* Gov. Pat Quinn announced grant money for a new Port of East St. Louis the other day. The governor’s office originally posted a video of the occasion, but it’s since been “privated.” I downloaded it over the weekend, however, and cut it to give you yet another look at our meandering governor on the stump. You really should watch this…
I do have to say, though, that the governor’s meandering ways are starting to grow on me a little. Better late than never, I suppose…
“The biggest river in our country and one of the biggest rivers in the United States of America.”
An absolute classic.
* President Obama is doing a robocall for Alexi Giannoulias. Listen…
Script…
This is Barack Obama calling on behalf of Alexi Giannoulias.
With polls showing my good friend Alexi in a close race, your vote is crucial.
Early voting is already underway, and I strongly urge you to go vote today.
Also, for the first time ever you can vote by mail.
To learn how you can avoid lines and bad weather by voting early visit alexiforillinois.com or call 312-603-5656 (a second version uses 312-269-7900).
* Personal PAC’s big fundraiser was at the Hilton today. Unfortunately for the group, hotel workers went out on strike…
* The American Action Network (one of those 501(c)(4) groups) is spending big bucks on this TV ad in the 10th Congressional District attacking Democrat Dan Seals…
* The Seals campaign is pointing to this Washington Post article about the group’s chairman, Fred Malek…
The documents about Malek’s work as Nixon’s special assistant are part of formerly restricted material from personal files that the Nixon library made public in January. A note posted on the National Archives Web site mentions Malek’s reputation under Nixon as “the hatchet” because of his tenacity, and says the documents show that Malek “supplied Nixon with a list of thirteen people he thought had Jewish surnames” at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
At the time, according to Nixon’s Oval Office tapes and other official documents, the president was enraged by what he and his aides called a Jewish “cabal” at the bureau, and they blamed the group for making gloomy economic forecasts.
While more than 40 percent of voters agree or strongly agree with the Tea Party, only a third said they would be more likely to vote for a candidate affiliated with the grassroots political movement.
In comparison, 45.5 percent said they would be less likely to vote for such a candidate, according to a recent statewide poll conducted by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. […]
Of those polled, 24 percent agreed with the movement and 17 percent strongly agreed. Sixteen percent said they disagreed; 20 percent strongly disagreed and more than 19 percent said they had no opinion.
===Why would anyone build high speed rail from St. Louis to Chicago and not back?===
Because it would boost our census numbers Rich, might even get us a new Congressional District to pass on to the lucky son or daughter of a political boss. Chicago has room to grow too, have you seen all those for sale signs on the fancy new condo buildings?
Plus, it would be great for all of the Cardinals fans to keep them here year-round, instead of only when the Cards come to Wrigley. They could see what they are missing the other 350 days of the year. Let’s face it, most of them would rather live here anyway. Let’s just make it a one-way trip and be done with it.
== Here’s my question: Why would anyone build high speed rail from St. Louis to Chicago and not back? ==
I remember Thompson at the end of his term talking about one of the things they accomplished was paving both sides of some roads. Some were paved into town (so trucks carrying corn and other crops would not lose some of their loads) but not going out of town.
As for a one way rail line, remember he believes in boats.
I feel like Quinn it talking to a group of third graders whenever I see one of these videos.
As for the “To Chicago and Back” comment, it reminds me of my (very small) home town newspaper that wrote about a local going to the St. Louis Muni-opera, where they “had front row seats…FACING THE STAGE.” (caps are mine)
“Oh sure honey, I could have splurged and gotten the seats facing the stage, but these front row seats facing the audience allow you to guage the crowd reaction so much better!”
OMG. Quinn’s brain is just about used up. He may not have 4 more years left in there. So what is my biggest fear? That Quinn has about depleted his supply? Or that Brady is saving up his supply of brain cells by not using them during the election?
“Oh sure honey, I could have splurged and gotten the seats facing the stage, but these front row seats facing the audience allow you to gauge the crowd reaction so much better!”
Just got the Cook County Dem oversized slick mailer. It features on the front Obama and a quote from his inaugural. On the inside is a letter from Chairman Joe, photos of him and Toni, then a listing of the endorsed candidates and judges.
