By Stefanie Hubbs
More than a month after admitting he was addicted to prescription painkillers, conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh is back on the air.
Several members of the political science department at BYU are divided over whether or not Limbaugh will lose his ultra-conservative edge now that he has completed what he called an “intense” five-week drug rehabilitation program.
“[Admitting to prescription drug addiction] reduces his credibility to some extent, as one who has been very unsympathetic and dismissive of others problems,” said Richard Davis, a professor of political science. “It”s sort of a chink in his armor. He”s gotten a new understanding of what it”s like to have problems.”
Davis said he thinks Limbaugh will be kinder when confronting issues about the poor and minorities in the future.
“Maybe Limbaugh will think, ”Gee, maybe I shouldn”t target these attacks anymore,”” Davis said.
But according to the transcript of Limbaugh”s Monday show, the radio commentator said his views continue to be as right-wing as ever.
“Many people feel and think that when you go to a rehabilitation center for addictions or other things, that the people in there turn you into a linguini-spined liberal,” Limbaugh said. “And that”s not true.”
Byron Daynes, a professor of political science, said he takes a neutral stance on the issues surrounding Limbaugh”s addiction.
“I don”t think it”s going to affect him one way or another,” he said. “Limbaugh”s audience is loyal and he”ll continue to say what he”s always said.”
Daynes said people who like neo-conservative talk radio continue to listen to Limbaugh”s program regardless of any problems he may have in his personal life.
R.J. Snow, a professor of political science, said he agreed with Daynes that Limbaugh will not lose audience members over his drug addiction.
“If it”s only drug rehab, it doesn”t seem to affect how people will react to his political views,” he said.
Barret Runyon, president of BYU College Republicans and a loyal Limbaugh listener, said he strongly disagrees with those who think Limbaugh will become more sensitive to liberal issues.
“Rush admitted he did something wrong,” he said. “That shows character. We Republicans admit when we do something wrong.”
Runyon said Limbaugh”s drug rehabilitation only makes him more conservative.
“I don”t think Rush has lost his edge by any means,” Runyon said. “But, I think he”s more humble.”
