Amateurish. Lots of stock photos and stock effects. Looks like a 9th graders school project. Notice how seamless the audio edit in the re-track at the end was? At least they’re not wasting money putting this on tv.
Really, this is just awful. So they’re going to actually pull books that have already been purchased off the shelf? And the budget cuts will mean kids can’t go into their own home and will be “on the street”?
This is horrendously bad and on the heels of some solid Rauner stuff bodes ill for Quinn. I know he hired a hot shot guy from out east, but who’s doing their media?
Rauner ought to respond to this by clarifying just what his plan for education funding is.
Mr. Rauner, please don’t let Governor Quinn paint your education funding plan in a bad light. Respond and set the record straight by spelling out exactly what your education funding level will be if elected.
I really think the issue is this. He attacks Rauner about loss of jobs and no chance for hope. The problem is, that is the reality of TODAY. Are we certain this was from Quinn? It almost hurts him. That and the ad’s by Rauner that a voter would compare from just the other day… Makes the quality and message even worse… Too much talky talky… And I am sure I may not be the only one that could come away thinking, The alternate reality, is our reality. This can’t be actually for Quinn. I refuse to believe it.
The entire tone of the ad is very negative. What will Quinn do if he is reelected is not stated. Even worse, the implied message is that he will spend more money but Quinn is short of meaningful amounts of new money due to the pension problem.
I’m not a fan of alternate history in general, in any medium, but this is just awful. Morose, depressing, hopeless and and uninspiring. If Quinn’s team was trying to let teachers know he’ll have their backs it was a massive fail. If that ad ever hits the TV air people will be lining up to move out of the city/state before it becomes Detroit. Unbelievable. Unrateable.
“That’s Tuurible” As Charles Barkley would say.
and too quote my daughter “what’s a library?” I can’t tell you how many books she’s read that aren’t ebooks.
Poorly done commercial. But when you have nothing to say, say the other guys steals kids candy and is a meanie.
- rolling meadows - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:53 pm:
Democrat here. Campaign operative. Rate this video (terrible) no flowing message, no connection. How about Bruce doesn’t care about your kids, his plan will decimate education funding. Which will denie your children a better future. We all know times are tuff, but Pat has a plan that will secure the opportunities for all of our kids.
First of all, it’s 20 seconds too long. It drags. If you’re supposed to get outraged, the announcer (Len O’Connor, Jack Drees casting soundalikes) doesn’t have an ounce of inflection. The production value is low, as it’s a slide show. I listened to it a second time to try to get a feel for the writing and text. It’s so-so if you’re sympathetic. Because the other guy has been out there with high quality ads for quite a while, people may give this one a listen for as long as they can (I’d bet less than :35). On the pass/fail grade system; it barely passes. If there’s a sequel done similarly, it would rate a fail.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:59 pm:
“If you don’t have a record to run on, then you paint your opponent as someone people should run from.” - Barack Obama
Absolutely terrible. A total piece of junk. You guys really ought to be ashamed of yourselves for putting out something with such horrid production values, muddled message, and an awful voice-over. A high school kid doing this on their Mac at home for a government class would probably get a B for the effort. Quinn donors really ought to take note that, to this point, the Quinn effort is an amateur one. Wake up, it’s not 2010, you’re not running against some unknown, underfunded downstater with mostly unpalatable right wing views. It’s only in the Quinn Bunker that anyone could think this was a good effort or worthy of public viewing. It’s embarrassing, undermines your credibility with a broader public, and dampens enthusiasm for those who might otherwise want to work for your re-election. Get with it, recognize the reality of your situation, and realize you need help and a major course correction. The campaign started last year and you are behaving as if it starts on Labor Day. Alternatively, this is the most incredible political rope-a-dope the world has ever seen.
Beyond belief how bad this ad is. I would guess it could only be conceived by the worst governor in America.
- Mighty M. Mouse - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:08 pm:
If this means Gov. Quinn is starting to make the argument that Rauner is literally dangerous, and it is therefore merely Quinn’s opening volley in what will become a recurring theme, then Quinn is getting straight to the heart of the matter and it’s a significant step in the right direction because that is EXACTLY my overriding concern about Mr. Rauner.
Would be better to focus on Rauner’s track record.
It left me thinking this:
Education needs to improve in Illinois.
Colleges are too expensive and our ranking in the country is poor at best. Focus on getting our children the skills they need to compete. Quinn hasn’t done that in the last 4 years. The alternate reality described is the current Quinn adminstration. Who cares about sports and library’s when there aren’t enough STEM teachers making a difference. Where is Quinn’s accomplishments over the last 4 years in education.
