Rooting for Rush

by Mark Steyn
Steyn on the Air
February 3, 2020

https://www.steynonline.com/10030/rooting-for-rush

UPDATE! Thank you to everyone who tuned in. Not the easiest show. You can find a few moments from the broadcast here. See you for Wednesday's show tomorrow at noon Eastern.

As millions of listeners heard just before 3pm Eastern on Monday, Rush Limbaugh has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. So, for the worst of all reasons, I'll be back behind the Golden EIB Microphone Tuesday at noon Eastern/3pm Pacific, while Rush and his doctors work out a treatment plan.

This is terrible news for Rush and Kathryn, but also tough on his audience and for American conservatism. Many radio and TV shows addressed Rush's characteristically honest announcement, among them Monday's edition of "Tucker Carlson Tonight". Click below to watch:

Tucker Carlson and Mark Steyn discuss Rush Limbaugh's cancer diagnosis, impact on talk radio and conservatism https://t.co/jigPTRE7ic
— Deplorable Lorie (@Patriotress) February 4, 2020

You can see the full hour with Tucker here.

Tuesday's "Rush Limbaugh Show" will be difficult for all of us, but we will endeavor to cover the Iowa results, impeachment machinations, the State of the Union, and much else. You can dial us up either via the iHeart Radio app or on one of over 600 stations across the fruited plain, such as our old friends at WNTK New Hampshire, one of Rush's original stations, where you can listen to the full show from anywhere on the planet right here.

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67 Reader Comments

Mary Ann • Feb 6, 2020 at 19:40

Hi, Mark: Thank you for your eloquence and, as always, for speaking for all of us this week about Rush. This may have already been suggested, but perhaps you'd all consider sponsoring a fund-raiser on Rush's show for donations to one or more of his favorite charities. I'd love to donate in his name on his show.

Rush Fay • Feb 5, 2020 at 11:29

I sense you are self-conscious standing in for an ailing Rush Limbaugh. You and Rush are in equal measure national treasures. I cannot think of anyone better than you guest-hosting for Rush. After all, you and Rush were the only national commentators who gave Donald Trump a chance in 2016. In other words, only you and Rush seemed to have real understanding of the political lay-of-the-land. Be loud and proud of that. And please continue to announce your contrarian view on current affairs.

Josh Passell • Feb 5, 2020 at 06:33

Pity about Nancy's stroke. What else could explain her appalling decision to remain seated during the standing ovations--plural--for Rush? Shall I had her to my prayers? Whatever her prognosis, I was reassured that she had the upper-body strength to shred President Trump's speech. No class, not even a thimble, but steel cables for flexor carpi ulnaris.

Nicholas Strathy

Josh Passell • Feb 5, 2020 at 11:28

She's an apt representative for her party. If President Trump is the swaggering nine-year-old name-caller, she's the nine-year-old vindictive little girl who has been spurned by him.

That's the schoolyard parallel, the zombie parallel is that she's also a great representative for the party of galvanically animated dead.

Tarquin Wombat-Carruthers • Feb 5, 2020 at 03:39

Watching the State of the Union speech, it looked as though Nancy Pelosi was thinking,"Why did I allow my staff to cancel my simultaneous enema, colonoscopy and root canal six-pack in favour of this?" As for the sob-sisters-in-white, which planet did you arrive from, and are you claiming expenses for your outfits and travel costs?

Brian W. • Feb 5, 2020 at 01:43

Well said this morning, Mark! Not easy at all but handled it with grace and sensitivity.

Some good news is that Shredder Pelosi and her cast of Vestal Vegans in White (or whatever) have provided you an abundance of material for tomorrow's show. I'm looking forward to it.

Perry Pattetic • Feb 4, 2020 at 23:08

Well done The Donald!
Rush awarded the highest honor
Dems shown to hate America and
Pelosi mad as a box of snakes.

Brawndo

Perry Pattetic • Feb 5, 2020 at 00:04

Trump and Rush were all class. Pelosi tearing up his speech as soon as it was over? Petty, spiteful, small. A shrew runs the House. Now what are the voters going to do about it?

Paul Harmon

Brawndo • Feb 5, 2020 at 02:12

It is tough to do for an old woman slipping her dentures around in her mouth for an hour, but Pelosi looked petulant and childish when she ripped up those papers... behind Trump's back... a few at a time to conserve her strength.

