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* The Wall St. Journal interviews our very own Ken Griffin…
WSJ: What is it like to see your personal life, business life and political giving become headline news?
KG: For choice, I prefer not to be a public figure. I don’t have Tom Cruise’s good looks. I don’t have a need to be on the front page of fill-in-the-blank. On my political giving, look, there’s probably not a week that goes by that I don’t realize the sacrifices that our forefathers made for this country. Yes, I’m involved in politics. Because frankly, if not me, who?
WSJ: You’ve given millions to back Republican Bruce Rauner for governor of Illinois, yet also boosted Democrat Rahm Emanuel for mayor of Chicago. Where do your politics lie?
KG: I can’t describe myself as a diehard Republication or faithful Democrat. The distinction between our two parties in the United States is pretty narrow. We need a mayor who understands how to get through a balance sheet; it was an easy call to get behind Rahm. I want Bruce to be comfortable knowing that he’s got my support however he feels it’s best to use. Anyone who knows him knows you don’t have influence with Bruce.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 3:57 pm
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Translation?
“I give my monies to any politician I know will pick up the phone when I call, and have ‘my’ best interests at heart.”
I think if “Ole Griff” knew the GOP GA coulda been had for $20 million, he would have given less to Bruce and bought 2 Caucuses years ago.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 4:01 pm
That’s rich, considering he order a sit down with the Trib to opine how he & other billionaires have “insufficient influence.”
Something about one’s own private-equity Idaho rings true.
Comment by Ipso Facto Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 4:02 pm
*** Yes, I’m involved in politics to ensure my financial largess must be enhanced. Because frankly, if not for me protecting my wealth, who? ***
There I fixed it for him.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 4:03 pm
“The distinction between our two parties in the United States is pretty narrow.”
True if the only political issue that concerns you is “How can we make the fantastically wealthy even wealthier?”
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 4:05 pm
== probably not a week that goes by that I don’t realize the sacrifices that our forefathers made for this country==
This is coming from a guy who endorses “spoofing” and is under investigation from Chinese regulators?
Comment by Ipso Facto Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 4:05 pm
Tne big takeaway is that in an era of of unbridled money in politics a dude worth $7 billion is still all-in for Rauner.
Ofher interesting bits:
– He thinks Rahm knows his way around a balance sheet (?!).
– He prefers not to be a public figure, says the man being interviewed by the WSJ, who’s on TV business shows all the time, who got married at Versailles, who informed his wife that he wanted a divorce by having the press release read to her over the phone.
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 4:13 pm
He talks about giving Rauner almost $14 million the way most people talk about giving their kids $10 at the arcade.
Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 4:15 pm
“If not me, who?”
The rest of us.
Comment by walker Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 4:17 pm
Got to keep Madigan’s millionaire tax DOA
Comment by Wow Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 4:28 pm
Republication?
Comment by South of Sherman Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 4:34 pm
He probably hops in his private jet and flies by Mt. Rushmore once a week and reflects on all the good he’s done in the world. He also pictures Zell, Rauner and his face up there, but he still struggles with who will be the 4th face. Will it be Charles or David Koch?
Comment by Ray Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 4:39 pm
=== if not me, who?===
I think the more interesting quote was the last line
===Anyone who knows him knows you don’t have influence with Bruce.====
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 4:43 pm
==I can’t describe myself as a diehard Republication or faithful Democrat.==
“Because I’m with the 1% Party.”
Nuff said.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 4:51 pm
== if not me, who?==
How about someone who believes in democracy and justice for all?
Comment by Enviro Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 5:02 pm
Anyone who knows him knows you don’t have influence with Bruce. Well that seems to me that he is a know it all ingrate , and that the word loyalty means ZERO. It’s his way or the highway
Comment by 99% Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 5:26 pm
I’m guessing Griff has a little bit of influence with the governor when he chooses to exercise it.
Who’s supposed to believe that nonsense?
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 5:32 pm
I think Rich has just identified a candidate for the 2018 cycle to succeed Rauner
Comment by Sue Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 5:36 pm
Mayor Emanuel’s understanding of a balance sheet appears to have been greatly over estimated.
Comment by DuPage Dave Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 6:20 pm
This would be funny, if it weren’t so scary.
Given the incredibly strong correlation between money raised and election winners, the super rich will be deciding all future political winners.
Comment by Rufus Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 6:20 pm
If not me who is just a weird vague statement to make…
Comment by Jimmy0 Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 6:24 pm
“The distinction between our two parties in the United States is pretty narrow.”
Yeah Ted Cruz and Elizabeth Warren. Two peas in a pod.
Comment by Michael Westen Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 6:47 pm
Yes Ken, without your money and influence where would the country be?
Funny how such a relatively new group of business people seem to think the world couldn’t get by without them. Anyone care to share the story of how hedge funders dramatically changed your way of life for the better?
Comment by Daniel Plainview Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 7:38 pm
“…if not me, who?” Absolutely, the world revolves around Ken! I’m not sure what universe Ken lives in if he believes the distinctions between our two major political parties “is pretty narrow.”
Comment by Former Hoosier Tuesday, Aug 4, 15 @ 8:21 pm
@Sue, it sounds like you think Rauner will be a one termer, I think that you are probably right about that. His track record the first 7 months sure isn’t very good.
Comment by The Dude Abides Wednesday, Aug 5, 15 @ 8:47 am