Rush Limbaugh Says CBS Has 'Declared War On The Heartland Of America' By Hiring Stephen Colbert As 'Late Show' Host

Rush Limbaugh has a problem with CBS’ hiring of Stephen Colbert as the next host of "The Late Show." Colbert will replace David Letterman when he retires next year.

Limbaugh said “CBS has just declared war on the heartland of America” in reference to the network's decision to hire Colbert. Limbaugh's criticism isn’t at all surprising considering that Colbert has a reputation for satirizing right-wing pundits like Limbaugh.

In fact, Colbert has delivered a number of noteworthy jabs at Limbaugh over the years:

“No longer is comedy going to be a covert assault on traditional American values," Limbaugh said. "Now it’s just wide out in the open. What this hire means is a redefinition of what is funny and a redefinition of what is comedy and their blowing up the 11:30 format under the guise that the world is changing and people don’t want the kind of comedy that Carson gave us or even Letterman [gave us], they don’t want that anymore."

Colbert will abandon the satirical persona he portrays under his own name on "The Colbert Report" when he heads to "The Late Show."

"I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave's lead," Colbert said in a press release. "I'm thrilled and grateful that CBS chose me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth."