Rush Limbaugh: Jared Lee Loughner has the "Full Support" of Democrats

AP Photo/Gary He

Controversial, conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh is stepping up his assault against the Democratic Party in the wake of the mass shooting in Tucson, Ariz., claiming the Democrats fully "support" the alleged shooter.

On his radio show Tuesday, Limbaugh said, "What Mr. Loughner knows is that he has the full support of a major political party in this country. He's sitting there in jail. He knows what's going on, he knows that... the Democrat party is attempting to find anybody but him to blame. He knows if he plays his cards right, he's just a victim."

Jared Loughner is the alleged gunman who open-fired at a political event hosted by Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords on Saturday. Six were killed and 14 were wounded, including Giffords, who remains in critical condition.

Democrats, of course, have roundly condemned Saturday's violence, as have Republicans. Debate opened on the House floor today over a resolution to condemn the event, and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi lamented the tragic event, saying, "American democracy is founded on our commitment to a contest of ideas - not violence."

Earlier in the week, Limbaugh said the Democratic party "seeks to profit out of" the shooting.

Limbaugh and other conservatives, like Sarah Palin, are pushing back against criticism pinning Saturday's events on their harsh rhetoric.

In spite of his often-controversial statements, Limbaugh remains an influential voice within the conservative movement. Commentator Andrew Sullivan argues that Limbaugh is a mainstream opinion-maker who is "untouchable; his tone will not change."

[Guitfiddel]

He has the audacity to say something like this then, turn around and mimck Asians. What a classy guy! Totally Republican!!! Where's his really young Wife right now?

[dodinyc]

A nine year old is dead and here he is trying to make money out of her blood. This guy has gone WAY too far this time and should not be allowed to get away from this without a verbal lashing from both sides of the aisle.

[coachaljackson]

Please remember, Rush is part of the "Divide and conquer" strategy used by Caesar, the British, and Hitler. Instead of bringing together the 308 million Americans as one, he uses Nazi propaganda techniques to keep Americans divided and fighting against each other to gain political power. Someone is paying him 400 million to do it. So go ahead Rush, earn your check. Keep Americans split, it lessens our power. It is a good thing 99% of Americans don't listen to you.

[annefromiowa]

The man is disgusting!! I do wish he would see a doctor for his own mental illness. Why is this nut still on the radio? You would think someone would have given him a psychiatric evaluation by now....seems another one has slipped through the cracks and while it isn't a gun going off that mouth of his is just as damaging.

[MizQue_]

Old Limbo must be snorting that hillbilly heroin again. Talk about throwing gasoline on a fire! Totally irresponsible!

[atomant59]

Get Old Rush's maid to give him another dose of OxyContin and he will change for about 18 hours. What is it Christian Republicans say "Christians are not perfect, Just a bunch of blow hard Hypocrites".

[kimerk28]

Well put. I read through these posts, and have trouble finding a post that's reasonable enough to respond to. They are full of name-calling and stereotypical drivel.

[rightytidy]

Just as John Hinkley was a mere psycopath with no political purpse to his madness as he opened fire on the President of the United States and others,so it goes for Jared Louhhner.It is so pathetic to see mind numb robots jump on board with the angry,hatefull left in a blind attemp to make this a political issue. Hate Rush if you must,but even people we hate are right sometimes.Oh by the way,sometimas people we like are wrong.Open your minds people.

[leona29]

Rush Limbaugh is an idiot! Only a narcissistic idiot could use a tragedy for his own agenda.

[bradkt1]

I don't know of a single Democrat...or Republican or independent...who supports this killer.

The irresponsible fool here is the one who opened his mouth and said this...Rush Limbaugh. This one isn't on anyone else except him.

[rbburnerjr2]

Palin and Rush make a good team as spokespersons for the radical right. Both would be happy with a little mustache under their nose.