Several liberal activists and media personalities on Twitter expressed glee after conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh announced on his show that he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.
“Ask yourself this simple question: is the world a better place or a worse place with Rush Limbaugh in it?” author and former CNN personality Reza Aslan said in response to the news.
Ask yourself this simple question: is the world a better place or a worse place with Rush Limbaugh in it?
— Reza Aslan (@rezaaslan) February 3, 2020
“Rush Limbaugh is, without a doubt, one of the most hateful, awful people of the last half century, and one who had one of the most negative impacts possible on this country. It’s only fitting that this cancer upon the world should be stricken by it,” former Sports Illustrated writer Jon Tayler said on Twitter.
“The idea of having sympathy for this vile, horrible person is laughable. The idea of MAGA chuds — whose entire political identity lives in hateful exclusion and who would dance on Barack Obama’s grave if they could — lecturing me about said sympathy is even more laughable,” Tayler continued.
Rush Limbaugh is, without a doubt, one of the most hateful, awful people of the last half century, and one who had one of the most negative impacts possible on this country. It’s only fitting that this cancer upon the world should be stricken by it.
— Jon Tayler, Smiling Politely (@JATayler) February 3, 2020
Tayler also said Americans should line up to kick Limbaugh’s corpse if he dies from cancer.
If this kills Rush, then give him a state funeral so that every willing American can have a chance to pay their respects by kicking his corpse as hard as they can. https://t.co/gNxXwAx1Kh
— Jon Tayler, Smiling Politely (@JATayler) February 3, 2020
Bishop Talbert Swan, a pastor, responded to Vice President Mike Pence’s well-wishes to Limbaugh by calling the radio host a “white supremacist.”
I take no pleasure in anyone’s sickness, but, Rush Limbaugh is a vile, hateful, white supremacist, who has spread racist vitriol on the airwaves of America for 30 years.
It’s telling that Mike Pence is celebrating this bigot as a “National Treasure.”https://t.co/nTr7TtzO8j https://t.co/sb5nEBnFrj
— Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) February 4, 2020
New Yorker contributor Maura Quint claimed that her father, who once listened to Limbaugh’s program, now believes he is a racist.
My dad’s a republican who used to listen to Rush Limbaugh. When I’d be home, I’d ask him about it, what Rush was saying. And why. After a few years, my dad said, I started listening closer and you’re right, he’s a reactionary bigot who lies to sow hate. He never listened again.
— maura quint (@behindyourback) February 4, 2020
Author and activist Tariq Nasheed accused Limbaugh of spreading racism and tweeted a video of people dancing with the hashtag “#PartyOverHere.”
Rush Limbaugh has spend decades spewing dangerous anti-Black racism.
Now he has cancer…
I know we shouldn’t celebrate one’s misfortunes….
but
#PartyOverHere pic.twitter.com/NVI1mVg2hW
— Tariq Nasheed ?? (@tariqnasheed) February 3, 2020
CNN contributor Rick Wilson reacted with a tweet that offered a “human being pro-tip” about not wishing cancer on anyone, “even on your adversaries.” It was met with both positive and negative reviews.
I just heard the news that Rush Limbaugh has advanced lung cancer.
I’m going to show you how this should be done:
I wish Rush a speedy and complete recovery from his cancer.
Human being pro-tip: don’t wish cancer on *anyone*…even on your adversaries.
— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) February 3, 2020
“You’re so amazing Rick! Not celebrating someone getting cancer! Pat yourself on the back again buddy!” conservative author Mark Dice responded.
You’re so amazing Rick!
Not celebrating someone getting cancer!
Pat yourself on the back again buddy!
— Mark Dice (@MarkDice) February 3, 2020
Limbaugh announced on his show Monday that doctors diagnosed him with stage 4 lung cancer and that he will need to take some days off to receive treatment.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this day has been one of the most difficult days in recent memory for me because I’ve known this moment was coming in the program today,” Limbaugh said toward the end of the show. “I’m sure you all know by now, I really don’t like talking about myself, and I don’t like making things about me other than in the usual satirical, joking way.”
“So, I have to tell you something today that I wish I didn’t have to tell you,” he continued. “And it’s, it’s a struggle for me because I, I had to inform my staff earlier today. … I have been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.”
Many across the country reacted with sadness to the news of Limbaugh’s battle with cancer, including President Trump, who called him a “great guy” and a “fantastic political talent.”
[Opinion: Rush Limbaugh changed the political landscape]
Many people do not know what a great guy & fantastic political talent the great Rush Limbaugh is. There is nobody like him. Looking for a speedy recovery for our friend! https://t.co/GRTt56BjEu
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2020
