Did you know that Truthout is a nonprofit and independently funded by readers like you? If you value what we do, please support our work with a donation.
Mitt Romney has drawn criticism for remaining largely silent on Rush Limbaugh’s sexist attacks against Georgetown Law student Sandra Fluke, saying only, “it’s not the language I would have used.”
What has gone largely unnoticed, however, is Romney’s corporate connection to Limbaugh. While Limbaugh owns the company that produces his show, it’s syndicated and broadcasted by Premiere Radio Networks, which also handles Limbaugh’s advertising. Premiere is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Clear Channel, the radio and outdoor advertising behemoth. Clear Channel, meanwhile, is owned by a partnership of two private equity firms, Bain Capital and Thomas H. Lee Partners — the same Bain Capital that Mitt Romney once ran.
Romney left Bain in 1999, long before it purchased Clear Channel in 2006, but he still makes a large portion of his income from Bain, via a lucrative retirement deal and with millions invested in Bain funds. And Bain and its employees have given at least $151,500 to Romney’s presidential campaign, and $2 million to the super PAC backing the candidate.
Appearing on The View today, Fluke was asked if she thought Limbaugh should be “fired” over his comments about her. “I’m going to leave that up to the sponsors, to Clear Channel communications,” she replied.
Trump is silencing political dissent. We appeal for your support.
Progressive nonprofits are the latest target caught in Trump’s crosshairs. With the aim of eliminating political opposition, Trump and his sycophants are working to curb government funding, constrain private foundations, and even cut tax-exempt status from organizations he dislikes.
We’re concerned, because Truthout is not immune to such bad-faith attacks.
We can only resist Trump’s attacks by cultivating a strong base of support. The right-wing mediasphere is funded comfortably by billionaire owners and venture capitalist philanthropists. At Truthout, we have you.
Our fundraising campaign is over, but we fell a bit short and still need your help. Please take a meaningful action in the fight against authoritarianism: make a one-time or monthly donation to Truthout. If you have the means, please dig deep.