The once-obscure shock jock and radio talker has become for today’s conservatives what Rush Limbaugh was for the exiled Republicans of 1993 — the leader of the opposition. In the 45 hours that fans spend with Beck every week, through Fox News Channel and other outlets, President Obama and the Democrats are agents of a century-old socialist plot to destroy America’s institutions, sovereignty and wealth. Evidence of their plan has been hidden in plain sight, and only Beck and his researchers — aided by the conservative media (especially outlets like WorldNetDaily) — have put it all together. If Beck puts pressure on a liberal figure like Van Jones, he becomes infamous within 48 hours. If Beck recommends a book, it skyrockets on Amazon. If he invites a politician on his show, as he did Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman, that candidate gains instant credibility.