150 Comments - Vote Quimby! - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:36 am: Welcome back! Sad to think how far things have fallen in the Statehouse since he left. - Rahm's Parking Meter - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:38 am: Maybe but I doubt what I am typing, this could spur a deal before this address occurs. - DuPage Saint - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:38 am: Maybe he can vote “present” - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:42 am: I’d like to be there for that. Historic. Not something any of us might see again in our lifetimes, including the 20-somethings Wow. - Blue dog dem - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:43 am: Stay away! Democrats got stomped statewide in 2014 and it wasn’t because of Quinn or MJM! - My New Handle - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:46 am: I wonder what prompted this. Rauner won’t care. The Repubs won’t care. The Dems may listen. - Stones - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:46 am: Is this the first time a sitting President has ever addressed the Illinois GA? - Anon - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:47 am: ===Historic. Not something any of us might see again in our lifetimes, including the 20-somethings=== Snark and partisan lines aside, this is very true. This may represent an excellent use of the bully pulpit and could lead to help define what President Obama would like his role in our nation to be after the White House. - Thoughts Matter - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:47 am: Stag beer summit? I’m for any help we can get… But President Obama has carefully ignored Illinois ever since he shunned Blago at the Democratic convention, really can’t see him caring now. - Anon - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:50 am: ===Democrats got stomped statewide in 2014 and it wasn’t because of Quinn or MJM!=== I don’t think the President had anything to do with the failure of Democratic voters to turn out to the polls, and the voters that did turn out to the polls seemed to have no problem approving a super majority in the State Senate and State House. That’s not what a loss looks like, and I don’t think that Quinn can blame the President of the United States of America for their failure to develop and implement a campaign that could renew confidence in their abilities. You have to at least recognized that you’re responsible for your own failures to learn from them. - Skip - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:51 am: He’s announcing that he’s running for a third term! - Peters Post - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:51 am: I have been greatly disappointed that Obama has not put his thumb on the scale and helped his home state and city address high youth unemployment and violence. It is almost like he has taken a hands off approach to avoid some kind of negative appearance. But common man we need federal help with jobs, housing, and drugs. Maybe this will be the statrt. - hisgirlfriday - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:51 am: How random. Did Rahm request this? In any event, I think Lincoln’s birthday would be as good a time as any reminding Rauner that labor is prior to and independent of capital, that capital is only the fruit of labor and that labor is the superior of capital and thus deserves higher consideration. - My New Handle - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:52 am: That is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. The state has been on a budget fast for months, and his visit is one week before the Budget Address. Maybe there will be some sort of penetential theme. - Chairman McBroom - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:53 am: If POTUS cares about a “better politics,” that ought to include fair maps and term limits. - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:53 am: “Historic. Not something any of us might see again in our lifetimes, including the 20-somethings” To Add; Historic. Not something any of us might see again in our lifetimes, including the 20-somethings. A former Illinois legislator who is currently the President of the United States, addressing the body he once called “home” Whoa. If you’re hung up on Party so much you fail to see the pure historic significance, that’s on you. - Anon221 - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:54 am: OW- Historic- Absolutely! This is an event that should be part of at least 8 grade and up as required watching. Wonder what will happen to Bluestream that day! Hopefully we’ll be able to see Rauner’s expression(s) throughout the address. After Pullman… at least this time he’ll be on the “stage” and not behind the rope. - Tequila Mockingbird - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:56 am: just more theater from the guy that has repeatedly shown us that what he says and what he does are not related. He’s trying to shape his legacy by perception, since he comes up short on actual accomplishments. - NIU Grad - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:57 am: Will he double down on redistricting reform and term limits, or use this time to ding the Governor? We’ll see… - Georg Sande - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 11:57 am: Symbolic gesture, at best. Part of