Sorry. Lots of thoughts were stirred as I watched that ad.
=He attacks Rauner about loss of jobs and no chance for hope. The problem is, that is the reality of TODAY=
Won’t even rate the video because both sides have the “alternate history” premise wrong. Anyone who has been laid off and/or in the job market for the past decade knows that unemployment can’t solely be blamed on education and not having the “necessary skills.”
That’s not to say that education can’t be and doesn’t need to be improved at especially the grade school and high school levels in many areas of the state. However, the promise of increasing your chances of finding a job or a 20% increase in your salary due to a college degree when your salary is $0, probably means very little to those who believed and got nothing more than student loans to pay off without any income.
Academia’s flawed and unfulfilled promises certainly didn’t teach nor position their students on how to become “more competitive in today’s global economy.”
There’s something obviously very broken here, and until pols on both sides of the aisle are prepared to address the real, related issues, it’s not going to get any better.
Mighty… If you watch that again… Consider the current state of education in this state. That PQ backed a library. If you look at it… And can come to the conclusion that the alternate reality is not the reality this guy created, then clearly, the ad works for you as you are against Rauner anyway. These ad’s are not for you. They are for the undecided. This does not move the needle. It actually is a pretty good case against himself. Things are bad. It will get worse with Rauner. That ship has sailed at this point with all of the other information coming out. The totality of the last 48 hours matters. This was a bad time to release this. If it were a clean concise ad, maybe you get people talking. The reality is, the only conversation now is, will we or won’t we see this Governor in jail? Not many ad’s will stop that talk. Certainly not this one.
And reminded me of the recent story regarding the “on-line tutors” who have been accused of, I believe, either submitting bills for tutoring that never took place and/or doctoring up their performance results.
Obviously, while either Quinn or Rauner is going to win this election, the one who will eventually win the “hearts and minds” of the people of this state is the one (assuming there is one) who will be able to take all of the “single, unrelated” issues conveyed in their ads (which some now clearly see as nothing more than pandering to targeted groups) and mesh them into a comprehensive strategy that is going to help the people of our state.
Unfortunately, whether one of them is able won’t be obvious until after he’s taken office. In the meantime, however, the candidate who is at least willing and able to acknowledge that there is an actual connection between many of the issues (e.g., education, unemployment, “global economy,” immigration, etc.–especially in debates, will every likely gain the respect of the voters who see the connections.
Missing that, it’s likely going to come down to who appeals most because he’s the “nicest” of the two. And I believe that the people of this state deserve better than that.
C-minus at best. The ad’s clumsy, for all the reasons mentioned, but its message is on target and whittles away at one of Rauner’s perceived positives. His pandering on fiscal issues will lead to exactly the kind of cuts in classroom education the ad suggests, and his corporate, elitist approach to school “reform” will further cripple the public schools. The issue is real, and Quinn needs to get some better ads and hammer away at it.
I agree this seems a little wordy, but it’s more blah than bad. Do people here not realize this is a web ad? It’s not going to be seen by a ton of people.
It’s point about kids on the streets and after school programs (and even in school programs) is true. Let’s just look at the dire situation faced at Fenger, with its federal grant money running out. Now imagine that at schools all over Illinois. Rauner already said it Diane Ravitch, he doesn’t give a hoot about the kids.
==Colleges are too expensive and our ranking in the country is poor at best.==
We aren’t going to improve our college rankings (which are fine) with the pension bill mistake the GA made which is likely going to lead to hundreds of faculty members retiring in the next number of weeks.
I give it an F. The voice over was so bad, I could not watch it. It looked like a home video. Really and I am not a fan of Bruce.
- NewWestSuburbanGOP'er - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 2:30 pm:
Rauner ought to respond to this by clarifying just what his plan for education funding is.
Mr. Rauner, please don’t let Governor Quinn paint your education funding plan in a bad light. Respond and set the record straight by spelling out exactly what your education funding level will be if elected.
–The problem is… nobody knows what Mr. Rauner’s education plan is, not even Mr. Rauner. Unless, it is to convert all public schools into charter schools.
“Shake Up” Illinois indeed!
