(CNN) - Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh challenged President Obama to a verbal showdown Wednesday, calling on him to visit his talk show for an "intelligent, open discussion" on issues like health care and taxes.
"If you can win at this, then come here and beat me at my own game, and get rid of me once and for all, and show all the people of America that I am wrong," said Limbaugh. "If you take me out, if you can wipe me out in a debate and prove to the rest of America that what I say is senseless and wrong, do you realize you will own the United States of America?"
Limbaugh also accused the White House of orchestrating an attack on him, telling his listeners that the Obama team is demonizing the radio host since Bush left office. He said the effort was being spearheaded by White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who Limbaugh refers to as the "power behind the throne."
"Don't let his effeminate nature and his ballerina past mislead you on this. He may look effeminate (he was a ballerina at one time) but he has the feral instincts of a female rat defending its young," Limbaugh said.
"I'm calling. I'm ready. I'll do everything I can to facilitate it. You're a very courageous man, Mr. President. I am, after all, just The Last Man Standing," Limbaugh said.
In January, Limbaugh called on the president to sign on to his “bi-partisan” stimulus plan, which would increase government spending for roughly half the country, and cut taxes for the other half.
From CNN Politics
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
I think Rush is back on drugs. That is a bettter explaination then my thoughts as I watch him rant like an person who is insane.
I don't think Rush Limbaugh is capable of having an intelligent, open discussion. The vast majority of his remarks throughout his career seem to support my opinion.
Quick, place your bets on how many times you think he will say 'socialism'!!
Awww Rush...you're only important to the republicans......President Obama is to busy to deal with you silly behind.
if nothing else, this would be entertaining...
This is insanity! " . . . you will own the United States . . . " did he say that? The Devil said to Jesus if you fall down and worship me I will give you all the kingdoms of the earth. His reference to Rahm: I guess rush knows well the habits or rodents. Wow! this is shameless. He is intoxicated with the drink and drunk of his own wickedness.
'calling on him to visit his talk show for an "intelligent, open discussion"'
Limbaugh has proven this is impossible on his show. It would be a waste of Obama's time and a validation of Limbaugh's egomaniacal desire for more political power and influence.
The idea is absurd.
You've been called out mr O-duh-ma. Surely you're not afraid of that poor luvable fuzz ball that is Rush.
Rush keep on talking you're only turning more Independents off...
This guy is hilarious – the new spiritual leader of the Republican Party – what they deserve.
Two people who do NOT interview: Lou Dobbs and Rush Limbaugh who both talk over people, do not allow critics to respond and bully anyone who dares disagree. Both have huge egos and use fear and namecalling as their major defense. This is born out in Limbaugh's comments about Rahm Emanuel and his reference to being "the Last Man Standing".
It is pathetic that this talk show windbag would equate himself with the President of the United States.
Childish, crying babe,
he needs to calm down
LOL...and Rush...hate to break it to you but you do not 'own' America.
Stop with the delusions of grandeur.
Yeah, like Obama has time to waste visiting this virulent clown who has not once showed an iota of respect to him as our President. Sorry Rush, you must be suffering hallucinations from the OxyContin withdrawal.
This is an insult to our President. Rush is a delusional idiot!
This is just plain pathetic. Limbaugh and the rest of the GOP have become more of a joke then they were while Bush was in office. Republicans blame the Democrats for making Limbaugh a big deal… Limbaugh makes Limbaugh a big deal. He loves this spotlight and is eating up all of the attention that he’s getting.
Obama will summarily dismantle this goof ball, politically undress him, make him look like a fool on his own radio show, and open the eyes of millions of El Rushbo adherents simultaneously.
This is silly. Limbaugh is a radio personality. Obama is the President of the United States. There is no comparison. Why should the President feel the need to explain himself to this self-proclaimed "leader" of conservatives?
Obama has more important things to do with his time, like trying to fix the messes we're in. Limbaugh apparently has nothing better to do (except perhaps complain).
I don't like either one of them. Nothing but hot air comes out of either one. Maybe that could be a "gree" energy source.
Obama won't – our leaders aren't supposed to negotiate with terrorists, or loudmouthed drug addicts.
Rush Limbo (or "the bum's Rush", as others have referred to him) seems to portray himself (correctly or incorrectly) as Satan leaving the "ultimate temptation" to someone who is just trying to do good.
I wanna puke.
The White House thought it was appropriate to single out and attack a private citizen. It's totally inappropriate for this to happen. So to be fair he should not fear facing him. It would be interesting at least.
Isn't this blowhard's 15 minutes of fame up yet?
who would debate a AM radio talk show host...former drug addict..sorry...
Never in American history has any sitting President debated any member of the press on any issue. This is laughable. If Rush really wanted a debate, he would meet with someone like James Carville or Robert Gibbs at a neutral location, not on his radio show where he controls the pace, tone, and tenor of the argument. Does anybody truly believe he wouldn't just shout and yell and try to talk over someone if there was no moderator present?
Better yet, Rush, why not run for president in 2012? Clearly, as the voice of the party, you would walk away with the nomination and then get to debate President Obama no less than three times. Give me a break.