Charles Post • Feb 4, 2020 at 22:38

I remember as a young adult, riding in the car with my dad while he listened to talk radio. I swore that my radio would never play anything but rock and roll. Fast-forward to Monday, listening to Rush, as I have for over 20 years. My stomach tied itself in knots when I heard him make the announcement about the cancer. Prayers to him and his family, and hoping for a full and speedy recovery.

Gary • Feb 4, 2020 at 21:40

I'm extremely sad about Rush. My grandmother listened to him at the family farm where I'd spend summers in Northern California. I was 11 when I first heard him. He sounded interestingly odd to me originally. 35 years later he has become a big part of my life in some of the most important ways...it's hard to see through these tears so I gotta change the subject a bit. .
Mark, you really are of tremendous intellect, rapid and seemingly total recall, and very well educated far beyond what any university could possibly impart with the most advanced degree. Your own love of study obviously is where your great depth and breadth of knowledge is expanding unendingly. Then, it's your bravery in dedicating your work to the truth that is most impressive. Fighting in the arena of ideas is as tough as it gets. But, you're as tough as they come. I'm grateful for your efforts and voracious production of writing and multimedia. I am always cheering you on, telling everyone about you, and praying for your good fortune. Thank you also for your sensitivity and kindness hosting Rush's show today. It helped me. Please pray for Rush!

Chris Hall aka MCF • Feb 4, 2020 at 20:26

I'm seeing reports of Rush at SOTU and possible Medal of Freedom. If so, it's awesome and well deserved.

Tracy Mescha • Feb 4, 2020 at 19:36

Naturally, I was rather shocked to hear Mr. Limbaugh on Monday describe this situation and it really struck me that he was almost apologetic - as if we would be disappointed because he is suffering with cancer. I truly wish Rush, his family, his caregivers, and everyone at the EIB strength and comfort - as anyone knows who has ever witnessed cancer treatments sometimes the 'cure' seems worse than the disease.
There will very likely be some tough days ahead for both Rush and everyone that cares about him. Sort of strange to talk about a man I never met this way but this is the genuine power of not only the medium, but also of the man.
Godspeed my radio friend :)
And, Mr. Steyn I very much enjoy hearing you on EIB. I do a little fist pump when I hear ol' Johnny say your name!

George Pazin • Feb 4, 2020 at 19:02

Hats off for hitting the right note on what had to be an impossible day. I'm impressed the call screener didn't let the calls just end up as one long testimony, which would have been easy to do. I generally listen to the podcast later, but made a point to tune in live today, and I'm glad I did, even if it did hurt on occasion.

Todd Lewis • Feb 4, 2020 at 16:40

I didn't get to hear Rush live on Monday because of work. When I got home in the evening I clicked on Breitbart to get the news of the day and there was the announcement. I have been reeling ever since. I have listened to Rush since his debut in 1988. My first thoughts when I first heard Rush were how did the media Stasi let this guy on the air. It was wonderful.

A little anecdote from those days that still tickles me happened on WMAL in Washington. They had been running promos in the run-up to Rush's debut. After one of the promos, Bill Trumbull who was half of WMAL's drive time team and was one of the funniest guys in radio asked with perfect comedic timing, "What's Rush Limbaugh? It must be a new Jewish-Irish holiday." The rest would be history. It made me laugh and I need the tonic of a little humor right now.

Fran Lavery

Todd Lewis • Feb 4, 2020 at 18:42

There's some pretty funny things going on in Iowa now, like funny-sad, but still funny. These Dems can't hold a regular old caucus without fixing the outcome. It's times like this Rush will be missed but Rush has a lot of good guest hosts in the line up. Frees us listeners up to get praying like crazy.

Perry Pattetic • Feb 4, 2020 at 16:33

Hi Mark.
Best wishes to Rush, and I expect that he would prefer the conversation to focus on saving American Exceptionalism. I have an idea.

The Disarrayed Dems, in their eagerness to avoid catastrophic defeat, are trying to find a presentable candidate to lose respectably against Trump in November. They have overlooked the obvious - Mitt Romney!

