143 Comments - Just Observing - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 4:28 pm: Thanks Rich for making it easy for us to find! - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 4:54 pm: Thanks Rich! Will be watching. - MrJM - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 5:33 pm: Thanks for making things simple, Rich. #OneStopShopping – MrJM - Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 6:38 pm: This will be on C-SPAN for nationwide TV viewing pleasure - Snucka - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 6:54 pm: Go get ‘im, Governor! Make the will of the people, the law of the land! - Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 7:17 pm: Thursday night football (Colts vs Houston) or the debate? Good thing the MLB playoffs haven’t started-that would be a no-brainer. Unlike OW, I may be watching. Thank God for the DVR thingy. - Grandson of Man - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 7:28 pm: “Thursday night football (Colts vs Houston) or the debate?” Blackhawks opener or the debate? I’ll go with the debate. “Go get ‘im, Governor!” Hear, hear! - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 7:39 pm: I can’t imagine being undecided about the IL gubernatorial race at this point of the campaign. How many voters will base their vote on a slip of the tongue tonight? No Blackhawks on broadcast TV. No MLB post season game tonight. “Elementary” doesn’t premier until the end of the month. - hisgirlfriday - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 7:47 pm: They really couldn’t have scheduled this another night than the Blackhawks season opener? - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 7:49 pm: @hisgirl — Would more anthem singing Hawk fans support Quinn or Rauner? - 2nd Ward - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:05 pm: Bruce is nervous - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:06 pm: Why is he naming democrats? - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:06 pm: Both candidates look tired. Gee…I wonder why? - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:06 pm: Rich Daley? - FormerParatrooper - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:06 pm: Yes he is. - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:07 pm: @ Willy — The candidates were asked to name candidates in the opposite party whom they could work with. - FormerParatrooper - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:07 pm: As in BR looks nervous - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:07 pm: Quinn looks at ease, Rauner looks fine but a lil nervy - Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:07 pm: Wow, both opening statements were about as smooth as nails on a chalkboard, especially Quinn - LizPhairTax - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:07 pm: Anybody remember that scene in School Ties where the kid has a nervous breakdown during his French recitation? That’s Bruce Rauner right now. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:08 pm: ===@ Willy — The candidates were asked to name candidates in the opposite party whom they could work with.=== Kinda mocking, apologies. - Lunchbox - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:09 pm: Rauner was stiff as a board for the opening statement. I thought Quinn was decent, and Rauner had a good answer for the member of the other party they would work with. - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:09 pm: Excellent joke, Willy. No apology required. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:10 pm: Rauner looking loads better now - FormerParatrooper - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:10 pm: The body language of both doesnt seem to be inspiring. - Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:12 pm: Quinn answers a question about energy by…talking about tornados?? Ok… - Responsa - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:13 pm: Oooh, “severe weather is something we all have to pay attention to”. Gov. Quinn’s pithy response to climate change question. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:14 pm: Novice for Rauner? Slip and Sue, she got hired. Ask her - Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:14 pm: Amanda en fuego tonight. Great questions. - FormerParatrooper - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:14 pm: Born again term limits advocate…. just spit my tea out laughing - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:15 pm: Rauner goes away from his question first … - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:15 pm: “I’ve been a CEO for decades……..” Quinn given a gift. Tax havens…nursing home….clout for W Payton admissions… - Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:16 pm: Vinicky tries a gotcha question, but it was a nice turn by Rauner - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:16 pm: “Have YOU hired…” - One to the Dome - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:16 pm: Rauner is not answering the questions…or is it just me - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:17 pm: ===Vinicky tries a gotcha question, but it was a nice turn by Rauner=== All this gotcha today, lol - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:17 pm: Duncan Keith scores with 44 seconds left in the first period. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:18 pm: ===Rauner is not answering the questions…or is it just me=== Get use to it tonight. - Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:19 pm: Willy, Lol! - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:21 pm: Is this correct: about 15% remain undecided? - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:21 pm: Education - Payton Prep opening… - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:23 pm: Rauner: support freezing pension, but opposes COLA??? - FormerParatrooper - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:24 pm: BR keeps talking about PQ raising taxes while being vague about how to increase funding. He doesn’t want to say his plan would have to have a tax increase to work. - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:24 pm: or is it Rauner supports freezing pension payments AND supports COLA? No contradiction? - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:24 pm: Pensions… Neither making head way - Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:26 pm: Oh PQ what a bunch of baloney on pensions. You just gave me a headache. - FormerParatrooper - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:27 pm: OW. Glad you said that because I was hoping it wasn’t just me - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:27 pm: The Governor handled the minimum wage question well, and though Rauner already lost all credibility on the minimum wage question earlier, he did well with his response. - 618392dem - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:28 pm: Rauner: division one money, high school talent. Hard to win games that way. - Responsa - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:28 pm: Gov. Quinn’s face is getting redder and redder and his upper lip is prespiry. Hope he is OK. Rauner seems to be getting calmer as the debate progresses and is smiling more. Appearances do matter. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:29 pm: -AA -, I’m good for a laugh… - FP -, it was what it was, both lacking - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:30 pm: Rauner on talking points were better earlier, speaking much faster, like going through the talking points rote. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:32 pm: Get use to Washington, IL as Quinn’s downstate pivot - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:33 pm: Vinicki dings on timing of donation… - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:33 pm: Quinn had an excellent response to the suggestion that using policy to help citizens is the same as Rauner donating to the Black community in the heat of his political campaign. - Macbeth - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:33 pm: “My wife and I…” Take drink. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:34 pm: Workers Comp - state fund? Interesting - Mighty M. Mouse - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:34 pm: PQ agrees with Rich that Rauner’s charge that Quinn cut education funding is false. Rauner shakes his head no, vigorously. He thinks Rich doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I suppose anything is possible, but I don’t think so. I’m gonna stick my neck out and agree with Rich’s analysis. Quinn is doing better substantively, but both of them are avoiding answering questions and the reporters are like scarecrows, passively allowing them both to get away with it. Few follow-up questions. When there’s confusion as to who is to answer the question, the normally aggressive Rauner quietly lets Quinn gofirst. Debate is not Rauner’s forte. - Responsa - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:34 pm: lol. Washington Il tornado and Jackie Robinson little league success is Quinn’s response to NRI money to black neighborhood question. - Amalia - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:35 pm: I’m surprised just how much I cannot stand looking at Rauner no matter what he says. also, some of his early answers were the definition of vague. - Macbeth - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:35 pm: For a details guy, Rauner is remarkably unaware of the “details” of many issues here. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:36 pm: Rauner dinged on 51-0 ratio at Firm. - FormerParatrooper - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:36 pm: Washington Illinois has a lot of work left. But it looks like it is progressing well. I made it a point to support the businesses there when I am home. The people are friendly and do not look beat. - Macbeth - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:36 pm: Rauner, dude — please, stop smirking. You’re not as smart as you think. - One to the Dome - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:37 pm: “I have to study the program” - Macbeth - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:38 pm: “I have to study that …” Take a drink. - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:39 pm: Wouldn’t it be fun to see both Pat and Bruce use this debate to express their unity in supporting full legalization of cannabis for all adults in Illinois? - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:39 pm: Bruce is retired, he has plenty of time to study… - Seriously?!? - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:40 pm: 51 executives, not one person of color?!? Not even a token brother!?! Smh… He doesn’t want to be Gov of Illinois. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:41 pm: I thought Bruce has been successful at everything? - Macbeth - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:41 pm: It does make you wonder what Rauner has been doing over the past year. If he’s not studying the details — then … what? - MrJM - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:41 pm: tonights drniking gmae was to teak a drink wmhenever a candxidate fgave xa dubious respponse, rihgt? - mrjm - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:41 pm: Wonder if prior donations to HBC were used to get pension business. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:41 pm: ===It does make you wonder what Rauner has been doing over the past year. If he’s not studying the details — then … what?=== Collecting props - Amalia - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:42 pm: The Rauner smirk is annoying. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:42 pm: ===- MrJM - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:41 pm: tonights drniking gmae was to teak a drink wmhenever a candxidate fgave xa dubious respponse, rihgt? - mrjm=== You win, all the way around. Well dove - FormerParatrooper - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:43 pm: Please be specific…. does he know these guys? - Macbeth - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:43 pm: Wow — Rauner’s smirk. That’s incredibly weird. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:44 pm: Yikes, Quinn with the cutting seems a bit flustered - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:44 pm: The smirk is a tick, when he can’t keep calm - Rich Miller - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:45 pm: ===You win, all the way around.=== Yep. MrJM is on fire this year. - Grandson of Man - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:45 pm: Rauner totally blew it on Medicaid expansion, calling it waste and fraud. Show us the waste and fraud. Quinn dings Rauner on demonization of public sector workers. - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:45 pm: Almost half way through the second period and the Hawks have only 3 shots on goal. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:45 pm: Attention state workers, Rauner called your guys out - CMS and Rauner’s thoughts on the workers. You’re welcome - Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:46 pm: The facial expressions of the crowd are at least entertaining - Amalia - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:46 pm: Rauner quotes the experts at UIC on corruption changes. UIC did such a great job with that crime program…. - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:47 pm: Does Rauner think the CMS employees can use their expertise to self manage a 401(k) to outperform their current pension? - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:47 pm: Pensions - how is that constitutional Mr. Rauner or…how will you get the Unions to agree, shut down the state? - Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:47 pm: On the other hand, Quinn has, as always, the constant look of having bad gas - wordslinger - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:48 pm: Rauner knows better than most that Medicaid fraud is perpetrated by providers, not enrollees. Providers, like those Georgia nursing homes he owned, are the ones scamming the system. They get the money, enrollees never see a dime. Set a thief to catch a thief. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:49 pm: Yikes, the budget issue - shortfall/income tax - Responsa - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:50 pm: I agree that the follow-up questions are weak or non-existent, but I am impressed with the overall range, relevance and depth of the initial questions being asked. If voters are actually watching this debate I think they may be being exposed to some issues that are not usually covered in depth in the papers or TV. - Macbeth - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:50 pm: Notice that Rauner never, ever gives an actual data point. No percentage points, no statistics. - Amalia - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:50 pm: is a dark shirt mandatory for the male journalists for this debate? - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:50 pm: Grow the economy….grow some cannabis. - Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:50 pm: It’s so sad that the people moderating this debate know less than I do. It’s just unbelievable. Follow up! Press both of these candidates on the issues! Both are diverting. Why would any candidate answer any serious question with these people? - Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:50 pm: Blago finally comes up at 8:45. Pension ramp q ignored. Amanda shoulda asked all the questions. - 618392dem - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:50 pm: Rauner: just trust me I can keep the many promises I have made. - Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:50 pm: “Trio of terrible”….guessing we’ll start hearing that - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:51 pm: Did the format allow for follow up questions? - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:52 pm: Rauner - bi-partisan I won’t hold my breath that MJM & Cullerton looking to help the guy placing him in Ads calling them corrupt - Macbeth - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:53 pm: Rauner gives an awkward, clueless look at the start of the recidivism question. “Recidi-what?” - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:53 pm: ===Amanda shoulda asked all the questions=== She has been the shining star - Macbeth - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:54 pm: Rauner has no idea Adult Redeploy exists. He hasn’t yet “studied the details.” - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:54 pm: Close - Washington, Quinn, ending positive - Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:54 pm: To be honest, the format was terrible. No follow-up questions, and almost no rebuttal opportunities offered. It just seemed way too rushed, which I almost never think about debates. - 618392dem - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:54 pm: Not that the debate will matter, but clearly a Quinn win, Rauner is a sinkin ship. - Amalia - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:55 pm: wait, no servant’s heart Pat? the tag line is gone?!? - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:55 pm: Quinn - then flippantly goes to Rauner, meh. - Mittuns - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:55 pm: Well, this solved nothing. Quinn did okay, Rauner was flustered and unspecific. - FormerParatrooper - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:55 pm: Maybe the national weather service can have PQ give the tornado warnings - Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:55 pm: Hawks are tied at 1 - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:55 pm: Rauner close - Quinn/Blago - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:56 pm: Bi-partisan, Rauner…,yikes - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:56 pm: You may kiss the bride… No hand shakes tonight. - circular firing squad - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:57 pm: Amanda great Mitt wants