Reprinted with permission from Shareblue.
Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh contributed to the growing conservative meltdown over Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), whining that the congresswoman is “uppity.”
On his syndicated radio show the host, who has been infamous for decades for his racism and sexism, fumed about Ocasio-Cortez.
Without evidence, Limbaugh alleged that Democratic leaders don’t like Ocasio-Cortez and claimed that they are “not hip to this young, bunch of millennials pouring in here and some of these other radicals.”
He concluded his rant, “They’re not going to let some young uppity come in here and upset the apple cart.”
“Uppity” has often been used as a racial slur, and a conservative staple, against minorities for decades. In the past, Limbaugh has also described former first lady Michelle Obama as showing “uppity-ism.”
Ocasio-Cortez has become a target for the right as she has advocated for progressive policies and ideas. Fox host Lou Dobbs, a Trump booster, called the 29-year-old member of Congress a “little girl.” His coworker Sean Hannity — who earned a reported $30 million in 2018 — fretted that she will stop the super-rich from buying boats and “taking expensive vacations.” Conservatives have even complained about her dancing.
The congresswoman has responded to her detractors with sharp-witted online commentary and videos parodying their obsessive attacks.
While Limbaugh’s star has considerably faded over the years, he maintains a rabid fan base and exerts influence over Republican politics. There is a long-standing tradition of Republican leaders appearing on his program, like Trump, who called in to chat with the host in August.
Attacking the new Democratic members of Congress, who are largely women and minorities like Ocasio-Cortez, is a sign that Limbaugh sees a threat.
Limbaugh is an avowed bigot and a fixture within the conservative movement. If he stands against you, you’re probably doing something very right.
Published with permission of The American Independent.
