Rush Limbaugh challenges Obama to debate on his show

Courtesy of USA Today

Rush Limbaugh, apparently taking to heart the Obama administration's description of him as the leader of the Republican Party, has invited President Obama to come on his radio show for a debate.

The edgy, bombastic conservative, describing himself as a "harmless, lovable little fuzzball" and "the Last Man Standing," wrapped the invitation in a long series of jibes at Obama, his policies, his party, his aides, his speaking style and the entertaining he's done during his six weeks at the White House.

"You are one of the most gifted public speakers of our age. I would think, Mr. President, you would jump at this opportunity," Limbaugh said on his show, which has millions of listeners on more than 600 radio stations.

Read the whole segment here. There's even a cartoon invitation in fancy script.

It's the latest chapter in a tale that began Saturday with Limbaugh reiterating his hope that Obama fails in a nationally televised speech to a conservative group, and has continued all week with Democrats designating him the leader of the GOP and Republicans stumbling over whether to embrace Limbaugh, reject him, ignore him or figure out something else.

We've asked the White House for a response to today's development. Sphere: Related Content