.
Even posters here are attempting to spread the smear.

I for one am gettting a little sick and tired of politicians on both sides of the aisle criticizing citizens of this country. It's time for all of you in the house and senate to do what we sent you to do, govern. Enough of the partisan bickering. Start doing what is right for the country.

As a 26 year disabled veteran of military service I feel as if my brothers in arms have been slapped in the face by the very group of people who cheered on this conflict in the first place.

As a supposed media professional good old Rush knew what he was saying since the comment was in the plural instead of the singular. So any explanation short “I was wrong to say that” is a lie.

Any one who truly supports our military personnel should be standing up and demanding Rush and Clear Media to do the right thing and go to Iraq and say I am sorry to every single American military member there and then have him send hand written notes to every family who has had a loved one killed or wound while in Iraq.

Fat chance of that, he was afraid of Vietnam so why would have the courage to go to Iraq now.

Doesn't Harry Reid have anything better to do than this? I feel sorry for the idiots in Nevada that voted for this moron.

Hey Harry...here's a suggestion...instead of saying the "War is lost" and "the surge has failed", why don't YOU try supporting our troops you idiot.

Harry Reid needs to check his own comments about the war and our soldiers, here is a man that has said nothing but deplorable comments about our soldiers in harms way. It is sad how everything has to do with power and politcal gain and nothing to do with the safety and well being of our soldiers.

CNN dropped this story last week after it verified Rush was actually referring to an actual "phony soldier" – in fact the person was just sentenced to 5 months in jail for impersonating a soldier. Why is CNN not reporting that Harry Reid is lying about this hmmm?

Harry Reid, what a joke he is as a leader! WHAT HAPPENED TO THE 100 DAYS,
THE DEMOCRATS WHERE GOING TO CHANGE ALL POLICIES OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION??? HEY HARRY REID!!!!

Limbaugh's explanation is correct. I heard the audio of the entire discussion, in context, and his meaning is unmistakable. I don't believe it's possible for any reasonable person, especially someone intelligent enough to become a US Senator, to honestly mistake the meaning of Limbaugh's words. Reid knows exactly what Limbaugh meant when he used the term "phony soldiers". I believe Reid deliberately misconstrued the comment just to get a political "gotcha" soundbite. When folks like Reid repeatedly engage in this kind of BS, it's very hard to take anything they say seriously. Has Reid never heard the story of the boy who cried wolf?

Clearly the conversation was around Jesse MacBeth. If you listen with half an ear, even an illiterate could follow the conversation. Of course, the nay sayers wouldn't admit to being able to stomach listening to R.L. long enough to get it. Grasping....

Taken out of context the new catch phase that means, I got called on it now what do I do. Non-veterans that beat the drums of war and attack those that question the actions of this administration. Chicken Hawks, never served and attack those that disagree with their holy than thou positions. This has nothing to do with Democrates or Republicans, we have a public figure who basically called those veterans that do not agree with him phony soldiers, while all the time Limbaugh is the phony.

I served for 20 years, two tours in Iraq plus others in different conflicts, while I back our government, I know for a fact that as a soldier we are told what to say to the media. And are normally hand picked by our officer to met the media. There is no such thing as freedom of speech in the Armed Forces just blind allegience. If Sen. Harry Reid believes there is, then he has his head up further than I thought.

ha limbaugh is right

i never see an interview of a proud soldier, which most are.

Most soldiers are strong conservatives, and you'll find few dissenters in the bunch.

I'm not a conservative, and I am not for this war. But Limbaugh is correct in his observation.

I know every liberal has to have an opion about everything but why if your going to
complain and say nasty comments don't you listen to the whole program? No you hear something that an idiot democrat tells you and off you go. Mindless sheep. Duh!
Listen to all the tape, then you will know the truth. Don't just parrot what you hear from democrat talking points!

It is amazing that all of the people that never listen to Rush are the ones to condem him. I listened to the segment. And of course Rush was defending the troops, by pointing out that the LEFT will use any means to lie to us. And when they get caught they attack the people that catch the lie. The LEFT used a phony soldier and got caught just like they have used other phony soldiers. If the LEFT really supports the troops why not support Victory for our troops instead of defeat, oh ya that wouldn't be the best political move for them. Again the LEFT using our troops as pawns politacly. If the LEFT supports the troops. They why didn't any of the democrats ask GEN Petraeus what can we do to help you win!!! No they just chastized him because he told the truth and it didn't fit their political agenda of loose so the democrats can win.

Mr. Limbaugh is real...a real a**hole.

There are at least two major power groups in American politics, and they do have very different agendas. And they are using media proxies to fight their battles, and those battles are often fought in places and on issues that make little sense to the average observer.

1) The people who think capitalism is immoral, and who want to use the engine of our economy to make sure that nobody is hungry, nobody is naked, nobody is homeless, and nobody is denied healthcare.

2) The people who think socialism is immoral, and who want to restrict the government from taking the slightest amount of their personal wealth and redistributing it.

Both of these camps are very, very small minorities; maybe only a couple thousand people. But they have tremendous leverage, and apparently unlimited patience.

Between those two opposed camps are all sorts of additional "clumps" of people who have aggregated around a political, social or economic cause, and who make alliances with the two major forces opportunistically.

Those two big forces are driving the harshness of the current political climate, and until we get a grip on who those people are and what they want, and make the public at large understand what is happening, thing will likely not improve.

I agree with Mr. Reid. Imagine if Natalie of the Dixie Chicks actually said that, or anything else against the troops. She was harassed and boycotted for four years. Rush does this sort of bad taste thing again and again, and if he is not to high on Oxycontin, whoops, sorry Rush (see I know how to aplogize)he always ignores the fall out and his sponsers and radio stations ignore it, as does the right wing doiminating media.... well I guess if Imus says something bad it is goodbye, but Rush can spout pro-military rhetoric and then dump on any soldier who actually questions the president's handler's madness...

Harry Reid should apologize for being an idiot. tell him to heck the facts first.

Wasn't it Harry Reid who said some time ago the "war in Iraq was lost". Perhaps this to was taken out of context.

The reason right-wing liars get away with what they do is due to their very nature: they lie. They are too cowardly and too uncertain in the basis of their beliefs that they can't intelligently produce any reasonable argument. They rely on misinformation, misdirection, and slander to achieve popular support of their goals. When attacked, they defend themselves with the same tactics that they critique their opponents for using!

Media Matters is a witch hunt group, period. I wouldn't believe them if they told me what day it was. They should be called, 'only liberal Media Matters'.

Cut the libs some slack. They are very, very angry right now. You see, when they heard that none of the big Democratic candidates were going to pull out of Iraq, well they kind of lost it. Media Matters helped gin up this story to take the heat off of Senator Clinton et al. It is much easier, and productive, for them to be mad at Rush. The facts of this case do not matter. It is the end result Media Matters and others in the media are concerned about. It is that simple. This is the second time I have posted this. It was deleted a couple of hours ago. I must be onto something.

Ironic to hear Harry Reid talk of decency. The Democrats abandoned the concept of moral leadership when they elected Clinton.

Well, of course, Limbaugh was taken out of context. Isn't he always? What amazes me is who considers anythng that he has to say to be important? No condemnation from the White House either, wonder why? Perhaps we already know the answer to that one, don't we?

Congress needs to think about actually doing something instead of looking for excuses to not get anything accomplished

Democrats and Republicans should ban together and vote them all out.

Don't worry Bush er Rush you can'ty lose your job like Dan Rather did for talking about a phony pilot. Next thing you know someone will bring up you stance on global warming or that phony soldier you helped defeat down here in Georgia. Having trouble getting your prescriptions filled lately?

I listen to Rush. I'm currently on active duty, served in Iraq, and going to Afghanistan next. He has done nothing but support the troops over the last 20 years, and media matters takes what he said out of context for payback over the move on liberal commies. Did he put a full page ad out in the New York times calling Gen Patreaus a liar? No. He called guys who the anti-war left use (who've never served....phony's). Which is alot better then what I would call them to their face.

I love when Rush covers up and the cover-up lie is worse (dumber) than the original outrage.