Romney pioneered Obamacare, carpetbags like crazy, lacks integrity, hates Trump and wears mom jeans, like Obama. And he has a strong board-level connection to Burisma. The Perfect Democrat.
But he knows how to concede defeat gracefully.
The Dems will turn out to vote for him, albeit in a lukewarm way, making it an interesting race, and he will have his concession speech ready to go. Meanwhile, we can put a conservative in his Utah seat.

James Kozlowski

Perry Pattetic • Feb 4, 2020 at 16:58

I've often wonder what prevents Mitt from running for president as a democrat. Mormons can have multiple wives maybe Utah would allow him to remain a Republican senator while running for President as a Democrat.

Perry Pattetic

James Kozlowski • Feb 4, 2020 at 18:18

Good point James.
Mitt can also be a closet Republican loser on the weekends, and a "Out and Proud!" Dem loser in the week.

John Lesow • Feb 4, 2020 at 15:54

His recent public discussion of how he dealt with his hearing loss were typically upfront, frank and inspirational. His latest health challenge will be a difficult one. Men like Rush and Alex Trebek who who continue to deliver excellence in their chosen professions, despite their serious health issues set a high bar. Doing so, consistently,is the true definition of Courage, which Hemingway defined as "Grace under Pressure". Rush surely fits that standard in spades....and sets an example for us all...

Laura Rosen Cohen • Feb 4, 2020 at 15:34

I'm so upset about the news about Rush Limbaugh's health, and I cannot imagine anyone of his stature handling the announcement to his listeners with any more grace and courage. When he spoke of his personal relationship with G-d, despite his lack of proselytizing I really caught my breath. Mark, I thought yours and Tucker's comments were equally moving, respectful and dignified. You struck exactly the right note, and I thought I could hear your voice waver ever so slightly when you talked about owing everything you have achieved in America to Rush Limbaugh. It is an enormous compliment to be entrusted with the care of such an enormously important American institution, that has such wide influence and reach.

I agree with my good friend Kathy Shaidle-so wise is she, suggesting that if you pray, pray for the caregivers as well and the members of the circle of care that surround someone as they face such serious illnesses. I'm praying for his full recovery and that G-d guides the hands of all the physicians and healers involved in his care.

My very best wishes to Mr. Limbaugh for a complete and speedy recovery and many more long, healthy years.

Greg the Kiwi

Laura Rosen Cohen • Feb 4, 2020 at 23:48

Great comment Laura , he is an institution of reason , good thought , common decency, articulate thought about difficult problems facing us all
Can I ask you why you do the G-d reference , not critique just interested

Laura Rosen Cohen

Greg the Kiwi • Feb 7, 2020 at 14:31

Hi Greg, observant Jews refrain from writing out the full name with all the letters because when His name appears, it is considered sacred. That's why Jewish texts with His name are never thrown in a garbage, but rather buried. All synagogues have a "genizah" for such texts. The Alexandria genizah is the most famous historically. Also so as not to try to contain in words what is un-containable, and that He cannot be represented in letters.

RAC • Feb 4, 2020 at 15:04

This is the one truly great conservative man that is irreplaceable and I don't toss around the 'g' word loosely. As others have stated Rush has been steadfast from day one never betraying his rock solid conservative beliefs as so many other ivory tower 'purist' conservatives have done. This is terrible news and not just on the personal level for all of us who admire him so. We face an uphill battle ahead to to save the greatest country that ever was and I feel like our greatest general is now in mortal peril. Significant advances have been achieved recently in treating this horrible disease so there is a ray of hope still.

David Elstrom • Feb 4, 2020 at 14:38

Mark, thank you for your opening. It is great to see all the moving tributes to and support for Rush. He is a great talent and we are all praying that his optimism will help carry him through his coming trial. Luckily he lives in the best country in the world and also the best place to be when you are fighting a dread disease like cancer.

Chris Hall aka MCF • Feb 4, 2020 at 14:25

While listening to EIB, I just had a flashback memory. Didn't the Lick-Spittle Eunuchs open for Rush back in the 70's? Or was that Led Zeppelin?

Scot A • Feb 4, 2020 at 14:02

I always looked forward to listening to Mark fill in for Rush, but I must say I wish Mark wasn't filling in now and for this reason.
One of the amazing things about Rush and his spectacular career over 30 years, is that he has never left his audience and his audience has never left him. We have seen the GOP and Conservative INC use it's supporters, insult its supporters, and turn their backs on their supporters, but never Rush. He has been a constant and is needed more now than ever. I pray for Rush and his family. And once again nothing against Mark, but hopefully he will only have to fill in only once a month or so and Rush is back behind the Golden EIB microphone soon.
Mega-Dittos!

