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The most
provocative man in American politics is inviting hundreds of thousands
of people to a rally in Washington tomorrow (Saturday), taking another
big step in one of the strangest careers in U.S. pop culture and public
life.

“The more we get into it, the more historic it feels,” said Glenn Beck.

Beck is a former
drug-addicted rock-n-roll radio host who’s put entertainment industry
expertise and antics into the service of populist politics and religion.

On his top-rated TV
and radio shows, he talks, lectures, carries-on and cries. He waves his
arms, turns silly or solemn, passionate or professorial.

It’s making him a
rich man. His broadcasts, best-selling books, public appearances,
internet subscriptions and commercial endorsements helped his company
bring-in an estimated $32 million last year.

At every
opportunity he says that the U.S. has been hijacked by corrupt
politicians and leftists who oppress law-abiding citizens.

He made headlines
by accusing President Barack Obama of having “a deep-seated hatred of
white people or the white culture.” Race is an issue for Saturday’s
rally as well, planned for the very spot and day of the calendar that
Martin Luther King chose back in 1963 for his most widely remembered
rally.

Beck says he didn’t
realize he would be speaking on the anniversary of the “I have a dream”
speech but he considers it “divine providence.” At the very least, it
could add to his remarkable and growing influence on national politics.

Beck has never run
for office, but he’s considered one of the fathers of the surging Tea
Party movement that is pressing the Republican Party further to the
right.

Tea Party activists
are helping organize Saturday’s event and encouraging people nationwide
to attend. Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, a Tea Party favourite,
is among the featured speakers.

Last year, Palin mused about running for president with Beck as her vice-presidential running mate.

“Glenn Beck – I have great respect for,” she said.

“He’s a hoot. He
gets his message across in such a clever way.” Beck says he’s not
interested in being a candidate. What is he interested in doing?

As they say in TV, stay tuned.

Mr. Mann wrote this article before last Saturday’s rally at the Lincoln memorial in Washington.