The War on Reform: Limbaugh Vs. Obama

The frenzied antics of panicky radio personality, Rush Limbaugh, aroused a crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference this evening by attacking the principles and ideals of President Barack Obama. Limbaugh was apparently stirred up by an online petition expressing outrage at his "I want him [Obama] to fail" comment posted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign.

Psychological tactics were evident in Limbaugh's February 23rd radio address, "What One High-Ranking Republican thinks of Obama and Limbaugh" when the unnamed politician spoke of his surprise that Obama would advise against Limbaugh's influence. Stroking the heightened ego of Limbaugh, this "meeting", whether arranged or spontaneous, created the silent impression that this "High-Ranking Republican" is a highly respected figure on Capitol Hill making the determination that Obama's advice made him appear threatened by the negative publicity.

Limbaugh, ever the arrogant, took the bait, hook, line and sinker. This is a classic and inevitable sacrificial-pawn technique politicians use to smoke screen progression as powerful capitalists and republicans behind public interest groups against the "new" government vulturized the opportunity to lure the outlandishly vocal talk show host into nationally publicizing his opinions against comments, ridicule and especially Obama's advice to Congress while they sit back and watch the battle from their offices on Capitol Hill.

Responding to this publicity in his weekly address, President Obama maintained his calm appeal to the people by explaining key areas of controversy in the budget during his Weekly Address February 28th, 2009.

I realize that passing this budget won't be easy. Because it represents real and dramatic change, it also represents a threat to the status quo in Washington. I know that the insurance industry won't like the idea that they'll have to bid competitively to continue offering Medicare coverage, but that's how we'll help preserve and protect Medicare and lower health care costs for American families. I know that banks and big student lenders won't like the idea that we're ending their huge taxpayer subsidies, but that's how we'll save taxpayers nearly $50 billion and make college more affordable. I know that oil and gas companies won't like us ending nearly $30 billion in tax breaks, but that's how we'll help fund a renewable energy economy that will create new jobs and new industries. In other words, I know these steps won't sit well with the special interests and lobbyists who are invested in the old way of doing business, and I know they're gearing up for a fight as we speak. My message to them is this: So am I.(Weekly Address 02/28/09)

A distinct emphasis was clearly heard during this address, however refined, as President Obama acknowledged the War on Reform and warned that he will not retreat nor cower under the pressure of negative publicity. Again, he invoked the power of the people and reminded the nation of what he stood for and why he ran for president.