Limbaugh apologizes for comments on Georgetown University student

Rush Limbaugh apologized Saturday for his controversial comments about a Georgetown University student who testified last week on contraceptive coverage, as those comments swiftly became a political football on Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.

Limbaugh, on his radio show earlier this week, called law student Sandra Fluke a "slut" after she discussed the high cost of birth control during an informal hearing held by congressional Democrats.

After initially defending the comments, Limbaugh on Saturday posted a statement on his website apologizing.

"My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir. I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices," Limbaugh said.

A day earlier, President Obama called Fluke to "thank her" for speaking out. Congressional Democrats, meanwhile, condemned the Limbaugh comments while also incorporating them in House fundraising efforts.

Republicans, while chastising Democrats for trying to raise money off the remarks, chided Limbaugh for his choice of words.

Limbaugh said in his statement that for 20 years he has "illustrated the absurd with absurdity."

"In this instance, I chose the wrong words in my analogy of the situation. I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke," he said.

Still, Limbaugh said it is "absolutely absurd" to be discussing "personal sexual recreational activities" before lawmakers during serious political times.

"I personally do not agree that American citizens should pay for these social activities. What happened to personal responsibility and accountability? Where do we draw the line? If this is accepted as the norm, what will follow?" he said. "In my monologue, I posited that it is not our business whatsoever to know what is going on in anyone's bedroom nor do I think it is a topic that should reach a presidential level."