This is a very embarrassing moment for Democracts. It's appalling that a prominent senator like Reid would make public comments on the story real substance of which he is unfamiliar with. Does he think we are that naïve? The Democractic ship is sinking with Pelosi-Reid captains in charge. They were given the opportunity to show leadership and they've failed exceedingly.

No matter what anyone says it can always be taken out of context. All i have to say is you be the judge. BUT Iam ex Military was in Both GULF wars and I will say that the people we see on TV supporting the war appear to be reading from a script. Let your voice be heard call a VET, go to a VA Hospital and ask a soldier what he or she thinks.

Why do people put so much stock in what these people say? Senators included. Whether it's a conservative or liberal talk show host, or a member of Congress, I can't put much faith in the empty words of either right now. Pundits, critics, and the like make outrageous and often false or skewed statements that will play on the emotions of the countless uninformed yet patriotic masses in this country. And apparently Senators are doing the same, only their after votes instead of ratings. When are our words going to have any value again? Whether it's objectively reporting what's actually happening and how people actually feel, or keeping a promise to end the war or even catch the guy who started this mess (Bin Laden in case you forgot). When will we stop bickering like grade-school children and engage in the meaningful discussion that will lead to a solution to the horrible mess we find ourselves in?

Okay, Limbaugh was speaking about the soldiers from the 82nd airborne that wrote the oped in the NY Times a few months back claiming that the strategy in Iraq was flawed. This guy is on the level of Ann Colter and should be ignored. He feeds off this. None of his listeners will ever doubt him, he can do no wrong in their eyes. Just ignore this moron and his ilk. He has nothing to offer this country or the human race in general. Let him preach to his choir and let the rest of us discuss issues on an intellectual level that this guy will never understand.

Quite frankly I'm amazed that Sen. Harry Reid is now an advocate for soldier's rights. There really isn't much to say here for those that are aware of the current political landscape. Rush may be unfavorable to those on the left, but I find it interesting for CNN.com to post this story in the face of so many other devastating Democrat comments, actions, etc. Thanks, CNN, for demonstrating once again your true colors.

If you look at the Senate roll call for the Resolution asking for full Senate support of General Petraeus (and condemning the ad), you will see that Harry Reid voted nay.

That pretty much sums up him as a person and characterizes him not as a patriot but as simply a politician.

Looks like more and more REPUBLICANS are starting to come out of the walls and turning the tick into a conservative chat line. Funny, alot of them are from those blue states.

What has happened to America? It seems that the people who are either in power or think that they are in power are totally nuts and out of control. Heaven help this country.

I heard the Limbaugh show and found nothing wrong with what was said. He was commenting on a someone who claims he witnessed atrocities, yet he did not make it out of boot camp. The Democrates as usual are throwing stones, stirring up the pot, using this as political hay, the way they always do. And as usual, it is over nothing, overblown, Harry Reid should retire. HIs comments in the past about " the war is lost" is offensive and he should apologize for his comments.

I just don't know why people can't make up their own minds. You are so blinded by hatred (in the case left wingers for it is Rush), that you can't use boolean logic to see what is true or not true. Based on either sides fervor, you had your opinion before you even heard the comments simply based on the name. I am glad many of you can't think for yourself...you would be too dangerous if you were let loose. No wonder the parties rule you...

I saw the report of the Rush Limbaugh-Harry Reid controversy on "The Situation Room' this evening. I have nothing against Dana Bash, but her report was appallingly shallow. I heard Rush's show on Wednesday and his referral to "phony soldiers" had to do with soldiers who misrepresent themselves, such as Jesse MacBeth who was sentenced to five months in prison for one felony count of making a false statement. The following article is from the Eastern Arizona Courier, who apparently has a jump on CNN: (http://www.eacourier.com/articles/2007/10/01/local_news/news04.txt

Please ask Dana to ask Harry Reid if he supports the actions of Jesse MacBeth.

This is funny to me, I love to watch these folks get their panties in a wad, I didn't see Reid or any senior Democrats speak up when Clinton disrespected a U. S. Army General and had the full support of moveon.org. Everyone should be able to see through the smoke screen that surrender is on the lips of the Democratic party. I personally give thanks to the proud nation that stood up for this country and didn't bad mouth our troops or our President when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and causing us to defend ourselves. For all that have forgotten take a minute and look up the events that happened on Sept 11, 2001. Then you can just say thank you to a proud vet that wares the uniform and willingly is there giving each and everyone of us the right to be stupid and bad mouth real vets. I for one want to say thank you, it's better to take the fight to them, then to fight it here. Don't ever forget.

i didnt realize Rush was out of drug rehab so soon...and didnt he have some vision problems too??...
poor guy,................loser.

Why the American taxpayer is flipping the bill for these elected officials is beyond me. How much has this non-issue cost? These idiots have better things to do (you know, Iraq, health care etc.) than waste our money on this. Hello U.S. Senate: you are all making fools of yourselves. Get back to work. We are paying your salaries and I am sick of this stupidity from both parties.

CNN is so irresponsible for parroting this crap. I like the fact that they stick it in their blog section to distance themselves from the complete lack of an issue. I think the real controversy is that ABC is trying to push this misrepresentation as a news story.

Isn't it funny the dems can say anthing they want about our military and our soldiers and not show any remorse or ever think about apoligising. But can take a lone statement and twist and turn it to try to make someone else apoligise. Wake up America!!!

Are you kidding me? Did anyone actually hear the Limbaugh show when these comments where made? If you had, you would know that he was talking about one guy that could not even make it out of bootcamp and then the guy lied about his tour of duty in Iraq. The guy (Jesse MacBeth) has never even been to Iraq. This is simply the Democrats using this to once again try and make the Republicans look bad to make themselves look better. You noticed Harry Reid had to add his typical Democratic cheap shot against the Republicans. This is utterly rediculous. Let it go.

The Democrats undermine the troops constantly; John Kerry saying if you don't go for education, you go in the military. Harry reid hanging his head, saying we can't win against terrorists; most Senators voting AGAINST funding our troops!

So let's look at some of the ways these people condenming Rush Limbaugh have done what they accuse Rush of doing.

How could anyone be surprised by the comments of a dilusional drug addict like Limbaugh?

I wish the Democratic Senators who are spending so much time and expending so much energy chasing a private citizen, would channel some of that passion over to eradicating our country's enemies.

Democrats are all about the next elections. You see so many derogatory comments made by democratic party leaders about the soldiers, that I being a foriegner in this country feel very bad about and sorry for these brave people betting their lives on the front. Any one having a common sense cannot end the war as it is. It is not only important to USA, but also to the entire world that we can fight terrorism. I bet not a single democrat leader has any plan to end this war without furhter destabilising the middle east. Slogan or speech to end the war is not sufficient, a plan to do it without destabilising the area is important. But, I totally agree that the reason to begin Iraq invasion was not warranted. If WMD is a reason, probably North Korea, Iran must have been attacked before Iraq.

The truth is not very far away .... go to YouTube and you can find the 6 minute clip where Rush uses this comment of a phony soldier. It is valid and I would add fraud to not only Jesse, but to the Democrats who suddenly find themselves NEEDING to be seen as supporting the troops.

Give the libs a break. They are very angry. You see, their candidates have been lying to them. (No pull out of Iraq deal) It is easier for them to slam Rush, after taking him out of context, than to deal with their anger. Media Matters helped gin this thing up to remove attention from Mrs. Bill Clinton and her many positions on the war. It is that simple.

I forgot to add that Rush's rating just went up.

Wow, talk about making news out of nothing. Harry Reid is a bore. He also had harsh words for lobbyists until he got elected, now 3 of his sons work as lobbyists. What a JOKE.

Gonzo- I generally agree. However, Rush has had the transcript and audio available since last week. Check it out.

When you get the whole story, you soon learn that Mr. Limbaugh was referring to those "phony soldiers" who never really pulled their share of duty; yet, somehow have been elevated to the level of spokesman for the entire war effort. The Democrats that are slamming Mr. Limbaugh are only speaking to their staunchest supporters, as objective minds will no doubt seek out the truth and reject the overstated claims that Mr. Limbaugh was slamming anyone in uniform who opposes the war. Go to listen to Mr. Limbaugh and then visit the web-based group. Mediamatters.com. It becomes very obvious that Mr. Limbaugh's words were taken way out of context in an effort to discredit him.

