New York Times columnist David Brooks -- usually considered a moderate conservative -- takes dead aim today at conservative talk radio, which he says doesn't actually move any votes:

   "The Republican Party is unpopular because it’s more interested in pleasing Rush’s ghosts than actual people. The party is leaderless right now because nobody has the guts to step outside the rigid parameters enforced by the radio jocks and create a new party identity. The party is losing because it has adopted a radio entertainer’s niche-building strategy, while abandoning the politician’s coalition-building strategy."

    Radio talkers are apparently firing back.  We'll update with direct quotes when transcripts are available.

    The blast comes as local politico Steve Glorioso pursues an FCC complaint against local talker Chris Stigall.

   Glorioso is upset that Stigall has so far refused to debate him on health care, and that KCMO won't sell him air time to make his case.

   "I hope they take it seriously," Glorioso said. He said he wants the House Energy and Commerce committee -- which has FCC oversight --  to consider hearings on his concerns.

   Asked for a comment, Stigall would only repeat what he said when the complaint was originally filed: "We filter though dozens of requests a day for access to me and the program.  Some more obsessive than others.  As you know, that goes with the territory of having a highly rated program." 

    It would be highly unusual for the FCC to act favorably on the Glorioso complaint.  The end of the Fairness Doctrine has removed the responsibility of licensees to present all sides on issue debates, and the Commission would be loathe to order any licensee to sell air time to anyone who asks.