Back Into Line

Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) is a very conservative Congressman. He also criticized Rush Limbaugh. This did not make some of his colleagues happy. And one day later, he's running for cover. Take a look at this press release:

Now more than ever, we need to articulate a clear conservative message that distinguishes our values and our approach from those of liberal Democrats who are seeking to move our nation in the wrong direction. Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Newt Gingrich, and other conservative giants are the voices of the conservative movement’s conscience. Everyday, millions and millions of Americans—myself included—turn on their radios and televisions to listen to what they have to say, and we are inspired by their words and by their determination. At the end of the day, every member of the conservative movement, from our political commentators and thinkers to our elected officials, share an important and common purpose in advancing the cause of liberty, reigning in a bloated federal government, and defending our traditional family values.

The emphasis is my own. "Conservative giants"? Hey, you said it, not me.

Via Balloon Juice, who notes that we can add Limbaugh to the long list of persons Republicans cower in fear of. A lot of conservatives I know try to dismiss folks like Limbaugh and Hannity as basically prop acts out for entertainment. Wrong-o. These people are major players in your movement -- "giants", I'm now told. You have to deal with the consequences.