If the Democratic leadership is really that concerned about showing support for our troops in Iraq, why do they not universally condemn the very harmful MoveOn.org-sponsored "General Petraeus or General Betray Us?" NY Time ad?

Posted By Greg – Tracy, California : October 1, 2007 5:18 pm

I think they should apologize as soon as the Republicans apologize for the following ads their henchman put out : The drug addled hypocrite Rush Limbaugh’s “phony soldiers”comment ,The swiftboat ads against Kerry, The infamous TV commercial that Republican challenger Saxby Chambliss ran against Max Cleland (a decorated war disabled Vietnam Vet )that opened with pictures of Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein, then attacked Cleland for voting against President Bush's Homeland Security bill. It didn't mention the fact that Cleland supported a Democratic bill that wasn't radically different.
So when you hypocritical Republicans apologize for your impugning of the character of these men, then you have the right to show indignation for “Betray Us?”. You rail against moveon.com, but then idolize hate mongers like Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter and Bill O’Rielly. You need to clean up your own house before you start telling others to clean theirs.

rush and his hero bush are both draft dodging cowardly phonies.

So this is it folks? All the hate spewing on this site and others throughout the web. Our Congress should be about the people's business but instead is interested in radio and web smear sites. This is the best we have to offer as leaders? It sickens me as it should all of us. It's dividing all of us and we don't even recognize it. Regardless of party affiliation we should all expect more from our Senators and Representatives. The enemy is watching and I'm sure other countries are plotting. Wake up people. Sad.

Senator Reid has disgraced himself and his country with his past comments on our soldiers. His attack on Mr. Limbaugh is simply another political attack. A comment by a radio talk show host bothers him a lot more than the defamation of moveon.org against an active and decorated general. I am sure it has nothing to do with the money moveon.org raises for democrats!

What would you expect from Rush! This guy is the worst scam of the earth. If you ever listen the guy, you realize that he is phony, andnot leg to stand on. Nothing make sense in what Rush is saying.One advice Rush, go back to do drugs, you liked you better totally stoned.LOL

Harry Reid has no business talking to anyone about disrespect of our Brave men and Women. He and his Fellow Dems have done it MANY times over the last few years. If they would have been behind US since the beginning, it all could have been over by now. Oh and by the way, all you have to do is listen to any Air America show and hear the Hate. No wonder they are going bankrupt.

The problem that the Dems have in bashing Rush Limbaugh is that there are far more people listening to him everyday than are listening to them. They know what he actually said.

It doesn't appear that some posters read through the whole CNN post. I know it's buried but it's true, Limbaugh was referring to soldiers that never served in Iraq but lied that they did, then pretended they saw all kinds of atrocities. I've read transcripts of the show and it's clear that main stream media - and the dems - IS taken the line out of context.

Harry Reid, the phony Majority Leader. Never saw a phony soldier he didn't embrace. Never saw a real soldier he he could warm up to.

I never trust any major news story when it comes to smearing someone (FOX or CNN), especially in politics. The final goal is not the story isnt typically about the person, its the build-up of momemtum for a political party. If that wasnt the case, then why is the Senate moving to condemn Rush, a private citizen. They can care less about Rush, its about making Rush a symbol of all conservatives and then condemning that. I would better expect our Senators on both sides to make a simple statement and move on, this is a waste of time and tax money. If people truly dislike what Rush said, then dont listen, he's a business and without listeners he goes out of business. I went and listened to the audio and its conclusive Rush was talking about the soldier who did not serve at all. Its also clear now the last morsel of hope the left has is the word "plural" to keep any arguement alive. Not enough for people who try to be non-partisan.

Sure, the Right can lambast the Democrats and MoveOn.org, but oh my, they can do whatever they want without recrimination and the mantra of "taken out of context". The Right, once again, has established themselves as hypocrites. Lapdog Limbaugh continues to dig the heels of his Fascist knee-high boots at the Left. He is an abomination to the Right for maligning the good name of the brave troops by his comment. What he said should no more be tolerated by the Senate than the Senate tolerated what MoveOn.org claimed in its NYT's ad "General Betray Us". The Right can't have it both ways, although it believes they're entitled to this.

Once again, the Democrat Party leadership uses Leninist tactics to inflame the people with totally false statements. Since they cannot actually debate talk radio with anything resembling factual data, they have to attack a messenger.

Limbaugh is no saint, but he doesn't represent anyone, and he doesn't legislate. I personally think he's spineless, as this is a perfect opportunity for him to confront the Democrat Party leadership head on with a flurry of interviews; but, he won't.

Maybe those with common sense in Congress, and that includes those Dems who have had enough, can do for the Democrat Party what Landrum-Griffin did for the Unions and their Red problem.

I love that Harry Reid seems to be making the most headlines in response to Rush's comments, especially after seeing Reid make statements saying "[the war] is lost." As a soldier, that is extrememly disheartening when you feel like many of the most powerful people in this country don't support you. Reid, get off your high chair and take a seat.

I knew what Rush was talking about as soon as I read this. He clearly was talking about the imposter soldier. But it doesn't matter. If you call yourself a republican you are going to agree with Rush, if you are a democrat you are going to hate him. It doesn't matter. Thats why I think most of these articles CNN writes are a joke. To me I think CNN as a bias towards Democrats, and Im sure others (democrats) dont agree. So why does it matter. We are going to destroy this country because fairness and the middle ground is gone. And thats it.

Harry Reid why don't you crawl back into the hole you came out of, all you do is cry about things, no wonder you guys don't get anything done in Congress. Rush must really get to you Democrat's,that must be why you act like little Children.

The USA is being invaded by Illegal Immigrates and you waste time condemning a Talk Show Host, what ever happened to freedom of speech?

On the January 25 broadcast of his radio show, he told his audience that he had a new name for Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE), a Vietnam veteran: "Senator Betrayus." A day earlier, Hagel had sided with Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in voting to approve a nonbinding resolution declaring that President Bush's escalation in Iraq was against "the national interest."

Dem's, Dem's, Dem's. Why do you all insist on an all but worthless apology for every little thing anyone who doesn't agree with your scocialistic views does? Does it make you sleep better at night? I would much rather see action for a real injustice than hear some utterly worthless words. Wha Wha Wha "Grow up" Sen. Reid!

It's getting to the point were all speech will be edited for political correctness. Has 1984 finally arrived?

All those that heard the entire episode and comments made by both Rush and his call have the right to make a judgement. All those that heard cuts or via third party should keep their mounths and pens closed.

Please all join me in a prayer –
Dear Lord;
Help me to keep my eyes open; my ears open; and my big mouth shut.

giving mr limbaugh any attention is nearly as indecent and immoral as he is. people like him need to be ignored. they have no moral ground to stand on at all, period.

If the main stream media and the Democratic members of Congress would take the time to get the facts and would listen to all of the audio tape of the conversation between Mr. Limbaugh and a caller they would know that the 'soldier' in question only served 44 days, did not complete basic training, was discharged from the military, did not serve in any hostile fire theater, and is being used by the leftist as their example of a 'soldier' that represents the military. The basic training drop out is a phony that is being portrayed as a ‘hero’. I served on active duty for 20 years and this sounds like another political stunt by the same crowd that in 2000 published a pamphlet outlining how to disqualify military ballots, declared our solders to be murderers before any shred of evidence was presented, accused our military of bombing innocent civilians and otherwise constantly bashes those that VOLUNTEERED to serve our country. How many of those distinguished Senators/Congresspersons have ever served in the military or put their lives on the line for someone else? Very few and probably even fewer of those on the political left. Their too busy bashing the troops and finding ways to undermine the sovereignty our country. Score another one for MoveOn.org and their one world government agenda. After all, by their own words, MoveOn.org bought the Democrat party in 2004.

Here is the transcript, btw there was a full 1 minute and 50 seconds before mentioning MacBeth's name.

From the September 26 broadcast of Premiere Radio Networks' The Rush Limbaugh Show:

LIMBAUGH: Mike in Chicago, welcome to the EIB Network. Hello.

CALLER 1: Hi Rush, how you doing today?

LIMBAUGH: I'm fine sir, thank you.

