Fluke says Limbaugh apology means nothing

Jan. 13, 2009: In this file photo, conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh talks with guests in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP)

WASHINGTON – The Georgetown University law student labeled a "slut" by conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh says his apology changes nothing and that Americans have to decide whether to support companies that continue to advertise on his program.

Sandra Fluke told ABC's "The View" on Monday that she hasn't heard from Limbaugh since he issued a written apology late Saturday. But she says his comments about her testimony before members of Congress have been so personal, she'd rather not have him call. Fluke testified to Democratic members of Congress in support of a requirement that health care companies provide coverage for contraception.

Seven companies have now pulled advertising from Limbaugh's three-hour radio show. Fluke says his comments were an "attempt to silence me" and an attack on women's health.

On his show Monday, Limbaugh said his mistake was to try to argue a point using liberal tactics.

"Against my own instincts, against my own knowledge, against everything I know to be right and wrong I descended to their level when I used those two words to describe Sandra Fluke. That was my error. I became like them, and I feel very badly about that," he said on his show.

"I do not think she is either of those two words. I did not think last week that she is either of those two words. The apology to her over the weekend was sincere. It was simply for using inappropriate words in a way I never do, and in so doing, I became like the people we oppose. ... The old saw, you never descend to the level of your opponent or they win. That was my error last week."