The Republican party continues to try and define, by trial and error, what constitutes permissible public criticism of the Bimbaugh. The current focus is on how muted the criticism must be before the Bimbaugh decides you don’t need to be slapped back into place.

Lindsey Graham offered up this weak and watery statement yesterday, billing it as proof of his political manhood (nullus):

Sen. Lindsey Graham said Sunday that Rush Limbaugh is a radio host, not a policymaker, but acknowledged he does have influence on some Republican lawmakers.

“Sure, when people call, some people give in,” Graham said on NBC‘s “Meet the Press.”

Graham made it clear that he’s not a dittohead and isn’t likely to apologize for it.

“I’m Lindsey Grahamnesty,” said Graham, a South Carolina Republican. “He’s been on me for two or three or four years about different things, and I take it for what it’s worth.”

(Interesting that Graham is trying to make a badge of honor out of Bimbaugh’s mocking nickname for him.)

Now, let’s see if Graham will end up having to offer (a maybe not so weak and watery version of) the standard penance.

(Personally, I think it would be much more efficient all round if the Republican party just conducted a super-secret ceremony — Cheney’s undisclosed location might be a perfect site — at which all Republican lawmakers line up and are filmed kissing his ring. Except for those who’ve offended him, who’ll have to kiss his ass. In the style that’s best described as a rimbaugh.)