“Meanwhile, American business is taking seriously your concern about the cost of gasoline. General Motors is one of our sponsors. We are proud and honored that they are a sponsor of this program.
Everybody’s out there flapping their gums — Thomas Friedman, all these other people who don’t know what they’re talking about. General Motors is doing things, designing terrific cars, crossovers, trucks, SUVs, that use alternative fuels, different ways to power their vehicles. They even have the Escalade hybrid out there now to go along with the Tahoe hybrid, and they’re working on all kinds of different technologies that will help you use less gasoline. One of the alternatives they’re using is flex-fuel cars that use biofuels like ethanol if you want them, and they’re making them if you want them. They have four million of these flex-fuel vehicles on the road, across the globe, and they’re committed to building even more. GM has more modeled that are capable of running on E85 ethanol than any other manufacturer. The Buick Lucerne — that’s the one we’re getting next to tool around here — is one of the cars running on E85. General Motors, they respond to your concerns. They don’t tell you you’re stupid. You can see all their cars at RushLimbaugh.com. “
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And my mom wonders why I don’t think much of Rush…
Ol’ Rush recently signed a 10-year contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars; I have an idea where some of that money came from…
I hope Obama gets elected, just to know that when Rush gets his (increased) tax bill, he’ll have an apoplectic fit.
I’d love to hear this, delivered in Rush’s trademarked “Teddy Roosevelt” tone:
“Did’ya know that GM sells more Buicks in China than they sell here? Even the Chinese know AMERICAN quality when they see it!”
Can you tell that I hate the guy?
“They don’t tell you you’re stupid.”
A perfect Rushism… Who has said that who is stupid? Why? Under what circumstances? What does this have to do with GM?
But Rush’s Dittoheads now “know” that people have called them “stupid” perhaps from the context by buying or liking GM cars. Who knows?
Of course, if you accept that statement of Rush’s at face value (and maybe make up the details, as outlined), then maybe you ARE stupid… Some might say the Limbaugh empire depends on that.
A LaCrosse… heh. I’d like to see Rush jam his fat fanny into an Aveo. Fee or no, he’d be singing a different tune.
Well, I read not too long ago (in the NYT magazine, actually) that Rush Limbaugh was “selling airtime” on his program, where he’d openly advertise, himself, for said payers. I don’t remember the amount, but it was pretty steep. looks like GM is contributing to Mr. Limbaugh’s already large fortune.
As if that would save them…
If you don’t like or agree with Rush you’re free not to listen to him. His endorsement for a fee is perfectly fine, he’s not a government employee nor elected.
Well, I read not too long ago (in the NYT magazine, actually) that Rush Limbaugh was “selling airtime” on his program
And the problem is?
GM’s problems are numerous but the statements he made are still true. It looks like hatred for Mr. Limbaugh has spilled over a bit.
Deleted my double posting-edit thing.
Not surprising. Now seeing Rush hock Subarus with the ‘Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’ crowd. Now that would be interesting.
I couldn’t figure out if both the v6 and v8 Northstar were E85 capable or just the v6, but they still give you ye ‘ol 4 speed automatic on either engine.
General Motors, they respond to your concerns. They don’t tell you you’re stupid. ????
Is that their new slogan? Rock on. Apparently lots of potential Buick buyers didn’t buy a Toyota, Honda, Ford or Chrysler because, upon arriving at the dealership, they were told of their stupidity.
GS650G, you’re right it is OK for Rush to be a shill. And it’s also OK to mock him for being a shill.
I do take issue with the statement “[GM is] designing terrific cars…” I have owned many fine GM cars over the years but their current lineup has lots of duds (Aveo, Lacrosse), which makes Rush’s statement dubious.
P.S. A friend of mine in college had a GS650G and drove it all over the country, great bike…
Paul Harvey used a similar technique to sell products. However he always would preface an advert with the phrase “page #”, so the listener would know what was coming.
Obviously Rush sells out – he sold out to the Republican party and doesn’t care much for the truth so long as he gets paid. Nothing wrong with that – a man has to make money somehow right?