CALLER 1: Good. Why is it that you always just accuse the Democrats of being against the war and suggest that there are absolutely no Republicans that could possibly be against the war?

LIMBAUGH: Well, who are these Republicans? I can think of Chuck Hagel, and I can think of Gordon Smith, two Republican senators, but they don't want to lose the war like the Democrats do. I can't think of - who are the Republicans in the anti-war movement?

CALLER 1: I'm just - I'm not talking about the senators. I'm talking about the general public - like you accuse the public of all the Democrats of being, you know, wanting to lose, but -

LIMBAUGH: Oh, come on! Here we go again. I uttered a truth, and you can't handle it, so you gotta call here and change the subject. How come I'm not also hitting Republicans? I don't know a single Republican or conservative, Mike, who wants to pull out of Iraq in defeat. The Democrats have made the last four years about that specifically.

CALLER 1: Well, I am a Republican, and I've listened to you for a long time, and you're right on a lot of things, but I do believe that we should pull out of Iraq. I don't think it's winnable. And I'm not a Democrat, but I just - sometimes you've got to cut the losses.

LIMBAUGH: Well, you - you –

CALLER 1: I mean, sometimes you really gotta know when you're wrong.

LIMBAUGH: Well, yeah, you do. I'm not wrong on this. The worst thing that can happen is losing this, flying out of there, waving the white flag. Do you have -

CALLER 1: Oh, I'm not saying that. I'm not saying anything like that, but, you know –

LIMBAUGH: Well, of course you are.

CALLER 1: No, I'm not.

LIMBAUGH: Bill, the truth is - the truth is the truth, Mike.

CALLER 1: We did what we were supposed to do, OK. We got rid of Saddam Hussein. We got rid of a lot of the terrorists. Let them run their country –

LIMBAUGH: Oh, good lord! Good lord.

[...]

CALLER 1: How long is it gonna - how long do you think we're going to have to be there for them to take care of that?

LIMBAUGH: Mike –

CALLER 1: How long - you know - what is it?

LIMBAUGH: Mike –

CALLER 1: What is it?

LIMBAUGH: Mike, you can't possibly be a Republican.

CALLER 1: I am.

LIMBAUGH: You are - you are –

CALLER 1: I am definitely a Republican.

LIMBAUGH: You can't be a Republican. You are –

CALLER 1: Oh, I am definitely a Republican.

LIMBAUGH: You are tarnishing the reputation, 'cause you sound just like a Democrat.

CALLER 1: No, but –

LIMBAUGH: The answer to your question –

CALLER 1: - seriously, how long do we have to stay there –

LIMBAUGH: As long as it takes!

CALLER 1: - to win it? How long?

LIMBAUGH: As long as it takes! It is very serious.

CALLER 1: And that is what?

LIMBAUGH: This is the United States of America at war with Islamofascists. We stay as long - just like your job. You do everything you have to do, whatever it takes to get it done, if you take it seriously.

CALLER 1: So then you say we need to stay there forever –

LIMBAUGH: I - it won't –

CALLER 1: - because that's what it'll take.

LIMBAUGH: No, Bill, or Mike - I'm sorry. I'm confusing you with the guy from Texas.

CALLER 1: See, I - I've used to be military, OK? And I am a Republican.

LIMBAUGH: Yeah. Yeah.

CALLER 1: And I do live [inaudible] but –

LIMBAUGH: Right. Right. Right, I know.

CALLER 1: - you know, really - I want you to be saying how long it's gonna take.

LIMBAUGH: And I, by the way, used to walk on the moon!

CALLER 1: How long do we have to stay there?

LIMBAUGH: You're not listening to what I say. You can't possibly be a Republican. I'm answering every question. That's not what you want to hear, so it's not even penetrating your little wall of armor you've got built up.

[...]

LIMBAUGH: Another Mike, this one in Olympia, Washington. Welcome to the EIB Network. Hello.

CALLER 2: Hi Rush, thanks for taking my call.

LIMBAUGH: You bet.

CALLER 2: I have a retort to Mike in Chicago, because I am a serving American military, in the Army. I've been serving for 14 years, very proudly.

LIMBAUGH: Thank you, sir.

CALLER 2: And, you know, I'm one of the few that joined the Army to serve my country, I'm proud to say, not for the money or anything like that. What I would like to retort to is that, if we pull - what these people don't understand is if we pull out of Iraq right now, which is about impossible because of all the stuff that's over there, it'd take us at least a year to pull everything back out of Iraq, then Iraq itself would collapse, and we'd have to go right back over there within a year or so. And –

LIMBAUGH: There's a lot more than that that they don't understand. They can't even - if - the next guy that calls here, I'm gonna ask him: Why should we pull - what is the imperative for pulling out? What's in it for the United States to pull out? They can't - I don't think they have an answer for that other than, "Well, we just gotta bring the troops home."

CALLER 2: Yeah, and, you know what –

LIMBAUGH: "Save the - keep the troops safe" or whatever. I - it's not possible, intellectually, to follow these people.

CALLER 2: No, it's not, and what's really funny is, they never talk to real soldiers. They like to pull these soldiers that come up out of the blue and talk to the media.

LIMBAUGH: The phony soldiers.

CALLER 2: The phony soldiers. If you talk to a real soldier, they are proud to serve. They want to be over in Iraq. They understand their sacrifice, and they're willing to sacrifice for their country.

LIMBAUGH: They joined to be in Iraq. They joined -

CALLER 2: A lot of them - the new kids, yeah.

LIMBAUGH: Well, you know where you're going these days, the last four years, if you signed up. The odds are you're going there or Afghanistan or somewhere.

CALLER 2: Exactly, sir.

Ah yes. The "taken out of context" argument. Last resort when you know you've really screwed.

To be clear, I am perfectly capable of making up my own mind about what Rush says. I take offense at people who have posted here that accuse anyone who defends him of being a 'propaganda sheep'. That being said, what Rush was referring to is the 'phony soldiers' who've never actually been in combat. Anyone not blinded by conservative hatred could see that.

And, it's obvious to me that half the posters here are probably standing outside by the mailbox, waiting for their checks to arrive from Soros. Nice.

What, are the Dems patriotic and supporting our soldiers now? I highly doubt it. Once again, the Dems disguist me and CNN is their puppet for even publishing this type of story

Read the transcript before you comment idiots; it is not difficult to see who are the left wing nutjobs on this comment log...

Those of you still crying about the Moveon.org add let me inform you something:

The phony outrage over the add was a smoke screen to hide the fact there has been no progress in Iraq. We've waited for the Iraq progress report and it got an F. What now Iraq war cheerleaders? More smoke screens to hide your constant failure?

At least have the intellectual honesty to post the full transcript so people can understand the context of the statement.

It's so sad when a group of people can clearly take a man's words who spends 3 hours on the radio and distort them to fit a headline.

Here's the deal, when you media distortionists get a real story, you give me a call. Aight?

The democrats support the soldiers, not the administration. General Petrayus, Betrayus, whatever, is still considered part of the administration. When are republicans going to realize that those soldiers fighting, a lot of them, are democrats. The reason the democrats want them to come home is because Bush doesn't have a clue what he's doing and who wants to have their son, daughter, wife, or husband killed while serving that moron?

Hysteria rules the day with some of you folks. Reading through some of the comments is like listening to a bunch of spoiled little brats who don't get their way. Pathetic.

Maybe Rush is taking those pills again.

Right on Moveon.org. The ad actually worked. Look how it's torqued out the 'Bush' idiots. They are fit to be tied.
I'm laughing real hard.

harry reid is an ignorant socialist buffoon... who cares what he proposes to think [sic] ... where was harry when MoveOn was attacking our troops??? Right ... under his cowardly mushroom... he is a disgrace to this nation, to Congress, and to the constitution... I am very disappointed that Rush even acknowledged that harry blubbered... he (harry) merits NOTHING!

It must be annoying to get taken out of context like that.

It would be absolutely amazing if either party acted concerned about our soldiers, you can look at these postings and realize the real problem, neither the politicians or the people voting for them have the ability to stand on the issues without slinging mud and attacking those of a different view point. Neither party is right or wrong because neither has done anything in the last several years but attack the others, I would personally like to hear someone actually take a stand without attacking someone elses point of view!!!!!