Paul Cathey • Feb 4, 2020 at 13:42

". . . . whichever caudillo releases the results of the New Hampshire primary. . .." Isn't the "caudillo" one of those passages in the bull fight where the bull (in this case, Bernie Sanders) gets castrated?

chickensoup • Feb 4, 2020 at 13:20

Mark, you struck just the note I wanted to say, if I were any good at communicating. Sad and shocked at the news, and am praying for his recovery.

Heard Rush for the first time in the early nineties when I was in grad school, and was shocked, and then delighted at his agent provocatour abilities. He has educated me, entertained me, and allowed me to be part of a larger movement. None of us would be anywhere near where we are now, if not for Rush.

Walt Trimmer • Feb 4, 2020 at 13:06

I was listening to your conversation with the Iowa caucus chairman and I am not sure I heard correctly. He said he wrote down the vote on a piece of paper and then called the numbers in to a district chairman who then called into the state HQ? I am trying to figure out how this could possibly work unless all the party officials are honest.

As to the Democrat App thingy, to err is human but to really screw up requires a computer. Add in some H1B programmers and you're on the way to the moon.

Josh Passell • Feb 4, 2020 at 13:06

Oh, the paper-crumpling! I fell in love with the paper-crumplung. And the desk banging. Even before I fully appreciated Rush's insight and eloquence, I was awed by his sound effects. Radio is a medium of sound, and Rush is the grandmaster of the medium.

Melanie Cooke • Feb 4, 2020 at 12:34

Your opening about Rush this morning was superb...like all Rush fans, I was stunned and deeply saddened when I heard about his situation. I didn't hear it live, so your presentation this morning was good for me to hear for myself. I also didn't think I could admire you any more, but I was wrong. Your heart is as good and true as El-Rushbo, so stay with us as we take this journey with Rush and Katherine. Thank you so much for taking the wheel when he is not able to.

Janet Long • Feb 4, 2020 at 11:41

I love hearing the "sinister foreign guest host" and will enjoy listening to him more often now, but dang it, this is not how I thought that would come about. On a positive note, advanced lung cancer has been the focus of new and innovative treatments and I fully expect Rush to recover.

Brawndo • Feb 4, 2020 at 11:26

I have to go out of town regularly via car. A few years ago I realized I was planning my trip times to be able to listen to all of Rush's show during the drive. My car radio is programmed to jump from Rush station to Rush station along the route. It's one of life's simple pleasures: the open road and Rush on the radio.

Josh Passell

Brawndo • Feb 4, 2020 at 12:33

Try listening to Rush in the car while driving through Cambridge, MA! Talk about fast and furious!!

GeoDent

Brawndo • Feb 4, 2020 at 14:26

Same here on the road travel planning and Rush on the radio (Mark included in that planning). I've been in traffic, stopped, or nearly so, laughing at a Rush gem, and noticed a driver in adjacent car laughing at same time. Wonder what that car radio was tuned to....

Fran Lavery

GeoDent • Feb 4, 2020 at 17:08

Too good! I found an appliance guy who's Hispanic to come to the house to do the repairs when needed. He came in the first day and Rush was on. He said, "I love that guy." Naturally, he's still my appliance guy going on six years. He told me he just has to keep his politics to himself because around here he would lose a lot of customers if they knew he was conservative. I feel there are a lot more conservatives out here than the election results would indicate. This is another county where the Republican candidate will win and then the next day or so there's enough votes found in a trunk of a car or utility closet to squeak out the win for the Dem. Maybe next time around they'll be in for a shockeroo and they'll see that people are seeing the way they can't call an orderly caucus translates into being too imbecilic to carry out any kind of government duties.

Walt Trimmer • Feb 4, 2020 at 11:17

Dittos

poxy • Feb 4, 2020 at 11:09

yesterday I found out it is possible to be old, curmudgeonly and have a crack in one's heart seemingly a mile wide, - and still function - fight on Rush, unending prayers and love for you and all who will help you win this battle.

ed • Feb 4, 2020 at 11:07

Rush is amazing. While I always find his commentary on the media perfect what I enjoy most about him is his sense of humor. It's amazing how some of the other "successful" conservative media guys are so unfunny... like Hannity. I also love Rush because he continues to employ Mark...

