(03-05-2022, 03:23 PM)Lucky2Last Wrote: [ -> ]So, let me some questions: If there are people who genuinely believe a certain ideology, only an outsider is capable of exploiting that ideology? It's not possible in your world for a person in that group to be talented and capable enough to share that ideology with its base and others? Furthermore, if it doesn't align with your way of thinking it's completely false? Is that where we're starting with this discussion?
You answered yes to my question of was this directed to me. I'm quoting this to stay on point, but on the subject of the quote feature, does it not work for you?
Frankly, I have no idea what you're asking about. I'm not sure if you completely misunderstood my post, or you're deliberately setting up strawmen.
You're first question makes no sense. An outsider being the only one exploiting people of a certain ideology? Certainly not. That’s certainly possible, but it’s much more likely of an "insider" to do the exploitation. That the "insider" may have started as a true believer, doesn't mean that person is incapable of shifting to suit their audience. I'd argue that early '90's Rush was much different than Trump era Rush. I can't envision early '90s Rush crapping on a decorated, POW war hero like the Trump era Rush did solely because it was financially prudent to do so.
On to your second question, absolutely. But it's my contention Rush wasn't anything of the sort. He made tons of money telling people what they want to hear. He absolutely was an expert at that. An expert entertainer.
Your third question, I have to say again, I'm more of a small government conservative than any of you Trump fans combined. So no, I absolutely didn't disagree with everything Rush said. In fact, without the partisan hatred of being a liberal, I can see him for what he was. So my criticism of him coming from a place of ideogical disagreement is a non-starter. Take Rush away from the microphone, and I suspect I'd agree with him more often than not.
To restate, liberals paint Rush as the great Satan. They believe he's at fault for everything wrong in this country, including that unfortunate hillbilly insurrection we had to endure. I completely disagree with liberals, arguing that his audience already existed, and he was just the confirmation bias they desperately craved.