Bidding is now closed. The winning bid:
$2,100,100
Update: The winner is BettyC588. K-Lo says she's Betty Casey. Is she philanthropist Betty Brown Casey?
Mark Steyn is just as skeptical as I am regarding Reid's statement:
Harry Reid's Rush-and-I-don't-agree-on-much-but letter makes a small man look even more shriveled. Rush is matching the highest bid for the Reid/Kennedy/Dodd/etc letter, so right now he'll be writing a personal check for somewhere north of two million bucks. He has invited the Senate smearers also to match the highest bid. Like so many commissars from the people's party, Harry Reid is a wealthy man.
So, will Harry, who says he's so proud to be associated with this fundraising effort, and the other senators put their money where their mouths are and also write a personal check equal to the winning bid to the Marine Corp-Law Enforcement Foundation? Come on, Senators, take Rush up on his challenge.
Update II: Rush confirmed today that the winner is in fact philanthropist Betty Casey, who is a huge Rush fan. (I wasn't able to listen to Rush's show at the time he announced the winner.) Allahpundit captured the video of Rush announcing the winner:
Update III: Neocon News reports that it's the Eugene B. Casey Foundation that purchased the letter, of which Betty is the trustee.
Bookworm has a post with background information about Betty Casey.
****
And I just saw this on The Corner. Kathryn Jean Lopez informs us that Harry Reid went to the floor of the Senate earlier today and asked that people with the means to do so bid on Rush's Reid Smear Letter that's on eBay. Kathryn posted the transcript:
REID: MADAM PRESIDENT, EARLY THIS MONTH I CAME TO THE FLOOR TO DISCUSS SOME COMMENTS MADE BY RUSH LIMBAUGH. FOLLOWING MY REMARKS, MORE THAN 40 OF MY SENATE COLLEAGUES AND I CO-SIGNED A LETTER TO THE CHAIRMAN OF CLEAR CHANNEL, MARK MAY, TELLING HIM THAT WE WANTED HIM TO CONFER WITH RUSH LIMBAUGH REGARDING THE } STATEMENTS HE MADE. I'VE SINCE SPOKEN TO MARK MAY ABOUT THIS. MARK MAY, IN FACT, CALLED ME REGARDING THIS LETTER. THIS WEEK, RUSH LIMBAUGH PUT THE ORIGINAL COPY OF THAT LETTER UP FOR AUCTION ON E-BAY. MR. PRESIDENT, WE DIDN'T HAVE TIME, OR WE COULD HAVE GOTTEN EVERY SENATOR TO SIGN THAT LETTER. BUT HE PUT THE LETTER UP FOR AUCTION ON E-BAY AND I THINK VERY, VERY CONSTRUCTIVELY, LEFT THE PROCEEDS OF THAT IT GO TO THE MARINE CORPS LAW ENFORCEMENTS FOUNDATION. THAT PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE TO MARINES AND FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL WHOSE PARENTS FALL IN THE LINE OF DUTY. WHAT COULD BE A MORE WORTHWHILE CAUSE? I THINK IT'S REALLY GOOD THAT THIS MONEY ON E-BAY IS GOING TO BE RAISED FOR THIS PURPOSE. WHEN I SPOKE TO MARK MAYIC HE AND I THOUGHT THIS PROBABLY WOULDN'T MAKE MUCH MONEY, A LETTER WRITTEN BY DEMOCRATIC SENATORS COMPLAINING ABOUT SOMETHING. THIS MORNING, THE BID IS MORE THAN $2 MILLION FOR THIS. WE HAVE WATCHED IT DURING THE WEEK. IT KEEPS GOING UP-AND-UP AND UP. THERE'S ONLY A LITTLE BIT OF TIME LEFT ON IT. BUT IT CERTAINLY IS GOING TO BE MORE THAN $2 MILLION. NEVER DID WE THINK THAT THIS LETTER WOULD BRING MONEY OF THIS NATURE. AND, FOR THE CAUSE, MADAM PRESIDENT, IT IS EXTREMELY GOOD. NOW, EVERYONE KNOWS THAT RUSH LIMBAUGH AND I DON'T AGREE ON EVERYTHING IN LIFE AND MAYBE THAT IS KIND OF AN UNDERSTATEMENT. BUT WITHOUT QUALIFICATION MARK MAY, THE OWNER OF THE NETWORK THAT HAS RUSH LIMBAUGH AND RUSH LIMBAUGH SHOULD KNOW THAT THIS LETTER THAT THEY'RE AUCTIONING IS GOING TO BE SOMETHING THAT RAISES MONEY FOR A WORTHWHILE CAUSE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT WE COULD DO MORE IMPORTANT THAN HELPING TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN OF OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS AND POLICE OFFICERS WHO HAVE FALLEN IN THE LINE OF DUTY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO HAVE A GOOD EDUCATION. THINK OF THIS, MORE THAN $2 MILLION -- THAT WILL REALLY HELP. THAT'S, AGAIN, AN UNDERSTATEMENT. THERE'S ONLY A LITTLE BIT OF TIME LEFT SO I WOULD ASK THOSE THAT ARE WANTING TO DO MORE, THAT THEY CAN GO TO HARRY REID LETTER AND IT WILL COME UP ON E-BAY. I ENCOURAGE ANYONE INTERESTED WITH THE MEANS TO CONSIDER CONTRIBUTING TO THIS WORTHWHILE CAUSE. I STRONGLY BELIEVE WHEN WE CAN PUT OUR DIFFERENCES ASIDE, EVEN HARRY REID AND RUSH LIMBAUGH, WE SHOULD DO THAT AND TRY TO ACCOMPLISH GOOD THINGS FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. THIS DOES THAT, MADAM PRESIDENT. MORE THAN $2 MILLION FOR A LETTER SIGNED BY THIS SENATOR AND MY FRIENDS.