John Lewis • Feb 4, 2020 at 07:44

A few words about Rush from a club member in the UK,

I first heard his programmes well over 25 years ago at which time the Armed Forces Network was broadcasting from Frankfurt on the "medium wave". My main interest was that AFN was the only available source of US sports commentaries but I also tuned in to listen to the likes of Rush and Paul Harvey (stand by for NEWS) as even then it was clear that there was so much omitted by the BBC in their coverage. At that time we started regular family holidays to the US and, once there, my elderly mother always insisted that whenever possible I should tune the hire car radio to listen to Rush. I didn't need any encouraging.

Over the following years with the development of internet radio it became possible to listen on a daily basis. I was tuned in last night when, regrettably, my spidey sense immediately alerted me that something was badly wrong the moment he started speaking 10 minutes before the scheduled end time.

We all owe Rush so much. He, and his family, will be in my prayers for some time.

Wayne Lanham • Feb 4, 2020 at 06:59

Rush hardly ever works the Monday after the Super Bowl, so I was already on alert for something out of the ordinary when he started the show. But all seemed normal up to the ending segment, so I had gone off alert. But then I don't believe he was two sentences into the last segment before I just knew it was bad news. Anyway, I'm praying for a full recovery. The world is a far better place with Rush in it.

George Pazin

Wayne Lanham • Feb 4, 2020 at 08:49

Indeed, that is a wonderful summary sentence. I have always enjoyed Rush himself, but even simply the number of thinkers he has exposed me to alone would have made every second listening worthwhile. I believe my first real introduction to Mark was listening to him guest host back in the mid 2000s.

Thank you Rush for everything, and thank you Mark as well. And thanks to everyone on here who shares his or her thoughts regularly.

Josh Passell • Feb 4, 2020 at 06:12

If I may offer another thought...

I am reminded of another time Rush laid his soul bare to his worshipful audience, over 16 years ago: "You know I have always tried to be honest with you and open about my life. I need to tell you today that part of what you have heard and read is correct. I am addicted to prescription pain medication."

If all the people who then hooted and hollered at Rush's illness--illnesses plural, the addiction AND the excruciating back pain, to which many of us can relate--had instead considered the insidiousness of addiction...that it does not afflict only those at the bottom of the socioeconomic scale, that doctors were made witting and unwitting pushers, that it is never something to be celebrated...we might have been spared the wildfire of dependency and death that has ravaged all levels of society over the last decade and a half. In his honest admission, Rush warned us of what was coming. We were deaf, dumb, and blind to his prophecy. Certainly dumb.

"And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken."

Kathy Shaidle

Josh Passell • Feb 4, 2020 at 08:20

Me too. I've never experienced severe back pain but my husband has, as have others I've known, and it is particularly horrific. It can make many people suicidal.

I do know something about addiction however, and can easily see how anyone, "even" Rush Limbaugh, would be willing to take anything to make it stop. And once those chemicals get hold of you...

Unlike so many people, especially celebrities (who are, understandably, fearful of even "anonymous" recovery programs) Rush went to rehab, did the work (including lots of very un-Rush-like things like talking about his feelings of shame etc.) and is now in recovery by the grace of God.

Who knows how many listeners thought, "If Rush can admit to this and get help, so can I"? Hundreds? Thousands?

We do know that millions are praying for him now. He knows it too, and believe me, that knowledge will buoy him up in the days to come.

Let's remember to keep his wife in our prayers as well. Heartbroken caregivers need them too, perhaps moreso.

George Pazin • Feb 4, 2020 at 05:57

My thoughts and prayers are with Rush, a hero of mine for 20+ years.

