Democrats criticize Medal of Freedom for Limbaugh as ‘slap in the face’

Numerous congressional Democrats criticized President Trump Wednesday for awarding the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to conservative talk-radio host Rush Limbaugh during the State of the Union address the previous evening.

“There is no ‘both sides’ to this issue. Rush Limbaugh is a racist who uses his platform to inspire other racists,” Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) tweeted. “Rewarding him with a #MedalOfFreedom is a slap in the face to every person who ACTUALLY deserved that honor.”

There is no “both sides” to this issue. Rush Limbaugh is a racist who uses his platform to inspire other racists. Rewarding him with a #MedalOfFreedom is a slap in the face to every person who ACTUALLY deserved that honor. https://t.co/XHG2LRKhj6

— Bobby L. Rush (@RepBobbyRush) February 5, 2020

“It’s disappointing President Trump presented Rush Limbaugh, someone who has dedicated their life to dividing this country, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and not Brigadier General and Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee,” tweeted Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), referencing a veteran of the African American fighter pilot unit who was also a guest at the address.

It’s disappointing President Trump presented Rush Limbaugh, someone who has dedicated their life to dividing this country, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and not Brigadier General and Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee.

— Marcy Kaptur (@RepMarcyKaptur) February 4, 2020

Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) tweeted several incendiary quotes from Limbaugh, including his 2012 reference to Georgetown Law student Sandra Fluke as a “slut” and a “prostitute” for testifying in support of the Affordable Care Act’s birth control coverage mandate, as well as his false accusation that actor Michael J. Fox was “exaggerating the effects” of Parkinson’s disease for an ad in support of then-Senate candidate Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.).

And now, a thread of racist, sexist, homophobic, ableist, and otherwise hateful quotes from Presidential Medal of Freedom winner Rush Limbaugh. You tell me if you think this represents the best of America:

— Judy Chu (@RepJudyChu) February 5, 2020

Rep. James Himes (D-Conn.) tweeted a compilation of similar quotes paired with audio of Trump’s recognition of Limbaugh, adding that he had “deep sympathy for anyone facing a life-and-death health issue, and wish Mr. Limbaugh a speedy recovery” after the radio host’s announcement earlier this week that he has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.

I have deep sympathy for anyone facing a life-and-death health issue, and wish Mr. Limbaugh a speedy recovery, but one of the most discouraging things in last night’s speech was seeing the President award the Medal of Freedom to someone who has spent decades fomenting hatred. pic.twitter.com/cAynYA8SxX

— Jim Himes (@jahimes) February 5, 2020

Congressional Republicans defended the decision to award Limbaugh the medal, with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) calling him “a fierce freedom fighter and defender of the Constitution. He serves as an inspiration for the conservative movement and for Americans across the country” and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) claiming on Fox News that Limbaugh “inspired millions of people, still does, to this day” and criticizing Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) for not standing to honor him.

.@limbaugh is a fierce freedom fighter and defender of the Constitution. He serves as an inspiration for the conservative movement and for Americans across the country. I congratulate him on being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by @realDonaldTrump & @FLOTUS at #SOTU.

— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) February 4, 2020