So he has been following this auction. Since the letter is garnering so much money, Reid doesn't seem to have much of a choice except to put as positive a spin on this as possible. And his attempt to make it look as if he and Mark Mays worked together in this effort is so unbelievably sleazy. He's the epitome of a sleazy politician. Question: does Reid know that Rush has challenged him and the other senators to match the winning bid?
Click here to watch sleazy Harry Reid taking credit for the entire episode, as if this was the original purpose of writing this letter. And note that when Harry refers to Mark May, he's pronouncing the name incorrectly. It's Mark Mays. And if he were really good buddies with Mr. Mays, he would know that.
Comments (131)
Also, note that the winning... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Jay Tea | October 19, 2007 1:09 PM | Score: 16 (18 votes cast)
Also, note that the winning bid was entered before Reid made his statement. In other words, he had NO effect on the auction.
Maybe the senators can pool their money to match the bid together. That's only about 50K per senator...
J.
1. Posted by Jay Tea | October 19, 2007 1:09 PM |
Score: 16 (18 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 13:09
2. Posted by nikkolai | October 19, 2007 1:11 PM | Score: 14 (16 votes cast)
Dems were pawned.... again. Disgraceful blowhards.
2. Posted by nikkolai | October 19, 2007 1:11 PM |
Score: 14 (16 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 13:11
3. Posted by Son Of The Godfather | October 19, 2007 1:19 PM | Score: 12 (14 votes cast)
Holy cripes, that was funny!
Here, let me do it for you, Civil Behavior:
"I hope you're happy! Iraq! Quagmire! Dittoheads! Ack!"
LOL
3. Posted by Son Of The Godfather | October 19, 2007 1:19 PM |
Score: 12 (14 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 13:19
4. Posted by Nell | October 19, 2007 1:23 PM | Score: 10 (12 votes cast)
Either Reid is even dumber than he seems, or Rush got under his skin and this is his idea of bugging him back. He's making himself look like a participant in the good outcome rather than the instigator of the outrage that prompted the auction.
4. Posted by Nell | October 19, 2007 1:23 PM |
Score: 10 (12 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 13:23
5. Posted by ODA315 | October 19, 2007 1:27 PM | Score: 10 (12 votes cast)
What's with this "We" shit Reid?
You wouldn't be trying to take credit for this would you?
5. Posted by ODA315 | October 19, 2007 1:27 PM |
Score: 10 (12 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 13:27
6. Posted by Falze | October 19, 2007 1:28 PM | Score: 9 (11 votes cast)
I like the end where he thinks the thing is worth so much because it's signed by him and his liberal friends - 'hey, we coulda got everybody to sign if we'd'a had more time!'. Does he even remember what he wrote? Did he really think he was going to get all the Senators to sign an 'official' letter attacking a radio personality for something he didn't say?
6. Posted by Falze | October 19, 2007 1:28 PM |
Score: 9 (11 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 13:28
7. Posted by Gmac | October 19, 2007 1:36 PM | Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
Just like a remorah he tried to latch onto a winning idea, only he doesn't realize that he and the other 40 village idiots that signed the letter were the reason it was there in the first place.
I also note he didn't offer to bid on the letter himself or match the winning bid.