developing a legacy tour before he concludes his term, no doubt. But let’s face it, the President has not done anything special for Illinois, or Chicago for that matter, since his ascension. - crazybleedingheart - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:00 pm: Rahm isn’t the only Democrat in this state with a direct line to POTUS, and I most certainly hope he’s not the one with sufficient power to arrange this one. - Tad Lincoln - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:00 pm: Holding a budget hostage is a strategy that was developed by lawyers at Freedom Works, and was unsuccessfully tried by the House “freedom caucus” and Ted Cruz in the Senate. Now the experiment is being pursued in Illinois. National forces having an impact on the state - crazybleedingheart - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:00 pm: ==just more theater from the guy that has repeatedly shown us that what he says and what he does are not related. He’s trying to shape his legacy by perception, since he comes up short on actual accomplishments.== You think Rauner is behind this!?!? - State Worker THX 1138 - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:01 pm: Oh good. The Federal head finger pointer addressing a room full of Junior State finger pointers. I hope the State head finger pointer is there to pick up some finger pointing points. Should be rich. - Anon221 - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:02 pm: More coverage starting to show up in the news feeds. - Blue dog dem - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:03 pm: No he will probably lecture us on increasing wages for the middle class(befor you go crazy, I support at least $15/hr min wage). An area he has been horrible at. Or better yet, maybe he will tell us how great TPP is and how China manipulating its currency is KILLING the American steel industry. Or maybe he will tell us that he is joining old blue dog in a nationwide boycott of Oreos…. - The Dude Abides - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:03 pm: From a historical perspective this is a big deal. As far as helping break the stalemate in crafting a much needed budget, which should be our biggest priority, I’m not optimistic. I’m sure almost all of the GOP members of the legislature voted for McCain and Romney. Personally I was a little disappointed too how Obama totally stayed out of Illinois politics these past 8 years. He is very accomplished on the law, having taught constitutional law at Harvard. A couple of years ago, when the legislature and Governor wasted all that time crafting an unconstitutional Pension bill it would have been nice if the president would have at least made a comment suggesting that they were on the wrong course. - Skeptic - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:03 pm: State Worker THX 1138: This is Name Calling. Finger Pointing is down the hall and to the left. - Anonymous - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:04 pm: Maybe hey will finally pay the money he owes Springfield. - Rich Miller - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:06 pm: === it would have been nice if the president would have at least made a comment suggesting that they were on the wrong course=== State employees are the most self-absorbed people in Illinois and this comment proves it. The Preznit is coming. That’s an historic occasion. And you wanna talk about pension bills? Sheesh. Get over yourselves. - Tone - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:06 pm: Cool, glad the President is doing this! - Formerly Known As... - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:07 pm: Will he encourage Rauner to use more Executive Orders? /s - Tone - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:09 pm: “I support at least $15/hr min wage” You must love high unemployment. - The Dude Abides - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:09 pm: I’m not a state employee Rich. Most people in the know are claiming that the pension issue is the biggest fiscal problem we face. We threw away 2 years running a fools errand, that’s all. - Tone - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:09 pm: “- Rich Miller - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:06 pm: === it would have been nice if the president would have at least made a comment suggesting that they were on the wrong course=== State employees are the most self-absorbed people in Illinois and this comment proves it. The Preznit is coming. That’s an historic occasion. And you wanna talk about pension bills? Sheesh. Get over yourselves.” I agree and it’s disgusting. - 360 Degree TurnAround - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:11 pm: Will Rauner and Rahm be invited to attend the speech? - Skeptic - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:12 pm: “Sheesh. Get over yourselves” Rich: Give some credit where credit is due. The first concern wasn’t about diverting traffic (like Springfield even has traffic) for the motorcade. - Anonymous - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:13 pm: It’S a historic joke - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:13 pm: I have zero clue what the President of the United States is going to say to the body he once was a member. What I do know, decades from now, on tours, stories passed down, the history of