January 14, 2010 1:32 PM

Rush Limbaugh Slams Obama's Response to Haiti Earthquake

By
Stephanie Condon
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In The News
(AP Photo)
Updated at 3:45 p.m. ET

In the face of utter devastation across Haiti following a huge earthquake, conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh took to the airwaves yesterday to blast President Obama for his response to the crisis.

The disaster enables Mr. Obama to highlight his "compassionate" and "humanitarian" credentials and to "boost his credibility with the black community," Limbaugh said.

He also decried the White House's promotion of charitable organizations through which people can contribute to the disaster relief. "We've already donated to Haiti," he said. "It's called the U.S. income tax."

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs at his daily press briefing today critized Limbaugh's remarks.

"I think in times of great crisis, there are always people that say really stupid things," Gibbs said. I don't know how anybody -- I don't know how anybody could sit where he does, having enjoyed the success that he has, and not feel some measure of sorrow for what has happened in Haiti. I think to use the power of your pulpit to try to convince those not to help their brothers and sisters is sad."

Some have contended that Limbaugh speaks for the Republican party, but that does not appear to be the case in this instance.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate have expressed their support for Mr. Obama's leadership.

"We appreciate President Obama's immediate response to this catastrophic tragedy, and stand ready to assist in any way," House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said in a statement. "In this pressing time of need, I know that the good faith and generosity of our citizens will no doubt help. Our Government and the American people prepared to do all that we can provide assistance, comfort and resources to the people of Haiti and their families."

Both Democrats and Republicans have called for the White House to grant temporary protected status to Haitian nationals currently in the United States because of the earthquake, the Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

Furthermore, former President George W. Bush will be joining former President Bill Clinton in a bipartisan effort to raise funds for the relief effort.

How to Help Victims
Blog: The Latest Developments
Complete Coverage: Devastation in Haiti



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