October 3, 2007
Posted: 12:22 PM ET

Limbaugh set off a firestorm last week with his "phony soldiers" comment.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — The company that syndicates Rush Limbaugh's popular radio program defended the conservative talk-show host Wednesday over his controversial "phony soldiers" remark, telling the Senate's top Democrat it is "unfair" to assume his comments were directed at combat soldiers who disagree with the Iraq war.

In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Mark Mays, the CEO of Clear Channel Communications, wrote, "Over the years Mr. Limbaugh has repeatedly praised the dedication and valor of our brave men and women in uniform.

"Given Mr. Limbaugh's history of support for our soldiers, it would be unfair for me to assume his statements were intended to personally indict combat soldiers simply because they didn't share his own beliefs regarding the war in Iraq," he added.

Mays' letter was a response to a letter sent by Reid Tuesday, and signed by 41 Senate Democrats, calling on Clear Channel to publicly repudiate the comments. Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, the leading candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination, were among the senators that signed the letter.

Limbaugh's comments in question came last Wednesday when Limbaugh and a caller were discussing critics of the Iraq war:

"What's really funny is, they [Iraq war critics] never talk to real soldiers," the caller said. "They like to pull these soldiers that come up out of the blue and talk to the media."

"The phony soldiers," Limbaugh then said.

Full story 

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Harry Reid • Rush Limbaugh


Kevin   October 3rd, 2007 10:40 am ET

Way to put Media Matters in their place! You know what is funny? Harry Reid is actually helping Rush…

This attack was a joke…

Mike WI   October 3rd, 2007 10:42 am ET

Limbaugh proves that any uneducated baffoon can be famous in America…I'm sad for all those who listen to him…

Tim Grant, Los Angeles CA   October 3rd, 2007 10:42 am ET

Rush and Clear Channel are lying. His reference to "phony soldiers" was clearly in response to the callers criticism of soldiers who criticize the war.

Hopefully this will be the nail in this blowhard's media coffin. Donate to VoteVets to get this ad on the air:
https://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/1138/t/376/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=1755

Will, NYC   October 3rd, 2007 10:43 am ET

Since when does Rush need anybody to defend him? He's getting soft. Hiding behind Clearchannels coattails. Weak.

Jo, ATL GA   October 3rd, 2007 10:49 am ET

Here is the callers comment; "What's really funny is, they [Iraq war critics] never talk to real soldiers," the caller said." "They like to pull these soldiers that come up out of the blue and talk to the media." "The phony soldiers," Limbaugh then said.

Where in the statement does it mention the solider Limbaugh is talking about? Should we assume he meant just one solider?
I guess his High School diploma is in short supply here. We are no fools Clear channel. This guy is a drug addict that called for other drug addicts to be killed and sent back to Mexico. He hates illegal immigrants and all his employees at his house in west palm are illegal immigrants…

This guy is phony and only illiterates listen to him.

Ryan Indianapolis   October 3rd, 2007 10:51 am ET

Hillarious how big of idiots Harry Reid and the Cowardous Traitiors now look. Hey HArry have you even listened to the transcript of the show???Didnt think so, harry nobody is going to forget what you said and your actions toward our millitary and if you think by doing this dog and pony show is going to make people forget, you are wrong. Everyday you make yourself and the Democratic party look more and more desperate and keep writing another chapter in THE WORST DEMOCRATIC LEAD CONGRESS IN US HISTORY….You simply are a sad sad excuse for a MAN.

CJ, Kentucky   October 3rd, 2007 10:51 am ET

I work in a business where I come in contact with many many different people, some of them US soldiers who have been in Iraq. I have NOT met ONE PERSON yet who has felt that the US military should be in Iraq. These people are REAL SOLDIERS. They are the ones who have been there, walked in the shoes of a US soldier, been shot at, been critically injured, left their families at home, and face the possibility of having to go back to the Middle East. They are the ones who make peanuts compared to what our government is paying those from Blackwater Security. For you, Rush, who thinks there are phony soldiers, I put you in the same category of Ann Coulter, that is, whenever either one of you opens his/her mouth, it only demonstrates the vast space that exists between your ears. What would be great for all of us, since we have so many people who support this war in Iraq, would be to see all of you suit up, wear a set of ARMY fatigues, and march down the streets of Baghdad. What an army that would be! Then, maybe, just maybe, something you have to say might contain a small piece of credibility!!!

JERRY L. SMITH GERMANTOWN,TN   October 3rd, 2007 10:56 am ET

YOU GUYS WILL DO ANYTHING TO BEAT THE REPUBLICANS, BUT TELL THE TRUTH.
I FEEL SORRY FOR YOU GUYS AT CNN.YOU JUST HELPED ME TO DECIDE TO UP MY SUBSCRIPTION TO LIMBAUGH'S LETTER AND INTERNET PAGE.
THANKS

Rurik, St. Paul, MN   October 3rd, 2007 10:56 am ET

Funny comment, considering that Limbaugh is a 'phony journalist.'

therealist   October 3rd, 2007 10:58 am ET

41 Democratic Sentors signed a letter sent to a media outlet in an attempt to restrict free speech.
Hmmm…., which is the party of Constitutional rights?

Gari, North Miami Beach, FL   October 3rd, 2007 11:09 am ET

I cannot believe that Clear Channel is defending "Druggie Limbaugh." Shame on him for his words! He is a shameful man who is out of touch with the rest of us, much like his demographic.

Chip Celina OH   October 3rd, 2007 11:10 am ET

When are all of these idiots gonna give it a break?!?!?!? Did he say soldier or soldiers? What did he mean, he's wicked. I'll vote to condemn him but not them, I'll vote to defend him, but condemn them. I saw a bunch of the buffoons on CSPAN giving these high and mighty grandiose speeches likening what he did to (insert your idea of most heinous crime in the history of man here).

In the meantime…150 billion more for the war, Iran's army is a terrorist group, SCHIP goes down to veto, no movement by Congress on stopping the war, a call to China to put sanctions on Burma, yet this tabloid bull$#!% consumes the general public.

I'm waiting for a Congressional resolution to condemn Britney Spears' social shortcomings and an amendment to a defense approriations bill denouncing Paris Hilton's drug use. It was bad enough that they recently passed a resolution demanding the gov't of Japan renounce stuff that happened in WWII and make a formal apology to women that were abused.

Vote everyone of these clowns that vote on non-binding worthless BS resolutions. If this is where we're headed, wouldn't Dr. Phil be a better congressman since he knows so much about healing and recovery.

Give me a BREAK!!!!

elmerg, Colorado Springs, Colorado   October 3rd, 2007 11:12 am ET

Mr. Mays obviously knows he can repudiate 41 Democratic senators with impunity over his darling money-making hate-spewer as the Dems have this tendency to voice platitudes with no real consequence to thier words.

demwit   October 3rd, 2007 11:12 am ET

The 110th Congressional Iraqi diversion

We're not going to get you out of Iraq as we promised but hey look over there, its a little plump birdy singing conservative songs…, ATTACK!!

Bill Bloomington IL   October 3rd, 2007 11:13 am ET

Harry Reid. The man that slammed the entire military should have stepped down as senator. How dare he talk about anybody who talks about our soldiers.

RJ, Chicago,IL   October 3rd, 2007 11:15 am ET

Ahh,, good 'ol Rush must have been all vicotined up when he said that.

Richard Des Moines Iowa   October 3rd, 2007 11:16 am ET

Interesting that the Democratic senators would chose this particular statement to make such a big deal about and that the media keeps it on the front page. Listening to the entire dialogue it is obvious that Rush Limbaugh was referring to the "soldier" who for whjatever reason had not served but rather had embellished their time for their own self-acclaim by making up stories about their "valor". Those are the people who denigrate the true american heroes who serve and have served our country to ensure our freedoms and saftey.