to let bad guys out…yikes Only took 2 shots at Blagoof Quinn wins - Springfield outsider - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:57 pm: I think Quinn cleaned Rauner clock - FormerParatrooper - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:58 pm: Not compelled to vote for either by this debate. PQ is too much class warfare, BR is too much Chicago machine. Neither person is someone I would want as a leader. - Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:58 pm: Seriously, seriously, seriously… Both candidates look great. If I were an uninterested party, I could vote for either guy without reservation. But, as far as debates go, the biggest loser. Come on! Snark/ Let’s ask questions that candidates can answer anyway they please without regard to follow up! Dumb Dumb Dumb Dumb. Worst debate ever. - Grandson of Man - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:58 pm: Rauner skids out at the close of the debate with Blago-Quinn cronyism and talkingpointspalooza. I give this one to Quinn. I was waiting for him to talk about the declining unemployment rate, and he slipped it into his closing statement. - One to the Dome - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:58 pm: Rauner is clearly truing to run the clock. Quinn definitely sounded more knowledgeable. - Amalia - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:58 pm: Rauner close is stronger, but it is very elisabeth hasselbeck “protect my house” silly. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:59 pm: Quinn did enough to pull ahead, but on the scorecard, split decision… - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:59 pm: Stars score about halfway through second period…tied 1-1. Would this debate impact the undecided or make voters want to stay home? - Levi - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 8:59 pm: Rauner makes me queasy just looking at him. I hope people could see through him. At least we have a good idea what Pat Quinn believes in and what he’s going to do. Rauner’s platform is, “Just trust me, and I’ll show you once I’m governor.” - Levi - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:01 pm: I also agree with Ducky. No follow-ups, no rebuttals, just empty charges left hanging out there for people to scratch their heads and wonder about. Poor format. - Macbeth - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:02 pm: Rauner is a horrible speaker. Horrible. The smirk — above all else. This is a guy that has no desire to be “bi-partisan”, no plan to “compromise.” - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:02 pm: Were the terms of the debate public? Were follow up questions allowed? - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:02 pm: The “studying” bit would make a great Ad.., “Where does Rauber stand?” Just a repeat shot if Rauner… “I need to study that…” - Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:03 pm: ==At least we have a good idea what Pat Quinn believes in == The only thing I got a good idea about from Pat Quinn tonight was that he believes our energy problems can be solved by watching out for tornados - Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:06 pm: “The waste and fraud in our medicaid program is out of control” Bruce Rauner Follow up question… A company you owned defrauded the Georgia medicaid system. What are your thought on that? - Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:07 pm: “The waste and fraud in our medicaid program is out of control” Bruce Rauner Follow up question… A company you owned defrauded the Georgia medicaid system. What are your thoughts on that? - snucka - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:07 pm: Damn. You think Toi’s going to get a call tomorrow? She was the only surprising name thrown out during the “your favorite member of the other party” question. Yea, I DVR’d it… - OldIllini - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:10 pm: debate |diˈbāt| noun a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting…, in which opposing arguments are put forward. I didn’t hear many opposing arguments or rebuttals because of the format. - Casual observer - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:13 pm: In the land of Lincoln/Douglas, this is what we call a debate? Excellent questions answered by 2 minute sound bites. It’s really an insult to voters. Sigh. - One to the Dome - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:18 pm: Shout out to Jack Franks, Toi Huthinson and Jim Durkin. - skeptic - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:26 pm: Sounds like the frozen pizza I had for dinner had more substance than that “debate.” - Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:50 pm: As an aside, how many would have picked Jack Franks as Rauner’s opposite party BFF? Not many, I suspect. I scored the debate as pretty much a draw. Voted for BR because of PQ’s ridiculous “aspirin” non-answer on an issue everyone in the state except he and Brooke recognize will be on the Governor’s plate sooner rather than later. - Rich Miller - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:58 pm: === how many would have picked Jack Franks as Rauner’s opposite party BFF? Not many, I suspect. === lol He makes two Dem votes every two years: Speaker and rules. - Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:04 pm: Whoops. That post was in the wrong thread and not exactly complete. Thanks for the catch, Captain. Been a long day. - One to the Dome - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:07 pm: Rich…I guess Franks ain’t crazy - Snucka - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:23 pm: === how many would have picked Jack Franks as Rauner’s opposite party BFF? Not many, I suspect. === I can honestly say that Jack Franks was the only member of the GA that remotely occurred to me when Rauner was being asked that question. - Snucka - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:24 pm: Toi though… that was interesting. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.