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* Tribune…
Judging by your social media feeds, it seems nearly everyone was tuned in to the first presidential debate between Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump.
But don’t ask Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner what he thought of the faceoff — he wouldn’t even tell reporters if he planned to watch the debate.
“I am not commenting on politics,” Rauner said when asked if he’d be in front of the television Monday night.
It’s the same response Rauner has given time and time again when asked about his support for the controversial Trump. In fact, he repeated a version of that phrase four times when pressed on the issue at an unrelated event Monday.
* More from the Sun-Times…
“I’m not commenting on politics,” Rauner said. “I said I’m not commenting on politics. I hope you can believe that. I’m not doing it.” […]
Asked why he won’t show some leadership as the leader of the Illinois Republican Party and take a stand on the presidential race, the GOP governor said “As I’ve said, I’m not commenting on politics today.”
* The Question: Do you think the governor can keep this up through election day? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 12:49 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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Oh, absolutely. Through Election Day and beyond.
If Governor Rauner has displayed nothing else, it’s his ability to stay on script.
Comment by thunderspirit Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 12:54 pm
If nothing else, 1.4% sticks to his script and talking points. He will twist and turn to get back to the script.
Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 12:56 pm
The “See ‘N Say The Rauner Says” never goes off script.
Comment by AC Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 12:56 pm
“Do you think the governor can keep this up through election day?”
Yes.
While most people in his position would feel embarrassed by repeatedly ducking that question, Bruce Rauner has proved himself utterly shameless.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 12:56 pm
BVR will stick to this same mantra because he still thinks he is “winnin”.
Delusional - the longer we know him the less transparent his statements and actions are.
Comment by illini Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 12:56 pm
He’s a coward, he’ll keep dodging.
Comment by Daniel Plainview Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 12:56 pm
He doesn’t appear to be working in the political arena so why should he comment on it?
Comment by Flynn's mom Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 12:57 pm
Voted “yes”
Why?
Because Rauner can, and Rauner tries to keep it simple and not saying anything is the best.
Rauner thinks the press and people are rubes and don’t deserve anything he (Rauner) doesn’t think he owes people.
The lack of respect, coupled with mere fact Rauner can stay on message, so yep, Rauner will…
Easily…
… not say boo, and won’t face the scrutiny to have to say boo.
It is what it is.
Even though, Bruce Rauner supports Donald Trump for President of the United States.
It’s not up for discussion. It’s not up for debate.
Still, the answer IS “yes”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 12:57 pm
Of course he will. No Magic 8 Ball needed for that question. There are no consequences for him to stay on script. Would not be prudent to produce sound bites for 2018;)
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 12:58 pm
Why wouldn’t he? It’s hard to determine any material value to his coming out one way or the other, except perhaps local races tying a State Rep or State Sen to a Presidential candidate by proxy.
Some already do so. In the meantime, it doesn’t strike me that voters even care. The National races get tons of coverage. People don’t need much sway or guidance there. There’s really only downside to expressing a preference in a very blue state in a very contested year.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 12:59 pm
No way, but press, please keep him needling him, it’s fun
Comment by ZC Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:01 pm
Voted YES. He likes to think he is coy about everything, and the citizens are not very smart.
Comment by Big Joe Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:01 pm
I voted yes. I’m starting to believe he is a robot.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:04 pm
Bad move if he breaks. Voted yes
Comment by DuPage Bard Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:04 pm
How could he watch the debates? He was at the local microbrewery, dressed in his finest camouflage pants and shirt, hobnobbing with the little people!
Comment by LuckyNed Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:12 pm
Does him no good to say anything about it so why do so.
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:16 pm
Yes. Staying on script in the face of all queries is one thing he’s accomplished as governor. However, it’s just a reflection of his great flaw - his inflexibility. He sets his course, and nothing can dissuade him. He will be sitting amongst the wreckage of Illinois still squawking about unions.
Staying on script to the ruination of your state is no way to govern.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:18 pm
Rauner doesn’t like either candidate. He has no political gain in choosing which candidate he likes the least.
If Trump wins, Rauner loses.
If Clinton wins, Rauner wins.
The next president will be hated. Rauner wants nothing to do with whoever it is.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:19 pm
Voted yes. After the disaster Donald Trump was last night and again this morning it is best for him to keep his distance. All his Republican supporters know he really believes in many of the same things Trump dose. He just isn’t quite as rude as Trump.
When you really compare the 2 though they are very much alike.
Comment by Augie Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:23 pm
== He was at the local microbrewery, ==
Glad I stayed home last night.
To the question, he’s stayed on the TA pitch for 18 months so staying on the fence for 6 weeks should be no problem.
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:24 pm
Voted Yes- He has nothing to gain from endorsing either candidate.