the Chamber… … a sitting President, from Illinois, served Illinois, is addressing this state’s legislative body. Perspective. - Tone - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:13 pm: “Will Rauner and Rahm be invited to attend the speech?” Yes. - Blue dog dem - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:15 pm: Tone, I hear that statement a lot, but I really have never been able to find any long term statistics to back your statement up. None the less, I met BO back when he was US Senator. Eloquent speaker. My opinion now, is he fell in love with hearing himself talk. - Liberty4Me - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:16 pm: Talk about a power move. The king maker has to trot out his only king to do his dirty work. Attacking our body politic, while failing to unite our national scene. Talk about being a hypocrite - Anonymous - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:21 pm: 356 days till NOBAMA - The Dude Abides - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:21 pm: The President just recently did mention that redrawing Districts in a logical manner instead of the current gerrymandering would be good for democracy. Folks on here from both sides should give him credit for that. I will be anxious to hear what he has to say. - phocion - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:21 pm: A Chief Executive attempts to pursue an agenda, but is constantly thwarted by opposition majorities in the legislative branch. Seems to be a theme. - Formerly Known As... - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:22 pm: ==Maybe hey will finally pay the money he owes Springfield.== Plus the interest % or late pay $ penalty. This speech as Pres, however, should be comped. He owes for a 2008 campaign event. His campaigns spent almost $2 Bill. Who stiffs their ==home state== capital with that much $? - Keyser Soze - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:22 pm: Could announce a run for the Supreme Court. - LizPhairTax - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:22 pm: Will Dunkin the Explorer be allowed to camp out? - Sue - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:23 pm: Hey- maybe they will do a roll call and he can vote “present” for old times sake - Anonymous - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:23 pm: ==Hey- maybe they will do a roll call and he can vote “present” for old times sake== Grow up. - VanillaMan - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:24 pm: I’d like to see him before he retires to Hawaii. - Secret Square - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:24 pm: “The Preznit is coming. That’s an historic occasion. And you wanna talk about pension bills? Sheesh. Get over yourselves.” I did not vote for Obama and I personally consider him the worst president in my adult lifetime (I’m 50-something, and no, I don’t want to get into all the reasons why I feel that way). That said… I agree with Rich. It’s still an historic occasion and I feel you have to respect the office whether you like or agree with the person holding it, or not. - Anonymous - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:24 pm: Probably going to announce he running for president of the United Nations. He has my vote if he leaves now!! - Anon III - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:25 pm: O.W.: Maybe he wants to beef about the real estate tax bill on his Chicago house. - Demoralized - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:26 pm: ==It’s still an historic occasion and I feel you have to respect the office whether you like or agree with the person holding it, or not.== +1 I think that says it pretty well. - Mama - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:28 pm: It will be an historic occasion to be enjoyed by all. Stop the politics & enjoy the moment. - RNUG - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:29 pm: I agree it will be a historic moment. I’m sure there will be a lot of lofty rhetoric. I could draw multiple parallels between chief executives but I’ll stop at saying actions speak louder than words. - Anonymous - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:30 pm: == respect the office == If he sent the chair from the office to speak it would be better - Michelle Flaherty - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:30 pm: He’ll be delivering the official Blagojevich portrait to the Hall of Governors. - Michelle Flaherty - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:31 pm: In other news, Peter Roskam to return and lecture Senate Republicans on how to be better obstructionists. - Kwr3775 - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:32 pm: It doesn’t matter what your politics are this is an historic event that I will probably never see again in my lifetime. I am not a supporter of the potus and never have been but I would shake his hand if I had the opportunity because he is the potus. Us common folk don’t get chances like that very often in our lifetime. - TD - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:33 pm: Tone, you may need to take a break from the right-wing echo chamber. - Tone - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:36 pm: Secret Square - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:24 pm: “I did not vote for Obama and I personally consider him