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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2009
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Limbaugh May Hold Key to McCain's Fate

Blowhard's influence extends well beyond conservative base

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(Newser) – Rush Limbaugh may be John McCain’s best friend in the fight against Barack Obama, writes Zev Chafets in the LA Times. Vociferously anti-McCain during primary season, Limbaugh is now on board and can't be underestimated. "A lot of Limbaugh's critics dismiss him as a buffoon or a fanatic," Chafets writes. "These are people who don''t listen to his show."

McCain turned things around with Limbaugh, and with the GOP base, by picking Sarah Palin, writes Chafets, adding that the radio titan described his support of the ticket as "balls to the wall" in an email. "This is a very big deal," he writes. "A satisfied Limbaugh means an enthusiastic Limbaugh, and an enthusiastic Limbaugh could be the difference in a close race."

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Rush Limbaugh addresses the National Association of Broadcasters at the convention center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, October 2, 2003.
PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Rush Limbaugh addresses the National Association of Broadcasters at the convention center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, October 2, 2003.   (KRT Photos)
Radio personality Rush Limbaugh arrives for a screening of Bernard and Doris at the Time Warner Center Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008 in New York.
Radio personality Rush Limbaugh arrives for a screening of Bernard and Doris at the Time Warner Center Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008 in New York.   (AP Photo/Gary He)
In this Aug. 29, 2008 file photo, Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, left, smiles as his choice for his vice presidential running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, pumps her fist as she is introduced to supporters at a campaign rally in Dayton, Ohio.
In this Aug. 29, 2008 file photo, Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, left, smiles as his choice for his vice presidential running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, pumps her fist as she...   (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, File)
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A lot of Limbaugh's critics dismiss him as a buffoon or a fanatic. These are people who don't listen to his show. - Zev Chafets

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