Comment by Groucho Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:24 pm
I don’t particularly care one way or the other but you’d think the leader of the Republican Party in Illinois might have an opinion. To suggest he’s not commenting on politics is a bit laughable.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:29 pm
Rauner is not the LEADER of the Republican Party. He is the OWNER. Different set of responsibilities.
Comment by Henry Francis Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:36 pm
Yes.
You could ask this guy what he thinks about the sky being blue and he’d answer back “The skies aren’t bike enough in Illinois, but they can be. We need to get rid of Mike Madigan and the special interests to make that sky bluer. We can do that by passing my Turnaround Agenda.”
Seriously, he has no trouble with mental or linguistic gymnastics to stay on message.
Comment by Blue Dog Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:37 pm
I voted yes. Part of Rauner’s campaigning and governing is based on calculation and deception. Don’t run in the General on union-busting and wage reduction, then make these top priorities when governing.
Who said Rauner is no politician, and even worse, who believes it?
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:37 pm
Yes, because he is a stubborn “rascal.”
Comment by Concerned Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:44 pm
Rrrrr… Anonymous at 1:18 was me. My nick isn’t sticking in the form like it used to.
Comment by RIJ Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:45 pm
Yes. There’s absolutely no practical reason whatsoever to do anything different and a million reasons why changing course would be a bad idea for him and both caucus organizations.
Comment by LessAnon? Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:49 pm
Why wouldn’t he stick to his script? He’s avoided leading on any other issue.
Comment by Nobody Sent Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 1:53 pm
Voted YES, because I believe Rauner thinks…
https://youtu.be/pRf_A07Elyw
Comment by HRC2016 Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 2:00 pm
And because Rauner only cares about his TurnAround agenda and beating Madigan.
Comment by HRC2016 Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 2:01 pm
A yuuuuggggeee Yes!
What’s the upside to Rauner of tossin’ in at this late hour?
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 2:05 pm
wearing ear plug, saying lalalalalalala.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 2:10 pm
I voted that he would stick to his script, but he isn’t fooling anyone but not responding to questions. He’s only making himself look even more foolish.
Comment by Christopher Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 2:29 pm
If it becomes a political issue he will flop, tie him to wall street and Clinton. Ask the prairie chicken if he’s voting for Hillary
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 2:37 pm
Absolutely. But, I’m a little disappointed that he didn’t say he had a plan to vote for someone in the presidential election and would have the details later.
Comment by Earnest Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 2:44 pm
I don’t think he is capable of going off script.
Comment by burbanite Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 2:46 pm
I don’t think the Governor is physically capable of going off-script.
Comment by SAP Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 2:47 pm
Voted yes. Any nod to Trump will not be forthcoming as it would damage state repub candidates. His focus is Illinois, not nationally.
Comment by Robert Montgomery Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 3:05 pm
As a professional Democrat who was at one point paid to oppose Rauner, I really don’t see the use in him taking sides in the presidential, either to him or my party.
Comment by Will Caskey Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 3:10 pm
He is not creative enough to find another script.
Comment by Pawn Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 3:36 pm
If my govenor don’t support Trump why should my rep support Rauner?
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 3:44 pm
If dodging the question becomes politically damaging for him, he might change his mind. Until then, yes, I think he’ll keep this charade going indefinitely.
I mean, it’s clear that he believes voters are chumps who buy his ridiculous lies and his costume/disguises. Since nothing has changed so far to prove that he’s wrong about voter believing his shtick, there’s no point changing.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 4:02 pm
Sure he will keep dodging it, because he doesn’t want to be associated with Trump until he gets in the voting booth.
Comment by Dead Head Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 4:18 pm
A politician not commenting on politics this is his achilles heel hold his feet to the fire till he becomes a joke
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 4:29 pm
Is anyone else having trouble with this? I can’t decide what’s worse - 4 years of Trump or another 4 years of Rauner.
If Trump wins, Rauner loses.
If Clinton wins, Rauner wins.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 4:35 pm
Rauner is too busy pretending to be a private citizen this election cycle by refusing to comment on any election politics lately. It’s not just Trump’s unpopularity keeping him silent; it’s his own as well.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 4:49 pm
Priebus said get on board or the GOP will penalize your presidential hopes
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 5:00 pm
Does anyone really care what he thinks about Trump or Hillary or their debate? There is no doubt in my mind Rauner is a Trump’s man. They are a lot alike.
Comment by Mama Retired Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 8:18 pm
== I can’t decide what’s worse - 4 years of Trump or another 4 years of Rauner. ==
From a pragmatic standpoint, what Rauner does more consistently and directly affects Illinois citizens … so I would think 4 more years of Rauner would be worse for Illinois.
Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Sep 27, 16 @ 9:42 pm
He’s best at doin’ nothin’ cause when he says something it’s usually not worth hearin’ anyway.
Comment by retired guy Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 7:33 am
He is keeping his mouth shut knowing that in two years, he gets all the benefits of running on a midterm election cycle.
Comment by Delimma Wednesday, Sep 28, 16 @ 9:25 am