- NewWestSuburbanGOP'er - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 2:34 pm:
As someone who has been in the political arena for over 40 years and as a former advertising guru, this was not a good piece. C-
Wow - that really sucked. Somebody please bring back Simon - he was awesome. What’s wrong with the ad? 1) It felt like it started in the middle. What kind of an opening line is: “”Let’s take a look at an alternate reality” - alternate to what?? 2) No context; 3) No foundation for Rauner the baddie. Lots more, but basically it sucked.
“C-”, below the “Gentleman’s C”. Terrible, but passable(?)
I have seen this 1:15 before…
Clarence: There is no Pat Quinn.
Clarence: You have no papers, no Super 8 card, no driver’s license, no keys to the Mansion, no White Sox tickets.
Clarence: It’s not there either.
PQ: What?
Clarence: Your Purple necktie… You’ve been given a great gift, Pat: A chance to see what Illinois would be like without you.
Your brothers, the IL Dems, broke through the gridlock and and passed real Pension Reform.
PQ: That’s a lie! The legislature and I went to war! They didn’t get their Paychecks! I saved the Pensions of every man and woman in that System!
Clarence: Every man and woman in that System survived! The Four Tops weren’t hampered, because you weren’t there to hamper them..
PQ: Clarence?
Clarence: Yes, Pat?
PQ: Where’s Rauner? If this is all real and I was never born, what became of Rauner?
Clarence: [hesitates] Well… I don’t… I can’t…
PQ: [grabs Clarence by his collar] Look, I don’t know how you know these things, but if you know where my Opponent is, you’ll tell me.
Clarence: I… I’m not supposed to tell.
PQ: Please, Clarence, where’s my Opponent? Tell me where my Rauner is.
Clarence: You’re not going to like it, Pat.
PQ: Where is “We”? What happened to him?
Clarence: He became Governor. Rauner never lost…
PQ: [desperate] Where is “We”? WHERE IS BRUCE?
Clarence: He’s… she’s just about to close up Spring Session!
PQ: [praying] Clarence! Clarence! Help me, Clarence! Get me back! Get me back, I don’t care what happens to me! Get me back to my Beloved Illinois! Help me Clarence, please! Please! I wanna live again. I wanna live again. Please, let me live again
Ah, Willy, again providing a wonderful afternoon moment. Thank you.
To the ad.
The consensus here is spot on. This is a lousy ad from every perspective. Production quality, tone, voice over, content, message, the list goes on.
Several have pointed out that Rauner DOES need to show some depth on issues he has thus far avoided. I hope he will not make the Brady mistake of hiding from taking real positions and just hope that Anybody But Quinn can win. That’s a losing strategy.
- Mighty M. Mouse - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 3:06 pm:
Walter, I listened to the ad a second time and what I said stands. I think Rauner is a habitual liar and that he would be a dangerous choice for governor, similar to Blago, only even much worse.
As for the ad itself, I’d say it’s not especially good, it’s not one of Quinn’s best, but it’s good enough for the internet.
MM… Thank you. I respect your perspective. I will say, I think for quite some time, Quinn can’t expect much from the teachers in support. I said befor the latest fiascos that it’s a tougher battle to get rank and file out to support or vote against Rauner. All this news certainly doesn’t help in Quinns call for votes.. Let alone support. I have a hard time thinking that teachers want to be on the record at this point, and may not ever. PQ diminished benefits. All signs point that Rauner has run a very good campaign, I would assume concrete details are coming. No need now. But soon enough. His opponent is beating himself. But I bet they are working on plans that would communicate a better strategy than Quinn has.. Or Quinn beats himself and we find out Rauners plans when he wins. My guess is, they will have plans.
===Quinn can’t expect much from the teachers in support. I said befor the latest fiascos that it’s a tougher battle to get rank and file out to support or vote against Rauner===
I will agree that Quinn seems set to derail himself at every turn, but Teachers would be hard pressed to stay home or vote Rauner. With those two choices, a vote for Rauner by any teacher is a vote against their better self and their collective Union future.
It’s May. It’s Early. Realities seem far off. As bad as Quinn has been to Unions, Rauner wants Unions dismantled.
Educating the educators will remind them. It stinks, bug some choices are just “bad-bad”.
To the Ad,
What is utterly disappointing, and the point of my Farce scene is that the narrative shouldn’t be hokey. You want to “scare”, then “scare”, but be prepared for Chicken Little snark, and hyperbole being scoffed at, while the message is being ignored.
Gotta do better, and if this is a “theme” thing, get new themes to counter-balance.
Random fun fact: The music used was used in the release trailer for the video game “Dead Island”, a zombie-slasher game. It’s known as one of the best game trailers of the past few years.
