Rush Limbaugh on 'FNS'

" -- Now to our interview with -- Rush Limbaugh. Whether do you love him or can't stand him, he is a major player on the American political scene. For three hours a day five days a week he tells listeners exactly what he thinks on more than 600 radio stations across the country. We traveled to Palm Beach this week where Rush does his show for a rare interview; discussing everything from politics, to whether he's really worth that huge amount of money he makes. Rush, welcome to FOX News Sunday --. Thank you, appreciate it. This week, will be one year since Barack Obama was elected president. In that time what has he done for, and to the country."

" I think it's all to, I don't think there's any for. I don't, Chris I'm -- really really worried, we've never seen this kind of radical leadership at such a high level of power in the, in the country. I believe that the economy is under siege; is being destroyed. Anybody with any economic literacy would not do one thing this administration's done; try to revitalize private sector they're destroying it. And I have to think that it may be on purpose. Because this is just outrageous what is happening the denial of liberty and and on freedom. I mean just a couple days ago they takled about these 650,000 jobs that they have created or saved. There's no such thing as a saved job. Besides that that, they've jobs jobs. They've lost jobs. jobs in -- country since Obama's stimulus plan plan. And gonna get and Obama."

" Wait a minute, how about save the country from a financial abiss, 3.5 percent growth in the third quarter GDP. There wasn't any growth in the private sector. That 3.5 percent came from two things; government spending on cash for clunkers. They just moved fourth quarter auto sales into the third quarter. And the first time homebuyers thing. GDP equals CIG. That is consumers investment business and government and it's all G it's all government. There is no private sector growth growth. There no new jobs being created created; losing them. How about kept the country safe for nine months."

" Ha. I don't know how safe we are -- Iran is nuking up. Everything we've asked them to do they are forgetting forgetting, not gonna move their plutonium, they're rich petroleum uranium -- out of the country like they said so. We can't make up our minds what we're gonna do in Afghanistan. We're dithering there. I don't I don't think we're any better off in any way it can be measured. You have now taken to calling Mr. Obama the man, child president. Right. What does that mean? He's immature, a child. I think he's he's got a a five minute career. He was in the Senate for 150 days. He was a community organizer in Chicago for -- how-ever of years. He really has no experience running anything, he's very young, I think he's got an out of this world ego. He's very narcissistic. -- -- And he's able to focus all attention on him all the time. That description is simply a way to cut through the noise and say he's immature, inexperienced, in the over his head."

" Let's talk about a couple of big issues the president is dealing with now. First of all, Afghanistan. You suggest that he is taking all this time to decide what to do in Afghanistan to keep his left wing base on board for healthcare."

" And I know this is gonna sound controversial but I don't think he cares that you think Chris that he cared about we've got soldiers. And their families worrying about. What we're gonna do them the general growth and we need some more troops the policy that he implemented marching now doesn't like. It is trying to figure out how best to make everybody happy here politically. On his side of the IO. And also frees image from the Democrats have a tendency to be seen as weak on defense and he's battling without. But again if he feared the about victory remember he said about Afghanistan victory is not some he's comfortable with the concept. It reminds him of the Japanese surrendering on the USS Missouri -- made him very comfortable. He wants to manage this rather than achieve victory he says these things right I don't know if people actually listen and have them register when he does."

" But but he you say you don't nobody really cares if you at least given credit. For going to Dover Delaware to honor the remains. Of soldiers dead soldiers came back from Afghanistan."

" The politically correct thing to say here would be -- yes. I am very impressed with personal mama decided to world. Don't show his concern for me. Remains troops have given their lives for freedom in this country was a photo -- the photo -- precisely because he's having big time trouble and this whole Afghanistan -- situation. He found one family that would allow photos to be taken none of the others did. And of course when you have a sick of fabric media. Following you around able to promote and -- to fly whatever you want then he can create the impression that he has all this great concern but that the that your -- Should this just don't know -- but it because no cameras. I don't know that he ever went to Dover Delaware -- keep what -- yes he certainly legislating and -- photo -- Bloody. But the argument would be that it was political a -- not. His BC wooden coffins because he was trying to hide it hide the cost of war from the American people. Well I have the benefit of of of knowing George Bush a little bit -- I've. I've seen him cry talking about missions that he's ordered. I think he has a great profound deep respect. For the families. Of all military personnel and those who -- an -- and we're not going to use them but -- you don't think that. Barack Obama has a profound respect for our soldiers and families that is. -- the sacrifice Chris. Throughout the Iraq War it was Barack Obama in the Democrat party which actively sought to defeat. Of the US military they convene hearings and accused General Petraeus of lying. They said the surge would not work Harry Reid stands up waved the white flag. This war is lost Jack most is out saying our Marines at Haditha are guilty of rape John Kerry is accusing -- Marines at cook for committing terrorism acts by going into the homes of Iraqis at midnight. In the dark terrorizing looking for all Qaeda or whoever was there. Yeah look I hate to be honest with -- here but I do question. Their commitment. To national security I question their commitment to the US military. They don't put their political survival and their political power being gained over anything else they'll use anybody -- throw anybody weigh in order to which it."