P.S. A friend of mine in college had a GS650G and drove it all over the country, great bike…
Someone has finally deciphered my screen name! I have driven mine through several states and even at it’s age the reliability is astounding.
The funny line for me is “they’re committed to building even more.”
I’d feel better about GM if the line was, “they’re committed to making the best cars in the market – cars you want to buy.” Building even more questionable flex-fuel vehicles that few consumers want isn’t such a great idea.
His aren’t as bad as the Hannity ads. A couple lines that I’ve heard:
While talking about the wonderful and efficient Pontiac Vibe he praised its engine as being one only GM could have engineered. Um, yeah.
And while hocking the Tahoe Hybrid he praised it for being “almost as big as my Escalade.” Yeah. Almost. The fat Caddy emblem on the tailgate probably does make it a half centimeter longer.
I’m thinking his endorsements are slowing sales.
@GS650G:
Well, I read not too long ago (in the NYT magazine, actually) that Rush Limbaugh was “selling airtime” on his program
And the problem is?
No problem. Where did you see, in my post, that it was a problem? Unless discussing ad deals makes you nervous. Surprisingly, that article painted a human picture of Rush Limbaugh, with his qualities and shortcomings. Very interesting to read.
I personally don’t care much about firebrands, regardless of their affiliations, although I respect their intelligence, when applicable.
I heard GM pays Rush prescription drugs under the table for his glorified statements.
At least the man made it obvious in the first quoted paragraph that it was a paid endorsement.
General Motors, they respond to your concerns. They don’t tell you you’re stupid.
Wow. Just wow.
If any statement highlighted the secret angst of Rush’ demographic, this does. I can’t believe such a statement made it on the air.
There’s a lot of people in this slice of society who have a huge chip on their shoulder about “the intelligensia”. There’s an implication that “smart” is cliquey, out of touch, arrogant and somehow “not a Real American/Canadian/Brit”. And that attitude seems to spring forth from a wicked inferiority complex.
Again, I still can’t believe he said it.
I don’t mean to say that the demographic to which Rush belongs is populated by stupid people, far from it, but that the emotional appeal of Rush’s stuff is largely based on the same victimization rhetoric that demagogues on both sides pull, only that instead of culture, race, class or gender, it’s perceived intellect.
Be real, everyone.
I know here at TTAC we love to exaggerate and take a little writer’s license…
But let’s try to be a little fair.
The fact that they have very stupid and narrow-minded suits doesn’t mean Rush is not right…they DO build great cars.
Yes, their business plan sucks and they are a bit(?) behind in some of their development, but some of their cars ARE the BEST.
The Silverado is a great truck.
The Corvette is the top sprts/value car…go ahead and argue.
The Malibu is a wonderful and popular new car.
Impala…top selling and good.
Tahoe…best of the SUVs…and family best.
Lucerne…a very, very good car.
The whole Enclave/crossovers. Late but good.
Soltice…I know nobody at TTAC likes it, but man, I love it.
The Vue Green Line 2 mode…I predict will be the
BEST small SUV available this spring.
Cadillac STS, CTS (Car of the year, I think?)
Now come on.
Yes…to, to many replications/duplications.
This company should weed out all these and the weak sisters.
As a Rush fan and Republican apologist, I find some of the comments in this thread are condescending, uncalled for, and downright nasty.
jaje, please refrain from trivializing and/or relating to a drug problem in a sarcastic manner, even if you don’t like them personally.
As far as the advertisements, what’s wrong with Limbaugh, Hannity, and Levin pimping GM? Nobody ever complains about the Miller Lite Halftime Show, The Home Depot College Gameday Pregame, or even the Geico Studios here in DC.
There’s nothing illegal nor immoral about being a shill. It is the American way. If it was Bush 43 pimping GM, I could understand. But as a private, unelected citizen, these dudes can glowingly advertise for whatever product pays them the most cash.
I listen to Rush every day. GM is one of the few subjects I disagree with him about. On the other hand why hold it against him for making some money from advertising? Hollywood throws hidden advertising into movies all the time. You think they do it for free?
