Describing an attack from Rush Limbaugh as a “cheap shot” is rather redundant, since he’s incapable of class or dignity, but it’s nevertheless noteworthy when the guy turns his guns on a fellow Republican.
John McCain, one might assume, may finally have mended his fences with the far right after all that he’s done for Bush this year on the campaign trail. Apparently, it’s not enough. Media Matters noted that Limbaugh mocked McCain’s military service because the Arizona senator didn’t, in Limbaugh’s opinion, do enough to defend Bush over the latest AWOL charges.
Here’s what Limbaugh said on his nationally broadcast program this week:
“So we are nearly two days into the latest regurgitation of the National Guard flap and CBS hatchet job on George W. Bush, and McCain is nowhere to be seen. Where is he? Where is he condemning this exposé into George Bush’s “honorable service,” quote, unquote? He hasn’t been seen since that Monday at the convention. I’m wondering if McCain’s been taken prisoner and being held as a POW by the Kerry camp, in the Kerry Hilton, somewhere in the basement of the DNC. The McAwful Hilton [an apparent reference to DNC chairman Terry McAuliffe]. I mean, where is McCain? Really. I mean, the question is — to me — is serious.”
Stunning. Limbaugh thinks it’s appropriate to joke about McCain being “taken prisoner” and “held as a POW”? All because Bush got caught failing to do his duty and McCain isn’t out there lying on the president’s behalf?
To his credit, McCain’s office is showing great restraint and responding with an incredibly mild rebuke.
McCain is taking the high road. His spokesman, Marshall Wittman, said the only comment he would provide is this:
“Senator McCain has made it crystal clear on numerous occasions that he believes the president served honorably in the National Guard.,”
When pressed about Limbaugh’s comments, Wittman said, “It’s just not truthful.”
Considering that a draft-dodger like Limbaugh is mocking McCain’s years as a prisoner of war, I suspect there are stronger responses available than “it’s just not truthful.”