* A friend snapped this pic of me at Governor’s Day yesterday…

I kinda wanted a beer and a corn dog, but I obeyed my doctor’s orders and didn’t even get out of the golf cart. It sure was good to get out of the house and see some friends, though.

I’m heading back out there in a few minutes, so keep your eyes on our live coverage post.

       

130 Comments - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 11:54 am: “How YOU doin’?” - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 11:54 am: “You call that a scar?” - Bluefish - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 11:55 am: Only Rich would have a tie-dye button down shirt. - Stones - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 11:56 am: Have to admit I’ve never seen a button down collar on a tie-dyed shirt! Just the same I’m happy that you can enjoy some of the Fair. - 47th Ward - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 11:56 am: Who wears a button-down tie-die? Do you have a matching necktie? At least it isn’t tucked-in. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 11:56 am: Glad to see you were out and about and following doctor’s orders… and you look good too. All the best in your recovery. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 11:57 am: “No, no. I just want to watch you eat the corn dog and finish your beer…” - 47th Ward - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 11:58 am: “The heart procedure was expensive, but they threw in this haircut for free.” - siriusly - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 11:59 am: That’s one fine looking corn dog! - Judgment Day (on the road) - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 11:59 am: You mean you actually turned down a beer and a corn dog? Who is that impostor in the tied-died outfit and what did you do with the real Rich Miller? - Stones - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 11:59 am: “Take me to the steamed broccoli exhibit!” - Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:00 pm: A day made for my man - @MisterJayEm - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:00 pm: Grateful D̶e̶a̶d̶ ̶ – MrJM - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:01 pm: “Heh. Lyndsey Walters and her hot dogs with ketchup…” - Anonymiss - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:04 pm: Good to see you up and at ‘em, and glad you’re following the doctor’s orders … but did she prescribe that shirt too? - Judgment Day (on the road) - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:08 pm: The shirt is the latest in visual camouflage. Everybody will remember the shirt, but nobody will have a clue as to who was wearing it. - Colin O'Scopey - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:09 pm: It’s nice to see the guy in the red shirt (in background) carrying your urine samples for you. - anonymoose - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:11 pm: It is the ol’ saying, “He’s tan, he’s rested, he’s ready…..RICH MILLER 2016.” - Sandy Champion - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:12 pm: “Whatcha got there? You know that’s not technically legal yet, right?” *smiles and contemplates the situation - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:12 pm: “Barton. Thanks. You did great.” - Just Me - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:13 pm: Lookin’ good, man. Looking’ good! - Name Withheld - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:17 pm: I believe that shirt is wearing you (taps mic) is this thing on? (taps again - feedback) Seriously, good to see you out and about. - illini - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:20 pm: Rich, great to see you enjoying the fair even if it had to be without corn dogs and a few beers. Follow your Doctors orders and be patient. Things will continue to get better. But I really need to know - where can I get a shirt like you were wearing? - Wensicia - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:21 pm: It’s nice you can get out and about so soon. - Observation - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:21 pm: Dead Head business casual attire? I’m glad you are feeling better. - Just An Ordinary Lawyer - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:21 pm: “You’re pullin my leg. There’s no more Corn Dog Lane?” - cover - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:22 pm: Before heading out to the fair, careful to follow doctor’s orders, Rich asked: “Do they have apples out there?” - Arizona Bob - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:23 pm: Do I hear Grateful Dead Tunes wafting in the air…? - TronaldDump - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:24 pm: “You know I don’t need a ticket for this” - Because I said so... - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:25 pm: For throw back Thursday, please post your golf cart ride of less mild Rich Miller, riding down a hill at the Fair from a few years back! - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:26 pm: “Just drive me by the beer tents, just for the smell… “ - James Knell - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:33 pm: “Now let me do a power slide into the corn dog stand!” Best Wishes. - Casual Observer - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:34 pm: Maybe next year you can get back in the harness race. Be well. - How Ironic - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:35 pm: You know, the Dr. didn’t say I couldn’t drive this thing…. - DuPage Don - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:37 pm: Where’s Oswego Willy when I need him? Driver? Anyone care to drive this cart? OW: I only drive the debate…every day….on this blog….multiple times a day! - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:39 pm: ===You know, the Dr. didn’t say I couldn’t drive this thing=== Clubhouse leader, lol. “Caption?” “I can still write… Understand?” - bluecollargal - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:41 pm: Looking younger already! Really! - Soccermom - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:48 pm: Oh Rich. Seeing that shirt, thinking of Jerry Garcia… Thank god you took it seriously and got to the doctor in time. (I know, I’m not being clever. Sorry.) - Right Field - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:53 pm: What’s Blue, Green, Purple and Read all over? - Leatherneck - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 12:58 pm: “I’m still sleepy–I stayed up late the last two nights watching the Cubs lose and wondering if it’s possible my Sox started the Northsiders toward another choke job the rest of the season starting with last Sunday’s game.” - Anonymous Redux - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:00 pm: Run and fetch me a glass of cool water, Governor. - Wordslinger - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:00 pm: “Tell me more about Dr. Quacks heart-healthy beer and corn dog diet…..” - AC - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:02 pm: No, I’m not leaving here to go to a Phish concert. - Wensicia - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:03 pm: “Yes, this is my cart! See the “Bite Me” plate on the back?” - thunderspirit - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:05 pm: “Yeah, well, you know, that’s just, like, your opinion, man.” - AC - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:05 pm: Rich looks at the corn dog and says, “Say ‘Bite Me!’ I dare ya!” - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:06 pm: “This ain’t a trashcan van, governor, just hit the gas… “ - Responsa - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:08 pm: Rich Miller shows off his recent face lift. Oh wait! You had a heart procedure? You’re looking mighty fine for someone who’s so recently been under the knife. You didn’t maybe have a little botox and nip and tuck around the eyes while you were at it, did you? Seriously, it’s great that you are able to enjoy the fair –albeit in smaller doses this year. - AC - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:09 pm: Leslie, tell me more about the time you played wingman for the governor. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:09 pm: “What’s with the seatbelt, I’m not driving you are.” - Vanessa - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:11 pm: That’s not really a guy holding a beer and hotdog, that’s the other side of his conscience. Whether it’s the good or the bad one, that’s really up for debate… :) - Enviro - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:12 pm: Looking forward to apple season in September - Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:14 pm: Interesting news: http://wgntv.com/2015/08/20/secretary-of-state-jesse-white-not-running-for-re-election/ - zonz - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:15 pm: “The One and Only” - Loop Lady - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:18 pm: Looking good bro…keep it up! - walker - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:20 pm: Waiting for the trotter to be hitched up for a spin around the track. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:25 pm: “This ain’t McCann’s cart is it?” - siriusly - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:26 pm: “Yeah, I had to get out of that hospital quick - they kept bringing me the Tribune Editorial page for reading material!” - VanillaMan - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:29 pm: You showed me why you loved JBT - you are just like her. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:31 pm: “Lt. Governor, Evelyn, I know you aren’t cleared to drive a cart… “ - Belle - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:34 pm: Sometimes doing the right stuff is dull but it’s still the right thing. I love salads!!! I know Oscar is paying special attention to his big buddy!!! - X-prof - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:35 pm: Yep, a tie die spiral straight from my heart. They’re not so easy to make if you think about it, but subscribers learned how this morning. - Mr. Bean - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:39 pm: “GOP presidential hopeful Deez Nuts (pictured) was spotted at the Illinois State Fair. When asked about his early peak, Mr. Nuts said, ‘You ain’t seen nothing yet!’” - pipersls - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:39 pm: Glad to see that you’r'e looking well! Too bad you got photobombed by what appears to be a beer and a hot dog……. - Beaner - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:42 pm: So what do you have there? An Italian sausage sandwich with grilled onions and peppers? Hmmm, smells great. Well, it is not deep fried. Yeah, I’m gonna get me somma dat. Best wishes…Dr. Dean Ornish: “Eat More, Weigh Less” - Sheesh Hecuka Cupajava - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:46 pm: Goodfella Rich Milla! - Joe M - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:52 pm: “Do they have apples at the state fair” That was Madigan’s response when asked what his favorite state fair food was. Now, maybe Rich can join the Speaker in eating some apples at the state fair, since beer and corn dogs are off limits. - Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 1:54 pm: Rich- The doctor probably ordered plenty of rest. If you attended the Democrat Day at the fairgrounds rally I am sure you dozed off. - 618er - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:00 pm: “Let’s make a drinkin game of the governor’s speech” they said “it’ll be fun”. They said “Rules?” Asked Miller. “Michael Madigan, beer, legislators he controls, whiskey, corrupt union bosses gets a drink of the governor’s wine” they claimed Four and a half minutes into the governor’s speech, Mr.Miller realized following his doctor’s order was the right decision.. - Ghost - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:04 pm: If somone was holding a corn dog at head height and yu accidentally turned and it went in your mouth it wouldnt be consuming ama, it would be an accident like a bug woth the top down….. - SAP - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:06 pm: I like to wear a button down tie-dye because it says I want to be formal, but I’m here to party. - Tommydanger - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:14 pm: A line of people await to offer the Minister of Truth, hot dogs, beer, nachos and Turnaround Agenda calendars-all in homage to the Minister’s life long pursuit of truth, justice and a Madigan apple. - Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:21 pm: The worst hickey in my life,be good - Former Titan - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:24 pm: Step on it; this is my cardio. - Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:27 pm: X marks the spot - Joe M - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:27 pm: I wear this shirt proudly. Yes, it be old, but I got to see a lot of good bands in it. - Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:28 pm: To much red meat at governor’s day - downstate commissioner - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:30 pm: Never met you personally, but from the various pictures, you don’t look any worse than before (don’t know whether that is a compliment or not-you decide). Maybe next year you can have TWO corn dogs and beers… Do I dare suggest a shot of vodka in a lemon-orange shakeup?? - 47th Ward - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:31 pm: “You think the button-down shirt is bad, you should see the new zipper it’s covering up.” - Casual Observer - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:31 pm: Why is everybody asking about Oscar? What about me? - Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:32 pm: You still have a dog at home - Fashion Plate - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:33 pm: Seriously digging the button-down tie dye. Where can I get one? - 47th Ward - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:35 pm: GRATEFUL (that he’s not) DEAD. - Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:39 pm: Thrift store arts and crafts project our church youth group sells them - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:51 pm: “That remote controls are the Republican voting keys? Ok, that’s cool…” - Hedley Lamarr - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:52 pm: At least you weren’t wearing Tommy Bahama. - Dad - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:52 pm: I swear they tied me up and stuck a funnel in my mouth and pour the beer down it. - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:54 pm: “Wow. Your socks do light up… “ - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 2:59 pm: “You just write that here, and Sandack just repeats it over there? That’s impressive.” - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 3:01 pm: “Evelyn you have to sign all those wavers?… This is your THIRD stack? You need to get her an auto-pen” - Mama - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 3:10 pm: Did you have to sport a heart attack in order to get a golf cart at the fair? It is good to see you are enjoying yourself while behaving too. I’m taking bets on how long Rich’s willpower will last. - Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 3:12 pm: Ummm, did your Mom see you in that shirt before you left the house? Happy to see you out and about! - @MisterJayEm - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 3:13 pm: Beer Vendor #1: “Have you heard? Miller’s not drinking this year.” Beer Vendor #2: “Oh God! I was counting on him — I could lose my house!” – MrJM - Shoedoctor - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 3:27 pm: Looking great Rich !I am sure you will be feeling great in no time. The advances in cardiology over the past few years are amazing. - A Citizen - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 3:27 pm: Okay heres how it works. You buy your Corn Dog then hold it over your head for ten or twelve minutes …. ALL the calories and fat evaporate. Enjoy ! - Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 3:42 pm: ===Where can I get one?