Limbaugh, Railing Against McCain, Vows Not To "Concede"

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: John McCain

(CBS)

As we noted last week, right-wing talk show hosts and members of the conservative establishment have shown considerable resistance to the candidacy of John McCain.

After McCain's win in Florida, Rush Limbaugh, who has suggested that a McCain nomination could "destroy the Republican Party," gave a satiric concession speech in which he said "the base has fractured."

"Here is the bottom line, ladies and gentlemen," Limbaugh said. "I think this is it. There was a lot of anxiety among a lot of conservatives about Senator McCain. It's simply indisputable. But there was no figure in our roster of candidates who rose up to challenge him or galvanize conservative support. All the candidates on our side, for various reasons, are uninspiring or worse."

"Our friends in the media predicting my demise talk about how conservatism is dead," added Limbaugh. "Let me ask a simple question, ladies and gentlemen. Why is it that all of the Republican candidates claim to now carry the mantle of Ronald Reagan?"

Limbaugh also said exit polls show that McCain was not the choice of conservatives and vowed not to "concede" his position.

"I will not retire," he said. "I will not concede. I will not drift away! I will not fade away, until every American agrees with me."

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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by davecal54 January 31, 2008 11:57 PM EST: I have a suggestion that will surely work. And it is, if a large, large number of us Conservatives change our registration from Republican to Independent that would put a giant scare into the Republican phonies in the party. They will concede if thay plan on winning in 2008. Think about it! Pass this around.; Reply to this comment


by ronmwanga January 31, 2008 5:21 PM EST: This is such an interesting story. here in NYC, WABC is running essentially a 24-hour anti-McCain commercial with virtually all the on air talent railing daily agaist the senator. How this affects the Super Tuesday tri-state area vote will be interesting.; Reply to this comment


by milt560 January 31, 2008 12:33 PM EST: Rush is right!!!; Reply to this comment


by kansas1946 January 30, 2008 11:29 PM EST: "I will not retire," he said. "I will not concede. I will not drift away! I will not fade away, until every American agrees with me."
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Well, h e l l, Rush, I agree with you already. I think a big load of oxycontin before meals is a splendid idea.; Reply to this comment


by Krazcarl January 30, 2008 11:10 PM EST: Get honest he''s a no one that wants to be a someone and has a radio program so he''s out there. He''s a evil Howard Stern.; Reply to this comment


by jpbelize January 30, 2008 10:56 PM EST: Rush has always represented those who have paid him well and he is loyal to them. He is bought and paid for by corporate America. Who can blame corporate America for funding him? He has taken the conservative mantle because Republicans of social conscience do not want to desend into the muck to struggle with him. He is the "yellow journalist" of the day that is bought and paid for. In full. He also serves a very important role for the right because he is able to vent on their behalf while they (Republican representatives) can avoid responsibility for vicious tirades. If you had a dog like Rush that you thought kept your yard protected wouldn''t you want to keep him too? The problem is is that he is bought and paid for and will not bite his master(s). But he will bite other Republicans that venture into his territory. Those that take him more than for the biased pundit that he is, actually are of service to him.; Reply to this comment


by gelewis2 January 30, 2008 10:40 PM EST: Why is it "lefties" always resort to name calling? I''m guessing no class and limited vocabulary.; Reply to this comment