Barack Obama picks a fight ......

Barack Obama picks a fight with Rush Limbaugh as bipartisan spirit
crumbles
Barack Obama is on a collision course with his critics after picking a
fight with Rush Limbaugh, America's most influential conservative
commentator.

By Tim Shipman in Washington
Last Updated: 5:09PM GMT 25 Jan 2009

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US President Barack Obama during a bi-partisian meeting with members
of Congress including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (L) Photo:
GETTY
Rush Limbaugh Photo: GETTY
Mr Obama has told Republicans in Washington to stop listening to the
right-wing talk show host Rush Limbaugh, risking a new culture war
with conservative voters.

His exhortation came as he enraged other Republicans by reversing
George W Bush's ban on funding international aid to charities that
perform or provide information about abortions.

After less than a week in office, Mr Obama's presidency is already
encountering the very partisan bickering he had pledged to stamp out
during his first 100 days.