Brooklyn, NY   October 3rd, 2007 11:20 am ET

Witch-hunting all over again. Senator Reid has to go, he is disgrace for the Senate. The people in USA have a right to speak their minds. Read the Constitution, Senator!

Doug, New Jersey   October 3rd, 2007 11:20 am ET

Listen to the whole unedited Limbaugh audio from his show. Then read what the liberal democrats in the Senate said about it. If you are an honest person you have just been shown why decent, honest people cannot support democrats. If being honest, fair and truthful have any value in your heart, you will never again cast a vote for a democrat.

Dirk Sorkin, Buford GA   October 3rd, 2007 11:21 am ET

This is another example on how CNN constantly biases its stories by taking Mr. Limbaugh quotes out of context. I listened to that show an it was clear to me it was a continuation of a story Rush brought up about a Soldier who claimed atrocities he witnesses in Iraq. Later he was found out to never have been in Iraq. This would define a phony soldier. CNN is shameful not including this fact in its stories.

Jeremiah Jacksonville, FL   October 3rd, 2007 11:23 am ET

On the heels of the "Betray Us" controversy, Rush is making himself an easy target. At least it takes some heat off of Bill O'Reilly.

David Comstock, Port St Lucie,Fl   October 3rd, 2007 11:25 am ET

95 seconds of audio tape on 'phony soldiers' comment is removed from Limbaugh radio show.

LIMBAUGH, THE CUT AND RUN REPUBLICAN

Armands Washington, D.C.   October 3rd, 2007 11:25 am ET

Not a surprise. Mark Mays has donated about $67,000 to Republicans and about $4,000 to Democrats (one of which was Steny Hoyer - debateable democrat) in the past 14 years. To call Limbaugh talent is to call Bush intellectual. Blind leading the blind, dumb leading the dumber, this country has become hopeless.

Austin, Cape Girardeau MO   October 3rd, 2007 11:27 am ET

I think it is funny that Democrats think they have the right to tell the country that our soldiers are dying for nothing and we can't win this war, but when Rush Limbaugh is accused of saying things he didn't, which was taken way out of context, the Democrats jump back on board and say we need to defend the men and women fighting and dying for us. The Democrats are a bunch of flip floppers and can't stand up for anything they believe in. They are selffish and do only what will gain them the most political ground. And for Senator Reid to call into question Limbaugh's patriotism, maybe Senator you should look at those three fingers pointing back right at you.

Terry, El Paso, TX   October 3rd, 2007 11:27 am ET

Of course we all know - or we should all know - that Limbaugh would never impugn the honor of American soldiers in combat. He was referring only to a few soldiers who openly criticize the war.

All of those Senators know it too. But, Limbaugh has smeared many of them, told many lies, and damaged many reputations with his brainless comments. It is fun to see him run over with his own limo for a change. Not, of course, that he can see the irony in all of this.

As for me, I'm enjoying the show - not Limbaugh's show, which is stupid, but the media show over this phony issue. It's not quite a dumb as the "General Petraus don't betray us" scandal - but almost.

Peter, Amiyville, NY   October 3rd, 2007 11:28 am ET

This is just a cheap political jab by Harry Reid and friends.

They must really care about the troops.

After all, they haven't done a thing to end this war.

Jim, Burlington NC   October 3rd, 2007 11:29 am ET

Mays is a major donor to the RNC, and was one of Bush's "Pioneers", he knows what Murdock knows - hate filled sensationalism sells. That's why all the koolaide drinkers love Limbaugh - he says outrageous things, because he makes money for his boss.

I'm still waiting on this windbag to say one rational thing.

On the other side of this coin though is that I don't think the Sente should have devoted 1 moment to this.

Jack, Trenton, NJ   October 3rd, 2007 11:30 am ET

QUINTESSENTIAL NON-STORY.

I heard that broadcast. It was the only AM channel I could receive clearly in my vehicle at the time. I was so certain Limbaugh was referring to Jesse MacBeth and others like him that I am appalled by Reid's response. I find it gauling that Reid should attempt to profit politically off two words he thought he could pluck from a transcript. With such immature comments as "what's good for the goose …" and "maybe Limbaugh was high on his drugs" coming out of the Democrats, it is transparent that this is an attempt to offset measure for measure the censure of Hillary Clinton's MoveOn.org and an attempt to capitalize on what currently passes for public sentiment against radio talk show hosts living in the wake of Howard Stern's firing.

Armands Washington, D.C.   October 3rd, 2007 11:30 am ET

Other than the current administrations Junta style crackdown on American's civil liberties - tell me when U.S. freedoms have been under attack and required defending. Enough of the cliches - lets start discussing substantively

Michael, Anchorage   October 3rd, 2007 11:34 am ET

"Responding to his critics on Friday's show, Limbaugh said he was "taken out of context," adding his remark was referring to one soldier specifically — Jesse MacBeth, a vocal war critic who falsely claimed to have served in Iraq."

Right, despite never mentioning that name in the broadcast, despite using the plural form of soldiers, despite making similar statements over the years against Paul Hackett, Max Cleland, and numerous others, and despite this conversation with this caller immediately following his berating a self-identified republican veteran who disagreed with him on the war because no real republican or veteran would hold such views…yeah, of course this cover story must be true and not another pathetic lie on Limbaugh's part for his gullible audience to eat up.

Armands Washington, D.C.   October 3rd, 2007 11:35 am ET

Haven't done a thing to end the war?….they've tried. Unfortunately stupidy runs so deep within this nation's government and those electing them, that the fools still rule and democrats are unable to make gains.

P J Evans   October 3rd, 2007 11:35 am ET

I understand that the soldiers would rather have more music than more right-wing broadcasters like Rush. (And they don't get left-wing broadcasts at all: can we say management bias?)

I'd like Congress to get us out of Iraq, instead of wasting time on free speech that they clearly don't believe in.

Richard Lyons   October 3rd, 2007 11:37 am ET

To provide appropriate perspective, this article should provide some idea of Mr. Limbaugh's military service.

slimegreen   October 3rd, 2007 11:38 am ET

Its "BUSH's WAR" said the mindless 110th Congress leadership as they continue to ignore America's calls for the troops to come home..

Austin, Cape Girardeau MO   October 3rd, 2007 11:40 am ET

All the Dems do is complain, complain, complain and take no action and just blame America. Clinton and/or Obama will run this country into the ground. They (the Democrats) are already doing it just so they get votes.

Lee, Ann Arbor, MI   October 3rd, 2007 11:41 am ET

When will the Senate meet to rebuke the many democratic elected officials for their statements that condemn the military (Reid, Kerry, Pelosi, etc)?

The democrats can say ANYTHING and the liberal press gives them a FREE PASS; but have a conservative say something, and the dems and press take it out of context and try to crucify the person.

SUCH A DOUBLE STANDARD IN THE MEDIA.

Kendo Shinichi - Youngstown, OH   October 3rd, 2007 11:42 am ET

Translation:

Please stop assailing poor Jeff Christie. All of you right-wing nuts, keep buying bumping stickers and ad time!

Liam Burke, Buffalo, New York   October 3rd, 2007 11:42 am ET

Am I the only one who sees these types of stories for what they are?

MoveOn.org says some things Republicans don't like and they cry "Make them be quiet!"

Rush says some things the Democrats don't like and they cry "Make them be quiet!"

The key part of all this is that people who are expressing opinions are being told that not only do they have to be quiet, but that they shouldn't have said those things at all.
Am I the only one that is a little nervous at all the political figures voting on how to censor people, or make them take back things they have professed? Republican, Democrat, Conservative, Liberal, it doesn't matter, everyone gets to say what they want. And everyone gets to disagree if they want.
I'm just really not looking forward to waking up one day with a black censor bar taped to my mouth.