Josh Passell • Feb 4, 2020 at 05:04

From CPAC 2009:

"Let me tell you who we conservatives are: We love people. [Applause] When we look out over the United States of America, when we are anywhere, when we see a group of people, such as this or anywhere, we see Americans. We see human beings. We don't see groups. We don't see victims. We don't see people we want to exploit. What we see -- what we see is potential. We do not look out across the country and see the average American, the person that makes this country work. We do not see that person with contempt. We don't think that person doesn't have what it takes. We believe that person can be the best he or she wants to be if certain things are just removed from their path like onerous taxes, regulations and too much government. [Applause]

"We want every American to be the best he or she chooses to be. We recognize that we are all individuals. We love and revere our founding documents, the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. [Applause] We believe that the preamble to the Constitution contains an inarguable truth that we are all endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights, among them life. [Applause] Liberty, Freedom. [Applause] And the pursuit of happiness. [Applause] Those of you watching at home may wonder why this is being applauded. We conservatives think all three are under assault. [Applause] Thank you. Thank you.

"We don't want to tell anybody how to live. That's up to you. If you want to make the best of yourself, feel free. If you want to ruin your life, we'll try to stop it, but it's a waste. We look over the country as it is today, we see so much waste, human potential that's been destroyed by 50 years of a welfare state. By a failed war on poverty. [Applause]

"We love the people of this country."

Applause indeed. I became a conservative before I became a dittohead. But it didn't take long listening to him before Rush won me over. And this speech from 11 years ago deserves to be taught in every school, memorized by every proud American, recited at parades and picnics.When our political adversaries lecture us on the wickedness of conservatism, we should talk over them, picking up this speech mid-sentence, and keep talking until they've stopped slandering and started listening.

My best wishes to Rush for good health and for continued Excellence in Broadcasting (and more than a little golf) for years and years to come.

Paul Cathey

Josh Passell • Feb 4, 2020 at 11:19

Thank you, Josh, for reprising this speech.

Fran Lavery

Josh Passell • Feb 4, 2020 at 11:26

Thanks for including the CPAC speech. What is probably my very favorite thing about Rush Limbaugh is that he is genuine. He says what he thinks and if he thinks he said something that could be misinterpreted be rephrases it. He's genuine. You would have to be in order to be on the air that many hours and for that many years, and that quality is very rare today.

Too many people feel they have to be someone they're not to be accepted and to impress others. I'm trying to think what he likes to call himself, a lovable little fuzz ball or teddy bear or something like that. I can't think of all the highlights in the thirty years I've listened to him but you mentioned one of the most serious ones. I loved when he talked about his parents and his animals and Katherine. We used to keep him on low volume when we homeschooled the girls. I would turn the radio up when Rush started talking about his pets. They loved to put down their work and listen to him. I'm sorry his Rush Revere series of books and audios came out after our girls finished college but I listened to them all and am keeping them for my two grandchildren. You could just feel the devotion he had to his family, along with his staff.

I spoke briefly to Snerdly one day on a call but Bo told me that Rush didn't want to talk about that topic anymore, something about when Congress was at an impasse and it was probably a boring topic that Rush had beat the bushes over long enough. For a long time I thought Snerdly was an imaginary fellow in his EIB office. When I found out Snerdly was a real Mr. Bo Snerdly I was wondering why I ever got the initial impression. One day I asked my husband if Mr. Snerdly was a real person and my husband said, no, that was part of Rush's routine. Well, what did we know? We never heard Snerdly, only Rush talking to someone as if he was talking to himself. Snerdly never seemed to speak. One day we must have heard him answer Rush on the air and we felt dumber than anything.

There was another heart wrenching time when Rush lost one of his employees. Rush again showed his genuine devotion and gratitude for the man and reached out to his family, too. So much of what it means to be a warm and wonderful human being, Rush exemplifies to his listeners and I think that's at the heart of the return devotion and bonding among the listening audience.

Brian from Minneapolis

Josh Passell • Feb 4, 2020 at 12:35

Thanks for posting that speech. We often take for granted that someone like Rush or even Trump will rise up and speak for all conservatives and be there for us. One day they'll be gone and who will we turn to then? I've never had the courage to do what they do because I'm not one that likes confrontation and appreciates those who aren't afraid to speak out. I hope that he, Trump, and even Mark Steyn will be enough to motivate a new generation of conservatives. I'm not a religious person of any sort but I will pray for him and his family as well as our country. I hope that the decades that Rush gave us won't go to waste.

Paul Nachman

Brian from Minneapolis • Feb 4, 2020 at 20:48

"I hope that the decades that Rush gave us won't go to waste."

That's a real consideration. Is there enough virtue and courage in enough of us to be worthy of what Rush (and Mark) have bestowed upon us?