I was wrong. He’s back on the campaign and this is his video. Oops.
- NewWestSuburbanGOP'er - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 4:41 pm:
Oswego Willy…
You are spot on with your comments. I have to admit, I have been reading Capitol Fax for quite some time now and one of the main reasons, I finally subscribed was because of you.
I’m confused. “A world where education is cut, school infrastructure is crumbling, and crime is rampant”…so…doesn’t that pretty much describe the condition of the State NOW?
- Mighty M. Mouse - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 5:54 pm:
===I’m confused. “A world where education is cut, school infrastructure is crumbling, and crime is rampant”…so…doesn’t that pretty much describe the condition of the State NOW? ===
Looked like an ISRA ad to their gunslinger members in terms of quality and tone — terrible and catastrophic respectively.
Did really come from IEA to their oh-so-put upon members?
Sorry, just full of snark today.
- Just The Way It Is One - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 7:47 pm:
Great Ad. Really hits home on what tragically, and not unrealistically, COULD happen under br, and although it obviously injects fear, it is quite effective, and makes you ask, just who IS this Rauner guy with such scary positions, and if his policies would cause THAT, forget supporting HIM!!!
- Mighty M. Mouse - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 9:17 pm:
===For their sake, videos like these need to step up. The bar is low, do it better on the next pass. Yikes.===
===Great Ad. Really hits home on what tragically, and not unrealistically, COULD happen under br, and although it obviously injects fear, it is quite effective, and makes you ask, just who IS this Rauner guy with such scary positions===
OW, when I think about it, while very few people see these ads when they’re only online, this blog serves these candidates like a free focus group.
===OW, when I think about it, while very few people see these ads when they’re only online, this blog serves these candidates like a free focus group.===
Very true. Rich’s Place brings many sets of eyes that dissect any/all aspects of policy and politics, and every aspect of both that Rich feels important enough to share with all of us.
For me, I just comment as I do, having no expectation of being taken as an audience for anyone. I am “reactionary” to what I see, read, or hear, and not, in any way thinking anything I comment on, is then considered on a next move.
This “Lab” however, an outstanding group. I actually learn more from other’s reactions than how I see it. I enjoy that aspect best.
- Frosty The Snowman - Friday, May 2, 14 @ 9:02 am:
I immediately thought of Rahm when I viewed the sight of the closed school. Hmmm.
- I'm New Here - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:28 pm:
Too wordy.
- Concerned Voter - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:31 pm:
If that is all Quinn has, he is in a lot of trouble. Not very creative and no imagination. They need a better voice over.
- another guy - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:33 pm:
Amateurish. Lots of stock photos and stock effects. Looks like a 9th graders school project. Notice how seamless the audio edit in the re-track at the end was? At least they’re not wasting money putting this on tv.
- The Shadow - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:33 pm:
I thought this was scary and had an emotional edge to it.
- Dogs and cats - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:34 pm:
…sleeping together.
Really, this is just awful. So they’re going to actually pull books that have already been purchased off the shelf? And the budget cuts will mean kids can’t go into their own home and will be “on the street”?
This is horrendously bad and on the heels of some solid Rauner stuff bodes ill for Quinn. I know he hired a hot shot guy from out east, but who’s doing their media?
- PublicServant - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:36 pm:
Rauner ought to respond to this by clarifying just what his plan for education funding is.
Mr. Rauner, please don’t let Governor Quinn paint your education funding plan in a bad light. Respond and set the record straight by spelling out exactly what your education funding level will be if elected.
- Reality Check - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:37 pm:
Lame. Clearly the budget for this was $0.00, but whatever underlings’ time was spent on it was wasted.
- Walter Mitty - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:40 pm:
I really think the issue is this. He attacks Rauner about loss of jobs and no chance for hope. The problem is, that is the reality of TODAY. Are we certain this was from Quinn? It almost hurts him. That and the ad’s by Rauner that a voter would compare from just the other day… Makes the quality and message even worse… Too much talky talky… And I am sure I may not be the only one that could come away thinking, The alternate reality, is our reality. This can’t be actually for Quinn. I refuse to believe it.
- Hit or Miss - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:42 pm:
The entire tone of the ad is very negative. What will Quinn do if he is reelected is not stated. Even worse, the implied message is that he will spend more money but Quinn is short of meaningful amounts of new money due to the pension problem.