Conservative James, Phoenix AZ   October 3rd, 2007 11:44 am ET

Notice how fast Hillary jumps on board condemning THIS issue?

Typical. She says NOTHING about Moveon.Org which assualted a decorated 4-Star General, but condemns Rush because he called-out a guy who falsely claimed to have served in Iraq. The "evidence" liberals have is the "S" in soldiers.

Keep defending Moveon.Org and attacking Rush. Politics as usual.

Albert Miranda, Rancho Santa Margarita, California   October 3rd, 2007 11:44 am ET

Limbaugh should be taken off Armed Forces Radio. If this were a more liberal talk show host that is exactly what would be called for by the Republicans. My father was in WWII, My uncle was in Korea, My brother was in Germany during the Berlin crisis, I was in Vietnam and my son just got back from Iraq. Russ Limbaugh never stepped up and those that listen to him probably have not either.

Dr Atomic   October 3rd, 2007 11:44 am ET

Rush implied that any soldier who isn't pro-Bush is a 'phony.' Then he gave one example to 'prove' his point. He also said Michael J. Fox could stop shaking any time.

Miami Florida   October 3rd, 2007 11:47 am ET

Rush Limbaugh is an uneducated, irrational representative of the Republican party; he is a hot-head typical of any extreme wing.

Toby, DC   October 3rd, 2007 11:47 am ET

Sucks when Vicodin Boy is at the other end of the beatdown stick, now…. doesn't it? Maybe the Senate should pass a resolution (like the one against moveon) condemning VicoBoy.

(btw, it's the lack of Repugnican support that prevents the Senate from going to Cloture to vote on bringing the troops back. Who's supporting whom??)

Johnny Round Rock, Texas   October 3rd, 2007 11:47 am ET

Ah, THIS is good news! The Dhimmicrats are obviously getting full of themselves, to the point that they have to make up stuff and misquote people to get attention. Those are called lies. And, they're called liars. Liar, liar, pants on fire. Dingy Harry rides again….

David Gonzalez, Los Angeles California   October 3rd, 2007 11:49 am ET

Please don't give this drug addict and Republican pawn any attention. It is a complete waste of time.

Tim   October 3rd, 2007 11:50 am ET

Turn off any "Clear Channel" station NOW. Let them know idiots like Rush are not OK with thinking Americans.

Trevor, delanaga, GA   October 3rd, 2007 11:50 am ET

he should go after the real Phony soldiers…AWOL-Bush,Rove,Dan Senor, Bremer, Wolfowitz, and the rest of the chicken hawks, won't anyone make this obvious connection and RUN WITH IT?

Mark R. Fort Lauderdale FL   October 3rd, 2007 11:50 am ET

I have listened to the call…I have read the typed-out text…it is clear to me that when Rush Limbaugh said "phony soldiers" he meant soldiers who didn't support the war. You may agree or disagree with that statement, but don't let this forked-tongue hatemonger fool you; that IS who he was talking about

Raymond, El Paso TX   October 3rd, 2007 11:51 am ET

"Listen to the whole unedited Limbaugh audio from his show. Then read what the liberal democrats in the Senate said about it. If you are an honest person you have just been shown why decent, honest people cannot support democrats. If being honest, fair and truthful have any value in your heart, you will never again cast a vote for a democrat."

Since the Democrats took a slight majority in the Senate and House, and it was the American people that voted for them, I guess you're saying over half the American voters are indecent, dishonest, unfair, untruthful and have no value in their heart.

greg phila. pa   October 3rd, 2007 11:52 am ET

Limbaugh's fetid pronouncements reek of a man saturated in and rotted by hate. His response to the vote vets ad speaks volumes about his allegiances. Clearly he is no patriot but a man who believes his party is paramount and even combat soldiers who disagree with him are to be damned. He likened a man who risked his life in combat fighting for our ideals to a suicide bomber! a pawn. How insulting and vile.
To listen to Limbaugh is to bathe in filth.

Sonia Texas   October 3rd, 2007 11:58 am ET

Im for free speech. I ignore the fat bloviating pig called Limbaugh anyway. As to Moveon.org. They were correct. Petraus did betray us. He let the white house use him and his uniform for political purposes. Plus he lied to congress. Uniform or no uniform petraus lied. Moveon.org just pointed out the truth.

Toby, DC   October 3rd, 2007 11:59 am ET

and on the by and by…

MoveOn *PAID* for their ad to be in the paper that we buy and read.

Rush gets paid to spew his incoherent babble on public airwaves, and is paid for by his handlers oops… employers and their handlers oops… advertisers. (yes, I have a choice of channels, but it's still public…)

Jim P Austin, TX   October 3rd, 2007 12:00 pm ET

The Democrats look stupid on this one.

It was a comment on a commment made by someone else. You can't read anything near what they are alleging into it.

Try again, Harry Reid, you just look more foolish every time you open your mouth.

I don't watch or listen to Rush but he had consistently supported the troops and to suggest otherwise is a lie.

John Bryon   October 3rd, 2007 12:03 pm ET

He is a chicken hawk. It is easy to support a war when your rear isn't on the line. Lets get chubby there out with a M-4 and defend "freedom". And I mean going in combact without any Oxycotin to kill the pain.
What is truly more amazing than his stupid comments are that there are people that still listen to this rogue after all the contradictionary things he has done.tool.

Greg in Detroit, Michigan   October 3rd, 2007 12:03 pm ET

WHY is our government wasting tax payers time and money debating and making resolutions to vote upon people excising their free speech? whether those statements are taken out of context, in context, hate spewing, media printing, loving, person bashing or otherwise, etc. What Rush said, or what Hillary said, or what a political watchdog group put in an ad is not the business of the country. The proposal and vote will not change any law or tax. It will not bring resolution to the issues that matter in the US or impact anything happening in the world.

Robert Trebes   October 3rd, 2007 12:03 pm ET

Listen to the Rethuglicans howl like stuck pigs when their own tactics are turned against them. Literally for generations they've impugned the patriotism of anyone who disagreed with them. MoveOn borrows their language to criticize a political general who's hiding behind his medals to do the bidding of his civilian masters, and it's as if they'd questioned his mother's species. Give me a break. I've yet to hear anyone go beyond the ad's headline and question the accuracy of its charges, and that's what's important. And by the way, who gave the Congress the authority to decide what American citizens can and cannot say in newspaper ads? I thought the First Amendment said that Congress could make no law on that subject.

S Lightsey, Austin TX   October 3rd, 2007 12:05 pm ET

This thread exposes the alarming truth of how well the political leaders of this country are succeding in their goal to keep Americans divided. We, the citizens of the United States, are the losers here. The vast majority of us, are not wealthy and are doing all we can to stay afloat. The politicians of this great country are the problem. They are the wealthy, and elite who continually come up with ways to make them more wealthy and more elite on our dime. Folks, stop for a moment, and look at what you are arguing over. Rush Limbaugh is an entertainer. That's it! Nothing more. Those that oppose what he said are elected officials who are supposed to work for the citizens of this country. Tell me what exactly we are accomplishing by trying to get this entertainer person to apologize for something he said? These are your political leaders. Why are they so involved with this? It doesn't matter if it's democrat or republican. Both disgust me! Neither party cares about this country. If they did, don't you think one of them could have turned this country around and get it going in the right direction? Do you think either have done that? I don't. We spend billions of dollars in Iraq, while our bridges collapse due to poor maintenance. Governor Rick Perry (Texas) is paying $9,900 a month in rent while the governor's "Mansion" is being renovated. Why is that a necessary expense? Yes, that is your tax dollars at work. The bottom line is, it's not up to the government to fix our problems. For the past half century they have proven neither party can fix anything. Only make it worse. The sad truth is, as long as they keep us divided on issues that don't matter, things will only get worse, and the separation between the ruling class and the working class will only get wider. United we stand, divided we fall.

