There is no denying that Glenn Beck is a divisive figure. Conservatives love his personality and common sense approach to the issues. Liberals work themselves into a fury just thinking about him. With five national bestsellers in bookstores, one of the country's most popular radio shows, and a hit television program on Fox News, Beck has apparently dropped his alcohol addiction and replaced it with a work addiction.
Today, Beck held a book signing in Tampa for Arguing With Idiots, his latest bestseller, followed by a rally at The Villages, a retirement community near Ocala. As divisive as Beck may be on a national scale, it is evident by the thousands in attendance that he also can unite. The massive turnout was no accident, however; Beck has been hyping his appearance in Florida for weeks now on both his radio and cable show, emphasizing that he would be making a major announcement.
Is Beck announcing his candidacy for public office? Is he taking the Jim Jones route and establishing a conservative paradise in South America? Questions began to arise. Just what exactly did Glenn Beck have in store for his followers and the 9-12 Movement?
It was at The Villages that he plans were finally unveiled.
This article appears in Nov 18-24, 2009.