- Responsa - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:44 pm:
I’m not a fan of alternate history in general, in any medium, but this is just awful. Morose, depressing, hopeless and and uninspiring. If Quinn’s team was trying to let teachers know he’ll have their backs it was a massive fail. If that ad ever hits the TV air people will be lining up to move out of the city/state before it becomes Detroit. Unbelievable. Unrateable.
- Bobby Hill - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:48 pm:
“That’s Tuurible” As Charles Barkley would say.
and too quote my daughter “what’s a library?” I can’t tell you how many books she’s read that aren’t ebooks.
- RonOglesby - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:50 pm:
Poorly done commercial. But when you have nothing to say, say the other guys steals kids candy and is a meanie.
- rolling meadows - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:53 pm:
Democrat here. Campaign operative. Rate this video (terrible) no flowing message, no connection. How about Bruce doesn’t care about your kids, his plan will decimate education funding. Which will denie your children a better future. We all know times are tuff, but Pat has a plan that will secure the opportunities for all of our kids.
- A guy... - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:53 pm:
First of all, it’s 20 seconds too long. It drags. If you’re supposed to get outraged, the announcer (Len O’Connor, Jack Drees casting soundalikes) doesn’t have an ounce of inflection. The production value is low, as it’s a slide show. I listened to it a second time to try to get a feel for the writing and text. It’s so-so if you’re sympathetic. Because the other guy has been out there with high quality ads for quite a while, people may give this one a listen for as long as they can (I’d bet less than :35). On the pass/fail grade system; it barely passes. If there’s a sequel done similarly, it would rate a fail.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 12:59 pm:
“If you don’t have a record to run on, then you paint your opponent as someone people should run from.” - Barack Obama
- Wally - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:02 pm:
Most people will not listen after 15 seconds or retain much, that is one of the worst ads I have seen.
- Willie Stark - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:06 pm:
Absolutely terrible. A total piece of junk. You guys really ought to be ashamed of yourselves for putting out something with such horrid production values, muddled message, and an awful voice-over. A high school kid doing this on their Mac at home for a government class would probably get a B for the effort. Quinn donors really ought to take note that, to this point, the Quinn effort is an amateur one. Wake up, it’s not 2010, you’re not running against some unknown, underfunded downstater with mostly unpalatable right wing views. It’s only in the Quinn Bunker that anyone could think this was a good effort or worthy of public viewing. It’s embarrassing, undermines your credibility with a broader public, and dampens enthusiasm for those who might otherwise want to work for your re-election. Get with it, recognize the reality of your situation, and realize you need help and a major course correction. The campaign started last year and you are behaving as if it starts on Labor Day. Alternatively, this is the most incredible political rope-a-dope the world has ever seen.
- Crank Wilson - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:07 pm:
Beyond belief how bad this ad is. I would guess it could only be conceived by the worst governor in America.
- Mighty M. Mouse - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:08 pm:
If this means Gov. Quinn is starting to make the argument that Rauner is literally dangerous, and it is therefore merely Quinn’s opening volley in what will become a recurring theme, then Quinn is getting straight to the heart of the matter and it’s a significant step in the right direction because that is EXACTLY my overriding concern about Mr. Rauner.
- Pete - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:12 pm:
“Alternate Reality”
That’s reaching.
Would be better to focus on Rauner’s track record.
It left me thinking this:
Education needs to improve in Illinois.
Colleges are too expensive and our ranking in the country is poor at best. Focus on getting our children the skills they need to compete. Quinn hasn’t done that in the last 4 years. The alternate reality described is the current Quinn adminstration. Who cares about sports and library’s when there aren’t enough STEM teachers making a difference. Where is Quinn’s accomplishments over the last 4 years in education.
Sorry. Lots of thoughts were stirred as I watched that ad.
- 19th Ward guy - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:13 pm:
This is terrible. Really awful. Jimmy Carter “malaise” rears its ugly head Anybody know a good drape guy in Springfield?
- Anonymous - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:17 pm:
It’s terrible. It’s also a web video, which virtually nobody will see. Throwing their money in a shredder would’ve been more productive.
- Anonymous - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:17 pm:
=He attacks Rauner about loss of jobs and no chance for hope. The problem is, that is the reality of TODAY=
Won’t even rate the video because both sides have the “alternate history” premise wrong. Anyone who has been laid off and/or in the job market for the past decade knows that unemployment can’t solely be blamed on education and not having the “necessary skills.”
That’s not to say that education can’t be and doesn’t need to be improved at especially the grade school and high school levels in many areas of the state. However, the promise of increasing your chances of finding a job or a 20% increase in your salary due to a college degree when your salary is $0, probably means very little to those who believed and got nothing more than student loans to pay off without any income.