You right-wingers are astonishing. I heard a replay of the broadcast the day that it happened, and Limbaugh was clearly talking about EVERY SOLDIER WHO OPPOSES THE OCCUPATION-PERIOD, as "phoney" soldiers. Before that call, he was in an argument with someone who was against the occupation. I don't know what transcripts you are listening to, but if it came out of Limbaugh's site, I'm "sure" it's accurate.

You people who still listen to this has-been, drug-addled gasbag are just as drug addicted as he is in needed to hear him. What's good enough for MoveOn is good enough for Limbaugh. He deserves full admonishment. By the way, the day MoveOn got nailed by the Senate, they got over half a million dollars in donations by midnight, as well as numerous supportive e-mails from soldiers. That should tell you where people's minds are at.

Why don't you 20+% neo-cons who still support Bush and this bloated radio host do something constructive for a change- go read a copy of the Constitution and get back in touch with your Country's true moral values. Good grief.

Just like CNN to vomit more liberal filth and fodder for liberal nut jobs.

Again you have hacked up a soundbyte and spackled together what you want the public to hear.

Senator Reid is a coward and another puppet of Moveon.org.

Those who love justice are not buying this story at all Mr. Mooney. Call it both ways!

Real soldiers don't get out of Vietnam because of an arse cyst. I guess that makes Rush a "phony soldier."

I don't get the controversy, Rush is right on this one (from rushlimbaugh.com 9/28/07).

"…If reporters had bothered to check the transcripts and audio at RushLimbaugh.com, or even to call the EIB Network for comment, they wouldn't look like such fools. Rush was talking about phony soldier Jesse MacBeth. MacBeth portrayed himself as a decorated Iraq war veteran who opposed the war. Since "Corporal" MacBeth fit the left's anti-war template, the Drive-By Media lapped up his lies. The truth? Mr. MacBeth was just sentenced to five months in jail for being…a phony soldier. MacBeth never served in Iraq, never won a Purple Heart, never reached the rank of corporal, was never an Army Ranger — and therefore never could have witnessed war crimes against Iraqi civilians as he claimed. In fact, MacBeth washed out of Army boot camp after 44 days…."

Rush Limbaugh does not care about the troops, he is only concerned with his broadcast ratings. Calling veterans phony soldiers is wrong. Coming from a non Veteran like Rush is not surprising. Most Vets I know don't support this war (all real vets hate war). Rush needs to stop reverting to name calling to get his point (albeit a weak one) across.

Daniel Brown (Saint Louis),
Your first two sentences demonstrated your bias from the outset. Of course you side with the Democrats…your comments show you have a liberal slant. You assume the general was parroting the President only because he didn’t have a negative report filled with “doom and gloom” scenarios. Additionally, your assertion that only enlisted troops are facing danger in Iraq shows you know very little about the military. A captain leading a patrol (exposed to relatively little danger in your opinion) can attempt to resign his commission in protest. He’ll most likely be told to get back to his duties, and resign when he gets back home.

Rush’s comments were aimed at phony soldiers, and he rightly used Macbeth as an example. MoveOn.org attacked a real soldier who was doing the job the President AND Congress asked him to do. The fact that you can’t (or won’t) discern the difference is pathetic.

Try responding directly to Limbaugh via his site...ta daaaa...it costs you...he's ALL republican..."Give me your best shot...but pay me first."

Now that the democrats can see that the surge is working they are trying everything to demean and dennounce any and all republicans. The democrats backed up the "fake" solgier named Jesse until they realized that all of his stories were fake. The reason being as to why they backed him up is because he told so called stories of solgier brutality. Now that everyone knows it was a lie the democrats feel the need to critisize all opponents of them such as republicans and pro-war people.

Oh Please. (Sen-D) Harry Reid has been against our troops and has wanted America to Lose this War all together. Rush has done nothing but re-report on a news story that ABC put out. I agree with Rush I dare you Senator Reid and all you commie pinkos to say it to his face and on his show becuase he will tear you a new one with real facts you idiots. RUSH FOR PRESIDENT "08"

I was a live listener to the show and the fact is Rush was refering to 1 soldier and he was a phony!
Gotta love how those who vote against supporting our troops, against funding our troops, and those who constantly undermine the effort with thier outragous comments aimed at demorolizing our troops and empowering the enemy (DEMOCRATS), would dare to twist the words of a man who has the utmost respect for our soldiers!

This story is a one sided point of view. Go figure..CNN..Nough said! And some of you "Yellow Dogs" believe these lies! You are fools to be lead around like sheep. I'm not a Rush or O'Rielly fan, but I know a liberal left lie story when I see one. And you people wonder why the Democrats will lose in 08.

Rush is one of the biggest chunks of garbage the universe has ever thrown up, but Reid fell into the trap. Rush is a big fat gear in the Murdoch right-wing lie machine and specializes in taking things out of context to divert attention from real issues. Senator Reid, please continue to support the good and don’t take the bait from revolting liars and loudmouths like Rush.

I can’t wait to hear more claims about how this is Clinton’s fault – anyone feel like we're stuck in a rut with the three stooges?

I can only guess that Harry Reid thinks I am stupid enough to just take his story with out checking the facts. He is the leader of the US Senate and has real power to make changes. Do your job or move aside. Voters will only take so much of this garbage.

It's too bad Rush Limbaugh, the "Phony Academic" (no college degree), continues to breath air and eat food that would better serve this world if consumed by intelligent, productive people. The only thing worse than Limbaugh are the ignorant trailer-trash that listen and agree with him. Again, more wasted air and food...

It's obvious Harry did not go to the original source to verify. No, since he dislikes Mr. Limbaugh, he would rather believe what he read from secondary sources. Mr. Mooney, did you go to the original source to verify Rush's statement? Mr. Rather learned what many are getting away with. Senator Reed is a savy politican, he's seldom fooled – but he's not prone to be totally honest with his remarks.
CNN could report on Limbaugh's statement and even quote the entire conversation – it they wish to be totally truthful in their reporting.

Now I know Democrats are STUPID. They would believe any lie Reid said, don't check it out for theirselves, No, No, No. Intelligent people check the source.

To Laura in Tulsa:

The Democrats are the only ones who are pro-military. If they were in charge there would be no war, and troops would safe at home – NOT DEAD!

Harry Ried should be called Wierd. If the people who were fooled by this phony news story knew the truth they would vote thr Democrats out.

Limbaugh would know a phony if he saw one – and he does, everytime he gazes into his mirror!

Limbaugh is yesterday's news. Enough of this has-been.

Well Harry you have done it again! You people didn't listen to the broadcast that day and I did. The people that are doubting it are dumb dems that don't for the most part listen to Rush. Only listen to the crazies which sad to say is the media.(Except those that have lately changed parties and those are quite a few.) All of you voting for the democrats are really voting moveon.org. How is it you can not open your eyes? They destroy peoples lives, Delay, Bork, Thomas, to name only a few. They tell lies to the people and this ordeal is just another proof. I was one of those dumb dems but no more. I remain proud of the old dems like Zell or John Kennedy. These ones are just liars.They don't care about you me or the military. We lost the war remember Harry told us. There wasn't even a war going on until they needed your vote. If there were not wmd's why did Suddam think there was and let a war begin in the first place. He could have stopped it all himself by letting the inspectors in. He sure had to be dumb to die if he knew there was no wmds. Think hard people or become a George Soros patsie.
The dems are ONLY in it for the politics and your vote.
Soozy NC

This is just stupid! I can't wait for the day that our Senate will finally get to doing some real business and start actually trying to solve some problems rather than keep playing these stupid high school games. jeesh!

as one who opposes the war, activist media must make sure not to interview jerks who claim to have served in iraq, if they didn't. that's just bad for the cause.

Shame on you, CNN, for reporting the lies and trash from Media Matters. It's very clear what Rush said. He'd never say anything bad about the troops but the Dems are on this as revenge for their Petraus debacle. What's also disturbing is the way people come up with hateful opinions without even knowing the real story. And what's the talking point now about "well, he's never been to war...blah, blah". I haven't but I still keep up on political matters. Stop the hate and get informed!

