Rush Limbaugh Resigns Post As Republican Leader

For months now it has been a topic of conversation in America. Is Rush Limbaugh the de facto leader of the Republican party?

Following the defeat of John McCain in the November election, an executive vacuum formed at the top of the party. The same was true when John Kerry failed to best George W. Bush back in 2004, and returned to his old day job in the U.S. Senate. But after McCain’s thumping, Limbaugh stepped up to fill the leadership void.

Much to the delight of Democrats, Limbaugh offered his prescriptions on how the GOP should go about rebuilding itself. His insights often clashed with those of other Republicans–Colin Powell and Michael Steele among them–and generated a ton of publicity.

While his unofficial spot atop the Republican pop-charts was great for radio ratings, it put many within the party in a difficult position. Those who dared criticize Rush aloud routinely found themselves apologizing in the next breath. Others simply adhered to Ronald Reagan’s 11th commandment, hiding Republican-on-Republican strife from the light of day.

Well, Limbaugh’s stormy tenure as the “titular” head of the party is now, officially over. Here’s Rush, giving his resignation, and taking more swings at Colin Powell in the process.