7. Posted by Gmac | October 19, 2007 1:36 PM |
Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 13:36
8. Posted by Mikey60 | October 19, 2007 1:36 PM | Score: 6 (8 votes cast)
What do you want to bet that Harry Reid's next step is to open a Congressional investigation into whether Rush claims the $2 mil as income.....so they can get their hands on it too.
maybe i shouldn't give them an idea....
forget I said that.
8. Posted by Mikey60 | October 19, 2007 1:36 PM |
Score: 6 (8 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 13:36
9. Posted by Scrapiron | October 19, 2007 1:37 PM | Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
The letter will be of major importance in the future. It is the first public shot at destroying the constitution by the combined socialist/communist/democrats in an elected position. There will be more to come as the democrats leadership, Soros/Hillary's Media matter direct the actions of the democrat elected officials across the country.
9. Posted by Scrapiron | October 19, 2007 1:37 PM |
Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 13:37
10. Posted by BarneyG2000 | October 19, 2007 1:38 PM | Score: -36 (40 votes cast)
I'm glad that Rush can turn his disgrace around to benefit a worthy cause. Add Rush's matching contribution to the winning bid will send much needed funding to the foundation. With the way that Bush is running this war a lot more money will be needed for years to come.
10. Posted by BarneyG2000 | October 19, 2007 1:38 PM |
Score: -36 (40 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 13:38
11. Posted by engineer | October 19, 2007 1:39 PM | Score: 9 (11 votes cast)
I heard that several of the signers are going to be at the next collector's card convention with a table set up to sign autographs. They figure if Limbaugh's auction brought about $50,000 a piece for "their" signature, they ought to get at least $1,000.00 each. And all proceeds will go to charity - the Hsu/Hilliary campaign fund.
11. Posted by engineer | October 19, 2007 1:39 PM |
Score: 9 (11 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 13:39
12. Posted by Big Mo | October 19, 2007 1:48 PM | Score: 8 (10 votes cast)
Barney - what "disgrace?"
12. Posted by Big Mo | October 19, 2007 1:48 PM |
Score: 8 (10 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 13:48
13. Posted by LoveAmerica Immigrant | October 19, 2007 1:57 PM | Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
Barney - what "disgrace?"
-----------------------------
In typical liberal lingo, that means the liberal disgrace. Liberals project their own disgrace on others. I am interested to know when Harry Reid will match the contribution. 50K per senator is not too much given their wealth.
13. Posted by LoveAmerica Immigrant | October 19, 2007 1:57 PM |
Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 13:57
14. Posted by LoveAmerica Immigrant | October 19, 2007 1:58 PM | Score: 8 (10 votes cast)
BTW, liberal "honor" means Reid/Pelosi/Hillary ... What a set of examples.
14. Posted by LoveAmerica Immigrant | October 19, 2007 1:58 PM |
Score: 8 (10 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 13:58
15. Posted by BarneyG2000 | October 19, 2007 2:13 PM | Score: -37 (39 votes cast)
Don't you guys remember? A Vet called Rush's show complaining about the war and the next caller countered and Rush agreed by calling the first caller a "phony" Vet.
Rush used this to benefit himself like his donate to a soldier program where you pay and he keeps the profits. At least in this case he was called on to match the donation and he was forced to do so.
15. Posted by BarneyG2000 | October 19, 2007 2:13 PM |
Score: -37 (39 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 14:13
16. Posted by HughS | October 19, 2007 2:18 PM | Score: 22 (24 votes cast)
Rush used this to benefit himself like his donate to a soldier program where you pay and he keeps the profits. At least in this case he was called on to match the donation and he was forced to do so.
Complete, total fabrication. Barney, sometimes you are an amusement when you are so utterly incompetent and the fool here. With your comment above, you remind us all that you are an clueless, classless moronic ass.
16. Posted by HughS | October 19, 2007 2:18 PM |
Score: 22 (24 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 14:18
17. Posted by Rick13 | October 19, 2007 2:21 PM | Score: 19 (21 votes cast)
As a member of the Army Reserves, I can tell you that I was not offended by Rush's comments. Like everyone else, I knew exactly who Rush was speaking of (Jesse MacBeth). Harry Reid tried in desperation to get out in front of the auction story this morning. He failed! Harry Reid is a tiny man with a big foot that gets caught in his mouth every time he opens it! He knows nothing about "Honor"!
17. Posted by Rick13 | October 19, 2007 2:21 PM |
Score: 19 (21 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 14:21
18. Posted by msd | October 19, 2007 2:26 PM | Score: 12 (14 votes cast)
Say, Barney, why not know the facts before you comment? The Foundation has been a long-time charity of Mr. Limbaugh and there is no disgrace on him. The disgrace is on Reid and the other dims who signed that letter. You should be ashamed...
