Limbaugh dares Obama: 'Debate me'

[jefferson_dem]

Source: Chi Trib

Limbaugh dares Obama: 'Debate me'
White House press secretary says: 'I wish I had a radio.' I don't.'
Posted March 4, 2009 2:30 PM

by Mark Silva

Rush Limbaugh, the radioactive Republican, has a dare for Barack Obama, the president:

"Debate me.''

Days into the debate over Limbaugh's stated desire for the failure of Obama's economic agenda, the radio commentator says he is tired of the "odious', empty, nasty"' people in the White House who are targeting him and attempting to make him the de facto spokesman for the Republican Party. That includes "ballerina'' Rahm Emanuel, he says.

"I have an idea,'' Limbaugh (pictured in an AP photo by Ron Edmonds) said today. "If these guys are so impressed with themselves, and if they are so sure of their correctness, why doesn't President Obama come on my show? We will do a one-on-one debate of ideas and policies... ''

But the White House has its own word on "engaging'' Limbaugh and the likes, those "cable-chatter'' critics. "It may be counterproductive -- I'll give you that,'' White House press secretary Robert Gibbs (pictured at left by the AP's Gerald Herbert) said today. "Look, I -- are there days in which I just turn my television off? Yes.''

"Listen to the radio,'' someone suggested.

"I wish I had a radio,'' Gibbs said. "I don't. Maybe I should just hook my iPod up.''

But some of the 12 million people who do have radios and comprise Limbaugh's listening audience may have heard this today:

"I am offering President Obama to come on this program -- without staffers, without a TelePrompTer, without note cards -- to debate me on the issues. Let's talk about free markets versus government control. Let's talk about nationalizing health care and raising taxes on small business...

<SNIP>

Read more: http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2009/03/limbaugh_dares_obama_debate_me.html

[Blue_In_AK]

1. Obama shouldn't even acknowledge Jabba's existence.

[dysfunctional press]

6. or...

make a counter offer of a nationally-televised debate between the two of them on neutral ground and with a mutally-agreeable moderator(s).

[marshall]

42. AND make it Pey-per-View, they'd make millions

And all the proceeds go to the bailouts.

[No Elephants]

84. And put Rush on a par with the President of the United States? Or, make it seem as though Obama

still has to run for the Presidency? Very bad plan, IMO.

[ReliantJ]

43. Seriously, what will Obama get out of this?

[TahitiNut]

44. "Maybe Rush should pick on someone his own size."

Some such line -- obviously even better -- would put Rushbo in his place. Obama's a master of the throwaway one-liner ... and it'd be funny.

[Marr]

54. oops- mispost.

[tekisui]

2. The Democratic/Repuke debate was decided on November 4th.

No matter who claims to be the head of the dying party, we Democrats won the debate, and are in charge.

Blow it out you cyst covered ass, limpballs.

[Spouting Horn]

50. Exactly.

I don't understand why the Obama White House even acknowledges Limbaugh, much less feel the need to create a "boogy man" right after you've swept the other party out of power completely.

[MattBaggins]

58. The Whitehouse is not the one creating the boogeyman

The MSM and Rush himself are doing that. It is the reality of the situation and the Whitehouse has no power to avoid this issue. Ruswh is making an idiot out of himself and is the present leader of the GOP.

[No Elephants]

86. Yes, but the POTUS's dignfying Rush by mentioning him leads to things like this. Should never

have been done. Obama is too far above Rush to make poking Rush a good idea, ever. Even the WH press secretary's stoop to that level is a bad idea.

We have the wheels coming off the world and the WH seeming on the surface to be reoccupied with Rush Limbaugh's latest verbal fart. Not good from any perspective. If you are a Rush fan, this can only elate you. If you are focused on the very real and massive problems of the nationa nd the world, economic, environmental and geopolitical, you can only shake your head and go "WTF?" and hope the politicians re-focus fast.

Big mistake for Obama to mention him, bigger for Gibbs to keep this going. The impression is that Rush is so important as to warrant their attention and/or they are not laser focused on what is really important.

[Justyce]

3. Why would the President of the United States

waste time on an idiotic self-righteous drug-head turd like Limbaugh... Sheesh, the ego on that asshole...