Rush was not denigrating soldiers who disapprove with the war. "Phony soldiers" referred, quite clearly if you listen to broadcast, to fraudulent claims of atrocities committed by real soldiers, said fraudulent claims made by people who were NOT ACTUAL SOLDIERS and thus could not possibly have witnessed the atrocities of which they lied. Truly, Phony Soldiers.

Limbaugh should dress up as a soldier, put on his flack jacket and set the Iraq thing straight. He seems to know all the answers.
And make sure his C.O. has ample stocks of
medicines for him.......

Isn't it interesting that the Democrats are always the ones trying to suppress free speech?

Isn't it interesting that the Democrats lie constantly and are never questioned by the liberal media?

Isn't it a coincidence that Harry Reid bring this up on the same day that reports come out that violence has been trending steadily down in Iraq?

I detect a smokescreen by Dirty Harry Reid!

THROW THE TREASONOUS BUM REID OUT OF OUR GOVERNMENT NOW!!!!

"Lortab" Limbaugh should know a phony when he sees one. He was so adamant about putting drug dealers and users under the prison and he was so high himself and was an addict.

He is a phony talk show host who makes his money and reputation on controversy, but when caught, backs down.

Some of the Democratic Sentators sat by silent when the Betray Us ad came out. Why are they suddenly pro-military?

PF, you are right ("Political opportunism needs to be recognized by all of us"). WE THE PEOPLE need to tell the politicians to grow up and start Leading this Nation like adults. Stop the partisan, juvenile, "attacks" and prove that you deserve to hold office. Once upon a time, there were Senators and Congressman that did the right thing for the USA. And they were respected for it. What Senator or Representative can we name that deserves respect today?

Get a clue conservative Phil, George Bush is the one who cuts funding for the troops at every turn. He won't give them a pay increase, he's cut their medical benefits, he wouldn't even raise the death benefits they get. Who do you think is responsible for them being there without the equipment they need. A simple google search would give you the answer.

I am so sick of hearing about General Petraeus. Here's a clue, people: when a top general is brought in to mimic the Executive's line, he's lost his political shield. Period. That's all there is to it. Get over it. The moveon.org ad was STUPID, yes – but only because the fallout was amazingly predictable, not because it was inherently out of line.

Things are different for enlisted soldiers on the ground. Aside from being in a lot more personal danger, they also don't have the option to resign their commission in protest, etc. They also aren't being brought in on the personal request of the President. So yes – I side with the Democrats, and most especially, John Edwards on this one.

-a long term independent who has HAD IT with the Republicans and their spin

Limbaugh should have been booted off the air a long time ago.

Then, where would we find a pompous, self absorbed, radical, hateful, deceitful, and immoral person to be a talking puppet for the Republican party? Oh, THAT'S RIGHT – The White House.

Limbaugh – go back to pill popping and leave the commentary to people who have more than 4 brain cells left!

Why is it again that we give a rat's rear when the never-serving, lying, supposedly reformed addict Limbaugh questions young soldiers' honesty?

A pimple on his wide butt kept him out of contributing even 1 day to boot camp, so anyone who's made it even a fraction of the way through has done more than his sorry hide ever did in service to his country.

With that bit of embarrassing personal history of cowardliness, you'd think Rush would have kept his mouth shut instead of chiming in with his little denigration of others who've done more than he could find his own way clear to do.

All this idiocy is just a three card monty game distracting people from the outrageously poor conduct of *politicians*. The ones who thought they could manage this war. The ones who brought us into this war. The ones that have *no idea* what to do about the aftermath. Of course, the politicans only share some of the blame. They can't help being craven, unintelligent, narrowminded fools. Its how they were made. Its *our* fault for electing them in the first place. Its *our* fault for getting caught up in this partisan "my way or the highway" rhetoric that passes for political discourse. Its *our* fault and we got the government, and war, that we deserve for being willfully ignorant obstinate dupes who fall in line behind the nearest ideologue we see.

Harry Reid is an absolute joke. He is a politician like no other. He will spin anything to further his cause. How long has he been saying this war is lost?? I would think that would be more offensive and degrading to the troops. This guy needs to go, somewhere!! Unfortunately, he will probably hang around as long as his buddy Teddy. Career politicians! Bring on term limits, for all of them!

Harry Reid is an opportunist like the rest of these politicians, what a weak statement. Political opportunism needs to be recognized by all of us so that we are no so easily swayed by this and the rest of the "mainstream" media sources. You are being strummed like a guitar, break the cycle.

From some of these replies, Rush may actually be having his words taken out of context. What's hilarious is that this is what he does continuously, non-stop, on his own show, for his own political purposes. I can't really be upset if it's being done to him, after he's done it himself, so many times, to so many others.

Rush Limbaugh is a BUFOON... anyone who listens to his show are the people the Republican party wants - uneducated and ignorant...that way it's easier to manipulate their ideas.... Who wants to belong to a party who courts these fools.

Boy, is this a slow week for the media and the democrats. I was listening to rush's program the day these comments were made. This article failed to mention the full context of the topic that day. I beleive he was talking about the MacBeth guy who was only in the service for 40 days and was then discharged. From what I gathered he lied about his service and the rank he obtained. Not to mention never being in combat to see the supposed war crimes he spoke of. His whole point was how some organizations will latch on to anyone who seems to fit their cause without doing any background checks. And then when the truth comes out no appologies are made and no retractions are done. I actually listened to Sen. Reid's comments this morning and shook my head in shame. If you can't win in the arena of ideas just make something up. Is that what it has come to?

Dear Mr Reid, what a pathetic hypocrite. The comments of Limbaugh are pale in comparison to the way you demonized our troops. Limbaugh is a radio personality, you sir, should be focusing your energy to SOLVING Domestic Problems!

If Don Imus can be fired for calling female basketball players the name he did,
I move that rush Limbaugh be FIRED for referring to US soldiers as
"phoney soldiers".
Does the man have no decency?
FIRE LIMBAUGH!!!!!

Why are lawmakers wasting time and breath worrying about what Limbaugh has to say? They should be more concerned with Opie & Anthony being mean to people on satellite radio.

After reading some of the comments listed here I can quite understand why this country is going to you know where. Supporting the troops does not mean sending them to Iraq and quietly sitting by while they get blown to pieces. If any of you 25% republican faithful that run around wearing your rose-tinted glasses while listening all day to the likes of Limbaugh, Hannity, and Coultergeist, had the guts to go to Iraq yourselves you would be crying to your mommy to bring you home.

Limbaugh need to quit his braying. He's wrong. He said "soldiers" -plural. Why anyone wants to listen to this convicted narcotic gobbler, liar and philanderer is mind boggling.

Wow, amazing. Limbaugh clearly illustrated how his comments were taken out of context by Media Matters - and you can watch video of his comments at YouTube to find out for yourself - and the best CNN can do is give a spare mention of this fact at the end of the piece. Thank God Fox is the only one with bias!

Reid and Murtha and Pelosi are LIARS! They will say anything to get attention- and then continue to do all of their back door deals and lies. If I recall correctly- NOT ONE Democrat condemned Murtha for saying that the "Marines in Haditha were murdering innocent civilians". Now loook at the case- what a joke. Just like the Democrats taking over Congress and making a bigger mess of things.

All this posturing is ridiculous. Dems don't care about Rush and Repugs don't care about MoveOn. How about we deal with how to serve the nation (and the world).

The decider has dug us an awfully big hole. It's time we start climbing out.

Harry Reid is a fool and takes a false story run by "Media Matters" and assumes it to be the truth. I listened to that particular show and it was clear that Mr. Limbaugh was only talking about one soldier! The story of Jesse Macbeth falsely claiming to be in Iraq and stating that our soldiers are committing atrocities is true. Of course the liberal media ran with Macbeth's story assuming it to be the truth. No one in the liberal mainstream press checked the facts of his story. CNN, NYT, ABC, CBS are no longer involved in reporting the news and checking the facts of their stories. If a story fits a political template then they run with it. Shame on the liberal liars and tools like Harry Reid, Mr. Murtha, John Kerry and all the other democrats in leadership roles that are invested in defeat of our armed forces.

