Posted 3:15 PM by Scoobie Davis

Why Rush Limbaugh Loves a Controlled Atmosphere
Like all bullies, Rush Limbaugh is a coward. He loves to dish it out but he can't take it. Take a look at the event that probably more than anything cemented Limbaugh's decision to eschew debate, spontaneity, or balance. In 1990, Limbaugh guest-hosted the Pat Sajak Show on CBS. Check the blustering bully getting a taste of his own medicine. A CBS executive later told PBS's Frontline, "I have never seen a man sweat so much."



It's not surprising that Limbaugh soon wised up and chose Roger Ailes as the producer of his television show that ran from 1992 to 1996 (Ailes' Fox News is the epitome of the stacked deck).

I know some of you may be thinking that if Limbaugh is so bad about not having opposing views on his radio show, then how did I get on his show twice (click here and here). One thing to keep in mind is that both times when I got through to Limbaugh's call screener, I spoke in an inarticulate manner. I acted tentative and confused. It's not so much that Limbaugh doesn't want opposing views on his show, he just doesn't want those people to be strong debaters--much the same way that Limbaugh's former producer Ailes wants the "balance" on Fox News to be untelegenic, weak debaters like Alan Colmes and Susan Estrich. So when a strong debater like me or this caller get through to speak with Limbaugh, it's an exceptional situation.