Rick Perry's new pad.
http://www.kvue.com/news/local/stories/092607kvuehouse-bkm.112b1c979.html

Terry, El Paso, TX   October 3rd, 2007 12:06 pm ET

"… MoveOn.org which assaulted a decorated four-star general…" posted by Conservative James from conservative Phoenix AZ.

The Petraus ad by MoveOn.org was puerile. It is very immature to attack someone by mocking his name or rhyming it with an unkind word. They are idiots.

However, the posture that Conservatives have taken is equally idiotic. They were "deeply offended." They had fainting spells. They got the vapors. They swooned. They were shocked. They had to take an extra valium. "How DARE they … how COULD they say such a thing?" cried weeping Conservatives with trembling lips.

You Conservatives can get away with some pretty outrageous things, but hurt feelings and shocked indignation just don't seem to be a working part of your repertoire. What would be more natural for Conservatives would be to find a few gay guys working for MoveOn and out them, arguing that their attack on Petraus was part of the homosexual plot to attack our children's masculine role models. That is more your style.

For Conservatives to pretend to have delicate feelings would be like putting Herman Munster in a tutu. It just doesn't work.

Their pose of shocked indignation was laughably preposterous.

Let a decorated, retired four star general come out AGAINST the war and let's see how many rhymes Conservatives can find in the dictionary to insult HIM.

Frank Moran, Harrisonburg, VA   October 3rd, 2007 12:07 pm ET

I'm not a Rush fan, and don't listen to him. However, the comment does appear to have been taken out of context. More importantly, I criticize both Republicans and Democrats for automatically discounting any comment or idea that comes from the "other side." How about actually thinking and analyzing a situation before the knee jerk reaction comes out?
Frank in Virginia

Scott, Nashville, Tennessee   October 3rd, 2007 12:07 pm ET

Notwithstanding that Mr. Mays has done a wonderful job being the son of a very rich person, neither he nor is father list military service in their biographies. Mr. Limbaugh's lack of military service is well known. Given his apparent expertise he should go to Iraq to prove to us what a "good" soldier is like.

Matt Iowa City, IA   October 3rd, 2007 12:10 pm ET

Doesn't Harry Reid have anything better to do? Also, I don't think it is fair for CNN to add [Iraq war critics] to Rush's quote, when he already came on the air to tell everyone that is not what he meant.

JJ, Sacramento, CA   October 3rd, 2007 12:10 pm ET

"The phony soldiers," Limbaugh then said.

Seems like "soldiers" is plural… not just one phony soldier. Bottom line — Rush is a narrow minded hypocrite who would be in jail right now if not for his dubious celebrity.

Steve, Winston-Salem, NC   October 3rd, 2007 12:11 pm ET

Why isn't Limbaugh over in Iraq? Could it be he is a coward? Like the Cain that is in the White House?

jvl, Springfield, VA   October 3rd, 2007 12:12 pm ET

Rush Limbaugh…a phony patriot. Never wore a uniform, dodged the draft, against a tax increase to pay for the war (taxes were increased during WW2 and Vietnam), says drug addicts should be thrown in jail until HE admits he's a drug addict. If anyone is a phony, it's Limbaugh.

Glenn L. Spitzer, Sacramento, CA   October 3rd, 2007 12:12 pm ET

The real issue is that none of these politicians or talking heads such as W, Cheney, Rice, Hannity, Levin and Limbaugh, et al. were ever in the military.

They talk the talk, but they never walked the walk. It is disgusting that thesee folks have no problem in sending in others to do their bidding, but when it came time for them to serve there was the sound of a one handed clap.

True hypocrites.

Bill, Streamwood, IL   October 3rd, 2007 12:14 pm ET

MoveOn.Org attacked the integrity a single U.S. soldier while Rush Limbaugh attacked the integrity of every U.S. soldier that disagrees with his point of view.

What are the chances that there will be a vote on a Senate Resolution denouncing Limbaugh's statement?

Val R SLC   October 3rd, 2007 12:15 pm ET

People, get real.

Jesse MacBeth is the "Phony solider".

But Congress is blind. Politics makes strange leaders.

Stop reading something into a comment that isn't there. You look stupid.

Peter, Huntsville, AL   October 3rd, 2007 12:15 pm ET

His comment was specifically addressing the issue of people claiming they were soldiers and giving interviews, or at soldiers claiming they had done things when they hadn't.

The are only two news story here. One, is how the liberal media twisted his words and made it into a story. Two, is how the media doesn't even fact check people they are interviewing and verify their claims are true, especially when they are telling them what they want to hear.

B McMann   October 3rd, 2007 12:16 pm ET

Limbaugh is banking that everyone who listens to him is as much as an idiot as he is and doesn't know or care about the real facts. I mean honestly–why are our tax dollars going to this hypocrytical drug addict? We should use force to have him removed and then send him to war.

Jeramy, Houston, TX   October 3rd, 2007 12:18 pm ET

A bunch of criticism from people who havent listened to the unedited audio clips….ignorance at it's finest. But democrats will do anything to get a jab at Rush because of his enormous success. Also anyone who listens to Rush knows that he appreciates what the military does. In fact, I have free access to his site because I am in the military….

Kathie Arbogast, Topeka, Kansas   October 3rd, 2007 12:18 pm ET

Rush Limbaugh is hypocrital and should not be taken seriously

Jim Pistritto, Palm City Fl.   October 3rd, 2007 12:18 pm ET

What I'm getting out of this is Rush - private citizen - is being censored by people in office (Democrates)and his freedom of speech is being taken away. Is this going to happen to all Americans. Even if he only meant the one so called solider, he has a right to his opinion. How come when Democrates or for that matter politian’s in general, can say things that are false, they are not held accountable. I'm really tired of all the belly aching and finger pointing from both sides. Just tell us what you are going to do to help this country if elected. That is all that really matters. If you don't have a plan then get out of running!

Jim, Newark NJ   October 3rd, 2007 12:19 pm ET

How can anyone seriously believe Limbaugh's claim that he was talking about one specific person? The statements, "They like to pull these soldiers…" and "The phony soldiers" clearly are using the plural, and clearly are referring to an unspecified generality.

thomas fletcher   October 3rd, 2007 12:23 pm ET

Another good reason not to vote democrap. theinsults to the troops made by the dems and their mouthpieces pale to what any republican has ever said.

Jeff Barnett Austin, TX   October 3rd, 2007 12:26 pm ET

This is SO obviously a desperate ploy by Dems to look like they support the troops. The irony is glaring after all their efforts to sabotage the war effort, and Rush's genuine support for the troops. (Trip to Afghanistan, free stuff from his Web site, the simple moral re-enforcement so they aren't discouraged by the constant talk of failure from the left.)

Any intelligent person can listen to the whole thing and understand what he meant. I heard it live, and didn't jump to the bone-head conclusion others have leapt to.

L Andersen   October 3rd, 2007 12:27 pm ET

What Clear Channel's CEO says is irrelevant. Limbaugh said what he said - and what he said was "phony soldiers" in response to something a caller said. It wasn't until 3 minutes later he brought up a specific soldier's name, saying that's who he was talking about.

Well - as usual, Limbaugh is lying. He has a history of attacking soldiers: General Wesley Clark, General John Batiste, Major Paul Hackett, as well as others.

Like most of his ilk, Limbaugh is the real phony. He's a phony patriot, a phony human being, a hyprocrit to the Nth degree.