the worst president in my adult lifetime (I’m 50-something, and no, I don’t want to get into all the reasons why I feel that way).” How is that even possible, George Bush II and his policies likely damanged the US forever. - 47th Ward - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:38 pm: Years from now when his statue adorns our Capitol, he’ll be remembered as one of the greatest leaders Illinois has produced. Not quite Lincoln, but clearly deserving of a permanent place of honor and recognition in that beautiful building. This appearance will cement that. And for those of you petty and small enough to attempt to minimize his presidency because you don’t share his political beliefs, trust me, when your kids see his statue on their field trip to Springfield someday far in the future, they will think your criticism is silly and unbecoming too. Let’s all try to rise to the occasion and remember who we are: Illinoisans. He’s one of our own, whether we like it or not. - John on the spot - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:38 pm: Will Ricky H. be there? - AC - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:39 pm: I look forward to this President Obamas visit, and I fear the significance will be lost on individuals too wrapped up in the politics that they’ll miss how important this really is, regardless of what he says or doesn’t say. Still, reflecting on everything happening in Illinois right now, I’m reminded of something candidate Obama said in 2007: “Understand this: If American workers are being denied their right to organize and collectively bargain, when I’m in the White House, I’ll put on a comfortable pair of shoes myself. I’ll walk on that picket line with you, as president of the United States of America. Because workers deserve to know that someone’s standing in their corner.” - A Jack - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:40 pm: While the President was still a state rep, he spoke at an AFSCME rally we had at the capital and the importance of collective bargaining. Since the budget impasse is largely a result of disagreement over collective bargaining, the President may address that issue. i find it a bit ironic that Blagojevich was governor then, but was afraid to address the rally. - Anonymous - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:40 pm: 4th ward What the heck are you smoking? - crazybleedingheart - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:41 pm: ==State employees are the most self-absorbed people in Illinois and this comment proves it.== State employees didn’t spend millions on a vanity campaign to look important to other rich guys. Some beer goggles. - Silence Dogood's petticoat - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:44 pm: Longtime reader (about eight months now), but first time poster. So pardon if this sounds naive, but for this sort of historic event, will ANY tickets be made available to the public? - Small Town Girl - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:44 pm: ===State employees are the most self-absorbed people in Illinois and this comment proves it. The Preznit is coming. That’s an historic occasion. And you wanna talk about pension bills? Sheesh. Get over yourselves.=== Rich, kind of a sweeping statement. I have to admit that stings. A lot of negativity towards state employees so I guess I’m overly sensitive these days. - Allen D - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:44 pm: he is barking up the wrong tree, I for one do not want him back… - James Knell - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:46 pm: That lifts my Rauner-Freedom Works depression a bit. It’s hard to believe the guy who saved us from the second great depression came from this train-wreck of a state. - Young State Worker - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:47 pm: “State employees are the most self absorbed people in Illinois” Rich, the comment by TheDudeAbides was self-absorbed, but is it fair to paint tens of thousands of people with that broad brush? Are state employees categorically more self absorbed than, say, hedge fund managers and other big finance types who spend the majority of their time moving money around solely to increase their own stockpiles? - lake county democrat - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:48 pm: Michelle Obama quite dislikes Mike Madigan (see Jodi Kantor’s biography). But Barrack and him might share some jokes about challenging ballot petitions. - AlabamaShake - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:49 pm: **Stay away! Democrats got stomped statewide in 2014 and it wasn’t because of Quinn or MJM!