Limbaugh timed release of new book

~ "Bankrupt" reached bookstores about two months before the midterm elections.

Cape Girardeau lawyer, syndicated columnist and best-selling author David Limbaugh leaves no doubt about the timing of the release of his new book, "Bankrupt: The Intellectual and Moral Bankruptcy of Today's Democratic Party."

The release was timed to have as much impact on the midterm elections this November as possible.

"Writing a book is such an arduous task, I realized if I wanted to do this I'd better get it out before the election," Limbaugh said. "It's a lot better to communicate this message when it will do some good."

The idea for "Bankrupt" was one Limbaugh had been considering for nearly two years. But with an important election coming, he decided to actually bring the concept to reality this year and started writing in March. "Bankrupt" reached bookstores early this month, about two months before the crucial midterm elections.

The book is an all-out attack on the Democrats' national leadership. It accuses the party of being out-of-touch with American voters on issues from national security to family values, and having no real platform but hatred for President Bush and Republicans. It does so in a scathing, no-holds-barred style that intends -- as the "Bankrupt" jacket cover says -- to grab "the Democrats by the short hairs."

"I'm trying to expose the Democratic party as a party that has lost its way as a responsible opposition party," Limbaugh said. He also accuses the Democrats of trying to steal the 2000 presidential election, something those on the left accused Republicans of doing.

Names like Hillary Clinton, John Kerry and Ted Kennedy bear the brunt of the assault throughout. But Limbaugh stresses this book is about the national leadership, not local Democrats who sometimes are more conservative on issues like family values than the national leadership.

The book release is being accompanied by a media blitz on TV news talk shows like "Hannity and Colmes" on Fox News and conservative radio shows hosted by G. Gordon Liddy, Sean Hannity and Michael Reagan.

Locally the book seems to have attracted great interest, be it because Limbaugh is a Cape Girardeau resident or because people in Southeast Missouri agree with the arguments made in "Bankrupt."

Steve Turner, general manager at Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Cape Girardeau, said "Bankrupt" has been one of the best-selling books at the store since its release. In the last week, sales have increased even more, Turner said.

Washington, D.C.-based publisher Regnery Publishing printed a first run of 100,000 copies of the book, which will debut at No. 12 on the New York Times best-seller list the week of Sept 24.

Despite Limbaugh's commitment to releasing the book before the midterms, he still remains confident that Republicans won't face the tough times this November some pundits are predicting. If the Democrats make major gains, he said, it will be because of conservative voters sitting out, disillusioned with Republican immigration policies and domestic spending.

msanders@semissourian.com

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