" also say that the president should give the generals the commanders on the ground as many troops as they need to win. But. A staunch conservative like George well. Says look this Afghanistan is that a dysfunctional. Country it's -- country and that we can beat the Taliban and beat. The al-Qaeda without. The huge commitment of new troops."

" Well I don't know that I don't I don't have the the benefit of knowledge that George will have so I trust the experts. And to me they're the people in the US military but these are these are. For the surge in Iraq same thing we want it worked the Democrat from one to -- it with pasted it would fail it wouldn't work. And by all measure it did the now the basic same theories are being. Suggested for Afghanistan and -- that the thing that bothers me about this is for -- and it is whether we should have longer what we've done here for is now irrelevant. There's only one thing to do win you know that is -- what about Afghanistan easy we win they."

" Lose let's turn to health care reform guy who have made no secret of the fact you oppose the public option. The government run health insurance to compete with private insurers with tens of millions of Americans still uninsured. Do you think that the government has any moral obligation. To find some way to --"

" There is a way to insure the uninsured what are doing any of what we're doing if that -- be objective. Then I'd be full for. This is not about -- in short this is not about health care this is about. Stealing 16 of the US private sector putting it under the control federal government and when they get this health care bill what they do. That's the easiest. Fastest way for them to be able to regulate every aspect of human behavior that they'll all have some related cost. To health care what you drive what you eat where you live what you do. And will be penalties for violating regulations it's gonna be the biggest. Snatch of freedom and liberty that -- yet occurred in this country and in thirty seconds. How do you insure the uninsured. Without this development I've run the numbers and that the real number. Of uninsured that what insurance is twelve million. Take some of the unspent stimulus we have 85%. Of the stimulus once it takes on the for 35 to forty billion a year you can -- sure those people. Not two trillion not one point four that's the objective. To now."

" Do you think the individual mandate. Is constitutional. Do you think -- that I don't think the heart of the right now to tell people. You're gonna get health insurance and if you don't get it you're gonna pay it I do not think its constitution. Chris businesses these dark days of the country this is deadly serious stuff this is a total attempt to remake the country is founded and constitute it. Get it it worries me greatly. We asked our viewers. For some questions I love fox viewers well -- well George Kaplan sent this in a President Obama would agree to an interview. What would be your first question. Why are you doing this. Why. What in what what. What do you not like about this country that makes you want to inflict. This kind of management. Lucille Goldman. Sent this question did you vote for John McCain. In the 2008 presidential election I did. Really of course. But you've been so critical of John --"

" Yes but. Did you -- the two I don't think that a lot of people Christmas singer's ability to parties. I don't a lot of people think that American -- really really believe it. But I don't know of any Republican. Who would try to take over 16 of the US economy I don't know one Republican who would. Put forth this this this you're responsible cap and trade I I don't know one Republican should do that adds something he initiated."

" Let's talk about the state of the GOP's. A recent Fox News poll found that. The approval rating for the president has dropped to 49% but meanwhile only 25%. Of people approve congressional Republicans. Analysts voters have growing doubts about the president and his policies. Why aren't they turning to the opposition is there something that they that the Republican Party lacks in the way of a positive affirmative. Agenda the republic."

" Imparting he's worth something. If it goes country club blue -- moderate it's gonna lose if it goes Reagan conservative conservative and commits to -- it's gonna win landslides. -- trust my question why aren't people turning to the Republicans. All what we're right now there's no central Republican leader to turn to international central Republican message. Republican message is sort of muddied. One of these terrible right now its opposition to Obama. Not enough. Well it may be in 30 and against the Democrat party and against Obama even if voters employee Tim had nothing to won't force."

