Steele versus Limbaugh…Republican versus Conservative?

Republican National Chairman Michael Steele called Rush Limbaugh an entertainer. In an interview, the chairman said in no uncertain terms that he is the leader of the Republican Party. So where does this leave Mr. Limbaugh? A conservative political strategist mad a good point on CNN yesterday that sheds some light.

Rush Limbaugh is the voice and leader of the Conservative Movement. He speaks about Conservative values. Party affiliation is not as important. Michael Steele is the voice and leader of the Republican Party. It’s his job to talk politics, raise money, and help people win elections. I think people link conservatives and the Republicans together but may be missing the point. Values and politics may or may not go hand in hand.

Politically there are Democrats and Republicans. To a lesser extent there are Independents, Libertarians, and others like the Green Party. Value wise there are conservatives and liberals. To a lesser extent you’ll find moderates, centrists, and progressives. People marry their political affiliation with their values and vote or govern from that perspective.

Getting back to Rush Limbaugh and Michael Steele, it seems like the Conservative Movement is strong while the Republican Party is trying to find a direction. As long as this is the case, I think Mr. Limbaugh’s voice will continue to be heard loud and clear.