For years, Rush Limbaugh, conservative radio commentator who, whether you agree with him or not, revolutionized the radio industry and commands an audience of over 20 million daily listeners, has extolled the benefits of Apple Macintosh, but lamented Apple’s unwillingness to tap his potential to widen the Mac platform’s base.
Limbaugh writes, “The entire EIB radio staff uses Apple computers. That fact draws calls like those from Vince, a graphic artist in Calhoun, Georgia. Vince asked the perfect Open Line Friday question: one that made the host look good, but that wasn’t necessarily one of the topics of the day. He wanted my learned opinion on Apple’s new G5 tower.”
“It was announced this week, but won’t be released until August. The G5 is going to go to 64 bits, and it’s going to change everything – which is why I’m so frustrated that this technology isn’t more mainstream,” Limbaugh writes. “I recently bought the latest dual-processor G4. I’ve already hooked up audio, video, iChat – which is their version of AOL instant messenger – and it’s incredible. It’s real-time video conferencing on your computer. The long-distance companies are going to have to get in on this. The G5 is an even more advanced machine, yet Apple’s market share remains static! They have so much superior equipment that they should have at least double the share of the market they hold now. Apple is apparently a company that is so constrained by the political views of its corporate leadership and board, which now includes Algore, that it’s accepting lower sales. What a shame.” Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Again, whether you agree with his politics or not, Rush makes a valid point. Why does Apple ignore a potential endorsement opportunity that could add arguably tens of thousands (or more) Mac users to the fold?
why would Apple bring him on “officially” when he apparently raves about them on air all the time? Why pay for what you’re getting for free?
If he has 20 million radio listeners, that’s a lot of free advertising for Apple. And this is also Apple’s best for of advertising: word of mouth. You can’t beat it.
Actually, I’ll tell you what Apple needs to do. Nail an iBook to Britney Spears’ hand.
Those things would sell like crazy.
This seems to be an inhouse article as there is no attribution. FYI, Limbaugh’s radio audience was 20 million *per week*, not day, at one time. The latest figures I am aware of, admittedly dated, put him in the 17 million per week range.
The idea of Rush and Gore doing an Apple commercial together is one of the best ideas I’ve heard in years. It could be incredibly funny and probably double Apple’s market share.
Sadly, however, “Rush is right”; Apple puts politices ahead of business and will never do it.
I will never understand why so many people value the opinion of such a self serving, egotistical Arse. If being a flaming liberal would boast his rating Rush would be a “Card carrying Liberal” Tommorrow. I am glad Rush routinely endorses Apple Products, even if he pokes at Apple known liberal tendencies in the process. In the end any publicity is good publicity and obviously Rush doesn’t let his politics prevent him from being the Best Computers Money can buy… Maybe he is not as dumb as I thought…. Liberal, Moderate or Conservative, we love Apple’s products the rest is just BULLSHIT!
This weeks figures for radio audiance: Rush comes in at 14.5 million, handily beating Dr. Laura at 8.0.
Politics is a bunch of crap.
I use a Mac becasue it is easy. I do IT all day long at work and while I make tons of $$$$ fixing those stupid Windoz machines I prefer a Mac when I get home.
Apple is a business. It sells computers. Only a moron would care if Rush advertises for them. It’s all about making a product and selling it.
Typical of political idealogues to get into a debate over who should sell a stupid machine.
I am one of those tree-huggin’, overly-creative, marchin’-to-his-OWN-drummer, far-left, screamingly-Gay, Mac users.
When Apple wanted to put up a plant in Texas, creating thousands of needed jobs for the area, but the locals shunned them for supporting same-sex couples in their medical and life insurance, Apple rightfully went elsewhere.
Apple DOES support inclusion of EVERYONE, exactly as they are, and having Rush with his archaic, Bible-thumpin’, bigoted, opinions as a spokesperson would completely contradict what Apple wants to stand for.
Yes, even egocentric azzh0les can see a good product and support it, but that doesn’t mean that Apple needs to support egocentric azzh0les.
Rush does not “Think Different”. He thinks the world would be a better place if everyone “Thinks like Rush”. I am quite sure as soon as Rush stops trying to dye the diverse and beautiful fabric of humanity into his his own solid color of olive-drab, then Apple would reconsider.
