I’ve caught a couple of snippets of Rush Limbaugh doing football commentary on ESPN’s pregame show, both before Thursday’s season opener and just a few minutes ago. He is surprisingly good at it. Unlike Dennis Miller, who tried to force his standup routine into the format of game announcing on Monday Night Football, Limbaugh just talks conversationally about football and manages to be provocative simply because that’s his nature. I think Miller could have been successful on MNF had he done the same.
RUSH ON ESPN
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8 responses to “RUSH ON ESPN”
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Not sure why the surprise…
He has worked his ass off for years studying the broadcast business and how to be the best at it. He clearly has a work ethic a mile long. His passion and knowledge of the game is well documented.
I would be surprised if he did poorly.
IN FACT don’t be surprised if in the next few weeks we hear reports about how people who don’t like football and don’t like Rush appreciate his commentary.
Rush has an uncanny abilty to make complex, arcane concepts understandable and interesting.* Many people don’t “get” football and I think he has an opportunity to broaden its appeal.
Paul
* Think about it… The man can get on national radio and discuss the most obscure cabinet positions and millions of people call it “entertainment.” How many people can pull that off?
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Paul,
I’m not surprised that he has the ability to do it. But the few times I’ve seen him on fora outside the comfort zone of his radio program, like on the talking heads shows, he’s been rather awkward. I’m mainly surprised that he’s made the transition so quickly and smoothly. I expected some growing pains.
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Ahhh point taken.
The times I have seen him on things like Leno or something, he is too rushed. (hurried) He is trying to make a thoughtful point in 12.2 seconds or less. The two are a bad fit.
I think here he is more “in control” and that puts the ball back in his court.
But I see what you are saying now.
P