BTW, he says he drives something with a V12 twin turbo. I don’t think GM makes any of those.
sandmed:
On the other hand why hold it against him for making some money from advertising? Hollywood throws hidden advertising into movies all the time. You think they do it for free?
TTAC has covered this story before. But I think it’s worth repeating some of the salient facts…
1. Rush has only recently given his listeners (in this case readers) a heads-up that his comments were bought and paid for by GM. This change was most probably due to Ralph Nader’s petition to the FCC complaining about the [formerly seamless] blend of editorial and advertising.
2. It’s one thing to accept advertising. It’s another to allow that advertising to inform (at best) your editorial stance. [FYI: TTAC accepts advertising but does not allow any of our sponsors to influence our editorial content. At all. On any level.]
PS Sandmed: Rush is a car nut. He owns a Maybach. Maybe two. Maybe the company.
“There’s nothing illegal nor immoral about being a shill. It is the American way.”
It’s possible that there are a few of us who do find it immoral, whether or not it is “legal,” and wish fervently that it were not the “American way.” In the 1950’s, we put DJ’s in jail for pimping records, regardless of their political persuasion.
It happens that in my business a part of it is to make recommendations to clients about specific products which will meet their needs. Many of these purchases are in the tens of millions of dollars. One of the six companies who dominate the business happens to be a very good investment opportunity, yet I will not invest in them. There is nothing illegal about it, and it is only immoral if I then make money for pimping them, but there is the potential that one of my clients will think that my opinion was influenced in some way by my own pocketbook.
Celebrity endorsements are so commonplace now, we have become inured to the idea that “it’s not illegal,” so it must be ok. The fact is that they are using the power of their celebrity and being paid to do so whether or not they actually use or approve of the product. Because they’re being paid, we have no idea if they would actually use the product if given the choice.
In the automobile business, GM is trying valiantly, but the marketplace is saying, thanks, but I think I’ll try something else. I, too, admire the Corvette, the CTS and the Aura for being signs of a rebirth, but only the Corvette is a class leader in this field; the CTS and Aura are remarkable cars only because they came after so many dreadful ones.
And as someone pointed out, the firebrand sets himself up for criticism for flaming virtually everyone (did you ever hear Rush talk about McCain years ago?). Those who are good, like the late William F. Buckley, are quick with a riposte when someone takes them on. Rush comes up with the same old “they hate us” and it is just boring.
I love Rush, and I like some of the GM products. What is really wrong with them? You may not care for the styling or some of the dated technology, but, the cars are as well built as the Toyota’s and Honda’s I see every day. Quite frankly, the GM products FEEL more substantial than either or those brands. I work in the auto industry, and no, NOT for GM or any other domestic brand. But, I do know that TTAC writers and the arm chair quarterbacks that blog on here are overly harsh on ALL the domestic brands. I see plenty of the import brands that certainly do not measure up to the hype and need just as much reconditioning as any domestic brought in. Lighten up guys, on Rush and the big 2.8
edgett,
So if Keith Olbermann was pimping Honda, would you be equally upset? =)
The point is that Americans are influenced by multiple methods in all walks of life. Whether it’s Rush pimping GM, Jordan pimping Nike, or even LeBron James pimping John Deere, somebody other than Billy Executive is placed out to represent a company’s product offerings. Therefore, it is incredulous to “blame” the celebrity for accepting a financially rewarding offer to endorse a particular product.
In addition, I do not believe that GM selected Rush, or Hannity, or Glenn Beck because GM agrees with their message. Talkers Magazine listed the aforementioned as the three highest-rated, most listened-to radio programs in the country. As a result, GM has opened itself up to a larger market; one that may appeal to the staunch conservative like myself (who bought a BMW), or the uber-liberal that listens to these programs for shock value or to offer counterpoint.
And, I repeat, just because somebody says something does not open them up for criticism by everyone. We all have the choice to listen, or turn it off. As a result, no matter what you think about Rush, you should not scrutinize him for his drug abuse just because you disagree with his approach and politics.
Robert!
Come on…try to keep it simple.
I can’t keep looking all these words up.
“salient facts…”
What’s that…Important facts?
The paid mouth thing is important to know about.
But did you have to bring up Ralph Nader!?