Rush Limbaugh is a bad, bad person. When did he ever serve in a war? Never. When did he do one thing to serve his country? NEVER. Instead, he runs his mouth and insults many of the people who do serve.

I can't understand why there are so many people vocally defending Rush Limbaugh. He's a complete imbecile, if not proven by this particular case, then certainly by a slew of others in the past. Of course, there are plenty like him on the left who just spout mindless, unsubstatiated rhetoric for ratings who should also be taken of the air. The question I'd like to ask Rush's supporters here is: Are you so unable to think for yourself on issues and need Rush Limbaugh's opinion so badly that you would believe every piece of drivel that comes from his inflated jowls regardless of its merit, or are you just so entrenched in right wing ideology that you are unable to see past it? When Americans stop thinking for themselves, this country is done for. Listen to Rush if you want, it's a free country. Just don't tow any lines and don't be a parrot. Think for yourself and make your own opinions. Don't spout rhetoric like it was your own, especially if it's not factual.

Is there such a thing as a well known liberal talk show host?

Completely a smear campaign, blatently obvious, go to Rush's site and listen to the entire conversation.

End of story.

Thinking Rush would ever apologize for his well thought out comment is simply a waste of time.

In fact the only thing Rush would ever be sorry about is the fact that he can't screen our comments like he does on his show.

He's just a pill-popping phony hired by a monopolistic media company that will say anything to keep his loyal sheep listening and the money rolling in.

The Governator said it best: "Rush Limbaugh is irrelevant."

Our politicians act like a bunch of poorly-reared juveniles. They are a disgrace to this Nation. There is no LEADERSHIP from any of them on serious issues. They stretch the truth beyond recognition for their own political ends. They prove time and again that they care more about their political power than they do about the USA. Is there anyone in the Senate or House that deserves to stay in office?

Does anyone seriously believe Harry Reid really cares one way or another? Today's democrats are as empty and useless as CNN.

Americans on the ground in Iraq need to know without a doubt that whoever the next commander and chief is, that they will always provide the troops under their command with the best leadership and proper equipment. Senator Biden has stood up on both counts. His Iraq plan that passed the Senate in a bi-partisan vote 75-23, shows that he can lead America out of a failed strategy in Iraq, and his commitment to providing life saving equipment.

What is embarrassing is when any member of Congress begins to assail any private organization or citizen, i.e. MoveOn or Limbaugh, on the floor or with any resolution. I would think that the true outrage should come from citizens who watch our tax dollars being wasted on such sophistry. I also find Senator Harkin’s drug comment especially distasteful. Limbaugh is a private citizen, albeit one with whom I disagree most of the time; nonetheless, shame on a Senator Harkin for such a sleazy comment by stating that Limbaugh must be high on drugs. Say what you will in private, but to lower yourself to the level of a talk radio host while on the floor of the Senate debases your office.

Part of me should care what this idiot said considering I served in the USMC and did a tour in Iraq, but I don't because he doesn't have the guts to say it to a veteran who is opposed to this war (like me) or even remotely serve himself. I forgot, he is doped up all the time. I think this war is based on lies and if the white house just admitted that this is over oil and regional dominance maybe then we can actually have logial and clear debate on our foreign policy and energy independence. Don't forget also that this has to do with currency and how oil is traded...it will go to euros soon enough..watch!

Wouldn't it be nice to change this? How about voting for the non-polarizing candidates in the primaries?

I believe Limbaugh's reference was to "soldiers" who had been kicked out of boot camp after 44 days.

Rush Limbaugh is a big (is he still fat?) idiot. A Liar and manipulator who only knows how to create discord, and throw trash around hoping something will stick to his democratic detractors. I really enjoy when he's on the news for all the wrong reasons, which is frequent. He deserves all the flak he is getting.

cnn, why did you report what exactly happened about Rush? he was talking about one soldier that cnn never gave the full truth on. he never and ever said anything about other soldiers who were against the war. why dont you just say your a liberal democrat website/station? that way folks know that your slanted.

Hilary lies about taking millions from a corrupt donor and then lies about knowing this corrupt Hsu character. Nobody questions her.
Rush tells the truth about a phony soldier and all the liberals hear what they want to hear.
Plural word. Doctored programming. That is your argument? Come on. Listen to his show for 3 hours a day, 5 days per week. You'll find out what he really says. Not what you heard or think he said.

Harry Reid is a phony senator. Just as are the phony soldiers. Its a War stupid!

we all know who the real traitors are to our troops. Reid is so full of crap his eyes are brown. I heard the show and RUSH was talking about just what he called them "Phony soldiers" and one that had lied about everything he had done in his short 44 days in uniform.

Thanks for getting your facts wrong again Reid and getting the other side all energized.

When are the Democrats going to get rid of this political hack and get someone that helps them not hurts them? My God, calling our troops terrorists and murderers, saying the war is lost, now supporting phony soldiers who disgrace the real ones?

Remind me please. I forgot what Harry Reid said when John Kerry called our troops stupid. Wasn't it Kerry who said, "If you don't do well in school, you wind up in Iraq?” I'm sure Reid condemned that statement too.

Look, I did a number a tours in the box. Its all marines, sailors, soldiers, and airman. That it. There is no phony applied to them. They are in the same mess, doing the same job, following the same orders no matter what their thaughts are. I take it personally that they kill and continue to kill my fellow AMERICANS, as I know the rest do. If an embeded reported would have asked me in Iraq how I felt I would have said, " I hate this place and I show no compasion for any that is openly our enemy or anyone in impeding our mission. " I know that there are some that feel diferently and it is rightly theirs. I also know that when push comes to shove that they have my back as I theirs as Americas. There is no PHONY American Military. Just many diffent views as there is in the civilian public. It is a shame that such words are spoken of us because we would never call a fellow American phony.

This is a huge liberal slime job. I'm no Limbaugh lover. I don't lean near as much to the right as I used to, but I sure as heck don't lean left. Most liberals are more closed-minded than most conservatives. Those attacking Limbaugh really have no idea what it is they are criticizing. His point is completely valid in this case.

Yea, Rush doesn't support the troops, but Harry and the Harkin bunch do.
How many people really believe this phony idiocy created by blatantly anti-military Dems.

Im just scrolling dow at these comments with one Q in my mind..How many of you actually HEARD what Rush said last week live? I did.He was clearly refering to Jessie MacBeth and OTHERS LIKE HIM.This makes the term "phony soliders" relavent with the discussion he had with the caller (who was a active duty soldier who has been to Iraq BTW acording to him).
This smear is nothing more than damage control/payback on the moveon fiasco.
I expect nothing less than for CNN to ignore certain facts in favor of agenda.

I encourage all of you to go out and read the transcript from the show, and also watch the video. It is all available on Rush's website. Come to your own conclusion on whether he owes anyone an appology. Truth is, Rush has nothing to appologize for.

Oh yeah, the people criticizing Limbaugh on this one did not listen to the broadcast from last week, either.

You are displaying your lack of an informed opinion. Sorry, but it's true.

If the only battle you've ever had to fight is against your own illegal drug deamons, you should not be impugning the integrity of any soldier. When is the right going to rid itself of hate mongers who make a living villifying anyone who doesn't see the world their way? Political discourse should not sink to the level of personal insult or it stops being dialog and becomes bombast.

Reid and Harkin are making complete and utter fools of themselves. Limbaugh was criticizing the ACTUAL phony soldiers, such as Jesse MacBeth, who lie about fictional experiences in Iraq, and whose claims are so appetizing to the leftist media that they report without even checking the basic facts.

Reid and Harkin obviously did not listen to the broadcast and, what's more, probably don't want to listen to it now. They'd come to realize what baffoons they are and that they made a terrible error. Wasn't it Reid who said that "the was is lost" a few months back? (Yes.) How insulting is THAT for the troops to hear? This guy is so arrogant that he thinks the public doesn't remember things like that.

Durbin compared our treatment of prisoners to Nazis. Kerry said that the US troops are doing the terrorizing. Reid said we already lost. This stunt today will backfire like nothing we've seen before. And shame on the media for not calling them out.

Democrat party = Media Matters for America = Mainstream Media. If it wasn't obvious to you before, it is now.

