Sorry to bring this up again, but how are ostensibly smart people–whose job is to cover politics–so consistently missing the point of this Limbaugh spat?
Limbaugh appears to be the de facto leader of the party for two reasons. First, because his rigidly partisan approach is the current strategy of the GOP in Washington. This has been demonstrated in the stimulus votes and in the attitude that the filibuster is literally required for every piece of even remotely controversial legislation (an attitude that is unique to this moment in history). Second, because any time a prominent Republican is even remotely critical of Limbaugh, they are quickly forced to walk back their comments.
The point of all this is that it’s BAD that Limbaugh (and those he represents) have such power. To say that he is the de facto leader is to say that those Republicans who actually hold office and are concerned with representing the people ought to be willing to assert themselves. The fact that Limbaugh is a buffoon and an entertainer is precisely why it’s troubling that he appears to have such influence in conservative circles right now.
Bringing up Limbaugh is “playing politics” but it only works because it happens to be true at this moment. If the Republicans had any interest in cooperating to work with the majority party on policies and ideas, the claim would be laughable. In a world where they are refusing to do this and instead are digging in their heels to play the obstructionists for the forseeable future, what is Obama supposed to do?
So yes, the Limbaugh scheme is a political game. And yes, it’s “partisan.” But it only works if the opposition is playing a far more tragic political game. If the Republicans want to neutralize this attack, there’s a very easy way to do it: simply break with Limbaugh by demonstrating a willingness to at least consider working with the Administration. They don’t have to accept everything without question, obviously. They won’t and shouldn’t. But people are smart enough to tell the difference between principled objections made in good faith and those done solely as a matter of political expedience. Start doing the former and this Limbaugh thing will disappar.