** You seem very confused about what happened in IL in 2014. The Dems didn’t get stomped. They won almost every race - from Frerichs to every targeted state house race to all but one targeted state senate seat. One person got stomped: Pat Quinn - AC - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:50 pm: ==State employees are the most self-absorbed people in Illinois and this comment proves it== The nice thing about anecdotes is that it’s usually easy find one to support practically any position. - A guy - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:50 pm: Historic or not, someone should tell him it starts 90 minutes before it’s really supposed to, and then he’ll only be a half hour late. lol. I’m sure it’ll be a nice event. - downstate guy - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:52 pm: President Reagan was going address a joint session Illinois General Assembly one year but he had a problem at Washington hotel the week prior. - Mouthy - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:53 pm: President Carter addressed the G.A., while a sitting president. The White House used Room 115 as their command center. They were through even putting little pictures of the White House in the center of the phone dialer. Employees, who could not see the president, could view the speech, via close circuit, in Rm 114. I have 8 by 10, black and white photos of President Carter given to me by the House photographer.. - A Jack - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:53 pm: I wonder if the Governor will have to attend due to protocol. And if the President does speak on collective bargaining, will we get a news feed of the Governor with his fingers stuck in his ears and saying “Nah, nah nah, I can’t hear you.” - There is power in a union... - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:53 pm: Someone who is not a state worker makes a comment that is misunderstood and state workers get blamed? Good thing we aren’t self absorbed or we’d almost take that personal. /s To the post. I agree. It’s historic. Who ever it is. No matter the party. A big deal. - Dan Johnson - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:54 pm: This is really freaking cool. If George W came to Springfield and addressed the GA in 2007 it would have been really cool. But for Obama to come back to his first political home while the President…. So cool. - Oswego Willy - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:55 pm: ===It’s embarrassing, especially you OW!=== Oh, - DuPage Don, History is learned two ways; Recognizing it as it unfolds in front of your eyes. Reading or hearing about it once it has happened. - DuPage Don -, Decades from now, tours of the Capitol will remind the tourist of this event, tomorrow, your snide dismissal will be long forgotten. - Rich Miller - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:56 pm: Some of these comments are exactly why I hate posting about national issues. It just brings out teh crazy in people. Stop being so crazy, people. - Dr X - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:57 pm: I hear he is bringing Dunkin Sasha’s old nightlight - Mouthy - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:58 pm: http://visuals.sj-r.com/picturing-the-past/2015/5/21/president-carter-in-the-house - anon - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:58 pm: February 10th is Ash Wednesday. For Catholics, it begins Lent, the season where we seek forgiveness, and forgive those who are seeking forgiveness. It will be interesting to see if this theme makes it into the speech in any way. - VanillaMan - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 12:59 pm: He is a Hawaiian/Illinois president. We should be as proud of him as New Hampshire is of Franklin Pierce, Pennsylvania is of James Buchanan, Vermont is of Chester Arthur and Louisiana is of Zachary Taylor. If Hillary escapes indictment and gets elected, we’ll have another Illinois hybrid president, an Illinois/Arkansas/New York president. We should be proud of these historic events! - anon - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:00 pm: By the way, Downstate Guy, thats is a pretty classless observation to share on this blog. Rich, I think his comments need to be censored. - Mittuns - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:00 pm: Rich must’ve had some Koolaid to go along with that Stag during his Rauner visit. So, how do we get a seat in the gallery for this? - illinoised - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:01 pm: Exciting, first positive news in a while. - ArchPundit - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:01 pm: I mean if you are going to be a cynic, make a crack about him and Hendon or something. Jeepers. - Team Sleep - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:02 pm: Rich - you stole my thunder. I had a sneaking suspicion what the comment section would entail. I was not disappointed. - ArchPundit - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:02 pm: ===Will Ricky H. be there? Missed this, well done. At least keep it local. Seriously, it’s the President. That’s kinda cool whomever it might be. - VanillaMan - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:03 pm: Despite our political differences, the President and I share a passion for improving education, especially for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, a belief in the benefits of term limits and redistricting reform for restoring good government, and a strong desire to see more economic opportunity for all Illinoisans. I know we can achieve great things for Illinois by having mutual respect for one another and focusing on bipartisan compromise to achieve what’s best for the long-term future of our great state. See how Rauner takes a perfectly decent gubernatorial statement and wrecks it? There is absolutely NO REASON to even mention any political differences. Anyone alive and conscience since 2014 knows that Rauner and Obama have political differences - and it does not need to be said. This is