During the 2008 presidential election, conservative ideologues insisted that Obama’s tenuous association with William Ayers was worthy of unending scrutiny and fantastically hysterical nightmare scenarios. Sarah Palin insisted that we know more about someone who “pals around with terrorists.” It was critical.

Now we have Michael Steele, chairman of the GOP, insisting that his recent dust-up with Rush Limbaugh is nothing more than a “sideshow distraction.”

But Mr. Steele, why is this a sideshow distraction? You’re paying fealty to Rush Limbaugh—a known criminal guilty of drug offenses—as he dictates GOP “conservative” ideals and party positions. The script is well-known … you contradict Rush, he gets all pissy and bitchy about it and sics his minions on you, and you roll over like a lap dog.

The GOP, the party of Rush Limbaugh, “Joe” the “Plumber,” Ann Coulter, Sarah Palin, and Bobby Jindal.

Better stated, the GOP is the party of irrelevance for years to come.