All these guys are career promoting idiots using our good protection as a sheild.
We were talking about our rights as humans to have fun, enjoy life…and drive fun cars without these do-gooders interfering.
Talk about having bland safe crap around today…look to Ol’ Ralphy for this.
He started it!
I wonder what Mr. Govt-Hands-Off Conservative poster-boy Rush thinks of the proposed GM bailout. Funny how when a Dem or liberal does that, it’s bad, even un-American, but it’s OK when a conservative Republican (or a company they’re shilling for) does it . . . Hmmmm, methinks I smell hypocrisy.
I wouldn’t ordinarily mention his drug issue, but he’s the very one that, years before his addiction came out, was spouting about how we need more jails to hold the drug addicts. He brings criticism of that on himself by having beaten people over the head with it before. I notice he didn’t do any time for prescription fraud. If that had been me, I’m sure I would have gone to the Women’s Correctional Facility in a heartbeat since I’m not a celebrity.
cgd
Just for the record, did he say he was in favor of the bailout?
Or did you just run with this?
You start off wondering how he felt, then went on implying about how its understood he (or others) does.
Being an occasional Rush listener, I generally agree with his ideas, but not so much with his presentation (Talent on loan from GOD). He and Sean Hannity and I think even Glen Beck all seem to talk sense until it comes time to talk about their sponsor, General Motors.
Rush did say something a bit insulting a few weeks ago when he mentioned that the price of regular unleaded is not worth mentioning in the headlines because nobody buys it anymore. Apparently a bunch of people phoned in to spout their support for regular, but he wouldn’t hear any of it saying that his listeners must drive a lot of cheap cars if they’re using regular and not premium…
In addition, I do not believe that GM selected Rush, or Hannity, or Glenn Beck because GM agrees with their message. Talkers Magazine listed the aforementioned as the three highest-rated, most listened-to radio programs in the country.
You have to think about demographic intersection.
Rush et al’s listeners are, by and large, going to be domestic customers on a far greater scale than, say, people who listen to classical, jazz, modern music, college radio or hip-hop. Talk radio, outside of NPR/CBC, is pretty much the domain of the right-wing demagogue. Saying these are the top talk radio hosts is like asking about the most popular hunting rifles are; there’s a certain, implied notion about who you’re asking, and it means that you’re probably not going to get feedback from yuppie, BMW-driving condo-dwellers.
GM is preaching to the choir, here. At most, they’re fighting Ford and Chrysler, but what they’re really doing is pouring ad dollars down the drain reaching a market that isn’t at all lucrative. They need to be pimping Saabs, Buicks and Cadillacs to the people who aren’t buying them now, not getting Rush pimping Escalade hybrids to guys driving eight-year-old Sierras.
This makes Rush’s “they don’t make you feel stupid” all the more glaring an oversight. Again, he’s playing the victimization angle, selling to people who feel, rightly or not, that their peers believe they’re unintelligent. That’s worse than the left-wing tactic of selling green on guilt; it’s selling to people’s insecurity, and it’s actually reinforcing it at the same time.
Seriously “Buy GM, Because Toyota Salespeople Make You Feel Stupid”? I hope GM isn’t spending a lot on this guy, because they’re really not getting their money’s worth.
ppellico, I said I wonder what he thinks of the bailout. Any suppositions I made were based on his general philosophy of conservatism, free-market principles, and less govt interference in life and business. I suppose then, that he hasn’t said much on it, which in and of itself would be interesting, given the fact that he’s usually pretty vocal on such issues. If he has voiced an opinion, I’d like to hear it. It could be ticklish if GM is a sponsor of his.
I used to listen to him, even read one of his books some years ago, so I’m not ignorant of his views. I didn’t always agree with everything, but it got me thinking, which I appreciated. I finally stopped listening because he is, first and foremost, an entertainer, and I prefer civil discourse to insults, which he did a bit much on his show for my tastes.
Schwanz, drug digs are a shot at Limbaugh’s hypocrisy, not his actual addiction. This is the man that called for mandatory life sentences for drug users in 1995. This is in addition to the hypocrisy of his supporters crying foul over “unfair” attacks against a man who has built his entire career on misleading, vague blanket attacks against others.