[subsuelo]

11. no kidding n/t

[Andy823]

18. I agree.

The president does not have to debate some gas bag idiot talk radio show host. He should tell the leader of congress that if there "elected" leaders want to discuss things they are more than welcome, but Rush, no way! Rush knows good and well it won't happen, and that's why he is doing this. What it does is show the world that the republican party has sunk so far they can't debate the president, but have to rely on some drug addicted shock jock to do their work for them. I think the democrats can really make this whole thing show just how bad the republican party has gotten.

[Rashel]

40. It's like Tiger Woods playing against his caddy. Tee hee.

[GreenPartyVoter]

45. Indeed. As if the POTUS has nothing better to do.

[hiphopnation]

88. not just his ego

but the fact that his ego gets media coverage like this

[Dr Fate]

4. Has Rush ever debated anyone one-on-one? Shouldnt he have to work his way up?

There are plenty of other Liberals who would love to give Rush the practice he would need.

[dysfunctional press]

8. why let him work his way up...?

let obama have first crack at the pompous dirtbag- he wouldn't know what hit him.

[drm604]

21. I don't think he has.

As far as I know he avoids public discussion with anyone who disagrees with him.

In my opinion, he never would have proposed this if he thought there was a chance in hell President Obama would accept. This is simply a tactic where he can now criticize the President for not being willing or able to defend his beliefs. Of course, it's not that he's not able to defend his beliefs, he's more than able to do so, it's just that Presidents don't waste time debating blowhard media personalities.

[8 track mind]

41. Yes he did, sort of

ABC's nightline had a discussion between James Carville, Rush Limbaugh, Brit Hume, Ted Koppel and a few others before a live studio audience. This had to be about 1995, maybe earlier. It turned into a shouting match between James Carville and Rushbo. Now details are a bit fuzzy, but i think Mr. Carville confronted Rushbo anouncing on his show that Hillary Clinton was a lesbian. Rush said it wasn't his fault and it was a fax sent into the Dittohead line and he gave some bullshit excuse that it was some fact checker's fault that it went on the air. Carville wasn't buying any of it, and demanded an apology from limpballs to the American people on live national TV. He wouldn't do it and he kept spinning and dodging as he usualy does. Carville kept nailing him until Rushbo got pissed and lost his cool. It was f-ing hillarious.

[Dr Fate]

47. So the one time he tried it, he lost. No suprise here. n/t

n/t

[chatnoir]

70. I need to find a link for that!

Going off to search...

[8 track mind]

79. I wish i could give you more details than that.

This was when Brit Hume still worked for ABC news. I would sure love to see that again.

[BOSSHOG]

5. There can be no doubt now

limbaugh is the leader of the republican party and I think he fits the role very well. A drug addicted, obese, poorly educated lying whiner suspected of pedophilia is the face of the gop. He's the perfect fit.

If I may be so bold as to offer a suggestion to the leader of the gop. If you want to debate President Obama, run for President in 2012.

[stillcool]

7. Wow...this is LBN?

which Obama does Rush want to debate..Sasha or Malia?

[anachro1]

33. If that's the case....

Rush would love to beat up a little girl.

[rurallib]

65. I wouldn't let him near my kids.

[deutsey]

9. On the one hand, I'd love to see Obama kick this moron's ass

On the other, I would hope the President wouldn't give fatso the attention he so desperately craves.

[RaleighNCDUer]

10. He only makes a challenge that he knows will not be accepted.

IMO, Rahm Emmanuel should accept the challenge in Obama's place. He is far from my favorite person, but he would REALLY tear Rush a new one in any kind of debate.

It would be SOOOO fun to watch.

EDIT:

Better yet - have a REAL progressive who knows the issues take him on. Kucinich.

[daninthemoon]

12. remember all the flap about how Obama should refuse to engage

Iran because it would serve to legitamize them? Why would he want ot legitamize rush? Besides, what Earthly benefit would be served for the President, the country, or the dems? It would only serve to bolster limpballs hold on the gop. No, continue to address the fool the way they have been: just keep lumping his inanity into the gop leaderships platform, and let them decide how long they want to own him. Meanwhile, the president should not even acknowledge the fatman's name.

[Uben]

13. So, how bad does he want to debate?

Obama should tell him, "I will debate you, and if you lose, you have to leave the air forever." The whiny son of a bitch would backpedal so fast you would hear a swoooosh!

[daninthemoon]

17. hmmm, you may be onto something, but i still wouldn't want Obama to

debase himself by promoting limpball's show. besides, you know that the big fat liar would never hold up his end of the agreement.

