Apr 25, 2008 10:00 pm US/Eastern
Limbaugh Downplays 'Riot In Denver' Comment
(AP)
Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh downplayed his "dreaming of
riots in Denver" statement Thursday, saying he wasn't calling for riots
and was referring to warnings of trouble if superdelegates decide the
nomination at the Democratic National Convention.
Limbaugh's comments on his syndicated show Wednesday prompted Mayor John Hickenlooper to say: "Anyone who would call for riots in an American city has clearly lost their bearings."
Limbaugh made his comment Wednesday to the tune of the holiday song, "White Christmas," and said riots during the convention would ensure Democrats don't get elected.
Glenn Spagnuolo, an organizer with the protest group Re-create 68, mimicked a comment by state Rep. Douglas Bruce, R-Colorado Springs, by saying: "We don't need another 5,000 illiterate Limbaugh listeners coming to Colorado."
Denver talk show team Dan Caplis and Craig Silverman have been unpacking the Limbaugh comments all week. Caplis anchors the conservative end of the duo and he's a Limbaugh fan, however, he said Limbaugh's comments were clearly over the line.
"I think there are some things that you just don't joke about, not a matter of censorship, but just basic decency" Caplis said. "I think when you're standing in line at the airport, you don't joke about hijacking a plane. If you have a big convention coming up, I think it's better not to joke about riots."
Limbaugh justified his statements by referring to the Rev. Al Sharpton, who promised demonstrations in Denver if superdelegates defy the popular vote and give the Democratic nomination to Hillary Clinton instead of Barrack Obama.
"He was throwing down the gauntlet to the superdelegates -- you take this election from Barrack Obama and there's going to be trouble. There's going to be trouble in Denver," Limbaugh said.
A number of other government officials have criticized Limbaugh's comments.
(© 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
