The Democratic polling/strategy firm Democracy Corps, James Carville and Stan Greenberg’s outfit, is continuing to push the message that Rush Limbaugh is a political winner for Democrats — and an inescapable loser for Republicans.
When asked if they agree with the statement, “Rush Limbaugh shares my values,” or the opposite statement that he does not share their values, all voters break out at 32% yes, to 57% no. Among independents, it’s 30%-58%.
But here’s the thing: Limbaugh scores 60%-29% with Republicans. “There is a reason why,” the polling memo says triumphantly. “Limbaugh ranks very high as a leader of the Republican Party’s
ideas and direction.”
When asked if Limbaugh has too much influence over the Republican Party, too little influence or about the right amount, all voters put it at 49%-15%-26%. Republicans, however, weigh in at 27%-20%-43%, and independents are at 50%-12%-29%.
There is one silver lining: Voters do not agree with the idea that Republicans are following Limbaugh’s lead because they want to see Obama fail, with only 32% agreeing.
The memo concludes: “With Rush Limbaugh’s vision and values so strong among the conservative Republicans who are the heart of the party’s base, Republican leaders carry a heavy weight when they attempt to position themselves to act for the broader electorate.”