a time for Rauner to act like a governor, yet he still acts like a candidate. ‘Sigh’ - Anon221 - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:03 pm: Thanks Mouthy:) This was a great post on Carter’s visit! - lake county democrat - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:04 pm: DuPage - though I give the President high (if not perfect) marks, I’d have love to have seen President Nixon address the Cali legislature or George W. Bush visit the Texas legislature. He’s the most powerful man on the planet and the most historic figure to come out of Illinois since Lincoln. - Politix - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:05 pm: I’m pretty psyched for this. - VanillaMan - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:07 pm: Someone should try and reopen Norb Andy’s so he can bum a smoke like in the good old days. - VanillaMan - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:10 pm: He’s the most powerful man on the planet and the most historic figure to come out of Illinois since Lincoln. LOL! Yeah - it’s 1866. - Anonymous - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:11 pm: He couldn’t stand in Regan’S shadow!! - Joe Schmoe - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:11 pm: When Obama comes back, maybe he can drop off a check at City Hall to settle the $50,000 bill he racked up nine years ago for all the security and preparations for his presidential announcement at the Old State Capitol. Springfield got stiffed on that one. - Team Sleep - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:14 pm: I truly wish Presidents would do this more often. Go to statehouses and give a bicameral (or unicameral in Nebraska) address. - Formerly Known As... - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:14 pm: ==The Dems didn’t get stomped.== Not with the map Illinois has. ==Under President Obama, Democrats have lost 900+ state legislature seats, 12 governors, 69 House seats, 13 Senate seats== - downstate guy - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:15 pm: Sorry about my first post. All I wanted to say was President Reagan was due to speak one time and the horrible act by a mad man prevented his visit. it was really sad that President Reagan, a native son of state did not address a joint session. Again sorry if my first post offended anyone. - Sleepover - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:16 pm: Plot Twist: Obama shows up with a backpack and a sleeping bag under his right arm. - Omega Man - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:17 pm: “State employees are the most self-absorbed people in Illinois and this comment proves it.” Rich, I am a state employee and find that comment offensive. I normally have great respect for you, but I can’t respect that statement. For the record, I am thrilled that Obama is coming. I last saw him speaking to us at a labor rally at the State Capitol in support of labor back when he was a State Senator. - @MisterJayEm - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:18 pm: “Stop being so crazy, people.” Illinois is lousy with delusional dudes who think, “If only I’d caught a couple of breaks, I could have been an Illinois state senator. And then a U.S. Senator. And then I could have become the President of the United States!” It’s equal parts comical and sad. – MrJM - LincolnLounger - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:21 pm: Maybe he could have a word with Ken Dunkin …. - RNUG - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:22 pm: When George W was a candidate, he visited Springfield schools. My son still remembers meeting him. - Ducky LaMoore - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:25 pm: ===When George W was a candidate, he visited Springfield schools. My son still remembers meeting him.=== Poor kid. /s Presidential visits are always good for the community. - Niblets - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:25 pm: Wow! I have a hard time believing much of what I am reading. I voted for the president and am very proud of him. No he has not accomplished as much as I would have liked, but every thing he has accomplished, which is much more than one first thinks, has been accomplished in the face of unparalleled hostility. Just look at some of the lunatics that are in the GOP primary and think of the environment they create. I am extremely proud of Barack Obama. - Austin Blvd - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:26 pm: Rauner statement translation: “I mentioned something nice about you in my SOS address. Please don’t say bad things about me.” - @MisterJayEm - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:26 pm: Maybe he could have a word with Ken Dunkin Or a photograph with Juliana Stratton. – MrJM - Austin Blvd - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:28 pm: Actually, Dems got stomped in 2010, while Quinn survived. - Honeybear - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:30 pm: -State employees are the most self-absorbed people in Illinois and this comment proves it.