Thursday, February 26, 2009

More on Rush's Gender Gap

Well apparently our poll gave Rush Limbaugh a couple days of material for his show. On Tuesday he announced he was going to have a female listener summit to figure out how to address the gender gap we found in his poll numbers, and then yesterday he actually held the summit. You can read that transcript here.

Someone asked me yesterday if it was possible the gender gap was simply a product of it being more likely that women are Democrats and men are Republicans, so I ran the numbers this morning by gender and party and here's what we got:

Women

Men

Gender Gap

Democrats

14/73 (-59)

22/73 (-51)

8

Republicans

75/10 (+65)

84/13 (+71)

6

Independents

30/56 (-26)

55/32 (+23)

49


So there is a gender gap within both the Democratic and Republican respondents to the poll, but the really huge one is among independents.

The Republican ladies love you Rush, and I don't think you have much chance with the Democratic ones. But you really need to appeal to those moderate women if you want to get that approval up over 50%.

40 comments:

  1. I am a female and have listen for yrs. Reason? The honesty which is rare in todays world.
    I believe many woman who are married let their husbands do the polling and that's why the numbers show less for the ladies.
    We do listen and believe in you more than anyone knows.
    Thanks Rush for the honesty and the years of service to help us all understand the truth of what is happening.
    Pam

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  2. I'm a 30-something female and have listened to Rush also for a long time. I think the polls are wrong. My mother and sister both listen as well.

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  3. Rushchicks Rock!!!!

    I am a twenty something female who listens and loves Rush. I would say the gap would indicate that those women who actually listen to Rush are busy (dare I say..... working). We simply do not have time to poll or were smart enough to be put on the do not call list. I truely believe that Rush is one of the most refreshing things on the radio. To hear someone who so genuinely loves this country and where our country is heading is why he is continuously targeted.

    It amazes me that if I were to say the exact same comments as Rush (which I often do) that no one would pay any attention to them. Why is it that Rush is targeted for his thinking when I would just be opinionated, nothing past that.

    I just have to wonder where are we as a country going when we all point fingers and no one stands up. It takes an extrordinary person to stand up and take the lead.

    Thank-You Rush for being that one who stands up. I will be right by your side.

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  4. Why not a poll on male vs. female talk radio listenership? I expect you would find that the results would fall along the same lines as your poll about Rush.

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  5. Three of the four women in my family love Rush. The fourth is 13 years old and I'm sure she'll enjoy Rush one day too.

    I'm no statistician, but the majority of women I know have a favorable opinion of Rush. The women I know that have an unfavorable opinion; however, couldn't define deficit or inflation or socialism if their lives depended on it.

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  6. Women for RUSH!!

    I am a former Peace Corps volunteer, Columbia University graduate who still managed, in spite of all that, to find Rush Limbaugh and get hooked.

    I love a good sense of humor. You have got to admit the guy is FUNNY!! If you don't find him funny then you take yourself way too seriously and really need to lighten up!

    Using absurdity to point out absurdity. Brilliant.

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  7. As a female Vet I am proud to say that Rush is the number one talk radio personality that I listen to. Almost all of my conservative, or Republican female friends are big supporters of you Mr. Rush. A few females that I work with who I consider them to be radical liberals, or confused democrats talk alot of hate hype over your show. Ask them if they have actually ever sat down to listen to one hour of your show, and I can say that would be a big no! I don't see the female gap where I'm at. I just see the typical, I don't like Rush because he's the right winger. Face it Rush, some people just will never see the light!

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  8. I am a 50 year old who has been listening to Rush for years. I have a bunch of kids and the older ones listen, too. My 19 year old daughter believes in everything Rush says w/o even knowing it. Most of the female population is probably working when he's on. Rush says a lot of stuff about the "girlie" aspect of women (for lack of a better word) that a lot of 'feminists' don't want to admit to, but are right on. He knows we are NOT men, no matter what the other side says.

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  9. Appeal to the moderates? That sounds just like the advice the political pundits are trying to give Republicans. Please. No one listens to Rush in hopes to find wishy-washy pandering (what are the solid values of moderates, anyway?).Truth, *true* conservatism, and the positives of personal achievement - that's what appeals to me and, dare I say, any women worth her salt .

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  10. I'm 68 year old female and I listen to Rush as often as possible. I love the show. Love hearing the truth and I have many friends in my age group who also listen.

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  11. I'm a 45 year old wife, home school mom and homemaker. I ADORE Rush Limbaugh and listen to him when I can. I do receive (and read) the daily "Rush in a hurry" emails - and once or twice a week I visit his website. I think he is intelligent, funny and a very manly man. I think the part of him that I love the most is how he controls liberals. (...afterall, he who angers you, controls you.) : )

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  12. RUSH IS RIGHT....well, almost all of the time, except for when he blathers on and on about the NFL or his right to pollute my air with his cigars....I love Rush.
    I am proud to be a 60-year-old female DITTOHEAD, since 1988, and I agree: OBAMA MUST FAIL, if we are to preserve our precious freedoms....RUSH FOR PRESIDENT and
    Alan Keyes for VP!

