Obama: Rush Limbaugh Kept Republicans Fighting in Second Term

President Barack Obama hoped Republicans would grant him more legislative victories after his 2012 reelection, but he believes GOP lawmakers continue to fight back thanks in part to radio host Rush Limbaugh.

At a Monday fundraiser attended by Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, and Tommy Hilfiger, among others, President Obama said DC’s current gridlock is Limbaugh’s fault.

The Atlantic Wire reported Obama said this while speaking to supporters gathered in Harvey Weinstein’s Greenwich Village home. He thought Republican zeal would decrease after his 2012 re-election, he explained, and Congress would be more agreeable to his agenda. 

“My thinking was when we beat them in 2012 that might break the fever,” the President stated, “and it’s not quite broken yet.”

Obama continued, “I genuinely believe there are Republicans out there who would like to work with us but they’re fearful of their base and they’re concerned about what Rush Limbaugh might say about them. And as a consequence we get the kind of gridlock that makes people cynical about government.”