[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/30/limbaugh.jpg caption="Poll: Limbaugh most influential conservative, say Americans."] (CNN) - Americans overwhelmingly say talk-radio host Rush Limbaugh is currently the most influential conservative, according to a new poll.
In the new survey conducted by CBS' "60 Minutes" and Vanity Fair magazine, 26 percent of those sampled identified Limbaugh as the leading conservative, followed by fellow media personality Glenn Beck at 11 percent.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin followed close behind with 10 percent each.
The only Republican who currently holds office to make the list is House Minority Leader John Boehner, who registered 4 percent in the poll.
The poll of 855 Americans was conducted November 6-8 and carries a sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
If those two self-important blowhards Limbaugh and Beck are the most influential conservatives in the country, Democrats can rest easy knowing that Republicans are happily swallowing whatever pablum these two oafs are spoon-feeding the righties who don't want to actually think for themselves.
And Palin is 4th? Just who I want to listen to... a delusional, hypocritical, quitter who can't answer a straight question without stumbling over herself and her own "gosh darn it"s.
I think it says a lot about the Republicans that the only person named in the result of this poll who actually holds an office and can actually create and put laws into place gets 4%.
That pretty much tells you all you really need to know about them.
As a Democrat, that list makes me giggle!
Especially when you add Dumb and Dumber (Cheney and Palin)!
and that is exactly what is wrong with american politics. being a "newsmaker" will get you recognized as a "leader".
go ask obama, he got himself elected 'cause he did well on TV. Go ask Sarah, she did nos do so well on "TV".
That why we elect "movie" or "rock" stars. I'd betcha that if ophra ran for president she would win. and easily.
If Limbaugh is the most influential for the GOP, then the Democrats should not have a worry in the world. Then there is the second best GOP ranter running a close second. If those types are all the GOP can roll out for consideration, then the party is in worse shape than we even dared suspect! I hope they hang in there until 2012....the Democrats will win with a landslide!
And Limbaugh claims to be just an entertainer. What a crock! Everything he says is a lie. Even his so-called statistics are lies.
What a sad commentary on American life.
No wonder Republicans can not get it together! Their own base identifies ENTERTAINERS as the conservative influentials of the party! HELLO! They are not the people who can actually get things done! But keep it up...Democratic landslide in 2010 and 2012 will be welcome.
Don't speak for this American!! I totally disagree! I don't think this guy is worth the "cyber paper" you have written on!!!
To be a favorite among conseratives you must be a portly, drug addict who spouts un-American nonsense! Not to high a bar to acheive! Go for it, all you drugged out conservatives!
That shows how weak-minded the republican/conservative base is.
This article shows just how out of the mainstream the GOP is when a radio loud-mouth is their defacto leader. Add in the fact that Cheney & Palin are a close second and it becomes quite scary.
How sad that extremists such as this are given any creditibility.
That the American people actually listen to, believe these hate
filled, irresponsible talk show hosts whose goals are to say
and do anything to grab the headlines with no regard to truth
or the survival of our country or us. And, politicans so radical
and unAmerican, unethical and phony that they deserve no
recognition at all.
And, even sadder is the media constantly glamorizing, headlining, stirrrng up unrest, sensationalizing the gutters of our country,
I'd take Limbaugh and Beck ANY DAY over those blithering donkeys Pelosi and Reid! Obama and his blithering donkeys don't know that you can't spend your way out of bankruptcy.
Ya gotta love it! The arrogant, sacrosanct Repugs love an uneducated drug addict and a hypocritical woman who preaches family values while leaving her brood to cavort around the country pushing a book she doesn't have the language skills to write herself.
Why is Mark Levin not amongst the leaders? True conservatives know better and can attest who his credentials.
That speaks volumes of the Republican party.
I am sure that House Leader Boehner is quite pleased with his score. Being that his major area of interest is golf, that four is good for par on most holes.
This guy is the most influential Repulican, can you set the bar any lower?
What about the party crashers. Will they become the new Republican standard bearers?
UH, , , IS THIS A SURPRISE TO ANYONE?
Limbaugh took the GOP helm during the historic 2008 Democratic Primary race as he vehemently pressed registered Independents and conservative democrats to vote against Obama for Hillary in their state primaries. Party Boss Limbaugh also threatened candidate John McCain to choose an "ultra conservative" like Palin or Huckabee for VP mate, or he would demand conservatives stay home on election night. Boss Limbaugh has been leading the charge against President Obama and the Democrats even before Obama took office on January 20, 2009.
Even though I'm not surprised, this is great. I just hope somebody doesn't take what these clowns say literally and harm our President.
Democrat landslide 2010 and 2012!
Let's see... Instead of polticians or leaders by their own merit, the conservatives are backing bashers and smearers? Is that what the poll is saying? Apalling.
This is all sooooo sad!!
He is the most influencial.... and the most polarizing. His messages have overtones of hate and he love the almighty dollar. I wonder what He thinks of the man. "Love Thy neighbor as you would love yourself". That is a commandment he breaks daily.