June 5, 2015
In a new feature just posted at Politico.com, media columnist Dylan Byers writes that Premiere Networks syndicated Talk radio host and FOX News Channel prime time personality Sean Hannity has emerged as a “conservative kingmaker” in the race for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination.
“Presidential candidates launch their bids in different cities — from Louisville to Lynchburg, Miami toAddison,” writes Byers. “But, for many Republicans, the first stop on the campaign trail is the same: Hannity.”
To date, former Texas Governor Rick Perry and U.S. Senators Rand Paul, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio have all enjoyed full-hour features on Hannity’s nightly television show, as well as segments on his daily radio program, after officially declaring their bids for the White House.
So just how important is appearing on Hannity for candidates? Byers quotes Rand Paul spokesperson Sergio Gor who told him, “He is one of the most influential voices among Republican primary voters — and it doesn’t hurt that with every year he’s becoming an even greater lover of liberty.”
Read the full story HERE.
Ceding influence to Hannity is a big reason why the GOP will probably continue to lose winnable presidential elections.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but Sean is a moron. The only thing I credit him for is scheduling Monday-Thursday chats with Washington presser Jamie Dupree (3:05 PM Pacific). It’s a joy to hear Dupree efficiently and politely refute or downgrade Sean’s overblown hypothesis of the day.