Why Limbaugh (Really) Hates McCain

Given that John McCain is universally considered to be the most electable of all Republican candidates this year, a lot of us pinko lefties have been wondering why rightwing radio blowhard Rush Limbaugh hates him so much.

I mean, sure, McCain is "soft" on torture, and believes we are changing the climate with greenhouse gases, and has cosponsored a few bills with Democrats, but it seemed to be a clear case of cutting off your nose to spite your face, and Limbaugh usually isn't that stupid.

But now -- thanks to a terrific column from Frank Rich, another pinko lefty who, like me, actually kind of likes certain aspects of John McCain -- the truth is out.

Back in 2002, when Limbaugh was throwing slime at anyone sensible enough to doubt the wisdom of charging into war in Iraq, he got into it a little with McCain, who went on to compare Limbaugh to "a circus clown."

When Limbaugh called him out, McCain "apologized":

"I regret that statement," he told an interviewer on Fox News the other night, "because my office has been flooded with angry phone calls from circus clowns all over America. They resent that comparison, and so I would like to extend my apologies to Bozo, Chuckles and Krusty."

Ouch. No wonder Limbaugh now says that if McCain is nominated, it will destroy the GOP. Appears that comment of the Senator's has left a mark!