(CNN) - Conservative talk-radio host Rush Limbaugh Monday strongly defended his recent remark that Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama largely because of race, and lashed out at members of the media and Democrats for appearing to take issue with his comment.
"So what if it's race?" Limbaugh said on his radio show. "Why is it so hard to admit that it's race...What's so problematic about admitting it?"
Limbaugh's original comments came in an email to Politico reporter Jonathan Martin Sunday, when the talk-radio host took issue with Powell's contention that his endorsement of the Illinois senator did not have anything to do with the color of his skin.
"Secretary Powell says his endorsement is not about race," Limbaugh wrote in the e-mail. "OK, fine. I am now researching his past endorsements to see if I can find all the inexperienced, very liberal, white candidates he has endorsed. I'll let you know what I come up with."
The comments immediately caused a stir on several Democratic blogs and an Obama campaign spokeswoman called them "disgusting." They were also heavily reported on several news programs Sunday night and Monday morning. But Limbaugh made clear Monday he is not backing down from them.
"I thought it should be about race," he said. "I thought you liberals thought this was a historic candidacy because finally we are going to elect a black guy...why hide behind this, why act like it's not about race?"
"This was all about Powell and race, nothing about the nation and its welfare," Limbaugh added. The talk radio host also criticized members of the media for not addressing his claim that Powell likely hasn't endorsed white candidates who, according to Limbaugh, have similar political leanings and experience as Obama.
"Just so you know, I haven't come up with any," he said. "I worked diligently on this on the airplane on the trip home from Green Bay yesterday. I can't find any of these inexperienced white liberals that Powell has endorsed."
In announcing his endorsement of Obama, Powell said his decision was not based solely on race, but added "I can't deny that it will be a historic event for an African-American to become president."
"Should that happen, all Americans should be proud - not just African-Americans, but all Americans - that we have reached this point in our national history where such a thing could happen," Powell said on NBC's Meet the Press Sunday. "It will also not only electrify our country, I think it'll electrify the world."
From CNN Politics
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THIS GUY IS DISGUSTING!!! THIS IS ONE OF THE MORE REASONS WHY MCCAIN WILL LOSE AND AFTER THAT WE WILL SEE YOU CRYING YOUR EYES OUT!!
What in the hell is this dope headed bigot talking about?
Rush has helped me decide for Obama. Thank you!
Rush Limbaugh is nothing but a jerk.
"So what if it's race"
Spoken like a true racist.
Limbaugh is an idiot.
Rush Limabaugh is the biggest racist of all! He sees in others, what he himself is . What a sad case he is!
Why are MOST of McCain/Palin supporters so full of HATEFUL words? McCain/Palin started this by trying to DIVIDE and DESTROY our great country. This is WHY I VOTED for Obama 2 weeks ago by absentee ballot.
Al Franken was right. Rush Limbaugh is a big fat idiot.
Then how about we all agree that ALL the white people who have endorsed Mccain is because of race.
And ALL the women who supported Hillary was because she was a woman.
Because we all have one track minds and we can't possibly support someone for reasons that are not superficial.
Who listens to Rush Limbaugh anyway?
Why can`t you just ignore such comments?
If it Powell's endorsement was based on race, either primarily or in large part, he would have made such an endorsement long ago, Rush.
that's because there has never been a person like obama in quite sometime. get over it. if he was white I would feel the same way. could care less about race or even religion for that matter.
This type of push back can be expected from a racist!
Limbaugh
You are a sore Loser, those are inappropriate comments
Well, you know where's Rush's head is. Powell endorsed Obama because he is mad at the Republicans, especially George Bush – that's a fact.
It doesn't surprise me that Rush-to-idiocy doesn't understand this political season. He is old news and is sliding downward by the day.
Rush – you are an idiot.
Despite claims by the McCain camp that the race is narrowing, daily tracking polls on Sunday showed a steady Obama lead.
Gallup had Obama up by 52 to 42 percent among registered voters nationwide, reflecting the last presidential debate last week in which Obama was adjudged the winner by most snap polls.
Rasmussen also had Obama above 50 percent, with a 51 to 45 percent lead
The Quintessential Gasbag speaketh once again. Are remarks like this the only thing this party and its followers can come up with? I think they're mostly upset to see that one by one, people are beginning to see through all of the hype and lies that have been thrust upon us for the last eight years. Let's face it ..... the comfortable grip on power that the Republican Party has had for so long is not an easy thing for them to face losing. Get ready for more and even NASTIER interjections to come from these folks between now and November 4!!! GO OBAMA/BIDEN !!
And I suppose Linbaugh'sn support for McCain is not? Why is the media giving attention to this? Was this not anticipated?
As I sit here in Iraq, it's people lke Rush Limbaugh who disgust me and make me wonder why????
Rush is not the type of person that I serve in support of. He is what keeps America divided. He is a tiny little man who is afraid to look at him self honestly in the mirror. COWARD!!!!
This guy needs to get a life!
So every white man that endorsed McSame should be called a racist too! Limbaugh, you are such a waste. Who cares what you have to say. Why do you always have to be so disrespecful? It must be the lack of respect you have for yourself. Now go away.