" Do you think that the Republican Party do you see it as a big tent party for a small -- big tent. But but you sound like you're kind of saying to the moderates the but it Leon on social issues if we visited our look at."

" When -- should become a look at the United States of America I -- I'm an American I'd love this country I want everybody give it to do well the conservative message is not okay Hispanics we have this plan for you. All women we have the splintered that's that's what the Republican party's trying to do and immediately group politics. And the history is that it. -- widely Democrat like let them handle that. Let's go after the big tent that is the country and let's go get every person in this country I don't care what their races with their gender is what -- sexual orientation is. -- today. Are told that there was somebody the -- lead this country or party. That is actually going to strengthen them give them the tools -- out of their way and let them make this country work. The Republican Party can attract a majority likely haven't seen since the eighties."

" In the time magazine article about blood bath recently put up their right just as you found your place as the triumphant champion. Of the age of Reagan. That -- tapping into the fear and anger on the right today. Is that why you think he struck such accord because he he taps into the fear the anger. Of the conservatives that I."

" There is a lot of fear and there there there's a tremendous amount of fear. In the country over what is happening. In Washington to individual liberty and freedom. He may well have have captain of that Bob BP Angola. I think that's that's sometimes overplayed because it's become -- today. For the left to say angry white men as a way of denigrating. Conservative. Energy and and ideology. But there's no question there's a lot of anger -- and if he's tapped into that wouldn't be surprised when you look at Glenn -- and you see this explosion. When you think. Well one could come apart villages. No no envy no competent I don't know don't know and it. My radio audiences astronomically higher I'm look at. 1988. There was nobody doing what I'm doing. Nobody you had CNN was the only cable network and you have the the three networks and newspapers and outlook. Now look what's all of this conservative media conservative talk radio television fox lose the conservative Blogosphere. And united in one way I could argued if I wanted to have my eagle be as big as Obama is his legacy will what I created. So any success out there on myself conservative media didn't if it's gonna help us get. This country back from Morgan. Let's talk about you. You said recently I actually thank god. From my addiction to pain pills because I learned more about myself and rehab. But it -- ever learned otherwise. What did you learn from drug free. One of that one of the things that I always have trouble with my wife was. Trying to be what other people. Expected me to be a wanted me to be in my personal life couple wanted to be liked everybody's raised. -- wanted to liked. And wanna be loved nobody wants to grow up being hated now interestingly my radio career I don't care. I figured that out. It was a tough thing Chris to learn to take as a measure of success. Being painted -- up by twenty or 30% the country and that's. Because nobody raised about. But in my personal life. What -- the thing we're most ones that. The only way we have real intimacy with people. We you solid relationships is to be who you are that will attract the kind of people working. But having intimate relationship -- and would friendships and without putting you on the couch. Are you saying that the addiction came from some sense of personal inadequate and of course you know -- took what wasn't good enough I was masking unhappiness elsewhere. Not dealing with the real reasons I was unhappy. And in my personal life I had I had never experienced the kind of euphoria but I got. From a pain pills. I think the the only time. That I really what all the success I've had only time apparently coming -- made the high school football team as a sophomore. I was never prouder of myself put all my career achievements that cannot create that for me because. It's you've got to maintain it every day it's not something you earn it and don't last forever. And I don't look back -- stop and think about what I've accomplished composer is always tomorrow. So I don't have time for you for it'll have to -- to -- commercial -- too busy trying to meet everybody's expectations tomorrow. So people came along they may ask all these. Feelings of vaught an adequacy. No. After just seven weeks of this place in Arizona. I have zero. Feelings for the that it has not been replaced by. Any responsible ego is just a competence. In the way. You signed a new contract. Last year. Eight years. Reportedly. 400. Million dollars reportedly. Right so -- go to the -- is not true. It could be true you know I -- I'm a a guy who burns a percentage. Of what I generator every year. There are some guarantees but out of 400 that is not guaranteed I have to learn that. So -- but -- uncle got out ahead of shuttle. In -- and don't get me wrong but I think you repeat broadcaster. How can you possibly be worth that kind. Very simply. The value is determined by what somebody will pay you do what you do. I'm probably worth more. I'm not complaining not do not misunderstand but noticeable question should tell the capitalist. You work what ever you can get your work whatever your value is and -- determine what what somebody's willing to pay you for. And the only reason I get that money is because the people who invest in the get results beyond their expectations."