~ God made Gays so the truly creative are not burdened by children. ~
“Yes, even egocentric azzh0les can see a good product and support it, but that doesn’t mean that Apple needs to support egocentric azzh0les.”
You must be speaking of Algore!
Sheesh, every time you squat on the pot you lose IQ points.
Rush is upset he isn’t getting PAID for his mac support. He’s
bewildered that he plugs the product and Apple isn’t responding
with an endorsement deal or advertising dollars.
The responses here show why Apple doesn’t do a deal with this
self-important arsehole–he is a polarizing figure and any
endorsement by him would end up being much more about
him than Apple. Since he already plugs the mac to his
collection of dittohead sycophant nutters, an endorsement deal
wouldn’t add any customers but instead just piss off other ones.
Besides, only a cretin would buy or not buy a computer based on what political figure likes it.
*sigh* My question still hasn’t been answered. What does Apple’s political leanings have to do with it’s success as a business? Why is MacDailyNews reporting on politics instead of computers? I agree with Opinionated Jerk: only a cretin would buy a computer based on the political ideology of its manufacturer. The fact that Rush himself uses Macs despite Apple’s supposed leftist leanings should signify that the argument is meaningless. I get the impression that Limbaugh is bent out of shape because Gore is on the board. He comes across as a petulant sorehead. How dare Apple invite someone he loathes to join its board, when he’s been plugging Macs for years! The very nerve! He doesn’t even have the decency to refer to Gore by his name, instead of calling him “Algore”. Really immature of him. Hey Stevie baby, you could score a REALLY huge publicity coup by inviting Rush to join the board as well. Maybe that’s what he’s angling for.
At any rate, let’s leave politics and personality out of Mac news. Like I said in a previous post, I personally don’t like Jobs, but I’m damn glad he’s back at Apple, and stamping his vision on the companies products. I hope he stays a long, long time.
“computer for the left of us”
or
“the computer for what’s left of us”
…me thinks 1.9% market share too small to split in half.
Does anyone know if Rush has talked about the Tukwila school district refusing FREE Macs? (see article on this website). Rush likes Macs. Rush frequently talks about how school systems suck or are mismanaged. Now, whether you agree with Rush’s politics (or Al Gore’s for that matter) surely we can all agree that getting Rush involved in pointing out this stupid “macrimination” would be a good thing for Apple. I am ambivalent towards Rush but I sure would like to hear him rip into that superintendant Silver guy.
Actually, Apple has zero percent of what is typically considered the computer market – the ‘compatible’* computer market.
Yet it has 100% of the the Macintosh computer market. So, it looks like Apple is doing quite well.
{ If this notion is too difficult for you, try this. Wendy’s has 100% marketshare of the ‘1/4 lb. Classic Single�’, even tho’ many others sell ‘hamburgers’. If you brought home a bag of them and a bag of ‘Whoppers�’ and a bag of BigMacs� [hehe] everyone could have lunch. Your teeth could get to work on any of those sandwiches. If you didn’t have teeth, then ‘your’ mouth wouldn’t be compatible. But you could ‘upgrade’ your mouth with any brand of teeth, and all the sandwiches would now work. Provided you had the correct drivers
” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”wink” style=”border:0;” /> }
The Gore/Limbaugh commercial could work, if they kept focused on the one thing they agree on.
And, Limbaugh should definately speak ‘his’ mind on the Tukwila situation. Given his views about the wasted resources of the school systems, it seems prudent to have such a notable conservative point out the lunacy of Mr. Silvers *’two’* decisions. (Yes kids, wrap your noodlesalad around his latest plan! Ack!)