Academia’s flawed and unfulfilled promises certainly didn’t teach nor position their students on how to become “more competitive in today’s global economy.”
There’s something obviously very broken here, and until pols on both sides of the aisle are prepared to address the real, related issues, it’s not going to get any better.
- Walter Mitty - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:20 pm:
Mighty… If you watch that again… Consider the current state of education in this state. That PQ backed a library. If you look at it… And can come to the conclusion that the alternate reality is not the reality this guy created, then clearly, the ad works for you as you are against Rauner anyway. These ad’s are not for you. They are for the undecided. This does not move the needle. It actually is a pretty good case against himself. Things are bad. It will get worse with Rauner. That ship has sailed at this point with all of the other information coming out. The totality of the last 48 hours matters. This was a bad time to release this. If it were a clean concise ad, maybe you get people talking. The reality is, the only conversation now is, will we or won’t we see this Governor in jail? Not many ad’s will stop that talk. Certainly not this one.
- Anonymous - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:23 pm:
=“what’s a library?” =
That one very clearly jumped out at me, too.
And reminded me of the recent story regarding the “on-line tutors” who have been accused of, I believe, either submitting bills for tutoring that never took place and/or doctoring up their performance results.
- Oneman - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:23 pm:
So using this logic, I can blame Quinn for the current poor state of my local school district’s finances, right?
As for the video… Way to wordy….
- Anonymous - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:44 pm:
It’s half-assed, like everything else about this Governor.
- John A Logan - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:49 pm:
Not that bad, but not that great either. C + If this is sent to the teachers union for distribution, it could have an impact.
- Anonymous - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:53 pm:
Obviously, while either Quinn or Rauner is going to win this election, the one who will eventually win the “hearts and minds” of the people of this state is the one (assuming there is one) who will be able to take all of the “single, unrelated” issues conveyed in their ads (which some now clearly see as nothing more than pandering to targeted groups) and mesh them into a comprehensive strategy that is going to help the people of our state.
Unfortunately, whether one of them is able won’t be obvious until after he’s taken office. In the meantime, however, the candidate who is at least willing and able to acknowledge that there is an actual connection between many of the issues (e.g., education, unemployment, “global economy,” immigration, etc.–especially in debates, will every likely gain the respect of the voters who see the connections.
Missing that, it’s likely going to come down to who appeals most because he’s the “nicest” of the two. And I believe that the people of this state deserve better than that.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:57 pm:
#RealBadCampaignAd
- Our Magician - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 1:59 pm:
Way too wordy, just like PQ.
- olddog - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 2:07 pm:
C-minus at best. The ad’s clumsy, for all the reasons mentioned, but its message is on target and whittles away at one of Rauner’s perceived positives. His pandering on fiscal issues will lead to exactly the kind of cuts in classroom education the ad suggests, and his corporate, elitist approach to school “reform” will further cripple the public schools. The issue is real, and Quinn needs to get some better ads and hammer away at it.
- Precinct Captain - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 2:10 pm:
I agree this seems a little wordy, but it’s more blah than bad. Do people here not realize this is a web ad? It’s not going to be seen by a ton of people.
It’s point about kids on the streets and after school programs (and even in school programs) is true. Let’s just look at the dire situation faced at Fenger, with its federal grant money running out. Now imagine that at schools all over Illinois. Rauner already said it Diane Ravitch, he doesn’t give a hoot about the kids.
==Colleges are too expensive and our ranking in the country is poor at best.==
We aren’t going to improve our college rankings (which are fine) with the pension bill mistake the GA made which is likely going to lead to hundreds of faculty members retiring in the next number of weeks.
- David Ormsby - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 2:14 pm:
Somebody thought this was a good idea?
- SonofSuperAbe2014 - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 2:17 pm:
Memo to Pat Quinn: Please produce another commercial of same quality. -Bruce Rauner
- D.P.Gumby - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 2:24 pm:
Meh to the Xpower…a wonky nightmare, but does exemplify Quinn, fwiw…
- Yipperdo - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 2:29 pm:
I give it an F. The voice over was so bad, I could not watch it. It looked like a home video. Really and I am not a fan of Bruce.
- NewWestSuburbanGOP'er - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 2:30 pm:
Rauner ought to respond to this by clarifying just what his plan for education funding is.