18. Posted by msd | October 19, 2007 2:26 PM |
Score: 12 (14 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 14:26
19. Posted by Big Mo | October 19, 2007 2:36 PM | Score: 15 (17 votes cast)
Barney, you and Media Matters and the Senate Democrats are LYING.
Limbaugh did no such thing, and you know it. The full transcript and Limbaugh's entire broadcast history and relationships with the military prove you ultterly and completely wrong. You are either an ignorant tool or a deliberately lying jackass.
It's your kind of partisan crap that makes many people despise participating in politics, and keeps good men and women from running for office.
A pox on you and your kind.
19. Posted by Big Mo | October 19, 2007 2:36 PM |
Score: 15 (17 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 14:36
20. Posted by Jim Addison | October 19, 2007 2:38 PM | Score: 12 (14 votes cast)
Barney ~ As usual, you are a liar. It is obviously intentional, since the facts have been available on this site and elsewhere for some time.
We can only hope the new comment editor comes aboard soon, and takes out the trash.
20. Posted by Jim Addison | October 19, 2007 2:38 PM |
Score: 12 (14 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 14:38
21. Posted by Susan | October 19, 2007 2:44 PM | Score: 9 (11 votes cast)
Good lord, what a tool Sen. Reid is. Just reading that speech made me feel dumber. His speaking style is at the level of a poorly-educated sixth-grader trying to emulate what he imagines a Senator might sound like.
Just. Shut. Up. Harry. Reid.
Go Rush!
And GO SOX!!!
21. Posted by Susan | October 19, 2007 2:44 PM |
Score: 9 (11 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 14:44
22. Posted by Oyster | October 19, 2007 2:57 PM | Score: 5 (7 votes cast)
I'd like to hear civil behavior tell us again how Betty Casey (and other unknown people) only bid on this because she's a "signature collector".
Apparently Harry and civil behavior think quite alike in pretending this is some sort of popularity thing rather than another addition to the Hall of Shame.
22. Posted by Oyster | October 19, 2007 2:57 PM |
Score: 5 (7 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 14:57
23. Posted by Son Of The Godfather | October 19, 2007 2:58 PM | Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
Barney,
I'll repeat the same, thought out argument to you as I did with Civil Behavior:
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!
SUX2BU!
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!
23. Posted by Son Of The Godfather | October 19, 2007 2:58 PM |
Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 14:58
24. Posted by LoveAmerica Immigrant | October 19, 2007 3:01 PM | Score: 6 (8 votes cast)
Had a chance to listen to parts of Reid 's speech today. The man is so brazen. Somehow, Rush has the ability to bring out the true nature of the liberals and dems. Seems like they keep digging the hole. For all the talking, the dems should at least match the auction price. That 's why their liberal supporters are reduced to spinning and ***. IT is so fun to watch. Rush is good!
24. Posted by LoveAmerica Immigrant | October 19, 2007 3:01 PM |
Score: 6 (8 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 15:01
25. Posted by BarneyG2000 | October 19, 2007 3:07 PM | Score: -23 (25 votes cast)
WOW, lots accusations but little to no evidence that my statements were wrong.
-DId the "phony" soldier comment come after a Vet complained against the war?
-Did Rush donate or keep the profits from his donate to a soldier program?
-Did Rush announce his matching donation offer when he announce the letter was up for donation or a couple of days later when listeners pressed him on the issue?
-Does Rush have have a history of attacking anti-war Vets such as Gen Clark and Paul (padding his resume) Hackett?
25. Posted by BarneyG2000 | October 19, 2007 3:07 PM |
Score: -23 (25 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 15:07
26. Posted by Razorgirl | October 19, 2007 3:16 PM | Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
So, can we FOI ABC/Disney for the letter sent regarding the DVD distribution of "The Path to 9/11"? That one would also make a great fundraiser.
26. Posted by Razorgirl | October 19, 2007 3:16 PM |
Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 15:16
27. Posted by JFO | October 19, 2007 3:17 PM | Score: -22 (24 votes cast)
If this is what you wingnuts are getting your rocks off on it again shows what i always say. You have nothing to talk about that means anything constructive to this country or its welfare.
Good for Limbaugh. It's a great cause. He's in a financial position to make the donation because of the slavering masses from the right who hang on his every snake oil salesman's word.
But the orgasmic bliss you wingnuts are displaying about the whole thing is pathetic. Whoopee doo you have Harry Reid to make fun of. Wow. I'm really impressed.
27. Posted by JFO | October 19, 2007 3:17 PM |
Score: -22 (24 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 15:17
28. Posted by ODA315 | October 19, 2007 3:22 PM | Score: 10 (12 votes cast)
*The phoney soldier comment was directed explicitly at McBeth. You'd know this if you'd listened to the show.