[edbermac]

14. Debate Al Franken instead.

Scared to, you big fat idiot?

[islandmkl]

15. hey, Barack...if you're going to start engaging a-holes like oxyboy 'at their request'...

you wanna come over to my house for dinner next monday?

...and i voted for you, so there won't be any arguing...unless one of us drinks too much of the rum...

bring the wife and kids, too....hey, the kids will probably love the dog and the cat...

by the way, how many SS guys tag along?...they may have to eat out on the patio...

and tell rushican that he should get his ass elected and you would be happy to encounter him in Congress, where any 'debate' will have some consequences...

[Renew Deal]

16. Obama would eat this bozo alive.

But he won't.

[Jeep789]

19. I'd prefer a boxing match

I'd pay to watch Obama beat Rush to a pulp. (And I normally abhor boxing.)

[libodem]

20. That sickens me

It reminds me of Coulter calling out Janet Reno for a debate. Apples to oranges. Where does Limp-one get the nerve to think he is any where near the same league as Obama. Absolute horsepucky!!!!!

[JerseygirlCT]

22. Yeah, right

As if.

As if your overblown sense of self-importance makes you fit to stand as an intellectual or political equal of our president.

I hope Obama ignores this turd, as polite people everywhere would do.

[JerseygirlCT]

23. Yeah, and then next week he can have a round table discussion

with Joe the Plumber and Palin...

These folks don't seem to realize that we had an election. And the people spoke - pretty resoundingly.

Enjoy your long stay in the political wilderness Rush.

[libodem]

24. Cenk, Michael Moore or Al Frankin

would be a much more logical call out. And don't get me wrong all of the above mentioned are head and shoulders above the Big Fat Idiot, but they are more aligned with the same business. Also consider Ed Schultz or Bill Maher or Joy Bayhart.

[BlueIdaho]

25. The debate is over...

That fat fuck - and the bankrupt ideas he champions was beaten soundly by the American people back in November. Unfortunately this irrelevant gas bag - just like Coleman in MN - thinks his shit don't stink.

[Glorfindel]

26. How silly. Why should the President acknowledge that creature's existence?

Mr. Obama should continue to be about the people's business, and let the disgusting "entertainer" proceed with his verbal diarrhea.
:wtf:

[Jefferson23]

27. Oh gee, look how brave and confident Rush is, he will debate Obama

on HIS show. Even if this idea took place, how likely is it that Limbaugh would actually debate anyone, never mind Obama and agree to give up the control he uses on his show? No way, he knows that he would collapse and implode before the debate was over.

[Politicalboi]

28. Everyone should just

Ignore this POS. Let him talk to himself.

[Lorien]

29. "Dabate" sub human pond scum? Rush isn't worth a second of the President's

valued time. Sorry Rush; the grown ups are working and won't waste their time stroking your overblown ego.

[jmondine]

30. Obama should counter to debate him in a structured format on neutral ground

Watch Jabba the Rush shrink from that one.

[DFW]

31. Physical impossibility

To get to the President of the USA, you have to pass through one of those portable
metal detectors they bring in for such occasions. Limbaugh is too wide by a factor
of two, and could never pass through one of those things.

Plus the fact that, as has been mentioned, it would be demeaning for Obama to even
acknowledge such vermin, not to mention that Limbaugh would like nothing better than
to shout Obama down in public on his own show. It ain't gonna happen.

There is also the further risk of Obama being so much smarter than Limbaugh that the
Big Fat Idiot risks having a coronary when being shown up on his own show to be such
a bag of stale air, and then having his contemporaries on National Hate Radio accusing
Obama of manslaughter, thereby posthumously elevating Limbaugh to a status he never
deserved (pigslaughter isn't on the books in most states as far as I know) .

[anachro1]

32. IGNORE HIM

That pisses them off more.

[Name removed]

34. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Demobrat]

So what are you doing to get your guy nominated?

Are you collecting signatures? Donating cash to his campaign?

[Faygo Kid]

35. Run for president, Rush. Win the nomination, then there will be a debate.

Rush would never run for office.

He's a coward. Obama would wipe the floor with him, but it won't happen.

And Rush knows it. What a disgrace.