Mr. Rauner, please don’t let Governor Quinn paint your education funding plan in a bad light. Respond and set the record straight by spelling out exactly what your education funding level will be if elected.
–The problem is… nobody knows what Mr. Rauner’s education plan is, not even Mr. Rauner. Unless, it is to convert all public schools into charter schools.
“Shake Up” Illinois indeed!
- NewWestSuburbanGOP'er - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 2:34 pm:
As someone who has been in the political arena for over 40 years and as a former advertising guru, this was not a good piece. C-
- Sangamo Sam - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 2:38 pm:
Wait a minute, Governor. Are you telling me that you built a time machine… out of a Crown Vic?
- Chicago Cynic - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 2:46 pm:
Wow - that really sucked. Somebody please bring back Simon - he was awesome. What’s wrong with the ad? 1) It felt like it started in the middle. What kind of an opening line is: “”Let’s take a look at an alternate reality” - alternate to what?? 2) No context; 3) No foundation for Rauner the baddie. Lots more, but basically it sucked.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 2:54 pm:
To the Post,
Finally… Got to see this.
“C-”, below the “Gentleman’s C”. Terrible, but passable(?)
I have seen this 1:15 before…
Clarence: There is no Pat Quinn.
Clarence: You have no papers, no Super 8 card, no driver’s license, no keys to the Mansion, no White Sox tickets.
Clarence: It’s not there either.
PQ: What?
Clarence: Your Purple necktie… You’ve been given a great gift, Pat: A chance to see what Illinois would be like without you.
Your brothers, the IL Dems, broke through the gridlock and and passed real Pension Reform.
PQ: That’s a lie! The legislature and I went to war! They didn’t get their Paychecks! I saved the Pensions of every man and woman in that System!
Clarence: Every man and woman in that System survived! The Four Tops weren’t hampered, because you weren’t there to hamper them..
PQ: Clarence?
Clarence: Yes, Pat?
PQ: Where’s Rauner? If this is all real and I was never born, what became of Rauner?
Clarence: [hesitates] Well… I don’t… I can’t…
PQ: [grabs Clarence by his collar] Look, I don’t know how you know these things, but if you know where my Opponent is, you’ll tell me.
Clarence: I… I’m not supposed to tell.
PQ: Please, Clarence, where’s my Opponent? Tell me where my Rauner is.
Clarence: You’re not going to like it, Pat.
PQ: Where is “We”? What happened to him?
Clarence: He became Governor. Rauner never lost…
PQ: [desperate] Where is “We”? WHERE IS BRUCE?
Clarence: He’s… she’s just about to close up Spring Session!
PQ: [praying] Clarence! Clarence! Help me, Clarence! Get me back! Get me back, I don’t care what happens to me! Get me back to my Beloved Illinois! Help me Clarence, please! Please! I wanna live again. I wanna live again. Please, let me live again
And…Scene.
- Adam Smith - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 3:01 pm:
Ah, Willy, again providing a wonderful afternoon moment. Thank you.
To the ad.
The consensus here is spot on. This is a lousy ad from every perspective. Production quality, tone, voice over, content, message, the list goes on.
Several have pointed out that Rauner DOES need to show some depth on issues he has thus far avoided. I hope he will not make the Brady mistake of hiding from taking real positions and just hope that Anybody But Quinn can win. That’s a losing strategy.
- Mighty M. Mouse - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 3:06 pm:
Walter, I listened to the ad a second time and what I said stands. I think Rauner is a habitual liar and that he would be a dangerous choice for governor, similar to Blago, only even much worse.
As for the ad itself, I’d say it’s not especially good, it’s not one of Quinn’s best, but it’s good enough for the internet.
- Empty Chair - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 3:38 pm:
Pretty sure that was Simon…
- Walter Mitty - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 3:42 pm:
MM… Thank you. I respect your perspective. I will say, I think for quite some time, Quinn can’t expect much from the teachers in support. I said befor the latest fiascos that it’s a tougher battle to get rank and file out to support or vote against Rauner. All this news certainly doesn’t help in Quinns call for votes.. Let alone support. I have a hard time thinking that teachers want to be on the record at this point, and may not ever. PQ diminished benefits. All signs point that Rauner has run a very good campaign, I would assume concrete details are coming. No need now. But soon enough. His opponent is beating himself. But I bet they are working on plans that would communicate a better strategy than Quinn has.. Or Quinn beats himself and we find out Rauners plans when he wins. My guess is, they will have plans.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 3:47 pm:
===Pretty sure that was Simon… ===
Um, no. He’s long gone from that scene.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 3:51 pm:
===Quinn can’t expect much from the teachers in support. I said befor the latest fiascos that it’s a tougher battle to get rank and file out to support or vote against Rauner===
I will agree that Quinn seems set to derail himself at every turn, but Teachers would be hard pressed to stay home or vote Rauner. With those two choices, a vote for Rauner by any teacher is a vote against their better self and their collective Union future.