Also in the mail, an oversized IEA postcard for Alexi.
Strangely, nothing yet from the GOP. I pulled a GOP primary ballot in 2008. Prior to the 2010 GOP primary, I got about five Jason Plummer mailings. Nothing from any other GOP candidates.
Brady might want to ask Plummer for his list. If Illinois is a Blue State, it’s because the Reds aren’t trying that hard.
Meanderthal is the name of a great album by mighty band Torche as well, one of the mightiest bands in a mighty country, a land we call the USA, or United States of America …
He said high speed rail between St. Louis and Chicago “and everywhere else.” If the high speed trains make all the stops current Amtrak make, they won’t have time to get to top speed.
Anyway, I’m glad to have access to Chicago, one of the largest cities in our state.
If I was Bill Brady, I would be playing this clip by Pat Quinn 24/7 until Election Day. This meandering talk by Pat Quinn on “something or other?” (Quinn lost me as to what the heck he was even talking about probably 1/4 of the way into his talk)maybe was deliberate on his part to symbolize how rivers (and his speech)manage to “meander” through the heartlands of Illinois. Poor Governor Quinn must still have been sobering up from the night before.
WS, I have no idea what the Cook County Republicans are doing, perhaps not much, but in Chicago the GOP is putting out a large amount of Brady literature door to door. It’s the biggest effort the GOP has undertaken in the City in many years.
–Anyway, I’m glad to have access to Chicago, one of the largest cities in our state.–
One of the biggest towns in Illinois, too, lol.
For some reason, that reminds me of a classic exchange I heard a few years back on the radio between Bill Kurtis and Ron Santo during a Cubs game.
Kurtis had sang the 7th Inning Stretch and was in the radio booth to flog one of his cable shows.
Santo was making small talk, telling Bill how he watched him and Walter every night (they hadn’t worked together in 20 years).
Kurtis, in his best Ron Burgundy voice, thanked him and was trying to keep it together while you could hear Pat Hughes laughing in the background.
Then, Santo brought up one of Kurtis’ “Unsolved Mysteries” programs, this one on the JFK assassination.
Santo said, “Oh, it was really interesting, and I just want to say, I think the assassination of President Kennedy was not only bad for baseball, but bad for America, too.”
Dead air………………………..
Santo continued, “What was the story with that Oswald, anyway? Did he have some kind of help, or something….”
Kurtis, in that deep voice, haltingly, desperately, started to explain how there were a number of theories on the subject, before Pat Hughes mercifully picked up the play-by-play.
Will the Kirk (non-Alexi) debate still be broadcast?
- Pot calling kettle - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 9:00 pm:
Pat Quinn is the jam band of Illinois politics. It’s an acquired taste.
No two speeches are alike. Rich does a great disservice by editing; he wouldn’t edit a tape of the Grateful Dead or Phish. Some day people will be trading these things.
“Do you have an October 14, 2010 Chahokia?”
“Yeah, but it’s missing a 20-minute riff that links the Cahokia Mounds to high speed rail, education, and the Tootsie Roll.”
Puppies meander too as they walk around the neighborhood. What do you suggest we do with them? How about elderly people? They kind of meander as they tell stories from the good old days. Children too, tend to meander and play instead of doing their homework. What do you suggest we do for children? How about women? I guess you could say they tend to meander when they go shopping…. Do you think they should have the same rights as men? I’m starting to notice a trend, a common theme… gassing puppies, handcuffing journalists… Who are these people?
- Meanderthal - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 3:34 pm:
How in heck fire does Quinn manage people talking in that fashion? It is part of his job description that he manage people, right?
- Small Town Liberal - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 3:35 pm:
- I do have to say, though, that the governor’s meandering ways are starting to grow on me a little. -
I’m pretty impressed with his memory. The man can list ten ways he’s been involved or done something about every issue that’s brought up.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 3:35 pm:
“Meanderthal” has to be one of the better names ever here.
- A-Rog - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 3:38 pm:
Inspiring words from our governor.
- Living in Oklahoma - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 3:39 pm:
My name is Pat Quinn, I just want to remind everyone that DeMint Started the recession.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 3:39 pm:
Here’s my question: Why would anyone build high speed rail from St. Louis to Chicago and not back?