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  13. I am a 54 year old female listener with a BA in Political Science and have been a conservative since my undergraduate years. My husband and I both listen to Rush and subscribe to the majority of his views. Many of the women I know are conservatives and listen to Rush as well. I think the polls are inaccurate.

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  14. Long time listner and loving it. I probably listen more to Rush than my husband. I love his honesty and.have never felt insulted.I am a strong confident woman who needs little ego strocking. Rush rules and if you don't agree don't listen!

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  15. I was 33 when I started listening to Rush. For 18 years Rush has been part of my life and a big inspiration. Thank you Rush for your intellectual wisdom and for keeping us informed of the truth.The country needs you now more than ever.RUSH FOR PRESIDENT.
    Luz Eugenia Welsh

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  16. I LOVE Rush. I am a 59 year old female and am very hard to please when it comes to listening to radio talk shows. He is right on most of the time and I appreciate him being there as our voice. If the Republican congresspersons would take note, we wouldn't be in the big fat mess we are in now.
    Debby

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  17. Long time listener; first time blogger. I'm a 50ish female college professor who is a proud dittohead. Can't think of anyone in my department who knows anyhing about Rush or conservatism and hence have worthless opinions on him. btw, have yet to meet a liberal professor whose personal life wasn't tragically pathetic.

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  18. Rush is the best! Every, real, thinking woman is a fan of Rush. We hear the truth that he speaks. It is just a bonus that he is entertaining as well as right!

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  19. Rush Rocks!!! If I wanted moderate or misleading information I would listen to the main stream. Just think how great this country would be if more people would listen to Rush and live by HIS conservative views. There are more of us out here than you think, as stated by someone else, we work and don't have time to sit home to answer polls taken by pollsters. I have also think that these polls are tainted to project the findings the pollsters are taken. Wake-up America, lets take America back.

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  20. Long time listener of Rush and I do so as often as possible...as he frequently says -- he is right 99% of the time folks. Why waste my time listening to anyone else? Love his sense of humor, respect his intelligence and admire his leadership. His conviction is a rare and wonderful thing.

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  21. I'm a young woman who enjoys listening to Rush Limbaugh and I don't know why he's doing the gender gap appeal. He needs to be true to himself and that's what I like about him.

    My mother and female best friend also enjoy listening to Rush Limbaugh and we hope that he doesn't start appealing to the left just to look more centrist.

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  22. I don't agree with everything Rush says...the majority, yes. Some, no. But I'm proud to live in a country that (for now) still allows free speech whether I agree with it or not! I am a female Rush fan and have been for years. Rush says what he means and means what he says. Quite refreshing these days when most politicians waft with the prevailing political hot air.

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  23. I've listened to Rush (whenever I can)since 1992, and I turned all the males in my family onto him. I even at one point purchased Rush ties for my husband as Christmas gifts! I am not able to listen to Rush from my work place [a liberal public jurisdiction, which shall remain unnamed at this time!] but, whenever traveling or on a day off, I NEVER miss a show! Rush speaks the truth. What woman, no, what LADY doesn't appreciate an honest, truthful approach to all the important things in life, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

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  24. I sponsor the Radio Club in my classroom everyday at noon at a high school here in San Antonio, Texas.

    Everyday, there are more students who chose to come in and listen to Rush Limbaugh than I have available desks (35). These students comprise an average of 40% seniors, 30% juniors, and 30% sophomores and the male/female ratio is usually a 60/40 split females over males.

    The students do not mind the overly crowded conditions and the only conversation is during commercial breaks. When it is cold outside, the numbers double and we spill over into another classroom.

    Students graduate, faces change, and new members are added. However, the one constant is Rush Limbaugh and the students love him for his truth, wisdom and wit.

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  25. I sponsor the Radio Club in my classroom everyday at noon at a high school here in San Antonio, Texas.

    Everyday, there are more students who chose to come in and listen to Rush Limbaugh than I have available desks (35). These students comprise an average of 40% seniors, 30% juniors, and 30% sophomores and the male/female ratio is usually a 60/40 split females over males.

    The students do not mind the overly crowded conditions and the only conversation is during commercial breaks. When it is cold outside, the numbers double and we spill over into another classroom.

    Students graduate, faces change, and new members are added. However, the one constant is Rush Limbaugh and the students love him for his truth, wisdom and wit.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I sponsor the Radio Club in my classroom everyday at noon at a high school here in San Antonio, Texas.

