Why Talk Radio is largely conservative - (Was: Howie Carr, etc. etc. etc)

[Steve Cloutier]

Talk radio being conservative is more of a reaction than anything else.

The most disenfranchised group in America today is probably the white male 
over 45.  They produce and have produced most of the wealth and industry in 
the country today, and at the same time are taxed the most, and are under 
constant attack from all manner of sources.

There is already plenty of left wing and left of center stuff on the air - 
NPR (very left most of the time), the major network news (left left left), 
and most newspapers.

So, what was left?  Talk radio.  The freest form of radio remaining.

Another topic:  opposing views shouted down?  cut off? I don't think 
so.  Not that I listen to Rush a lot, but I have heard him time and time 
again let people with opposing views on (and first), and engage in a real 
debate.  Never have I heard Rush shout someone down or cut them off.  I 
have heard him blow holes in the arguments.  Not that I think Rush is 
always right (correct) - hardly.

I don't find too many liberals able to hold up their end of liberal 
positions like graduated tax rates (non-flat taxes), set-asides, the 40-B 
law (so-called "affordable housing) and a host of other issues.  They end 
up name calling, snobbizing (you're not "enlightened" and I am) or resort 
to other personal attacks.  Usually, because the issues cannot be honestly 
defended.

Regards,

Steve