- OneMan - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 3:41 pm:
We are going to have trains going all the way to Chicago and Back….
We believe in Jobs.
A mighty bridge…
When he flew in to Cahokia did they forget to pressurize the airplane?
- Ron Burgundy - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 3:44 pm:
Whoever is encouraging Roland Burris to run for anything (including the voices in his head) can please stop right now. Thanks in advance.
- 47th Ward - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 3:45 pm:
===Why would anyone build high speed rail from St. Louis to Chicago and not back?===
Because it would boost our census numbers Rich, might even get us a new Congressional District to pass on to the lucky son or daughter of a political boss. Chicago has room to grow too, have you seen all those for sale signs on the fancy new condo buildings?
Plus, it would be great for all of the Cardinals fans to keep them here year-round, instead of only when the Cards come to Wrigley. They could see what they are missing the other 350 days of the year. Let’s face it, most of them would rather live here anyway. Let’s just make it a one-way trip and be done with it.
- OneMan - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 3:47 pm:
== Here’s my question: Why would anyone build high speed rail from St. Louis to Chicago and not back? ==
I remember Thompson at the end of his term talking about one of the things they accomplished was paving both sides of some roads. Some were paved into town (so trucks carrying corn and other crops would not lose some of their loads) but not going out of town.
As for a one way rail line, remember he believes in boats.
- Responsa - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 3:50 pm:
You gotta admit, Quinn has one of the truest, most perfect “Chicago accents” to be found. Just classic Chicago pronunciation of those vowels!
- Downstater - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 3:57 pm:
I feel like Quinn it talking to a group of third graders whenever I see one of these videos.
As for the “To Chicago and Back” comment, it reminds me of my (very small) home town newspaper that wrote about a local going to the St. Louis Muni-opera, where they “had front row seats…FACING THE STAGE.” (caps are mine)
“Oh sure honey, I could have splurged and gotten the seats facing the stage, but these front row seats facing the audience allow you to guage the crowd reaction so much better!”
- downstate hack - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 4:15 pm:
The longest river in the country and the United States.
SHEESH. He needs a tele-prompter worse than Obama and George Bush.
- budget boy - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 4:33 pm:
A river so big, that people say it meanders even longer than me…
- Vole - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 4:37 pm:
OMG. Quinn’s brain is just about used up. He may not have 4 more years left in there. So what is my biggest fear? That Quinn has about depleted his supply? Or that Brady is saving up his supply of brain cells by not using them during the election?
- Cheryl44 - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 4:56 pm:
“Oh sure honey, I could have splurged and gotten the seats facing the stage, but these front row seats facing the audience allow you to gauge the crowd reaction so much better!”
You’re making me old Comiskey.
- LincolnLounger - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 4:57 pm:
Just when I thought the Chicago Mayor race couldn’t be any more fun, along comes The Trailblazer!!
Run, Roland, Run!!
- Greg B. - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 5:03 pm:
I love the Nixon reference.
What nobody though of going after him for representing Sarah Palin?
- Cheryl44 - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 5:19 pm:
That should be “miss Old Comiskey.” Sorry, I was all verklempt there for a minute.
- And I Approved This Message - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 5:25 pm:
Quinn sounds like what would happen if Mr. Rogers had a venti latte and taped a UHF travelogue. Sheesh.
- wordslinger - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 6:15 pm:
–“The biggest river in our country and one of the biggest rivers in the United States of America.”–
Uncle Fuzzy showing off his Fenwick education, lol.
Malek is still around? Back in the day, he was a top Nixon attack dog in an administration that had some good ones.
- wordslinger - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 6:48 pm:
In the mail today:
Just got the Cook County Dem oversized slick mailer. It features on the front Obama and a quote from his inaugural. On the inside is a letter from Chairman Joe, photos of him and Toni, then a listing of the endorsed candidates and judges.
Also in the mail, an oversized IEA postcard for Alexi.
Strangely, nothing yet from the GOP. I pulled a GOP primary ballot in 2008. Prior to the 2010 GOP primary, I got about five Jason Plummer mailings. Nothing from any other GOP candidates.