Brian from Minneapolis • Feb 4, 2020 at 03:36

Shocking news in this day and age where conservative voices are being silenced by the mainstream media, social media moguls, and the far leftists. We need more voices but none will ever be as great as Rush. There may be two great ones in my book: Wayne Gretzky and now Rush Limbaugh. Get well Rush.

Fran Lavery • Feb 4, 2020 at 02:23

Today's announcement was hard to take. Rush Limbaugh has kept me feeling rooted and sane in otherwise complex and chaotic times. I'm certainly praying for the best possible outcome from his medical team and treatment. He's got a big challenge ahead. He's in a fight for his life. The best I can do is keep him close in my thoughts and prayers. Will be tuned to the EIB dial today.

GeoDent • Feb 4, 2020 at 01:54

My wife, my (millennial) son, and I all heard Rush make his difficult announcement in the real time of his radio show, and we all three were flattened by it. They say that sharing a life-wrenching event with family members is key to getting through it, and I believe Rush knows he has a family of many millions out here which gave him strength to speak of it. We count ourselves fortunate to be part of that family. I'll keep a stiff upper lip and soldier on, grateful that Mark and others will keep the fire going until Rush is back behind the mic, working his magic.

Robert • Feb 4, 2020 at 00:57

In 1993 - 1994 at least Rush had a TV show. You could get it in Canada (I forget which channel) late on Wednesday nights. After a trip abroad in the summer of 1994 I returned - no Rush.

I called to enquire and was told "well, we had complaints....."

No wonder Canadian conservatives get hardly any traction ....

Steven Payne • Feb 4, 2020 at 00:43

This is bad news indeed, but I feel I must correct Mark here. No, you will not be guest hosting for the worst of all reasons. It's a bad, even terrible reason, but not the worst. Let's hope it doesn't come to the worst reason for many years.
On a personal note, a friend of mine was diagnosed with lung cancer. She had half a lung removed about 3 years ago, has since had both knees replaced, and right now is more energetic and active than I am.
So, let's all hope and pray for some great guest hosting before Rush returns in fine form.
BTW, I see that Tulsi Gabbard put out a very nice tweet about Rush tonight.

George Pazin

Steven Payne • Feb 4, 2020 at 08:53

Nice thoughts, Steven, I share your view. I lost my father in law to lung cancer 5 years ago. His sister was diagnosed with the same a mere two months after he passed, and I'm delighted to say that she is as strong today as ever. I pray Rush shares the same good fortune.

Ronald Pavellas • Feb 4, 2020 at 00:13

Here's the email I sent to Rush:
Dear Rush,
Of course it is shocking and saddening to know of your diagnosis. "Advanced" sounds too ominous for me to fully accept, but as you must, so must we all.
I am not formally religious but it is easy for me to say that you have been doing God's work for the people of America, and I am privileged to have been enlightened by your observations and heartened by your good humor since your beginning days in California.
I shudder to imagine how the political landscape would be now if you had not appeared in our national landscape as you have.
I pray your treatment will allow you to continue your life as painlessly and productively as possible.
Your loyal fan,
Ron Pavellas

Brandy Edwards • Feb 3, 2020 at 23:49

Mark,

This sad news from Rush today has shaken me to my core. Rush has done so much for our country and is a true American hero in every way! I shudder to think where this country would be without him.

I will forever be grateful to him for all he's taught me each day for most of my adult life. That was how I came to follow you - by your guest hosting on Rush. While you will always be my favorite undocumented sinister guest host, I think you'll forgive me for saying that no one compares to Rush. No one. Me, along with millions of others, will be holding him in my heart and prayers as he wages this battle.

Michael Cavino • Feb 3, 2020 at 23:27

Your words tonight were touching and thoughtful, hitting all the right notes given Rush's announcement this afternoon.

As you noted, it is amazing to think Rush has been No. 1 in his time slot for almost 1/3 of the history of the medium. In addition to his ability to succinctly state his argument, I have always loved the great pacing Rush (and Mark when he guests hosts) brings to the show. It reminds me of the pacing the great Top 40 DJs employed during the 60s and 70s. Of course, that makes sense since he started out in Top 40. Thoughts and prayers tonight for Rush, his crew and his loyal listeners.