*Limbaugh has attacked Clark, but not for his service, but for his policies and politicizing of the war.
*Limbaugh stated he'd match the ebay amount when the idea was announced.
*The second one is so poorly written I don't have a clue what the hell you're asking.
BTW, if you're so concerned about Limbaugh smearing the troops, why no outrage at Murtha, Kerry, Obama, Stark, Kucinich, Durban, Pelosi, Clinton, Rangel, Hoyer, Murray, and all the rest of your leadership when they make rediculous and inflammatory statements that attack the troops, damage the war effort, and give aid and comfort to the enemy?
28. Posted by ODA315 | October 19, 2007 3:22 PM |
Score: 10 (12 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 15:22
29. Posted by ODA315 | October 19, 2007 3:23 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Thanks for an additive post JFO.
29. Posted by ODA315 | October 19, 2007 3:23 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 15:23
30. Posted by LoveAmerica Immigrant | October 19, 2007 3:28 PM | Score: 6 (8 votes cast)
Whoopee doo you have Harry Reid to make fun of. Wow. I'm really impressed.
------------------------------------
I am really amused how liberals can make Reid/Pelosi/Hillary/Obama/Edwards their leaders. That is the real joke!
30. Posted by LoveAmerica Immigrant | October 19, 2007 3:28 PM |
Score: 6 (8 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 15:28
31. Posted by LoveAmerica Immigrant | October 19, 2007 3:30 PM | Score: 9 (11 votes cast)
ODA315,
don't waste your time. Our resident liberal trolls are reduced to their trade-mark distraction and spinning. Harry Reid and 40 other liberal dem leaders were caught in a deliberate and brazen lies with the vile MoveOn, MediaLiars Hillary cronies.
31. Posted by LoveAmerica Immigrant | October 19, 2007 3:30 PM |
Score: 9 (11 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 15:30
32. Posted by mantis | October 19, 2007 3:32 PM | Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
I'm not fan of Limbaugh's, but the man sure knows how to capitalize on the idiocy of the Democrats in Congress.
32. Posted by mantis | October 19, 2007 3:32 PM |
Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 15:32
33. Posted by Big Mo | October 19, 2007 3:34 PM | Score: 14 (16 votes cast)
WOW, Barney, no evidence that you have any clue whatsoever.
Good grief, you libs are just plain nuts. You spend years and years digging through a pile of steaming poo insisting you'll find a pony burried inside.
If you would drop your insane hateful partisan blinders for one fricking second, you could actually look at this objectively and realize that Media Matters and the Senate Dems are lying their asses off and Limbaugh did not do what they say he did. Or they're just plain stupid.
You agree with them automatically because you WANT to agree with them. You either have a knee-jerk, visceral hatred for all things Rush/conservative/etc. and will automatically believe some out-of-context BS, or you're a flat-out liar. Or you're stupid.
33. Posted by Big Mo | October 19, 2007 3:34 PM |
Score: 14 (16 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 15:34
34. Posted by HughS | October 19, 2007 3:35 PM | Score: 10 (12 votes cast)
JFO
What you always have to say is entirely predictable and quickly forgettable.
You have nothing to talk about that means anything constructive to this country or its welfare...
helping the widows and orphans of deceased Marines and other law enforcement entities is eminently constructive to the welfare of this nation. That, in a nutshell, is why you are so viscerally opposed to this brilliant maneuver by Limbaugh.
34. Posted by HughS | October 19, 2007 3:35 PM |
Score: 10 (12 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 15:35
35. Posted by BarneyG2000 | October 19, 2007 3:35 PM | Score: -24 (26 votes cast)
OD, McBeth was referenced after the "phony" comment and much later. The "phony" comment was in direct response to caller complaining about the previous caller and not McBeth.
Rush said Paul Hackett enlisted to pad his resume. He calls Gen. Clark "Ashley Wilkes". He compared the Vet on the Vote Vet ad to a "suicide bomber"
Od, the list goes on and on, and I guess you are not familiar with Rush's adopt a soldier program where you pay a soldier's membership in Rush's 24/7 club and Rush keeps the profits.
35. Posted by BarneyG2000 | October 19, 2007 3:35 PM |
Score: -24 (26 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2007 15:35
36. Posted by HughS | October 19, 2007 3:40 PM | Score: 7 (9 votes cast)
Once again Barney, you misrepresent the adopt a soldier program. But why am I even arguing with you? Fool. Enough with you...
36. Posted by HughS | October 19, 2007 3:40 PM |
Score: 7 (9 votes cast)