Back to the subject, the whole drug user bit ties in nicely with his current statement on how only cheap people don’t buy premium gas; it shows how completely disconnected from every day reality the guy is with the subjects he rants about, which ties in AGAIN with the hypocrisy of painting the democratic party as out of touch intellectual elite who can’t relate to the working man’s every day problems.
psarhjinian,
You’re making a lot of sense here…
Seriously “Buy GM, Because Toyota Salespeople Make You Feel Stupid”? I hope GM isn’t spending a lot on this guy, because they’re really not getting their money’s worth.
That’s the paraphrased statement that I can’t jive with either. How could Rush say that, when the only dealerships he’s visited recently have been Maybach (MB), Rolls Royce, and Lamborghini? Rush’s statement is about as convincing as Andre Agassi indicating that HP digital cameras take crappy pictures and make you gain 10 pounds, so go buy the Canon.
I’m one of the more sensible Republicans…if someone makes a good point, I’m in agreement.
ppellico:
Your first comment is partially correct. The Silverado, Corvette and Yukahoe are all category leaders.
I have to disagree on the Impala, Malibu, Lucerne and Solstice/Sky. They are improvements over their predecessors, but they are still light years behind their respective transplant competition. Light years.
Enclave is solid. I’d still buy an MDX (or several other competitors) before an Enclave, but that is my humble opinion. So we’ll agree to disagree on that one.
Just remember that GM and Ford continue to try to compete on price AND content. And that is very difficult to do, especially when you have more expensive labor and insane legacy costs. That’s why they are in this pickle….trying to fight two wars on two different fronts. They needs to pick one war and win it. Either sell the most inexpensive cars, or go up-market.
cgd
I don’t listen to him much anymore as well…but nowadays I stay in the house, hidden from the world and searching for another bottle and still smokeable butt in the ashtray.
But it did get a little nastyish(?) with the drug reference.
I know a few athletes who struggled with the pain killer after similar knee surguries.
And this type of slow to hit addiction is not what we have problems with today.
And since you and I really don’t listen to him much, we really don’t know where he satnds on this and how much he has spoken out on it.
Rush is a very intelligent guy. He probably reads TTAC and already knows that GM is headed down the swirly bowl.
Hehe, maybe he is a member operating here under an alias! I wonder, is there a member here called Ronaldus Magnus?
Anyhow, Rush is not the only one who advertises for GM. Laura Ingram and Shawn Hannity (I think), among others, do this. To them, it’s probably just business. He’s almost always right 98.7% of the time anyhow, so when the good ship GM slips under the water, Rush will be able to stand a little decline in his error rate.
I think I have said before, it will be interesting to hear Rush’s take on GM when the jig is up and they finally try to take the taxpayers’ money.
Worm,
That is indeed a fair point. Admittedly, I was not a Rush listener in 1995; I was an 11th grade athlete that was disconnected from talk radio. There is indeed hypocrisy present, so that point is conceded.
In addition, your comment on his premium/regular gas statement is also a valid argument. Doesn’t he realize that the automobiles he’s endorsing operate on 87 octane? He is extremely out of touch with reality, and with the everyday common person like you and I.
CGD’s point about him being an entertainer is the most factual statement made in this thread so far. When asked why he doesn’t run for president, he answers, “pay cut.” He is not a journalist, just an agenda distributor who all but usurped Larry King’s talk radio dominance and revived AM radio from the dead. Also, I think that the closest thing to a “straight shooter” on national radio is, ahem, Bill O’Reilly (aka Ted Baxter), who also pimps GM.
GM has invaded ALL of talk radio, as SAAB ads have infiltrated SportsTalk/ESPN 980 here in DC.
It’s cheaper than TV ads.
ppellico, I too am an ex-smoker and so feel the pain of other addicts. As I said, Rush was the one spouting against drug addicts. If he had not beaten people over the head with it so much, I wouldn’t have been so critical. I have a problem when people claim to be better than the rest of us and spout vitriol on public airwaves. Then come to find out, they’re human too, then they want sympathy all of a sudden. It’s the hypocrisy and past insults I have a problem with, not his addiction itself.
