I read “The Man Who Ate the GOP” by Michael Wolff for Vanity Fair
Please discuss the significance of the title of the essay.
It’s twofold, both a pun on Rushes weight and a truth that he holds more influence over the
GOP than it’s own leaders - even their elected ones.
What is the writer’s point in 50 words or less.
With Limbaugh’s brand of hyperpartisanship and his ability to moblize his followers he possesses the ability to swing the political tide he’s using an entertainment outlet to affect politics in ways that such outlets don’t normally.
Who is the writer’s audience? (You may consider the venue in which the essay was published.)
Well, considering the piece was written for Vanity Fair I’ll assume it’s coastal liberal elites.
Do you think the writer does a good job making his/her point? Explain.
Mr. Wolff does a wonderful job of discussing both Rushes incredible influence and the factors surrounding his ascent to this position without becoming too blantantly accusatory or too narrow in his piece’s scope.
These essays were all written in 2009. Do you know anything now in 2010 that sheds new light on the writer’s observations? How might that change the essay?
this is definitely an essay in the book that will remain relevant as long as rush does, examining his historical rather than present behaviors and story.
Please discuss at two new things you learned from the essay.
Rush Limbaugh has a Cochlear implant.
most of his audience is well beyond 60
What do you think was most interesting about the essay? Why?
the way rush both changed how radio personalities are compensated and also how his rise brought him more clout with his select audience who in turn use their loyalty to him to help him further his views.
Google the writer. Tell me more about him/her. Cite your sources.
Got his start, and still writes for New York Magazine and also is a frequent contributer to the Guardian in London.
sources:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/24762316
http://www.vanityfair.com/contributors/michael-wolff
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