Like Don Imus, he should lose his job.

Len P. Alexandrai, KY   October 3rd, 2007 12:30 pm ET

Reid and Turkey Tom Harking.. HYPOCRECY is your first names… it is time to get to work morons and earn your taxpayers provide pay check, benefits and perks or GET OUT of the way and let sdomeone else do something… You both Must apologize to all of us taxpayers for wasting time while on payroll… in the real worls you'd get FIRED for Incompetence!

sonny c. v.p.,la.   October 3rd, 2007 12:32 pm ET

Rush makes $$$$ for May. I'm sure he's being "fair & balanced" in his response.

Pete, T.S. FL   October 3rd, 2007 12:33 pm ET

Rush is the a-typical republican of today:

If you don’t agree with or question them you are referred to as “un-patriotic” or “sympathetic to the enemy”.

To you Rush and to you self serving Kool-Aid drinkers that have ruined the republican party I say shame, shame on you for not standing up for America!

A true patriot puts country ahead of party!

Jim in Orlando, FL   October 3rd, 2007 12:33 pm ET

To those Democrats, particularly in the Senate, that choose to hitch their apology-demanding horse to this non-issue fabricated tree, the EIB network and Clear Channel Communications thanks you for a level of favorable publicity Rush and Mr. Mays could not possibly buy.

Brian, Geneva, NY   October 3rd, 2007 12:33 pm ET

"If being honest, fair and truthful have any value in your heart, you will never again cast a vote for a democrat."

OK–but I'm running out of people to vote for. =(

Brad Jones, Irvine, Ca   October 3rd, 2007 12:33 pm ET

I heard the comments and the way this article is written and taken out of context is a good example of yellow journalism.

Tracy Nashville, Tenn.   October 3rd, 2007 12:33 pm ET

This "statement" is not news; it's irrelevant. It's pure propaganda, coming on the heels of Republican criticism of the NY Times Petraeus ad.
All the problems in this nation, all the good things this nation does, all the confusion about Iraq and what to do, and our "leaders" are hung up on name calling. God help us.

.

Tom, ALBUQUERQUE, NM   October 3rd, 2007 12:34 pm ET

Who really cares what this blowhard utters. His show is just daily lessons in stupiness for his legion of brain-dead followers. Sane thinking people know not to take anything he says with any seriousness.

Steve, Bedford NH   October 3rd, 2007 12:34 pm ET

I remember about a year ago Rush started a program where listeners could subscribe to Rush-Online or whatever it is and send the subscription as a gift to a soldier. This was after a suggestion by a listener. After a time, he said that he was also making a personal contribution, but he didn't want to talk about it. Eventually he said that his personal contribution was to match each subscription given - which cost money and contributes to his profit - with a free subscription to another soldier, which cost HIM almost $0.00. Thanks, Rush.

Remember his comments about General Shinseki? He purposely mispronounces his name as Shin-ess-ki, (like Ned Lament, AlGore, Democrat Party, etc.) and roundly criticized the General for his comments that there weren't enough troops being sent.

I think that Rush Limbaugh supports all troops that think the same way he does, the same way he treats everyone else. You are either with him, or he'll use cheap high-school bully type tactics to belittle you and what you believe.

Michael J. Fox?
Moderates?
Any non-right wing Republican?
People who are addicted to drugs? Oh, wait…

Len P. Alexandrai, KY   October 3rd, 2007 12:36 pm ET

BTW.. Has anyone forgotten that the " phony soldier" tag came from ABC before the Caller called RUSH??? But was anyone upset by that??? Heck Harry get something straight once in a while.. it'll save you being Embarassed as usual>>>

sonny c. v.p.,la.   October 3rd, 2007 12:37 pm ET

Richard & Doug: Did you urge everyone, including John McCain, to catch their breath before piling on John Kerry's remark about C students getting us stuck in Iraq?

Linda in Highland   October 3rd, 2007 12:37 pm ET

You people are morons…. it's a wonder you can find your way out of bed in the morning! geeez…. you are still playing your silly games that if you don't "acknowledge" the truth…then there is NO truth! Rush is a huge supporter of the Troops… read or listen to the ENTIRE story that you morons insist in Kicking around TWO (2) WORDS of the WHOLE THING! WAKE UP…get some fresh air in your cobweb head…..but then again…YOU aren't able to make a decision yourself…you MUST let someone else tell you what to do..or HOW to vote!!! I pity ALL of you! You must be brainless…as you sure aren't using them…..the truth has been stated…but hasn't reached your closed ears!!!!

george rouse portland, oregon.   October 3rd, 2007 12:38 pm ET

at 63 years of age i still am a card carriering democrat and very ashamed of what i see the democrats doing in the house and in the senate, and especially those that are running for the presidency of our county. the democratic party was once a proud yet humble party that put the country and it's people first. those days have passed and i feel, like some romans must have felt as their country collasped around them…from within.

Robert, Dallas Tx   October 3rd, 2007 12:38 pm ET

Liberals dems are idiots. Regarding media bias, the left had their chance with Air America and it failed miserable. Left wing radio cannot get ratings because all they do is condemn their own country with hate talk and try to undermine everything that this country was built on.

Bring M Home, Tampa FL   October 3rd, 2007 12:39 pm ET

Hey Senator Reid,

You can waste time attacking a coward who hid behind a deferrment when his country called for him - or you can spend your energy removing our troops from harms way.

Which do you prefer?

Willy Brown, Chesapeake, VA   October 3rd, 2007 12:40 pm ET

Another hillary clinton liberal media outlet get kicked in the pants along with the Democrats in Congress.

Michael, Huntsville, Alabama   October 3rd, 2007 12:42 pm ET

What do you expect coming from a phony American?

G. Rasputin, Lakeland FL   October 3rd, 2007 12:42 pm ET

Rush stuck both dirty feet in his mouth on this one. It's hilarious watching him and his ditto head minions trying to spin their way out of this mega-gaffe. He's a lying sack who was too yellow to don a uniform, and everyone knows it.

Pete C, Boulder, Colorado   October 3rd, 2007 12:43 pm ET

Amazing that a "phony soldier" comment can come from a person who avoided service in Vietnam (for "medical" reasons). It shouldn't surprise me, though, because Limbaugh still rants about drug addicts–the man is just totally disconnected from his own life.

Where is the Republican outrage over Limbaugh's comments? Is a Senate and House resolution coming that condemns Limbaugh?

Wrren Taylor, Los Angeles Ca   October 3rd, 2007 12:43 pm ET

Rush is phony as is Clear Channel, anyone who does business with them deserves what they get, right wing neo Nazi hypocrites.I only hope Rush falls of the wagon and takes his 10 listeners with him.

sonny c. v.p.,la.   October 3rd, 2007 12:43 pm ET

I think America has dicovered an alternative source of energy that's not a fossil fuel: The Rush Limbaugh Wind Bag. It is less sightly than the current wind mills though.

Ryan, Ramadi Iraq   October 3rd, 2007 12:43 pm ET

Interestingly enough, I am a liberal and a Marine, sitting in an Iraq police station, and I am not offended by his comment. I think that it was entirely taken out of context. Stop making issues where there aren't any to make, and actually focus on the things that matter

Rich Rochester, NY   October 3rd, 2007 12:44 pm ET

I am not a fan of Limbaugh, but I do agree with a few things he says. It is foolish to think he would mean anything negative towards our troops. Those same troops who have not felt support from most of those 41 signatures. Try to make a case all you want about this statement, there is not one. Find some real news to report instead of this liberal distration tactic.

