Limbaugh’s Audio Characters
One of the qualities that separate Rush Limbaugh from the talk show competition is the variety of voices heard. From the mimicry of politicians, to the DJ’s use of impressions such as Howard Cosell and the numerous audio soundbites, the audience receives a continuously modulated feed. Other voices include the callers, the music and movie parodies, and the Official Obama Criticizer in black lingo.
Besides the callers, Rush gives his own voice to others in the audience. The party line liberal lisps “That’s right, Mr. Limbaugh….” before making a fool of himself. Dimwit Conservatives nervously object to Rush’s arguments with “But Rush, but Rush, what about….” only to be quickly set straight with a calming pronouncement.
His volume also has broad range. After making a controversial point, he may close out a segment with a quietly emphatic “Don’t doubt me.” By contrast, the talk show competition is repetitive with little of the aural variety needed to reach Limbaugh’s standard. Their fortissimo bursts appear designed to provoke the listener to shout, “Enough, already!” With Rush, the show usually ends with the listener wanting more.