- I don’t know. I think political pundits can be pretty self-absorbed too. I find politicians to be more self-absorbed. I experience self absorbed people everywhere. It depends on who your audience is and who you’re trying to please or placate. (and yes, I am going to be a little self-absorbed and congratulate myself for not working my usual victim angle. I was dying to go there.) lol - My New Handle - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:31 pm: And the presidential motorcade will be stopping in Spring Valley for an oil change and gas. - The Man on 6 - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:32 pm: Maybe he’s coming to announce he’s running for his old IL Senate seat again. “Mr. Speaker, Members of the General Assembly, Ladies and Gentlemen … Kwame.” - Steve Rogers - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:33 pm: There’s a terrible lack of respect for the office. You may not have voted for him, but he’s YOUR president and MY president. I was not a fan of W’s policies, but he came to Springfield to open the ALPLM. I went because it was historic. I didn’t whine and pout about it because I disagreed with him on policy issues. Show some respect. - Jack Stephens - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:36 pm: You dont get it do you, Bruce? Where is YOUR Constitutionally Mandated Balanced Budget? And why are YOU too chicken to do it? Term limits and redistricting have nothing to do with it. Its been rejected. Illinois did pass a referendum that would eliminate Government Entitlements for Elites (”Millionaires Tax”)….why no work to move this forward? - Formerly Known As... - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:36 pm: In fairness, if you don’t appreciate a visit from POTUS there is not much in politics you appreciate. It is special, even if it feels like a farewell tour stop coming so late in his term. - lake county democrat - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:38 pm: VM Like many things on this board, I don’t get it - doesn’t the longer passage of time just heighten the significance? But-for Lincoln, he’d be the most powerful person to ever come out of Illinois. Or was it that I was supposed to say Ditka? - Rich Miller - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:39 pm: ===I’m done. Bye!=== Don’t let the door hit ya. - Northsider - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:40 pm: Anyone claiming that Barack Obama is a worse president than George W. Bush permanently forfeits the right to be taken seriously. - Louis G. Atsaves - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:42 pm: Why all the sniping? The larger picture is that the President of the United States will be addressing the Illinois General Assembly. That doesn’t happen every day (deliberately understated). - Foremerly Known As... - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:50 pm: ==Where is YOUR Constitutionally Mandated Balanced Budget? And why are YOU too chicken to do it?== Right next to the General Assembly’s? Neither has to wait for the other to propose a balanced budget or pass a balanced budget. They can do their jobs, but neither will without the other as a full partner. Everyone else hurts until then. - Dirty Red - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:55 pm: Interesting development. Why would the President make this move? Is this Barack Obama helping the Party that made him who he is? Is this his big concert in his old high school gymnasium? Is this to bring in the booming sound of Air Force One to thwart a threat to the Democrats? I don’t remember the President speaking to the Wisconsin Legislature in 2011, and I am not sure which scenario that supports more. Absolutely historic. Rick Millard just became the most popular guy in Illinois. - Anonymous - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 1:55 pm: Anybody who thinks Barack Obama was a better president than George Bush should put away their crack pipe - Demoralized - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 2:08 pm: I’m going to go slam my hand in a door now. It would be less painful that reading some of the garbage being posted here. Are some of you so tied up with partisanship that you are incapable of making a comments devoid of party politics? It’s as if you can’t speak unless something partisan isn’t said. The President of the United States is coming to Illinois to address the General Assembly. That should be enough to make anyone happy. Some of you need to take off your partisan blinders and can all of the snarky comments. I’m convinced that some of you have not one original thought in your head and rely on some English to partisan dictionary to say anything at all. - Dirty Red - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 2:08 pm: Oh, and welcome back to the Capitol Fax comments section, Mr. President. - chad - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 2:11 pm: Hey, maybe he can stop by his old office on 1. It probably still reeks from his chain smoking days — I remember meeting with him in there and watching him fill that large ash tray. It was like walking into a bingo hall. - Behind the Scenes - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 2:11 pm: Clearly, if the President is coming to talk about politics, it will be difficult to claim this as “official presidential business”. So, who pays for the gas, etc. for that (those) big airplane(s)? He is coming to one of (if not the) brokest states in the Nation, so IL shouldn’t have to pick up the tab. Gonna have to lay a lot of wreaths, etc. to balance that. And, there is the matter of the as yet unpaid bill for