[MaineDem]

39. Bingo! n/t

[Demobrat]

36. I'm sure Obama will be perfectly happy to debate Pigboy.

Just as soon as Pigboy becomes his party's nominee for POTUS. If the R's are smart they'll start collecting donations and working to get him on the ballot right now, today. Who in the Republican party is more qualified? Nobody.

[MaineDem]

37. Forgive me for this...Just who the fuck does Limbaugh think he is?

The President of the United States has much more important thinks to do than lower himself to this guy's radio show level.

This idiot has nerve!

[tinrobot]

46. He's taking the bait and thinks he's the "Leader of the Republican Party"

Love it.

[benld74]

38. Kinda sounds like a 3pm school yard meeting with a bully!

[Dappleganger]

48. To debate the POTUS, one must earn that right by running against him

during the next election.

Rush Limbaugh is a political wannabe and could never get through the full process to earn that right. He has neither the credentials, the ability, the intellect nor the balls to play with the big boys.

[spanone]

49. the great gasbag's ego is really out of control

what a fucking idiot

[tinrobot]

51. Rush is being played brilliantly....

The Democrats pump him up to be the "Leader of the GOP"

Rush is such an egotistical gasbag, he believes it and becomes more self-important. Not only will his self-importance make him want to debate Obama (like that will happen) it will also make him want to remain the "Leader of the GOP."

As soon as some GOP politician tries to actually lead, Rush's inflated ego will feel threatened, and he'll strike out at whoever challenges him. I can easily see Rush tearing down any moderate Republican who tries to lead, thus keeping the GOP to the far right as it fades into obscurity.

[Marr]

57. I agree- it'll be very interesting to watch how Limbaugh responds to

GOP politicians who attempt to step up and lead their party.

[GreenTea]

52. Limbaugh never debates anyone who can make him look foolish-Obama absolutely would-It's a bluff-He's

trying to get even more media attention, Limbaugh is truly a lying stupid buffoon...a huge pile of ignorant republican pig shit!

[iamthebandfanman]

53. Stephen Colbert should challenge rush! n/t

[Marr]

55. Great! He's got three years to prepare for the Republican primaries.

If lard ass wants to debate Obama, he can run against him in the next election. I doubt that Mr. Limbaugh would be willing to give up his $30 million/year just to fix all these problems he claims to have the solutions for.

[Malikshah]

56. Rush: I challenge you!!! I am the Master Debato.... uh..... never mind.

*grabs his oxy and trundles out of the room*

[GinaMaria]

59. Even Rush thinks of himself as the leader of the CONs

He doesn't need legitimacy from Obama. He needs it from Steele.

[Butch350]

60. Rush should just be ignored...

let Rush have the rope and eventually he'll hang himself. Once America gets tired of his unconstructive BS trash talk
maybe he start to get ignored.

[Dukkha]

61. He couldn't even debate sports on Monday Night Football

remember how that worked out for him?

[Earth Bound Misfit]

62. Pres Obama to Limbaughtomy: ABLOISH Me!!!

:evilgrin:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=5169292

[ProudnFree]

63. OBAMA'S RESPONSE

Here's the way this needs to go down...

Obama politely declines and says, "I would encourage Mr. Limbaugh to run for his party's nomination in 2012. If he wins, as I did, I would then look forward to a series of spirited and organized debates. I look forward to his candidacy".

SLAM...DUNK

Like at loud-mouthed heckler at a comedy club, let Rush continue to rant and insult. Soon enough, the other patrons get fed up with the offender and turn the negative attention towards him.

This is friggin' BEAUTIFUL !!!!!!

The best politcal setup of my lifetime!!!!!!!

[sofa king]

64. That pussy wouldn't debate a Furby.

As Al Franken pointed out in his book on Limbaugh, the one time he tried to actually debate in public he was horribly, terribly embarrassed, and Limbaugh now goes to great lengths to ensure that his monologue is never, ever interrupted by truth, logic, or facts.

No, he's doing more-or-less what a cowardly bully does: he waits for the other guy's friends to hold that guy back, then tosses in a sucker-punch. In this case, President Obama is held back by the limits of good taste, which has never been a restraint for Mr. Limbaugh.

[rurallib]

66. Wanna know what's funny? Hannity has been challenging Obama

a debate since the election and no one will give Hannity even a nod. He's just a little shit. Rush is the big steaming pile.
And while Rushie scores big with his buddies with all his bluster, everybody knows Obama won't give Rushie the time of day.
So bluster Rushie, and look even more the fool, while all but about 15% of America laughs. And as you sink you take your party with you. You've been played,fool.