" All right you believe in the free market I do. That let's talk about the NFL the decision to drop you as a possible. What about the argument look this is a bunch of billionaire owner is sitting around in the -- Rush Limbaugh isn't good for business is that the premarket."

" Yeah but that didn't happen it never was allowed to get to that point my name was -- is being part of a group. Roger Goodell the commissioner goes -- six year old quote from that I made about Donovan McNabb got it all wrong. You ever say it probably are calling hearsay because he's repeating things or -- over the Indianapolis Colts joined the chorus. I never got. Are never got past first that we would know what what do you think that was about. What -- what I think it's actually. About the fact that the NFL is about to lose its current collective bargaining agreement of the players. And guess who happens to be the new executive director of the players association. A guy named to more Smith. Who it is Obama he's part of his transition team. He has is he have suggested. That the congress White House might get involved to stop a player up older -- out. So I I think and he got involved in this community without participating in the spreading -- quotes I didn't say warning. Goodell and the owners what -- I think this is a warning shot a gust across the belts and -- NFL look. -- we're gonna be -- to run in this -- not you we don't want this guy here and I think. Kate I don't I don't we take this personally but I do think it was a project power -- room."

" Let's do a lightning round quick questions quick answers. You started talking about vice president Biden this week. And you said to your producers now that the bleep button. Because Sunday over the line and a new sense of yourself so I -- I ask you what do you think it Joe Biden. "

" Purpose. Did the wind bag -- role. About. Pretty much everything -- here's a guy in July who says. Well we we guessed wrong on the stimulus jobs -- Anybody with a -- could have told you this stimulus plan wasn't going to work I think he's a walking comedy of errors Sara Taylor. You say that you admire her back. Do you really think she's ready to be president. Well yes. -- I am a one thing I do not do is follow conventional wisdom. And the conventional wisdom of Sarah Palin is smart enough changeable that the issues she's. Little sophisticated she Alaska where if that doesn't have -- pedigree I've seen historically provided any kind of spark for the Republican Party this is not. An endorsement. But I do have profound respect for Sarah Palin are not very many publishing has been through what she's true then put through. And still labeled smile and be -- buoyant and upbeat I mean this woman. I think is re tough finally some politics you predicted possible bloodbath. For Democrats and twenty -- I really do I know that there is an eruption waiting to happen at the ballot box. I know that a majority of the people this country are opposed every single major agenda item that Obama has proposed and is trying to get past. The mainstream media doesn't do it doesn't know what they think they need a visa the -- as a they they're not in touch with what's happening in fact if they do find out that there's this kind of angst they look. At the voters with -- well you're not sophisticated and understand. How brilliant Obama is and how magical as -- they don't want be part of it -- it's gonna be. Bigger than anybody thinks especially especially if health -- get past. And they get cap and trade they struggle going on his global warming fiasco track. And get something passed on that there will be a revolt -- the polls if you had to -- now does Barack Obama win reelection in twenty trial if I had -- now. He will not. -- got a name of somebody's going to be and not M beetle I have no clue about the if he does what. House Rush Limbaugh gonna -- seven more years Rocco look no glad you asked me that because one of the questions -- always get his. She isn't Obama on these Democrats in power could for your business. Tomorrow what I go about my business -- out to get the highest ratings I get every day -- track the largest audience I can't ever regardless the news that it's my. If mark talent that draws crowd the new this is incidental to -- No -- are worried seriously worried about the future of the country I would never put my personal success. In front of what I think it's something that's disastrous for the country. And suddenly is a Barack Obama would be painful. It would literally be painful lessons. Did we didn't you get up and there's a new potential threat to liberty and freedom being watched by this and and his administration in its. It can come become part. Of Sunday's element on the radio and some days I feel like I'm in the trenches in the war. No bullets being fired but with -- of important and it's really it's really intense when. I love this country to have this kind of passion and in my. Well Paul Revere I -- many people to hear what I think the problems or. Because I believe the people this country eventually make it can't make it work and got what they want I do believe in the democratic process of the vote. -- Thank you thank you Chris."