=== I’ve been asked that lots of times, but I cannot remember where I found it. - Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 3:45 pm: Oops, I appear to be Anonymous at 3:12 p.m. - A Citizen - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 3:48 pm: Hmmmm, lotsa pot at those G D Concerts, kinda blows out the ole memory. - 47th Ward - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 3:48 pm: ===but I cannot remember where I found it=== Salvation Army Thrift Store, San Francisco. - Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 3:49 pm: “I’ll break out this shirt while everyone’s concerned about my health and no one will notice!” - Boone's Is Back - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 3:59 pm: Lookin good Rich. Do what that doc tells you!!! - phocion - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 4:18 pm: Trump’s running mate about to make his public debut. - Wordslinger - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 4:25 pm: “Did you hear that? That corn dog just said ‘bite me.’” - Demoralized - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 4:32 pm: Jesus Mike, pull your pants down from your neck. You’re cramping my style here man. http://www.sj-r.com/article/20150820/NEWS/150829981 - 47th Ward - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 4:35 pm: If Madigan’s pants get any higher, he’s going to have to unzip his fly to blow his nose. - Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 4:37 pm: Um, that was me at 4:35. It was definitely NOT 47th Ward. - another anon - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 4:40 pm: “So I look Oscar straight in the eye and I sez …” - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 4:54 pm: “Lookie what you have… A dog whistle…” - Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 4:56 pm: “Ok Oscar, take us back to the car. Both paws on the wheel, dude. - Streator Curmudgeon - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 5:10 pm: “And then I came out of the anesthesia, and dude, I felt like I was back in the Sixties!” - Streator Curmudgeon - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 5:11 pm: “Yeah. It’s from the Sonny Bono Collection!” - northernwatersports - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 5:12 pm: Quit the sticks, cut the fat, get a fit-bit and enjoy. The best is yet to come. - Streator Curmudgeon - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 5:12 pm: “No, thanks, Governor. I think I’ll pass on the deep-fried butter today.” - Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 5:13 pm: Personal turnaround agenda - Streator Curmudgeon - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 5:14 pm: “No beer for me, Mr. Speaker. I’m strictly a lemon shake-up guy today. It’s called COMPROMISING. Get it?” - Streator Curmudgeon - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 5:15 pm: “Yeah, it IS my pajama top, Goldberg. What of it?” - Streator Curmudgeon - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 5:18 pm: “I feel so good, I may write TWO bitey columns this week, Governor.” - Streator Curmudgeon - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 5:19 pm: “No, I didn’t even know Burl Ives appeared at Woodstock.” - Streator Curmudgeon - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 5:21 pm: “Yeah, I HAVE tried baby carrots, but I can’t keep ‘em lit. Ha ha ha ha!” - Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 5:21 pm: No you can’t be a fried chicken wing man - Strangerthings - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 5:37 pm: I finally know how it feels to have my own chauffeur - Streator Curmudgeon - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 5:44 pm: “IVs? We don’t need no stinkin’ IVs!” - Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 5:51 pm: The only shot I’ll be having is shotgun - Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 5:55 pm: Did they sign a budget when I was unconscious? - Tom K. - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 6:22 pm: “No, no, that’s only a touch of gray’ - Anonymous - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 7:20 pm: Man these pants are loose without a hip flask - ToughGuy - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 7:36 pm: How much of a charge does this thing have? Think we can make it to DH Brown’s? - Kasich Walker, Jr. - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 8:37 pm: Nice shirt. I heard The Pizza Tapes featuring Garcia, David Grisman, and Tony Rice for the 1st time the other day. If you never listened to it before, I encourage you to do so. - Pol Watcher - Thursday, Aug 20, 15 @ 9:31 pm: Rich….our best wishes to you. - Anon - Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 12:04 am: Takin’ it easy, takin’ it easy. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.