Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot

Some political humor does not age well, especially when it focuses strongly on specific individuals. That is not the case here. This book is as fresh and relevant as ever, and to me, funnier than when I first read it- although that has a lot to do with the fact that when it was new, I was 13 and only reading it because I knew Franken's name from SNL. Not only Rush but many others in this book are still prominent and still as deserving of mockery as ever, including but not limited to Newt, Pat Buchannan, and the now-Governor of Ohio Kasich. The only part of this book that feels dated is when Franken says he could never go into politics (due to his inability to write a good sports metaphor).

Very funny satire and political insight from the soon to be Senator from Minnesota (I hope!). It is occasionally crude but always spot on with the issues. What's really sad is how little has changed since it was written.

As a political satire, Al Franken's book is laugh - out - loud hilarious. It's also informative, for those who need a reminder of just how crazy the rightwing radical statists and theocrats were (circa 1996) and remain (2009). Surprisingly, the book can hardly be regarded as dated: Newt Gingrich is not quite as much on the scene these days, but the fundamentalist loony Pat Robertson is still active, and as the (expanding) head of the (shrinking) Republican party, Rush continues to bloviate to the dittoheads. Some critics didn't manage to get beyond the title, which itself was a satire of the debasement of political discourse by el Blimpo himself. In sum: a clever and wickedly funny perspective written back before Franken ever dreamt show more he'd someday become a US senator. show less

Having read "Liars" and "Truth" first, I left this one for a rainy day. Franken doesn't disappoint. He is quite funny and while less rigorous in his dismantling of his targets than in his later books, he is nonetheless still dead-on.

My favorite parts of any of his works are where he quotes the fool he is exposing, then wraps the quote in the context of the truth (which is verifiable). Intelligent readers will come to the conclusions he reaches, whether in satire (as in this book), comedy ("Lies"), or somber dismay ("Truth").

Even though, this country has just barely survived 8 years of incompetent Republican leadership since this book was written, I find it even more timely and even more funny.

Not being American, I had no idea who Al Franken was when I bought "Rush Limbaugh is a big fat idiot" at a small second hand bookshop in a town in southern Oregon during a US road trip twenty years ago. I did know who Rush Limbaugh was as it was very difficult to avoid the man on radio or television.

Watching Limbaugh one noted that he was a big man who certainly had a large ego. I didn’t agree with some things he said but I don’t think Limbaugh is an idiot. Anyway, Franken gets stuck into Limbaugh and other conservative figures and gets the odd laugh on the way as some of his claims stick while others do not. And I could do without the fictional interludes in “Rush Limbaugh …” as well. Still, the book sufficiently killed time show more on the train ride to San Francisco. show less

I picked up the audio to this book. I am disgusted to say that it starts out NOT with Al Franken's work but some right-wing reviewer named Jean Kirkpatrick who goes on about her own credentials (geo-political etc) and "why oh why!! *sob cry moan*"

was she made to review this book instead of what was given to P.J. O'Rourke. My suggestion is that obviously she doesn't know anything at all (especially about political comedy - satirical or otherwise - or her professed area of expertise. WHICH IS the focus of this book.) and shouldn't be reviewing a work period. This is a diatribe praising Limbaugh (Who btw is a big fat idiot et al - that's an observational truth not an insult.*) and the conservative party line -- not a review of the actual show more work presented. Her voice is also extremely annoying.

Further I am of the opinion that while your political, social, etc. opinions will inflect your reviews it should not ever be the basis or focal point for a professional literary review, if you cannot review it on its merits and THEN provide a personal opinion at the conclusion (and then only if absolutely needed) then you need to find a different line of work. I'd have been flunked for turning in such a review based upon personal opinion on a work in college.

I'm giving this first section negative 37 stars and SHAME ON THE NEW YORK TIMES for hiring such an unqualified person.

The second session begins with Al Franken reading his work. My sincere sympathies to him for having to plough through over 180 hours of that [censored] being. Apparently I cannot even hack someone really reviewing [Limbaugh] or commenting on the subject. I also freely admit that while I respect Al Franken's current actions as a Senator he isn't my favorite political satirist. So I'm only giving it 3 stars. I think if it wasn't this subject I'd have enjoyed it more. But Franken does point out some extremely valid counter-points to conservative double think or sheer "ignore the facts" aka "facts? we don't need no stinkin' facts!" attitude that is so pervasive these days. I do think it is worth a listen for that alone. I would venture to say that this isn't comedy, but illustrates Franken's shift into the political non-fiction sphere.

*You do not want to know my real opinion about that sorry excuse for a human carcass named Rush Limbaugh. I've held this opinion for a few decades and it isn't politically based. It is based on having a brain that can think and sheer common sense. show less