I wish you luck in your quest for sobriety. I have been 20 years without a cigarette, so it is possible. I also wish Rush the best in battling his addictions.
True, I don’t really know where he stands on this one thing. Having heard the word “femi-nazi” as well as other insults, I may not find out and will be OK with that. I never understood why he had to go there with the femi-nazi term. I don’t believe wanting equal opportunity and equal pay is out of the norm or radical. To equate that with the Nazis, who committed horrible atrocities and killed millions, was IMO over the top.
MgoBLUE :
How long a period of measurement is a light year?
We can agree to dissagree on the Soltice.
But I love that car.
And the tech that went into the water molding of its body panels was/is revolutionary.
But as for the Enclave (and its brothers) being compared to the MDX…you might be right.
Not sure about the interior and towing, but start pricing is the same and MPG similar.
But one’s premium for the turbo 4.
But still, my point about good cars and to much duplication is still there.
Thanks
And let’s not forget that GM, like the other Big 2, really build great trucks.
Our country runs on these.
Actually, American car manufacturers like GM DO make me feel stupid. Stupid that an American manufacturing icon is not only behind on market trends, but that they learned ABSOLUTELY NOTHING from the gas crunch 30 years ago when Asian cars first started catching up. Now they’re the ones playing catchup to market trends that Toyota saw coming.
Japan’s advantage is that their policies aren’t run by big oil.
What, advertisements on the radio? When did that happen?
Why does this keep floating to the top of the News list? Is it because Limbaugh is full of hot air?
I am proud to say that Rush’s $400 million renewal contract doesn’t include one cent of mine. Sorry, G.M., I will not buy any of your products as long as there is a chance that any of my hard-earned money will end-up in Rush’s greedy, fat hands while you patronize him.
Let me tell you about my 2001 Ford Ranger Edge with 4.0L V-6 and nearly 100,000 miles on it. This is the first vehicle I’ve ever had that doesn’t require oil to be added between oil changes. This is with 5W-30 synthetic changed yearly at apx. 11,000 miles. This is also the first vehicle of mine that does not leak a drop of oil. This includes engine, transmission, differential, and power steering. Now let me tell you about the 1974 El Camino I once had…Don’t ask.
Bloated. Clueless. Ill prepared for the future. Media types call it brand synergy. Makes perfect sense.
I’m sorry, I’m STILL laughing over the premium gas statement.
“What do you mean you’re putting less than 92 octane into your Maybach 57 V12 engine?! It seems awfully cheap to be skimping on gas after investing $300k into your car!”
Going on about how GM is great because they’re making fuel efficient hybrids while driving a 16 mpg SEDAN (10 in cities), and that GM understands YOUR concerns (how to get only the finest gasoline into your new Maybach).
cgd
Good God…I am not trying to get sober!
What a frightening thought.
…SAAB ads have infiltrated SportsTalk/ESPN 980…
Oh, that’s pure genius, that is. Maybe the next step would be advertising the Tahoe in the Sierra Club monthly.
Actually it’s a decent match-up. The credibility of both are about equal.
ppellico – When I listen to Rush, I’m convinced he’s as frightened as you are…
We have almost taken a Temperance Union mentality to “sobriety” as if people aren’t addicted to all kinds of things which are unhealthy or at least unwise. Marathon runners are pushing themselves so hard that their rate of heart disease (and failure) is equivalent to the totally sedentary. The drug companies have expertly discovered the means to market drugs which are equally addictive to “bad” drugs, and to which millions are now addicted, thinking it is ok to do so. And we spend hundreds of millions trying to eradicate the scourge of marijuana (which apparently kills no one) while far more money is lost to the ills of alcholism.
Welcome to the human race… The end result is the same, for even the most dedicated vegan PETA member as it is for any other “addict.” These aren’t moral issues, but have to do with the simple things we do each day to cope with the trauma of living.
For Rush it seems it’s a moral issue when it is a 17 year-old crack addict, but not when you’re a Maybach-driving Oxycodone-addicted “entertainer.”