(CNN) - Rush Limbaugh, the popular conservative talk-show host who's long been lukewarm to John McCain's candidacy, warned the Arizona senator Tuesday picking a pro-choice running mate could devastate the Republican Party.
Referencing reports McCain advisors are seriously considering both former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge and former Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Lieberman - both of whom favor abortion rights - Limbaugh said picking either of those men would ensure a GOP defeat, and damage the party’s brand for years to come.
"How about some discussion from the McCain campaign about a conservative who can be counted on across the board, who can help lead the country in the right direction?" said Limbaugh. "Who can help rebuild the Republican Party? Lieberman can’t do that - and rebuild the conservative movement? McCain nor Lieberman nor Ridge can do that.”
The comments come amid reports senior advisors to McCain are floating both Lieberman and Ridge's names among key social conservatives in an effort to measure the blowback the Arizona senator will face if he names either man to the ticket. One party insider tells CNN that McCain campaign manager Rick Davis has called several state party chairs and indicated Ridge will be the Republican vice presidential pick this cycle.
Limbaugh said Tuesday that the drawbacks of choosing either man far out-weighed any potential benefits.
"McCain has already seen to it that he can walk across the aisle that he’s the top of the ticket," Limbaugh said. "If anybody is going to attract moderates, it’s going to be the top of the ticket guy. He’s not going to help himself any additional way, he’s going to hurt himself by putting a liberal or a liberal Republican on this ticket, particularly pro-choice.”
From CNN Politics
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Limbaugh's the funniest comedian on radio. I love his show.
Go Obama 08!
I think its the ultra conservitives that have devistateds the Republican party.
Moderation is where most of the country falls- as aagreed by everyone except the extremes.
McCain pick who you want. If its the wrong person, you'll know soon enough.
Two Evil Peoples in America Story
Blood sucker
Love that! The drug addict dictation what the adulterous liar can do. Gotta love the GOP!
'Rebuild the conservative movement..." Rush, I know a great young candidate you'd love to meet. Goes by the name Nicolae Carpathia.
take a calmative, Rush.
CNN, can't you find a more respectable person to quote? Rush Limbaugh is a rabid druggie! Why do you even print anything the man has to say? He hates illegal immigrants, but he didn't mind having one buy his drugs. I don't care who McCain picks as his VP. He is going down in defeat. The man creates his history as he goes along and no media will call him out. Go figure?
Remind me why we care Rush Limbaugh says?
Great news - he picks a moderate, he's toast with the Fundies, he picks a rightwing nut job, he's toast with the moderates and independents.
And that's the word according to Rush 3:16.
Old Limp-baugh must be needing his pills.
one air head to another
Further damage the brand......is that possible?
The Cheney/Bush/McSame failed policies are what has damaged the brand you blowhard!
It's time for a change.
It is truly sad how people who stake a claim to morality and Christian values can actually listen to someone as hate-filled as Rush Limbaugh. I am a Christian and I am certainly not influenced by Limbaugh, Sean Hannity or any of the other haters – so-called religious right. It is truly sad/tragic when people who claim to be Christians act in the most unChristian-like manner. And the ones who do are really a bunch of Pharisees – the same type that were responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus.
Hey,
She'll be close to Las Vegas. Why can't she go gamble and try to win some of her debt back? It would be the same as voting for her to be president–one big GAMBLE.
I'm so glad my husband and I made the right choice.
Obama 08
What kind of democracy does America have when reporters can "warn" candidates", create controversy, print attack and smear ads as truth and heavily scrutinize ine candidate while they overlook all criticism of the other because he continually pulls the I was a "prisoner of war" card.
Sadly, it may just be the media who will decide this election.
McCain voted against an amendment providing $20 billion for VA medical facilities [5/4/06]
McCain voted against providing $430 million to the VA for outpatient care and treatment for veterans [4/26/06]
McCain voted against increasing VA funding by $1.5 billion by closing corporate loopholes [3/14/06]
McCain voted against increasing VA funding by $1.8 billion by ending abusive tax loopholes [3/10/04].
ridge will help mccain win peensylvina mccain said he wanted to winn pa
I think McCain should pay strict attention to Limbaugh's words. After all, RL is the real power behind the GOP. Just ask ham......er..him.
Vote for McTraitor where you get the best President money can buy.
The Republican voters picked John McCain in the primaries for a reason, and I'm sure they'll trust his pick for a running mate. If you didn't want him to pick a liberal V.P. then you should have asked him about it a long time ago.
I really do not like McCain. But I completely despise Limbaugh. I hope McCain tells all of the right wing Fascists like Limbaugh to go straight to hell!
So who is Rush, the Don?
That fat doughboy can't tell anyone what to do. Tell him we'll call him when we need a model for Bob's Big Boy. LOL, or we'll call him if we need a new area for a zipcode, he's big enough.
Obama 08
McCain needs a pro-choice running mate to win! A far right wacko will alienate the moderates and independents McCain needs.
Limbaugh too many pain pills damage your memory. The GOP is already destroyed and is worth nothing. The only thing the GOP is good for is well....let me think... I will get back to you.
ridge will win over those consertitive