Perhaps the funniest part of Rush Limbaugh’s challenge to debate President Barack Obama is the notion that the president would somehow fuel the loquacious shock jock’s ego by uttering a reply.

Granted, Limbaugh, who describes himself as a “harmless, lovable little fuzz ball,” has thrust himself into the national spotlight as the bona fide standard bearer of the conservative movement, and his recent goading of Obama has elevated him even above the stature of official Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele. That’s because Steele must hope and pray that the party with a history of hostility toward Black Americans is willing to hitch itself to an African-American head honcho, while Limbaugh – with his 20 million listeners and recent $400 million contract – could very well be the most popular Republican since Ronald Reagan.

When he announced recently that is praying that Barack Obama “fails” in his agenda to reform the U.S. economy and transform American politics, Limbaugh stunned the broader public – not those used to his incendiary rhetoric. But what was even more shocking was that the usually cool, copasetic Obama allowed himself to bite Limbaugh’s bait, instead of ignoring the barbs and blabber. And his fellow Democrats followed suit, addressing Limbaugh directly in speeches and on Sunday TV news forums. With every acknowledgement by the left, Limbaugh took another power pill. Limbaugh, who believes he is “the last man standing,” now imagines himself in one corner and Obama in the other. When the bell sounds, the dream goes, both contestants lock in a verbal brawl.

"You are one of the most gifted public speakers of our age. I would think, Mr. President, you would jump at this opportunity," Limbaugh said on his show.

But who would judge such a fight, and how would the winner be determined? While these are difficult questions, indeed, it easy to determine who would be the loser: President Obama. As it stands now, Obama’s already way ahead on points.  Not only did he whip Limbaugh and his cohorts pretty decisively last November, but virtually every day he scores again, pushing forward with economic, environmental and health care reform, and establishing himself as the most popular president in recent memory. And, even though Clear Channel doesn’t pay his salary, President Obama isn’t having any trouble getting a radio message out to the public. In fact, he’s been doing a pretty good job of getting on TV, too.

So, it’s clear why Limbaugh would pray for Obama’s failure and why he wants the president to agree to a formal debate. With every positive step the president takes forward, the more power he saps from Limbaugh. But what isn’t clear, is how Limbaugh could believe that a man as politically savvy as Obama would give a blip about his challenge.

What do you think about Rush Limbaugh’s challenge to the president?