American talk radio pioneer and conservative icon, Rush Limbaugh, has recently lost his battle with stage 4 lung cancer. The Republican icon led a prolific career in media, and influenced generations of conservatives. 

Remembering Limbaugh’s life and impact, Tucker Carlson describes what he meant on his show, “You didn’t have to explain what it meant to be a conservative when Rush Limbaugh did it better than you could.” 

After the Fairness Doctrine was repealed in 1987, the door was opened for Limbaugh’s rise to send his right-wing agenda on airwaves across the country. Many believed Rush to be the unofficial voice of everyday, hard working, and forgotten Americans of the “flyover” states.

Whether one disagrees with him or not, his skill for broadcasting was unparalleled. Michael Harrison, founder of Talkers trade magazine, attributes his success to his aptitude of the radio medium, “Because he used so many elements of great radio: pacing, his voice, satire, sound effects. The flow and feel of his show was very appealing in his use of sound and broadcast principles.”

The combination of Limbaugh’s broadcasting skill and candid political discussions struck a chord with conservatives around the country and made him one of the most popular broadcasters of all time. At its highest point, Limbaugh’s show would bring in a weekly audience of 15.5 million listeners. 

His great political influence was undeniable. After Republicans gained control of the House of Representatives for the first time in 40 years in 1994, Speaker Newt Gingrich dubbed Rush Limbaugh as an “honorary member” of the Republican caucus for his role in influencing the midterm elections. 

The “Doctor of Democracy” was not immune to setbacks. In 2001, he suffered hearing loss due to issues with his ears. In 2006, he was charged with doctor shopping to feed an opiate addiction. And most recently, he has battled stage 4 lung cancer. Through these ups and downs, Limbaugh had continued his program and speak to his audience.

Limbaugh even maintained a great sense of humor. In 2011, he appeared as himself on an episode of Family Guy, having the humility to be the butt end of many jokes. Limbaugh described why he went on the show and his amiable relationship with creator, Seth McFarlane, “Seth appreciates and has a great affection for professionals, and we’re all professionals here.”

Many believe that Limbaugh laid the groundwork for a political figure like Donald Trump to rise to power.  Limbaugh is the original anti-political, anti-mainstream media political figure, and had been on board with Trumpism since day one of his campaign. In an interview with NPR, Limbaugh describes forthright and brash personality, “There’s a whole psychology of doing the program the way that I do it, and there is a lot of schtick and a lot of humor to it. But the one thing that I don’t do is make things up or say things I don’t believe, just to cause a reaction. Because that takes no talent.”

Limbaugh used his platform to support Trump’s agenda, and frequently had him on his show as a guest. In February of 2020, Trump commended Limbaugh’s life work and dedication to conservatism during his State of the Union address when he awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

In his speech, Trump commended Limbaugh for “his decades of tireless devotion to our country.” “America’s Anchorman” may be known for his work as a radio-talk show host, but his philanthropic work might be the most important contribution of his legacy.

Through his personal wealth and influence from his show, Rush Limbaugh has raised millions for charitable causes over the years such as the  “Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation,” “Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation” and  the “Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.”

After his death, American singer-songwriter John Rich took to twitter to tell of a time when he was on Celebrity Apprentice, and Limbaugh donated $100,000 to his cause and St. Jude’s Children Hospital under the condition that it remained anonymous.

As polarizing and controversial of a figure that Rush Limbaugh represented, it is undeniable the positive impact he has had on millions of people. Across the political spectrum, Limbaugh dedicated his career with the intention of helping others. Limbaugh will be immortalized as a pioneer of a new age conservative movement.