The MoveOn.org clan is intending to smear Rush Limbaugh in order to smokescreen the public about their "General Betray Us" ad in the New York Times.

The fact is that MoveOn.org is deliberately taking the quote out of context, and along with the willing liberal media, trying to defame someone on something they never said.

"Phoney soldiers" was in reference to the many individuals (like Jesse McBeth who claimed he was an Army Ranger, yet never made it past 44 days in boot camp, and was discharged from the Army) who have never served in Iraq in the Armed Forces yet have been put on a pedistal by MoveOn.org for speaking out about supposed "attrocities" committed by our military THAT NEVER EVER HAPPENED.

America is seeing what the Democrats truly are – LIARS AND CHARACTER ASSASINS WHO WILL DO ANYTHING FOR POLICAL POWER.

HARRY REID MUST BE THROWN OUT OF THE SENATE NOW!!!!!

I don't get the controversy, Rush is right on this one (from rushlimbaugh.com 9/28/07).

"...If reporters had bothered to check the transcripts and audio at RushLimbaugh.com, or even to call the EIB Network for comment, they wouldn't look like such fools. Rush was talking about phony soldier Jesse MacBeth. MacBeth portrayed himself as a decorated Iraq war veteran who opposed the war. Since "Corporal" MacBeth fit the left's anti-war template, the Drive-By Media lapped up his lies. The truth? Mr. MacBeth was just sentenced to five months in jail for being...a phony soldier. MacBeth never served in Iraq, never won a Purple Heart, never reached the rank of corporal, was never an Army Ranger - and therefore never could have witnessed war crimes against Iraqi civilians as he claimed. In fact, MacBeth washed out of Army boot camp after 44 days...."

Seems pretty clear cut. He wasn't attacking soldiers who are against the war, just THIS phony soldier.

To clarify the word "phony" as it was used by Rush: Phony soldiers like, Jesse MacBeth, who ABC NEWS did a story on last week, are the phony soldiers. Not REAL soldiers who don't agree with saving Iraq. Rush was bashing the FAKE SOLDIERS that LIE ABOUT THEIR SERVICE. So if he is wrong in doing that then that is your opinion. I DO LIKE someone calling out these PHONY SOLDIERS and I have never served one day in the military either, Kaye! So if you have never served then you can't call out PHONY SOLDIERS THAT HAVE NEVER SERVED A DAY EITHER??? You sound like Hillary and Haditha Murtha... speaking before they know what the hell is going on, just cause they can.

Here's the context. I heard the whole thing. They were talking about these people who write fake stories about atrocities that they say they saw, and they are published in New York elitist magazines. Then it is discovered that the writer, while perhaps enlisted at some point, were found not to have an alibi. In other words, it is proven they could not have seen what they said they saw because they weren't there in Iraq at the time, or possibly ever. It was this type of soldier that Limbaugh referred to as "phony soldiers," his term for imposters who allege actual atrocities but are proven liars.

Condemn what? A left wing nut (formerly a right wing nut) David Brock falsely trashes Rush Limbaugh in the exact same way that he falsely trashed Anita Hill and somehow he now has credibility? Harry Reid is embarrassing himself once again. The Democrats must need cover for the fact that they have done nothing since winning a congressional majority.

Hypocrite - isn't it funny how Rush is so quick to cry foul when he thinks his words are taken out of context but is so quick misconstrew everyone else's words on a daily basis!

Rush says he was only referring to one soldier BUT used the term "soldiers"...PLURAL...now he's trying to backtrack and play CYA...talk about a phony!

Hopefully one day someone will take this pompous self righteous pill popper off the air.Hard to imagine that anyone out there still has any respect for this guy.

Rush Limbaugh is paid to speak, and more specifically speak his about his political opinions. If he wants to argue that he cannot speak in a clear and understandable manner, he should shouldnt be paid as though he does. Yet, the fact remains: Rush deliberately questioned the patriotism of Iraq war veterans who criticize the war (whether or not he says he intended to.) So lets be clear: the right actively seeks to intimidate and bully war dissenters. Where is the outrage?

Why do Democrats always shoot themsleves in the foot like this? Limbaugh has all the documentation including the actual show and the ABCNEWS story about phony soldiers. The Democrats are getting owned on this; it just reminds everyone of all their real comments against the military. Just be quiet or you'll blow another election.

Phony soliders? I guess that phony bullets and IEDs were being shot at them as well. I guess soliders who disagree with the War in Iraq, but nevertheless are willing to serve die phony deaths?

Rush, next time you want to criticize the soliders who disagree with the War in Iraq save yourself the embarrassment and fill it with painkillers and viagra to avoid saying something stupid.

Rush is the phony one! He is just another right wing chicken hawk that got out of fighting in Vietnam because of student deferments and a cyst on his behind. Rush should volunteer to go to Iraq and fight so a real soldier could come home and be with their family.

If Limbaugh had meant only to criticize one actual imposter, he would have said "phony soldier," not "phony soldiers." Clearly, he meant that any soldier who dares to speak out against the Iraq war is a phony. Considering that these Iraq war opponents actually have fought–and in some cases, sadly, died–for their country, Limbaugh owes them and the nation an apology.

If Harry Reid so vehemently opposes criticism of our military personnel, why did he not condemn Hillary Clinton for calling General Petraeus a liar? Why did he not condemn Move-On.org for calling the general a traitor?

Dear Mr. Reid, unfortunately you have nothing positive in you. I hope that you and your party goes into minority in the coming election. You want the whole media to drum your beats. It cannot happen, Sir. Have a life.

It is sad to watch the Democratic Leadership try and act tough. If they really wanted to take a stand in support of our "foney soldiers," they would have the courage to use their majority in the Senate to condemn Limbaugh just as the Republicans condemned MoveOn. By the way, has anyone noticed that the only leading candidate for the Democratic nomination to stand up for the right of our troops to speak out against the war was John Edwards? I find it interesting that Senators Clinton and Obama are unwilling to make statements in support of our troops–I guess they are too busy running their campaigns. It's time for the Democrats to show that they are tough enough to beat the Republicans. It's time for the Democrats to take Senatorial action against Limbaugh.

Come on CNN - point out that Limbaugh claimed he was referring to MacBeth only AFTER his remarks were reported on to the wider media. Point out that Limbaugh has used a doctored audio tape and transcript of his show to bolster his claims. Why would he commit those acts except to cover up a LIE?

How about wasting more tax dollars for senate and house to vote on condemning fat-ass Limbaugh, like they did for Moveon ad.

Hey Senator Reid....

AND WHAT DID YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT GENERAL PETRAUS ON THE SENATE FLOOR???

You hipocrit. You are no better than Rush, in fact, you are worse. You are ELECTED to do the right thing. For Rush, it's just business. Oh yea, it is for you too.

If the Democratic leadership is really that concerned about showing support for our troops in Iraq, why do they not universally condemn the very harmful MoveOn.org-sponsored "General Petraeus or General Betray Us?" NY Time ad?

Funny, my husband served in Viet Nam. My dad served at Iwo Jima in WWII and then in Africa. Neither one backs this war, but Rush, who didn’t serve one day lashes out about those who did. Idiot.

Rush never apologized for saying drug addicts should be deported,while he was one! I wouldn't hold your breath on this one.

I just find it funny that dem's are so quick to say someone doesn't support our troops when they can't even band together to get them a little extra money for supplies to help soldiers. Bush may have made a bad move sending troops to iraq but the fact is they are there and they aren't getting the support they need.

Limbaugh should make a clear apology,

"For any soldier that served in Iraq that has publicly criticized the War – I apologize if you felt my comments were directed at you. To Jesse MacBeth and any others that falsely claim to have fought in Iraq and pawn themselves off as Iraq-War Veterans – you are a phony".

If anyone can't see or understand the objectional behavior of falsely impersonating a battle-hardened soldier – then you're piling on because you dislike conservatives.

I'm tired of these people that say utterly stupid hateful things and then say they were taken out of context. (Limbaugh, O'reily and Yes Jesse Jackson)

This was not out of context. If you're gonna say crap like this you can't expect people to be upset.

Does anyone seriously believe Rush "Jeff Christie" Limbaugh really cares one way or another ? He only 'shocks' to sell advertising and cash in.