Rush Limbaugh Explains Why He Apologized: 'In Fighting Them I Became Like Them

Rush Limbaugh opened his popular radio show on Monday with a lengthy explanation about why he decided to apologize to Sandra Fluke -- the law student fighting for religious colleges to cover birth control -- whom he called a "prostitute" and a "slut" last week. In short, he said, he had a moment of weakness and stooped to the left's level.

(Related: Who is Sandra Fluke really?)

"In fighting them [liberals] I became like them," Limbaugh explained.  "I do not think she is either of those two words. I did not think last week she was either of those two words."

"I became like the people we oppose. I ended up descending to their level. It's important to never be like them," he added, before reiterating that "the apology was heartfelt, the apology was sincere."

He then went on to quote a Washington Examiner article explaining how the Democrats "played games" with Fluke's testimony. For example, Fluke wasn't supposed to initially testify, but Democrats tried to swap her in at the last minute. When Republican Darrel Issa wouldn't allow it, they "staged" Flukes testimony in front of a subcommittee.

"Her testimony was not that of an expert," Limbaugh said, pointing out how it was based on "vague examples based on unnamed friends"

It was a "fast one" and a "trick," he said. But instead of focusing on that aspect last week, he decided to go after Fluke.

"I acted too much like the leftists who despise me," he said. "It's way beneath me. It's way beneath you."

"Everyone was being true to their nature, except me."

Later he tried to squash any theories behind his apology and went on to say the public shouldn't expect such apologies from the left

Regarding the advertisers who left his show over the remarks, he made it a personal matter with the audience: "It's a business decision, and it's theirs alone to make. They've decided that they don't want you anymore or your business." That was after opening the show by joking that he tried to call himself to cancel his own Two If By Tea advertisements but got a busy signal.

"We'll replace them," he said later.

You can watch his opening statements below (check back shortly for more video):