* barely compatible
Regardless of whether you as an individual agree with Rush or not, Apple fired the shot first here by putting Gore on their board in the first place. He is loathed and despised by at least 50% of the U.S. population for what he put the country through 2 years ago with his ridiculous behavior immediately following the presidential election he lost. Again, whether you personally feel that way or not, at least 50% of the people out there do (the ones who voted for the guy who actually won). The smart thing would be for Apple to get Gore off the board immediately and not show a tendency to lean either one direction or the other politically. All that does is potentially scare away half of your business. In a market as competitive as technology, Apple needs to be as non-partisan as possible. Bringing someone like Gore in on to your board is literally like slapping the faces of half of your customers out there�
Come on Lance… Apples Board of Directors is a BUSINESS ENTITY not a POLITICAL ENTITY. Apple should be able to put who ever the want on the Board without worry about POLITICAL consequences.. Apple Board ONLY has to answer to Apple stockholders and NOT the VOTING Public… Obviously the majority of Apple’s Shareholders are fine with Al Gore as they have ade no effort to remove him… Don’t Let you Politics blind you… Apple reamins Insanely Great with or without Al Gore.. And as for 50% od the country Despising Al Gore… Remember the other 50% Despise G. W. Bush…. who is also a Mac user by the way…. At Least our president can see past his Politics and but the “right” computer.
As a devoted Mac user for about 6 years I’ve presumed that those attracted to the Mac platform were a “cut above” the norm. From the invective hurled at Rush Limbaugh – a truly creative and interesting mind – it’s sad to realize that Macs are not exclusive to those with the ability to reason…
Ed,
I agree.
– Mark
Today we present to you a collection of ridiculous and intolerant comments. I don’t care about the political preferences of any of you in regard to this issue. Since I personally know Rush as well as anyone here, I don’t believe he is angling for free computers or contributions to the RNC. This is about what I see as Apple�s comfort in acknowledging liberal or progressive personalities while quietly ignoring the other half of the political population � except when they hold a valid credit card.
The juvenile name calling displayed here only reveals a lack of any substantial foundation for these attacks. Abandoning Apple�s products because of their appointment of Al Gore is foolishly reactionary � likewise for those who would chastise or attack Apple for acknowledging Rush as a strong supporter of their products. Perhaps even worse is the belief that distancing itself from anything political is the best approach. That would certainly be the conservative thing to do, not to mention boring and without risk. The one thing that bonds us together is the belief that Apple makes great computers � the best computers. The fact that people from all walks of life, of differing ideologies, can hold this common ground is a good thing.
Windows Media Player and Real Player are the only options for listening to his net site. Isn’t it ironic.
Ah yes, the eternal question of “does being inclusive mean you have to include folks who are anti-inclusive?” I don’t think putting Rush on the BOD would do anything useful for Apple. If anything, he’d probably have to bite his tongue to avoid running afoul of the SEC!
I do think that the Rush/Al commercial would be AWESOME.
And of course, this chap’s political influence, and Al Gore’s, extend overseas?
Get your head out of the sand, Apple sells the odd piece of kit outside the US, these people’s influence OS is zero.
There IS concern overseas. Not for Rush and Al Gore specifically. but certainly I’m worried by some stuff I’ve read on boards posted by neo-cons and the oxymoronic Christian right.
If Apple is acting in its best interest, politics are necessarily clouding its views. Rush speaks to 20 million people. Whether he is a self-proclaiming arse, or whatever is not important. 20 million people is 6.6 percent of the population, based on 300 million people (we’re not quite there yet, but close, so it can include int’l listeners). That is more than double Apple’s current market share. Rush is obviously ready and willing to extol the virtues of Apple products.
Why pay for something when you can get it for free? Well, hearing and seeing Rush push Macs may be pretty convincing. Seeing Apple endorse Rush would solidify it! It doesn’t matter if only an idiot would buy something based on a political figure’s endorsement. Only an idiot would buy ANYTHING based on ANYONE’S endorsement. So? Who cares? Money is money. Without idiots, there are no customers.
Apple’s liberal customers aren’t going to switch to PC if they see Rush on a commercial. Apple is simply a better product, and it needs to gain market share any way it can, regardless of who endorses it (within reason).
The Gore-Rush commercial might be as amusing and ironic as the Mini-Me-Yao commercial. Interestingly, Rush has a good question, though I am not sure Apple’s lack of market share has anything to do with politics. Shareholders should ask themselves if Apple is doing enough to improve market share and raise profitability. It would seem that the G5 and its pricing is competitive with other computer offerings, so the question is, what else can Apple do to increase its business?