his previous visit. Yes, it is historic, but having been involved with a few presidential visits and events, it will be an enormous undertaking and the traffic jams will be only a small portion of the disruption. - Stones - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 2:12 pm: Good catch on President Carter addressing the GA in ‘78. I honestly don’t recall the visit although my dad would have been there at the time and I’m sure he attended the President’s address. Regardless of your political leanings anyone who can score access to the gallery for this event would be nuts not to go. This is historical. - Honeybear - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 2:14 pm: Hey VanillaMan, how about a song? People are getting crabby today and a song to take us into the weekend would be great. - Lighten up - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 2:25 pm: Security may be tighter for this than it was for the filming of Legally Blonde 2 - Skeptic - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 2:36 pm: Who’s the Prez who’s come to speak to the I.L. G.A? B-A-R-A-C-K O-B-A-M-A There, now everyone calm down before I start parodying “It’s a Small World” - Lincoln Lad - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 2:43 pm: I think we’ve found the pocket of people being polled that want to elect Donald Trump President of the United States. They’re posting on this blog in significant numbers. - Lincoln Lad - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 2:44 pm: Please forward my comment to DuPage Don. I know he left. - FYI - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 2:45 pm: For all the people grumbling about how Obama “stiffed” the city of Springfield for a campaign stop, you should talk to municipalities in Ohio, Florida, and Iowa. Presidential candidates require Secret Service protection. Secret Service requires local police for support. No campaign foots the bill for security because the campaign does not ask for it. In some swing states, there are special funds their legislatures establish to help pay for the high number of presidential visits. - RunBikeSwim - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 2:55 pm: It doesn’t matter who the President is - coming to your town / locale is a big $(%%% deal. I would love the opp to go see a sitting President speak. - working stiff - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 3:06 pm: ==State employees are the most self-absorbed people in Illinois and this comment proves it. The Preznit is coming. That’s an historic occasion. And you wanna talk about pension bills? == don’t throw us all into one pot rich - AC - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 3:23 pm: ==don’t throw us all into one pot rich== Not seeing a response to your, and other comments like it, speaks volumes. Certainly it tells me where I think I stand. Hope my perceptions are wrong. - SweetLou86 - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 3:25 pm: Am I crazy or has President Obama never mentioned supporting term limits and if he has, can someone source it? This is the second time that the Governor has mentioned it in 3 days and I’m almost certain that he’s making it up. - So Blue Democrat - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 3:39 pm: Liberty4Me, You can no just blame the President for the national tone. I believe it was the honorable Senator from Kentucky who stayed that it was his focus in the Senate to defeat the President. I am looking forward to his historical visit. - Bored Chairman - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 3:43 pm: This is really great news. Happy that the President will be in Springfield. A message of hope that can be heard by all is sorely needed. - Langhorne - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 3:54 pm: Who (just out of curiousity, not snark) invited him? Will he ask bentoh’s to fix lunch for him? Did his campaign ever pay the city of spfld? How many senators remain, who served w him? - RNUG - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 3:57 pm: Regardless of your political bent, when you step back and take a look, there are a lot of similarities between Rauner and Obama Both are wealthy Both believe they have been given mandates Both have legislatures that oppose them Both try to govern by fiat and executive orders when they can’t get the needed votes Both passionately hold their beliefs Both can give good speeches / have good speech writers but don’t always follow up real well on what they say - Arthur Andersen - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 4:02 pm: Demo, I’m with you. This is a big deal for our State and City and we should be excited and welcoming, not hateful and snarky. I would be honored to see this address in person. People, if you can’t respect the man, show some respect for the Office. - Skeptic - Friday, Jan 29, 16 @ 4:02 pm: SweetLou: Out of curiosity, I did some Googling, and about all I could was a speech in Africa where he says “No one should be President for life” and went on to talk about the party in power in Burundi, and how they shouldn’t change the rules so that they stay in power. I can see how that can be bent into “He supports term limits for State representatives” but I doubt that’s what he had in mind. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.