Wayne, Williston, VT   October 3rd, 2007 12:44 pm ET

I'm a democrat and although I can't stand Rush Limbaugh, I'm smart enough and honest enough to recognize that his phony soldier comment was directed specifically at the woman who tried to pass herself off as a soldier. Our leaders are spending their time and our tax payer dollars debating the words of a hack radio personality and MoveOn.org ads….while at the same time, Hillary Clinton is buying the presidency. What is happening to our democracy??? God, Allah, Buddha…somebody please help us because we are screwed!

Jeff C, San Francisco   October 3rd, 2007 12:47 pm ET

The reason this resonates is because chicken hawks like Limbaugh Bush & Cheney, who have never served, have a long history of impugning the patriotism of real veterans & heroes like Max Cleland, Paul Hackett etc.

Also because their "support" of the troops consists mainly of putting them in harm's way & then short-changing them of veteran's benefits.

Brendan, Seattle, WA   October 3rd, 2007 12:47 pm ET

When did politics stop being about doing something positive and progressive and start being about waiting for the other guy to mess up?

Rush Limbaugh is an idiot, that is not news. He didn't attack the soldiers in Iraq, he attacked war critics for cherry-picking interviewees. Was it a lame argument? Yes. Was it worth all this fuss? No. All politicians care about is making sure to pounce on mistake that anyone associated with the opposite party makes. Opportunity seized, Senators. Well played.

Andy, Tolleson, Arizona   October 3rd, 2007 12:47 pm ET

It's a sad day when the government of the United States of America in an official capacity decides to directly attack a private citizen for a comment. I am quickly losing what little respect I had for our government institutions. Our Democratic leaders have no spine. Our Republican leaders have no spine. Both seem to care about themselves more than America. It's another sad day.

Solomon, New York, NY   October 3rd, 2007 12:49 pm ET

Which is more demoralizing to our troops: Attacking Rush Limbaugh who has always supported our soldiers or Harry Reid telling them "The War is Lost"?

Rich Rochester, NY   October 3rd, 2007 12:49 pm ET

It is easy to say why they do not get the left wing talk shows, left wing talk shows are not popular. Who needs a talk show when the news if filled with the left wing point of view anyways.

Dave B, Sterling VA   October 3rd, 2007 12:49 pm ET

Why on earth are the ramblings of some drug-addled AM-radio talk show host the subject of national debate? WHO CARES what this guy has to say about anything?!?

JB Boston MA   October 3rd, 2007 12:49 pm ET

Blah Blah Blah

Since when did it become the Senate's responsibility to reprimand PRIVATE CITIZENS?

Hey Reid, my neighbor said something pretty nasty about Italians the other day. Get on it!!!!!!

This government is a joke!

Willy Brown Chesapeake, VA   October 3rd, 2007 12:51 pm ET

I see my comments have been removed. Was it because I put your darling Hillary and the Democrats in the comments? Freedom of Speech, now I know what Rush is going though

D Williams, St Pete FL   October 3rd, 2007 12:51 pm ET

Posted By Michael, Anchorage

PERFECTLY EXPLAINED!!!

Matt, New York, NY   October 3rd, 2007 12:52 pm ET

What a non-story. Did anyone who signed the letter sent by Reid actually read or listen to Limbaugh's commmnents? What blatant politicking. Shame on the Democrats on this one.

Don F, Mount Prospect, Illinois   October 3rd, 2007 12:52 pm ET

Let me great this straight: a soldier who wasn't in Iraq falsely claimed that he was, and was then able to con the media into publishing his made up stories about atrocities, and criticism is now leveled at those who called him a "phony soldier?" (Your motives are clearly showing here.) And, please, give up the childish nonsense about the "s" at the end of soldier!

Everyone has the right to disagree with and dislike Rush Limbaugh (I'm no big fan), but you don't have to fabricate issues. I'm sure you can find legitimate issues to argue.

Jon, Shorewood, WI   October 3rd, 2007 12:53 pm ET

For those of you who are too lazy to put this into context, here is what Limbaugh said immediately following his "phony soldiers" remark:

"I want to thank you, Mike, for calling. I appreciate it very much. I gotta — Here is a morning update that we did recently, talking about fake soldiers. This is a story of who the left props up as heroes. And they have their celebrities. One of them was Army Ranger Jesse Macbeth. Now — and he was a corporal. I say in quotes. Twenty-three years old. What made Jesse Macbeth a hero to the anti-war crowd wasn’t his Purple Heart, it wasn’t his being affiliated with posttraumatic stress disorder from tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. No. What made Jesse Macbeth, Army Ranger, a hero to the left was his courage, in their view, off the battlefield, without regard to consequences, he told the world the abuses he had witnessed in Iraq. American soldiers killing unarmed civilians, hundreds of men, women, even children. In one gruesome account, translated into Arabic and spread widely across the Internet, Army Ranger Jesse Macbeth describes the horrors this way. We would burn their bodies. We would hang their bodies from the rafters in the mosque. Now, recently, Jesse Macbeth, poster boy for the anti-war left, had his day in court. And you know what? He was sentenced to five months in jail and three years probation for falsifying a Department of Veterans Affairs claim and his Army discharge record. He was in the Army, Jesse Macbeth was in the Army, folks, briefly. Forty-four days before he washed out of boot camp, Jesse Macbeth isn’t an Army Ranger, never was. He isn’t a corporal, never was. He never won the Purple Heart. And he was never in combat to witness the horrors he claimed to have seen. Probably haven’t even heard about this. And if you have, you haven’t heard much about it. This doesn’t fit the narrative and the template in the Drive-By Media and the Democrat Party as to who a genuine war hero; don’t look for any retractions, by the way. Not from the anti-war left, the anti-military Drive-By Media, or the Arabic websites that spread Jesse Macbeth’s lies about our troops, because the truth for the left is, fiction is what serves their purpose. They have to lie about such atrocities because they can’t find any that fit the template of the way they see the US military. In other words, for the American anti-war left, the greatest inconvenience they face is the truth."

And you call conservatives fascists??? Who are the ones trying to spread lies in order to gain political power??? Who are the ones trying to silence someone with a differing opinion??? Wow! And all this article can say is something like "Limbaugh said it was taken out of context." Wow! What is this country coming to? We are on a slow, nay, a fast road to fascism, indeed, and it isn't because of the conservatives.

Brian   October 3rd, 2007 12:54 pm ET

Ahhh…nothing like fake political indignation to carry you through a lunch hour.

Soldiers can still have an opinion, and most likely have a better one than we all do sitting in the US. It is more of the pattern that politicians use, hypocrisies and slander, than what they are actually saying. Why is the House or the Senate commenting on what private citizens are saying? Do they have that much free time on their hands?

Rush and MoveOn are just opposite sides of the same coin. That is the problem.

Steve, Camilla, GA   October 3rd, 2007 12:54 pm ET

Give the liberals a break. They are angry. Very angry. You see, when Senator Clinton and the other major candidates told their base that they could not commit to a troop with drawl from Iraq, this infuriated the base. Enter Media Matters. (started by Senator Clinton and her allies). Media Matters took two words out of context. Flashed the media, then flashed the democrats in the House and Senate. This is a ginned up story to focus the rage of the democratic base on Rush, rather than Clinton and the others. It is that simple. Rush has the entire transcript of that week on his website. Check it out. By the way, ABC did a story on phony soldiers before this all started. I think Media Matters doth protest too much.

Thomas, St. Petersburg, FL   October 3rd, 2007 12:54 pm ET

Harry Reid and his ilk couldn't care less about our brave soldiers. They are using them as a ploy to attack Rush.

I hope everyone, regardless of political persuasion, are paying close attention to the recent attacks on talk radio personalities. Last week it was Bill O'Reilly; early this week it was Rush Limbaugh; and today it was announced that Michael Savage is being attacked as well.

Rhetorical question: How come the left was recently screeching about the Iranian dictator's "Freedom of speech" at Columbia, but deny that same freedom to their own countryment?