    Everyday, there are more students who chose to come in and listen to Rush Limbaugh than I have available desks (35). These students comprise an average of 40% seniors, 30% juniors, and 30% sophomores and the male/female ratio is usually a 60/40 split females over males.

    The students do not mind the overly crowded conditions and the only conversation is during commercial breaks. When it is cold outside, the numbers double and we spill over into another classroom.

    Students graduate, faces change, and new members are added. However, the one constant is Rush Limbaugh and the students love him for his truth, wisdom and wit.

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  27. The Oprahs and other feminists of this land are watering down the strong woman image portrayed in the Bible by Sarah, Rahab, Rebecca, Ruth, Esther, Mary, Elizabeth, Mary Magdalene, Lois, and others. They glorify the Jezebels and the Delilahs, who were liars and betrayers and did nothing heroic or righteous.

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  28. Love you Rush. I've been listening since 1988. I appreciate the data that you use to make your many points. Your research arms us ladies with the ammo we need to disarm our liberal feminazi associates. Having gone back to college (I am a 58 year-old college senior) I have to listen to much of this whiney liberal socio-economic downtrodden blather. However, I am a business major and it is not as prevelent in the school of business as it is in the English/Lit depts. Halleluia! Keep up the good work Rush. You enable us to talk rationally to those with a liberal mindset. You have taught me that serious rational discussions with people of opposing views is the way to win the minds and hearts of the moderates and leftists. Many of my friends listen to you and we all hold you in high regard. I too think the polls are skewed. We Rush Ladies are busy at work or in school so that we can make BIG BUCKS in order to pay the BIG TAX BILL that is comming our way.

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  29. If the poll is accurate, I would believe that thinking women listen to Rush in great numbers. Feeling only women would never understand. That would make the percentage accurate and probably unchangeable. I thank God for Rush and all the men and women who have followed his lead. Talk Radio Rocks.
    Judy

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  30. I am a small business owner and homeschooling mother of 3 who LOVES Rush!! I love his brilliant mind, and look forward to hearing him every day on the radio. I thank God we have someone who tells us the TRUTH! He is the voice of reason in this world gone crazy!

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  31. I have listened to Rush since just before 'Dan's Bake Sale'. I am a Christian, wife, mother of 3 children, & RN. I thank God for Rush, his voice, & backbone. Rush says what I've been thinking for years, but, thought I was alone.

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  32. I am a 43yr old woman, wife & mother of 2 daughters, both in college. I listen to Rush about 3 times a week while at work ( headphones ). I work with a majority of democrats, and they sometimes speak ill of Rush. I ask them..."have you ever listened to Rush?"....they say "NO, he is an idiot". Who is the idiot if you have never taken the time to find out why you don't like a person? Keep up the Great Work Rush.....we need you in our country!

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  33. This is all irrelevant because women make 3/4 of what men make. Maybe its a subconscious thing but women are paid less for the jobs that they do.

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  34. "I believe many woman who are married let their husbands do the polling and that's why the numbers show less for the ladies."
    That would increase, not decrease, the numbers, since married people tend to be much more conservative than unmarried people.

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  35. I am old enough to be your Mom; neither age nor gender surpasses simple common sense, love of our country, our Constitution, our liberty, our freedom and right to life, (which means at the beginning of life or the end of it!). God bless you every day of your life for helping to keep this country informed and communicating what we common,little "chattering" people believe, work for and often have no one championing for us! Especially here in the failed State of MI.,compliments of Granholm and the unions!

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  36. Perhaps women who identify as 'independent' are more to the left than the men who identify as 'independent'? I'm a guy who usually calls himself 'independent' since I have some liberal views on social and foreign policy issues, but overall I'm in fact pretty right wing, and usually vote Republican, almost never for a Democrat, since I don't really care much about the social and foreign policy issues. In contrast, I know a lot of women who call themselves 'independent' who place much more emphasis in their liberal on social & foreign policy beliefs, and not much emphasis on their more fiscally conservative beliefs

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  37. I know I can always count on quailty news program when listening in; and that is why I listen...Jen

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  38. Several years ago my son brought home a book written by Rush Limbaugh. He said, "This man is my hero." After that, I started listening to Rush. It felt so good to know that someone else felt just like I did concerning politics, etc
    Rush is very passionate about his love for his country. He tells the truth and says things that a lot of people wouldn't have the guts to
    say. He keeps us informed on what's going on. The Democrats can't
    stand that.

    For the record, I am a 69 year old female and a retired school teacher. I hope I will be listening to Rush for many more years.

    Rush, thank you for all you do!

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  39. I am a Nurse, a minority, a mother of three love to listen to Rush, he inspire me all this year.He is honest and speak the truth.I want Rush to succeed and we support his policy.

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  40. In my judgment, you're overstating the gender gap among Independents, by a factor of two. Your numbers say that Rush is approved by 55% of men and 30% of women. To me, that is a gap of 25%.

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