It’s May. It’s Early. Realities seem far off. As bad as Quinn has been to Unions, Rauner wants Unions dismantled.
Educating the educators will remind them. It stinks, bug some choices are just “bad-bad”.
To the Ad,
What is utterly disappointing, and the point of my Farce scene is that the narrative shouldn’t be hokey. You want to “scare”, then “scare”, but be prepared for Chicken Little snark, and hyperbole being scoffed at, while the message is being ignored.
Gotta do better, and if this is a “theme” thing, get new themes to counter-balance.
- Anon - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 4:26 pm:
Random fun fact: The music used was used in the release trailer for the video game “Dead Island”, a zombie-slasher game. It’s known as one of the best game trailers of the past few years.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 4:28 pm:
I was wrong. He’s back on the campaign and this is his video. Oops.
- NewWestSuburbanGOP'er - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 4:41 pm:
Oswego Willy…
You are spot on with your comments. I have to admit, I have been reading Capitol Fax for quite some time now and one of the main reasons, I finally subscribed was because of you.
Keep telling it like it is with no BS’ing.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 4:48 pm:
- NewWestSuburbanGOP’er -,
Appreciate the Props. Thank you.
Glad to see you commenting. We all learn from each other.
- Mighty M. Mouse - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 5:16 pm:
===I said befor the latest fiascos that it’s a tougher battle to get rank and file out to support or vote against Rauner.===
D-lard and the unions did not find that to be the case with relatively short lead time in the Peoria and Springfield areas.
- Anonymous - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 5:43 pm:
I’m confused. “A world where education is cut, school infrastructure is crumbling, and crime is rampant”…so…doesn’t that pretty much describe the condition of the State NOW?
- Mighty M. Mouse - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 5:54 pm:
===I’m confused. “A world where education is cut, school infrastructure is crumbling, and crime is rampant”…so…doesn’t that pretty much describe the condition of the State NOW? ===
There’s bad, but there can be worse…much worse.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 7:13 pm:
- Adam Smith -, glad you liked it.
===D-lard and the unions did not find that to be the case with relatively short lead time in the Peoria and Springfield areas.===
These last few trying days for Quinn’s Crew does not take away the months that they and the Unions have to prepare.
For their sake, videos like these need to step up. The bar is low, do it better on the next pass. Yikes.
- Walker - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 7:33 pm:
Looked like an ISRA ad to their gunslinger members in terms of quality and tone — terrible and catastrophic respectively.
Did really come from IEA to their oh-so-put upon members?
Sorry, just full of snark today.
- Just The Way It Is One - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 7:47 pm:
Great Ad. Really hits home on what tragically, and not unrealistically, COULD happen under br, and although it obviously injects fear, it is quite effective, and makes you ask, just who IS this Rauner guy with such scary positions, and if his policies would cause THAT, forget supporting HIM!!!
- Mighty M. Mouse - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 9:17 pm:
===For their sake, videos like these need to step up. The bar is low, do it better on the next pass. Yikes.===
===Great Ad. Really hits home on what tragically, and not unrealistically, COULD happen under br, and although it obviously injects fear, it is quite effective, and makes you ask, just who IS this Rauner guy with such scary positions===
OW, when I think about it, while very few people see these ads when they’re only online, this blog serves these candidates like a free focus group.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 1, 14 @ 9:34 pm:
===OW, when I think about it, while very few people see these ads when they’re only online, this blog serves these candidates like a free focus group.===
Very true. Rich’s Place brings many sets of eyes that dissect any/all aspects of policy and politics, and every aspect of both that Rich feels important enough to share with all of us.
For me, I just comment as I do, having no expectation of being taken as an audience for anyone. I am “reactionary” to what I see, read, or hear, and not, in any way thinking anything I comment on, is then considered on a next move.
This “Lab” however, an outstanding group. I actually learn more from other’s reactions than how I see it. I enjoy that aspect best.
- Frosty The Snowman - Friday, May 2, 14 @ 9:02 am:
I immediately thought of Rahm when I viewed the sight of the closed school. Hmmm.