[Contrary1]

67. Just like Bush debated Olbermann...

You betcha! :eyes:

[leftynyc]

68. I don't get this

President Obama mentioned the impotent junkie once in an offhand way and he thinks he would lower himself to go on the schmuck's show? He's back on the drugs.

[KharmaTrain]

69. Sure Rushbo...August, 2012...

Win your corrupt party's nomination and then President Obama will gladly debate you. Now you wouldn't want to get schooled beforehand.

Also, sorry, Rushbo, challengers don't get to call the venue. If there was a debate, it wouldn't be on your radio radio network but in a open setting with REAL journalists and observers in control of the agenda.

He knows Obama won't take him up on the offer...time to turn it on him. Lets have one of our radio personalities or a teevee one debate him.

Here are my suggestions...Stephen Colbert!! If he's not available then either Randi Rhodes or Kristina Van Den Huevel. It'd be fun to see Rushbo get cut down to size by a woman.

[fishwax]

71. I'm sure there will be thousands of ditto-heads who'll see Obama's not showing up as

admitting he's wrong or some such thing. :rofl:

What a joke.

[jmowreader]

72. This would be a huge lose-lose for President Obama

If the president tears Limbaugh a new asshole, which is likely, the meme will be Obama's just a brainiac who used his superior intellect to make Limbaugh look foolish.

If Limbaugh manages to win, which is highly UNlikely, we will have to hear how "The Messiah" couldn't defeat a college dropout.

Oh, it would be fun to watch. But I'm in with the rest of you: this would be bad.

[Judi Lynn]

73. Campbell Brown Challenged Rush To Debate Last Month, He Didn't Show

Campbell Brown Challenged Rush To Debate Last Month, He Didn't Show
March 4, 2009 05:54 PM


In the wake of Rush Limbaugh challenging President Barack Obama to a debate, it has been pointed out to me that before the radio host steps up to face the president, he might want to clear his dance card of some earlier debate challenges. Perhaps he has forgotten, but Limbaugh already has a standing challenge from CNN's banisher of "bias" and "bull" Campbell Brown, to appear on the air and debate their chief business correspondent, Ali Velshi, who Limbaugh had previously maligned.

Oh, and here's some trash talk from a Democratic party operative, who writes, "Just saying...if you cant stand up to Campbell, you shouldn't be calling Rahm effeminate and calling out the President."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/04/campbell-brown-challenged_n_171950.html

[SemiCharmedQuark]

74. Hey, I want to meet Obama. Obama! DEBATE ME!

:silly:

[Chemical Bill]

75. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile.

Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile. And did I mention that Rush Limbaugh is a junkie pedophile?

Bill

[SalmonChantedEvening]

76. Debate you? Bahahahahaha

If the President ever showed at your compound you'd need clean skivvies.

:rofl:

This would be worse than your venture into a real live audience. Remember how bad that went?

Again: Bahahahahaha

[EndElectoral]

77. I wonder why Bush never debated Michael Moore.

[and-justice-for-all]

78. Yeah, thats a real good use of ones time...debate the Hutt...nt

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

80. Someone check on Obama, he may not be able to breath from laughing so hard.

[VOX]

81. Why would the President of the U.S. waste time "debating" with an obese, drug-addled disc jockey?

Rush, you ignorant pill-head -- you missed your chance to "debate" a guy with lots of time on his hands -- that would be The Decider.

Obama's a **real** President of the United States, not some impostor, and so he's just way, way too busy working to clean up the eight-year shitpile so proudly left behind by BushCo.

[Maru Kitteh]

82. Just as soon as you declare your candidacy for POTUS, Mr. Limblarf.

Of course, you'll have to make it through the primaries first.

[RB TexLa]

83. I hope everyone now sees the benefit of Rahm Emanuel as chief of staff

In a little over a month he has Rush pissing allover himself. :rofl:

[ddeclue]

85. Why bother to try to make Jabba the Butthead relevant?

Ignore him...

What he really wants is for someone to pay attention to him and to make him relevant.

If Obama "debated" him it would only serve to elevate Jabba's stature by making him seem relevant.

Screw Rush - let him whither and whine in obscurity.

:rofl:

[B Calm]

87. Obama is too busy cleaning up the mess republicans created, Thom Hartmann

will go in his place!