Dennis • Feb 3, 2020 at 23:24

Mark:
You and Tucker Carlson were fabulous tonight. God Bless Rush. He's a great American who has generously shared his brilliant insightful Conservative mind with us and hopefully he'll continue to do so for a few decades or so.

Many of us heard the shocking and sad news about Russ' diagnosis hours before TC and I'd been waiting to hear what you had to say or write about it. I've enjoyed listening to and learning from Rush for years and I know how sad I feel and I've only known him over the air. So, I want to express some support to you as well. It's obviously more upsetting when you've experienced Rush's generous help and kindness in person. Your expression of gratitude at the end of your Tucker appearance was very touching. Will be praying for his recovery tonight and pulling for the masterful skill and curative powers of his clinicians.

I hope it's not inappropriate to also pass on my continuing best wishes to one of "our" own favorite Steynian Conservatives, Kathy Shaidle and her battle. I recorded one of her movie suggestions, "All about Eve" on Jan. 19th and will be watching it tonight. Still hoping for the best for Kathy and reading her articles and the other SteynOnline talents Laura and Kate.

Kathy Shaidle

Dennis • Feb 4, 2020 at 08:35

Thank you so much Dennis. You are too kind.

I'm still processing Rush's news. It's hard to write about it. It's just starting to sink in now, the next day.

Radio is perhaps the most intimate medium. We develop "relationships" with hosts; as another commenter has said, they become "family." For many listeners, their relationship with Rush spans decades.

I'll never forget one listener, an elderly lady, who, during some particularly troublesome time (Rush was in trouble for saying something; must be Tuesday :-)) called in and offered him a room in her home if he ever got kicked off radio and lost everything.

I'm tearing up thinking about it, and his gracious response. He was clearly moved, and I think Rush is constantly aware of the love his listeners have for him, and his duty to go above and beyond for them every day.

He doesn't have to; he could have retired years ago, or he could coast on his lucrative contracts, just "calling it in" and taking his money and listeners for granted. He does the opposite, which in and of itself is pretty incredible.

Dennis

Kathy Shaidle • Feb 4, 2020 at 18:37

Hi Kathy;
I'm not trying to have the final word although I have been justly accused of that at times.

I had to let you know how well written and thoughtful your words about Rush are. I'm just about to listen to Mark's recorded appearance on Rush's website and I think if Mark had read your reply on air; (minus the 1st line of course) it would have touched his listeners very much. I think you spoke eloquently and caringly for millions. Maybe the elderly lady would have heard it and phoned in.

Rush is loved by millions but I suspect you have a larger, caring fan base than you think.

Diane Guy • Feb 3, 2020 at 23:16

Along with other conservatives and millions of Americans, I was stunned by this news. Rush is a family member - one who will be lifted up in prayer and love the world over. I will be listening tomorrow, Mark - something I usually don't do because I work on Tuesdays....while I always enjoy when you host, a lot of us will be looking for an outlet of our absolute love and support for this man. God placed you there tomorrow - know that all of us will be thinking not only of Rush, but of you as you take us through the first part of a difficult journey. God bless and keep Rush, you, and this great Nation.

Jeremy Dabbeekeh • Feb 3, 2020 at 23:10

Today was one of the saddest days I've ever had listening to Rush. I'm am so sad for him and his family and for us his audience and those who haven't heard him yet and are looking for change. I was at least encouraged to hear him say that he has a deep personal relationship with God. We need to pray persistently for this national treasure.

If laughter is the best medicine then he picked the best possible guest host as you Mark are amazing behind the golden EIB microphone! After you give your thoughts on Rush, I'm sure you will cheer us up with several of your famous witticisms in your traditional deadpan delivery.

Thanks Mark in advance for helping us get though this difficult time!

Brawndo • Feb 3, 2020 at 23:04

There has probably been no one who has advanced the conservative cause more than Rush. He has provided a spine, a heart, and a brain at a time when the GOP was content to be the hapless Washington Generals. And all with a little Spanish lingo sprinkled in. Godspeed, Rush. America needs you now more than ever.

Nicola Timmerman • Feb 3, 2020 at 16:11

Terrible news about Rush Limbaugh. Happened to be listening to his last hour and his announcement that he has advanced lung cancer. He is his usual positive self and I know he wants to cover this election year. Wishing him all the best.