Brady might want to ask Plummer for his list. If Illinois is a Blue State, it’s because the Reds aren’t trying that hard.
- Pioneer P. - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 7:05 pm:
Meanderthal is the name of a great album by mighty band Torche as well, one of the mightiest bands in a mighty country, a land we call the USA, or United States of America …
- Macoupin Observer - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 7:36 pm:
Rich, don’t let Quinn wear you down! Ha,ha.
- Vote Quimby! - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 7:42 pm:
He said high speed rail between St. Louis and Chicago “and everywhere else.” If the high speed trains make all the stops current Amtrak make, they won’t have time to get to top speed.
Anyway, I’m glad to have access to Chicago, one of the largest cities in our state.
- Cool Hand Luke - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 7:59 pm:
If I was Bill Brady, I would be playing this clip by Pat Quinn 24/7 until Election Day. This meandering talk by Pat Quinn on “something or other?” (Quinn lost me as to what the heck he was even talking about probably 1/4 of the way into his talk)maybe was deliberate on his part to symbolize how rivers (and his speech)manage to “meander” through the heartlands of Illinois. Poor Governor Quinn must still have been sobering up from the night before.
- Bubs - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 8:02 pm:
WS, I have no idea what the Cook County Republicans are doing, perhaps not much, but in Chicago the GOP is putting out a large amount of Brady literature door to door. It’s the biggest effort the GOP has undertaken in the City in many years.
- wordslinger - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 8:31 pm:
–Anyway, I’m glad to have access to Chicago, one of the largest cities in our state.–
One of the biggest towns in Illinois, too, lol.
For some reason, that reminds me of a classic exchange I heard a few years back on the radio between Bill Kurtis and Ron Santo during a Cubs game.
Kurtis had sang the 7th Inning Stretch and was in the radio booth to flog one of his cable shows.
Santo was making small talk, telling Bill how he watched him and Walter every night (they hadn’t worked together in 20 years).
Kurtis, in his best Ron Burgundy voice, thanked him and was trying to keep it together while you could hear Pat Hughes laughing in the background.
Then, Santo brought up one of Kurtis’ “Unsolved Mysteries” programs, this one on the JFK assassination.
Santo said, “Oh, it was really interesting, and I just want to say, I think the assassination of President Kennedy was not only bad for baseball, but bad for America, too.”
Dead air………………………..
Santo continued, “What was the story with that Oswald, anyway? Did he have some kind of help, or something….”
Kurtis, in that deep voice, haltingly, desperately, started to explain how there were a number of theories on the subject, before Pat Hughes mercifully picked up the play-by-play.
Somehow, I didn’t drive in the ditch.
- Wumpus - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 8:53 pm:
Will the Kirk (non-Alexi) debate still be broadcast?
- Pot calling kettle - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 9:00 pm:
Pat Quinn is the jam band of Illinois politics. It’s an acquired taste.
No two speeches are alike. Rich does a great disservice by editing; he wouldn’t edit a tape of the Grateful Dead or Phish. Some day people will be trading these things.
“Do you have an October 14, 2010 Chahokia?”
“Yeah, but it’s missing a 20-minute riff that links the Cahokia Mounds to high speed rail, education, and the Tootsie Roll.”
“Bummer, dude.”
- VanillaMan - Monday, Oct 18, 10 @ 9:17 pm:
I just can’t listen to Quinn any longer.
- Quinn-bashing fad - Tuesday, Oct 19, 10 @ 1:06 am:
Puppies meander too as they walk around the neighborhood. What do you suggest we do with them? How about elderly people? They kind of meander as they tell stories from the good old days. Children too, tend to meander and play instead of doing their homework. What do you suggest we do for children? How about women? I guess you could say they tend to meander when they go shopping…. Do you think they should have the same rights as men? I’m starting to notice a trend, a common theme… gassing puppies, handcuffing journalists… Who are these people?
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Oct 19, 10 @ 5:17 am:
Good point, PCK. I hadn’t thought of it that way. But you’re right.
- Jonathan Bis - Saturday, Oct 30, 10 @ 6:21 am:
Robocalling concerns people auto-magically buzzing a bunch of phone lines per hour using automated programs. Correct??