The hypocrisy of liberals is staggering. They know that talk radio is a threat to President Hillary becoming a reality in January 2009. Stay tuned for additional attacks on talk radio personalities; I hope Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck are prepared for their whippings.

Chris, Richmond, Virginia   October 3rd, 2007 12:54 pm ET

It's great to see the leader of the CONNIES (as I like to call the right-wing conservatives), Mr. Limbaugh be called on the carpet for once. What is the difference between this scenario and trying to tie the MoveOn.org ad to a condemnation of all of our troops? It seems that he isn't happy when egregious half-truths, incomplete facts, and statements taken out of context are used to counter the CONNIES media machine. Actually, I don't feel that either the MoveOn.org Advertisement or Mr. Limbaugh's statements should have received this much attention, but then again, fair is fair!

Carsten H, Wilmington DE   October 3rd, 2007 12:55 pm ET

To Doug, NJ.

Are you saying that everyone who votes Democrat are not decent, honest people? Now that's the same as saying that the GOP is an honest, fair and truthful party.
What about the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth? Honest? Fair?
The attack on John McCain by GWB in the primaries regarding his military service, and leaking the fact that he had a "black baby"? Honest? Fair?
There are definately WMD's in Iraq! Honest? Fair?
I could name dozens of more examples from both sides of the aisle. Mudslinging and dishonest politics, has been, is, and always will be part of American politics, as long as it continues to have the desired effect on voters. Both the GOP and the Dems are responsible for this. To think otherwise, and to characterize millions of voters as being indecent and dishonest, just because they disagree with you and vote for a different party, just goes to show how closed minded and ignorant you are. Grow up and learn to respect the fact that people are entitled to differing opinions.

Donald F., Stafford County, VA   October 3rd, 2007 12:56 pm ET

I'm a parent of 2 teenagers, I home-school them rather than have them go to socialist public schools. I teach them that liberals are parasites and Democrats are scumbags. Thankfully, my 2 children will grow up never voting for a Democrat. For their social studies course, I have them listen to Rush Limbaugh and have them write me an essay what they learned.

Bert, NYC   October 3rd, 2007 12:56 pm ET

Spoken like a true chicken-hawk.

The Admiral St. Augustine Fl.   October 3rd, 2007 12:56 pm ET

Of course. MoveOn is the "bad". Limbaugh is the "good". What else did you expect? The Right-wing of this country has lost it's mind and the American people will keep drinking the kool-aid. The Republican party is doomed to fail and it can't happen soon enough to the hypocrits involved. That party should be outlawed.

Justt Joe   October 3rd, 2007 12:56 pm ET

Of course the CEO has to defend old "shoot off my mouth" chubbo…what would Clear Channel have left if the screamer of screamers was off the air? He is a world class loser (oops, except in FL courts)..a phony comic with a microphone is just that….a phony comic with a microphone.

Ron   October 3rd, 2007 12:57 pm ET

However way Limbaugh and his puppeteers at Clear Channel hate machine that operates on the same principals as the 1930's Nazi propaganda machine, however way they try to spin it, the message comes across clear: If you don't bend to our will we'll consider you phony, traitors, irrelevant, etc. For any of you "Dittoheads" to try to defend this vile and disgusting hypocrite who does opposite of everything he claims goes to the heart of my argument: that you act like robots parroting and defending this discredited stain on the good name of America. "Dittos Rush". Yeah. That's code word from the robots sending a signal to the mothership that the robot is still a robot, incapable of forming an independent oppionon.

Corbett, Seattle WA   October 3rd, 2007 12:59 pm ET

Senator Reid just blew my mind again. I had no idea that Limbaugh was as a-whole. I have a question for every Democrat backing this "firestorm"? What is to gain by this? They are going after the right wing equivalent of Jon Stewart, thus turning a throw away joke into a mobilization of Limbaughs trailer trash contingent. And for what.

They have no authority to get him off the air. And if they did, it would be to the horror of all of the Civil Rights activists the donate to MoveOn.org. Amateur, stupid and reactionary. I don't know why these guys think they have the right to save us from Bush.

Kendo Shinichi - Youngstown, OH   October 3rd, 2007 12:59 pm ET

Yup, more WORDS. Free, meaningless words. Limbaugh and MoveOn both exaggerate and use extremes, yet market themselves exclusively to left-wing and right-wing nutjobs. The vast majority of voters fall somewhere in the middle. I like to think they're more impressed by actions and constructive criticism, rather than repeated bashing.

And please- Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press aren't just phrases casually tossed around, only to be ignored out of taboo during wartime. During a war, when stress and challenges upon the United States' philosophy are at their peak — this is when our liberties need to be defended and expressed most. Limbaugh and MoveOn can say whatever they want, and should feel free to do so without calls for their censorship. You whiners need to get over yourselves… on BOTH sides.

Greg, Phoenix, AZ   October 3rd, 2007 1:02 pm ET

Anyone who thinks this pathetic postering by the Democrats is anything other than an attempted counter-attack in response to the heat they took for the MoveOn.Org disaster is not logically gifted.

It's actually just kind of sad watching the Dem's flail at Conservative radio hosts like Limbaugh and O'Reilly. Not that it would matter anyway (if these people had anything to do with the Republican party) but all you have to do is listen to the entire sequences and you can tell that the charges by the Democrats are just trumped up.

I would hope that someone of Harry Reid's stature would be able to find something a little more meaningful to dedicate his time towards, but I guess with the lowest approval rating of any political body in the history of this country your choices are pretty limited.

Rob, Minneapolis, MN   October 3rd, 2007 1:04 pm ET

Doug, if being "honest, fair, and truthful" are your reasons for never again voting for a Democrat, I certainly hope you are or are becoming a Libertarian. I'd hate to see you espouse those values to validate voting for one of the current crop of Republicans.

Nick, Harvard MA   October 3rd, 2007 1:06 pm ET

I love how this so-called "news report" cuts the transcript right in the middle so that it looks as bad as possible. If they had actual journalistic integrity they would include the whole transcript where Rush explains that he is referring to a specific soldier who washed out of boot camp then lied about seeing atrocities in Iraq, when he had never even been there, and other similar situations.

JB Boston MA   October 3rd, 2007 1:07 pm ET

Armands-

Everyone admits that if the Dems had the political fortitude, they could end this war today. Stop the money, stop the war. They don't want to, evidenced by Hillary saying war will go thru 2013. They just told you what you wanted to hear to get your vote. Do you feel used?

Richard, West Palm Beach, FL   October 3rd, 2007 1:07 pm ET

When Limbaugh gets done with his double-talk, the indisputable facts remain. If you go to his official website and look at his official transcript, you will find that he NEVER once mentions MacBeth or "phony soldiers" before his infamous comment. He also says the plural "soldiers" and not "soldier" as used by some of his supporters as an excuse.

Yes, he has mentioned both subjects before, but NOT on that show. Rush also intentionally failed to admit to his listeners that he had doctored his tapes by deleting a minute and a half in order to disgracefully try to convince his gullible fans that the reference to MacBeth had immediately followed the "phony soldiers" comment. That's not much of a sales pitch for integrity. It was that phony tape that he sent to the Armed Forces Network to use.

Yes, phony soldiers do exist. Yes, phony commentators do exist, too, as demonstrated by Limbaugh who has freely admitted that it has been his effort to "try to carry the water and make excuses for people who don't deserve it." His listeners must be so proud of that statement that also reflects on their ability to think for themselves.

Liberal Lee, New York   October 3rd, 2007 1:07 pm ET

I think there's a big difference between signing a letter to the CEO of Clear Channel, and voting to approve a resolution condemning an advertisement. One is communication, the other a legislative act. I am glad Mrs. Clinton did the former, and declined to do the latter.

