One of the most remarkable things seen from the American political landscape since talk radio giant Rush Limbaugh announced he has been diagnosed with advanced-stage lung cancer has been the outpouring of genuine concern and support.

A lack of compassion and downright vile behavior from many on the left has also been noteworthy.

These two worlds collided Tuesday evening during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, where Limbaugh was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award.

It was an emotional moment for millions of Americans who grew up listening to Rush, as they watched the titan of talk radio tear up.

At the same time, the left denounced the moment and the man, as seen when CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta commented on the president’s speech being an attempt to court the black vote — an attempt Acosta worked to counter by lashing out at an ailing Limbaugh, suggesting that Trump was honoring a racist.

“He was trying to make appeals to the African-American community,” Acosta said. “It can’t be forgotten he was awarding the Medal of Freedom to Rush Limbaugh, who has a history of making derogatory comments about African-Americans. So I think, you know, overall it’s a wash.”

The remark did not sit well with Limbaugh’s longtime producer, Bo Snerdley, a black man who has spent three decades with Limbaugh.

Snerdley, whose real name is James Golden, formally challenged the reporter and his anti-Trump network to prove the accusation.

“I just saw the footage from CNN’s Jim Acosta saying Rush has a ‘history’ of saying disparaging things about African Americans. I have been in the studio with Rush for 30 years. I would like to formally challenge CNN and @Acosta to provide the list,” he tweeted.

I just saw the footage from CNN’s Jim Acosta saying Rush has a “history” of saying disparaging things about African Americans. I have been in the studio with Rush for 30 years. I would like to formally challenge CNN and @Acosta to provide the list. — Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) February 5, 2020

Snerdley said Wednesday morning in a statement to BizPac Review that he has yet to hear from Acosta over his “slanderous” remarks.

“As of this morning I have not heard back from Mr. Acosta following his race-baiting, hateful slanderous statement regarding Rush,” he said. “He cannot provide proof of his hateful accusations, because the proof does not exist. CNN should be ashamed for allowing this alleged ‘reporting’ on public airwaves. It should not be tolerated.”

Fox News host Laura Ingraham, who counts Limbaugh as a friend, was outraged over the “disgusting” CNN reporter’s allegation.

“Jim Acosta is disgusting. That is a disgusting comment — disgusting comment and false,” Ingraham insisted. “Every time they lose, they cry racism. Every time they lose, they say, ‘You’re a mean, horrible xenophobe.’ It’s insult after insult.”

Laura Ingraham calls Jim Acosta "disgusting" for pointing out Rush Limbaugh's history of racism against Black people. pic.twitter.com/RRj2xX4WVs — nikki mccann ramírez (@NikkiMcR) February 5, 2020

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee responded to Snerdley’s tweet to call on CNN “to put up or shut up.”

“It’s time for CNN to either provide the list or apologize on air for another piece of FAKE NEWS. I believe @BoSnerdley knows Rush better than anyone at CNN. Will CNN have the integrity to put up or shut up? Waiting and watching,” he tweeted.

It’s time for CNN to either provide the list or apologize on air for another piece of FAKE NEWS. I believe @BoSnerdley knows Rush better than anyone at CNN. Will CNN have the integrity to put up or shut up? Waiting and watching. https://t.co/4ldB6sgTg6 — Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) February 5, 2020

Here’s a quick sampling of other responses from Twitter:

The left never changes; they’ve not an iota of class. — #PrayForRush?? (@PibbleGal) February 5, 2020

Absolute LIES -I couldn’t believe it! Time for you to be on TV Bo!! I have NEVER heard anything like that from Rush!! @cnn lies pic.twitter.com/VtwlwPkEms — mary christie The Unborn are HUMAN (@peaceischrist) February 5, 2020

Wow, can’t believe it’s been 30 years. Remember thinking “Mr. Snerdley” was just Rush’s imaginary friend when I was young. ? #raisedright #PrayersForRush — Lindsey Brown (@AggieLindsey02) February 5, 2020

He can’t and he won’t. @Acosta is a disgusting individual and should be fired immediately! — Craig A Peters (@gocap555) February 5, 2020

But will @Acosta call out racist liberals who refused to stand or acknowledge 100 year old Tuskegee Airman & Military hero Charles McGee, his grandson, or young African American girl who want to attend school of her choice. — Vern2015 (@Vern20151) February 5, 2020

Thank you to @BoSnerdley for sharing. I stand with Rush Limbaugh too because I don’t trust Jim Acosta’s speaking. — Demi Wu (@DemiWuforTrump) February 5, 2020