Rush LimbaughRush LimbaughBy Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist

Tuesday is Day Two of evaluating the great GOP debacle: big-mouth radio host Rush Limbaugh vs. the weak chairman of the Republican National Committee, Michael Steele.

Our story so far:

-- Steele days ago labels Limbaugh an "entertainer" and says of his show, "Yes, it is incendiary. Yes, it is ugly."

-- Limbaugh on Monday tells millions on his radio show that Steele appears to be favoring the programs of President Barack Obama.

-- Later Monday Steele backtracks, saying, "There was no attempt on my part to diminish his voice or his leadership."

At one point in this imbroglio, Steele said, "I'm the de facto leader of the Republican Party."

But in reality Limbaugh is succeeding marvelously at painting himself as the party's chief of operations.

If you're not with Limbaugh, you're not considered a true Republican, hoping for Obama to "fail," to use Limbaugh's take on matters.

Steele doesn't appear to realize yet that the mainstream media love to report on GOP internecine battles.

And Limbaugh the entertainer craves the national attention he's getting right now.