Bill, Miami FL   October 3rd, 2007 1:07 pm ET

Why does CNN continue to misrepresent what Rush Limbaugh said? They are spot-quoting him and making it sound like the opposite of what he really said. Is there any journalistic integrity left in America?

jay   October 3rd, 2007 1:10 pm ET

Rush got a deferment from Vietnam due to anal cysts. What do you expect from a coward? sheesh, some of you are actually shocked that a person such as Rush, who hates America more than he hates himself would say such a thing..

Rich Chicago, IL   October 3rd, 2007 1:10 pm ET

ASSAULTED Petraeus? Give me a break. That's just more rhetoric, just like the hypocrite Rush Limbaugh. He was not referring specifically to Jesse MacBeth, but to those SOLDIERS who do not agree with his b.s. He didn't even REFER to MacBeth at the time!

The second he was caught illegally obtaining prescription drugs after all his tough talk about coming down hard on drug users this man lost all credibility. But fear and hate sell, so line up you lemmings.

Clinton Andrews, Grosse Pointe, Michigan   October 3rd, 2007 1:12 pm ET

Time for Rush to check in to Betty Ford. It works for every other celebrity who puts their foot in their mouth; it will work for Rush.

Robert, Galena, Illinois   October 3rd, 2007 1:13 pm ET

Perhaps the CEO can explain how Rush avoided the draft. I would like to know, because I went in his place. Well, maybe not me personally, but someone did. For those of us who did go, a boil on the ass seems pretty phony in itself. He seems to represent the far right rather well in that respect.

Bob, Seattle, WA   October 3rd, 2007 1:15 pm ET

Common sense prevails. Liberals hear what they want to hear. The truth is stretched by those who get in bed with the likes of Media Matters, Soros, and Clinton. Too bad there isn't a real democrat that is truly looking out for all of America (Red, White, and Blue). Sorry state of affairs for politics. Which is why Congress' approval rating is the lowest in recorded history. Mindless bickering. Take a long look at Mike Huckabee. Listen to him. He has a heart and mind for AMERICA. For him, it is about AMERICA. It is not all about him. There isn't a candidate on either side that can say the same thing.

Patrick, Bartlesville Oklahoma   October 3rd, 2007 1:15 pm ET

Just wanted to say that Obama looks like a hypocrit on this b/c he wouldnt come out against the move-on ad saying that he thought it was a waste of congress' time yet he co-signed this letter. Very dissapointing.

Lio, Eugene, Oregon   October 3rd, 2007 1:16 pm ET

Rush Limbaugh's comments are so out of line. Our tax money should not pay for this sicko to tell lies to our military. He should be removed from Armed Forces Radio immediately!

Lance, Layton UT   October 3rd, 2007 1:16 pm ET

Rush should DEFER in commenting about soldiers as the boil on his buttocks seems to get in the way of his thinking.

Note to those who don't know. Limbaugh didn't fight in Vietnam because he continuously received deferments for problems on his behind. That's why he's certainly a brave man when it comes to others risking their lives.

Steve   October 3rd, 2007 1:19 pm ET

"Listening to the entire dialogue it is obvious that Rush Limbaugh was referring to the "soldier" who for whjatever reason had not served but rather had embellished their time for their own self-acclaim by making up stories about their "valor"."

No, Brainwashed Dumb American, you listened to the sanitized version that your phony hero put out with 35 seconds deleted.

Find the real conversation, then go ahead and apologize for being so easily culled.

J. Shaw   October 3rd, 2007 1:21 pm ET

With all the criticism that the military has withstood over the course of the last several years, it is outrageous that a comment such as this should even be considered to be newsworthy. It is so obvious that there is a bigger political objective that motivated the Senate's respose, namely the destruction of "right wing" talk radio. Those in government, who are trying to set the stage to underminine the "fairness doctrine", have no clue the force they will unleash if they tamper with free speech. The fury over the immigration bill this past summer will pale in comparison to what will happen if the powers that be try to "shut up" alternative views. People in power (and out) have no idea how many independents will be moved to action if they believe there is a serious effort to undermine anyone's freedom, irrespective of whether or not they agree with their point of view.

People are waking up to the fact that this is not a controversy over what someone said, but an attempt to attack on the right of freedom of speech. Everyone, no matter what their political perspective and no matter their interpretation of what was said, should be outraged that the Senators would abuse their authority to attack a private citizen. Who among us will be free to express our views if the Senate's conduct is excused, or worse still, justified.

Omar, Phoenix, AZ   October 3rd, 2007 1:21 pm ET

Limbaugh is a waste of time. He is a war-mongering know nothing with a radio voice and pure evil in his soul

As far as James' comment about Hillary: She was the one that was attacked by Giuliani personally for the Moveon ad, one that she had nothing to do with. And the entire Congress had to waste time voting to discredit this ad.

Bill Clinton said it best with his "feigned outrage" comments. All of this is to take away from the real issue: How to end this war!

Let people say what they want. As an elected official, we didn't put you in office to try and stifle free speech or "condemn" anything. We voted for you so that you can do our bidding, which by the results of the 06′ election, was ending this war!

Steve   October 3rd, 2007 1:21 pm ET

Notice how fast Hillary jumps on board condemning THIS issue?

RE:CLINTON: "Typical. She says NOTHING about Moveon.Org which assualted a decorated 4-Star General,…"

Assaulted? You lie. The Move On ad simply pointed out what a liar Paetreus and his boss Howdy Doody are.
That's not assault; that's telling the truth.

" but condemns Rush because he called-out a guy who falsely claimed to have served in Iraq. The "evidence" liberals have is the "S" in soldiers. "

There was no such guy. Damn, Limbaugh followers are idiots.

Pete, NY, NY   October 3rd, 2007 1:25 pm ET

I am no fan of Rush Limbaugh or any other one-way talking head but that Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama would take the time to sign such a letter to Clear Channel regarding this matter - which may have referenced a person posing as a combat veteran and who was not - and yet didn't think it necessary to repudiate Moveon.org for what was a blatant and obvious attack on the integrity of a decorated, standing officer just goes to show you who they BELONG to. It is disgusting and in the general election will come back to bite us in the you-know-what. Sit back and watch. I am ashamed of being a Democrat when I read stuff like this.

John, New York City   October 3rd, 2007 1:26 pm ET

You guys at CNN are as bad as Reid in taking this story out of context. I love how you left the Limbaugh side of the story out of the first five paragraphs, and only after the "Read full story" link. The conversation was about McBeth, who was propped up by anti-war groups as an Iraq veteran describing atrocities performed by our soldiers. It turned out that he failed out of boot camp and never was in Iraq. That's what Limbaugh was talking about. Better zip it up Ted Turner, your agenda is showing.

Peggy, Houston, TX   October 3rd, 2007 1:27 pm ET

Rush Limbaugh and all those like him are what are wrong with this country today. What a hypocrite, Rush Limbaugh is the master of taking things out of context. He is nothing but a bought-and-paid-for talk show hate monger.

steve, fort worth, texas   October 3rd, 2007 1:28 pm ET

Brave talk for a wuss that probably never thought about serving in the military. "Walk the Walk" you moron.

Liam Burke, Buffalo, New York   October 3rd, 2007 1:30 pm ET

To: Shaw

Thank God someone else gets it.

Marc, Sacramento, CA   October 3rd, 2007 1:31 pm ET

Can someone explain to me how Rush, who avoided military service because of a cyst on his (fat) ass thinks he can judge who is and who isn't a real soldier? (and please don't use the hydrocodone excuse–that gets old!) The man's hypocracy knows no bounds, although it does make for good theater.

Irene Jones,