Club for Growth Action, a political arm of the Club for Growth, released the following statement about a new ad buy that is starting today in Illinois:
“The momentum is shifting away from Donald Trump,” said Club for Growth Action president David McIntosh. “Overwhelming wins by Senator Ted Cruz in Kansas and Maine, and a delegate tie in Louisiana showed that Republican voters don’t want a big-government liberal like Donald Trump at the top of the GOP ticket. They know that Trump would cost Republicans the White House, the Senate majority, and, ultimately, the Supreme Court. It will be no surprise to see the numbers tighten in tomorrow’s primaries and caucus. As voters come to know Trump’s record, they will turn to true pro-growth conservatives.
“Primary voters need to know that Trump has spent years arguing for far-left positions on taxes, health care, bailouts, and the abuse of eminent domain. And now he sounds like the worst kind of politician, warning voters that he will change positions when he feels like it. The shell game that is the Trump candidacy needs to be stopped.”
Club for Growth Action is spending about $2 million for ads that are airing on statewide broadcast and cable TV in Illinois, along with digital ads. The two ads were both aired previously and successfully in Iowa. The first ad also played a significant role in Trump’s loss in Oklahoma.
* Script for “Politician”…
Which presidential candidate supports higher taxes, national health care, and the Wall Street bailout?
It’s Donald Trump.
“In many cases, I probably identify more as a Democrat.”
Trump wants us to think he’s mister tell-it-like-it-is.
But he has a record. And it’s very liberal.
He’s really just playing us for chumps.
Trump: just another politician.
“In many cases, I probably identify more as a Democrat.”
Club for Growth Action is responsible for the content of this advertising.
Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump will come March 11 to Chicago for a rally at the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavilion, just days before the March 15 Illinois primary election.
University officials confirmed the Trump campaign had rented the arena for an event that will begin at 6 p.m. […]
Trump’s Chicago rally will take place while the Illinois Republican Party holds a fundraising dinner honoring Gov. Bruce Rauner featuring a rival for the GOP presidential nomination, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.
Although all presidential contenders were invited to the state GOP event at the Palmer House Hilton, only Cruz has confirmed he’ll be there for the fundraiser, which begins with a 5:30 p.m. reception and follows with dinner at 6:30 p.m.
If the establishment understood the dynamics of this race they’d endorse Trump in hopes that their support would backfire and denounce one of the other candidates they wanted to help.
So glad I get to vote for McCann and Drumpf. One to stick it to the Guv, and one to stick it to his party. He’s been on every side of every issue. I think he’s the only candidate Hillary can beat.
Interesting raw vote totals coming out of Louisiana on Saturday. Those who cast ballots during the early voting window the last week of February backed Trump, while those who showed up to vote on Saturday backed Cruz. Did the worm turn last week with the Romney offensive and the embarrassing debate?
Why vote for another Dog Whistler when you’ve got a guy who will give it to you direct and with the bark on?
You know the only differences between Trump’s “no Muslims” policy and Kirk and Rauner’s “no refugees unless there’s a 100% guarantee from the FBI that they’re not terrorists” policy?
“Trump’s Chicago rally will take place while the Illinois Republican Party holds a fundraising dinner honoring Gov. Bruce Rauner featuring a rival for the GOP presidential nomination, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.”
It appears Rauner set up his fundraiser so Trump would be un-available. It appears Rauner is in Cruz corner.
I think it shows GOP voters’ devotion to conservative issues is a mile wide and an inch deep. That’s an opportunity for Dems and other GOP candidates who can break out of the establishment mold.
The GOP is worried and rightfully so. Neither Trump or Cruz are presidential material. John Kasich is but he’s way behind in the polls. Unless something startling happens Hillary will be the next President.
Echo chamber.
They are only preaching to their choir.
America wants a bigger than life hero to solve their problems. The generation raised on superheroes and Marvel comic movies aren’t suspicious about heroes at all. The Boomers, raised on Hitler fears and Televangelists cons have been told to not believe in heroes. Their children and grandchildren aren’t afraid of what a Hitler can do - they are afraid that their future is falling apart, and their children’s future.
Americans want a bigger than life hero and Trump is the only guy running willing to do their hero. All the others are just politicians at a time when politics can’t be less respected.
Either support the kind of candidate this movement wants, or find one. In the old days, the national parties used to build up their candidates into being bigger than life heroes. In 2008, the media bootlicked Obama into a charismatic figure. It can be done.
If you do not want Trump - find someone bigger than he. Find a sports hero, a military hero, a movie star hero, or a powerful celebrity hero.
Stop bashing what people want. They aren’t listening to your insults. They are tired of watching people be coddled, and aren’t afraid of any insults. They can take it. They are not afraid of a foul-mouth foolish billionaire who has a skyscraper in many major cities, marries hot chicks and is willing to step on toes in order to give America jobs, infrastructure and a future.
Out of all the racism, misogyny, promised war crimes, threats to the Constitution, and downright lunacy of the Trump campaign, the Republicans’ main complaint is that he’s too liberal?
Who knew Maine was so influential?
This stuff is new to us here because the train is coming to town. It’s been going on elsewhere too. Not sure what effect it will have. Trump’s supporters are pretty loyal. Don’t know if there’s much ground to gain with this. I’d predict Kasich will do pretty well here because of his Midwestern-ness. That’s where I think the undecideds in the middle will go. Trump will get his and Cruz will get his. Not sure what Rubio will get. In a crowded primary with several people on the ballot who are out, but will still get votes, it looks like Trump has more galvanized support than the others. We’ll see.
==For a party that wants is disenfrachise a person’s right to collectively bargain, bringing up the issue of eminent domain seems rather disingenuous.==
Huh? The two have nothing to do with each other.
- Johnny Pyle Driver - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:06 am:
Honestly, i’d rather have Trump than Cruz. The things Ted Cruz believes are legitimately scary. Donald is just a loudmouth. Who knows what he actually believes
@FTR: Maybe the early vote vs. election day disparity related to how late the anti-trump factions are getting involved. I mean early voting has been available in illinois for a while but they are only just now running commercials?
Can’t wait for Trump’s new book coming out soon called “My Struggle”. He’s sending an advance copy to Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel to get her take on it. It’s been translated to German which makes the book’s name… “Mein Kampf”…
I honestly don’t know what to make of this Club for Growth ad. Even a casual observer can see this supposed damaging video of Trump is decades old. He was young! Both politics and people are flux-y. In my own personal list of acquaintances I know people who used to vote solid Democrat but who now mostly vote Republican (largely due to national security and fiscal issues, I believe) and some who used to be staunch Republicans but now vote a Democratic ballot largely because of certain social issues. There is definitely some crossover big tent appeal to Trump’s candidacy. He does not fit a mold. I suspect this ad may not reflect the obvious fact that the 2016 campaigns of both parties are not being played by the old rule books and that the voters of both parties are somewhat dissatisfied and at play.
The Club For Growth - Isn’t that part of same crowd that backed Bush-Cheney? Trump at least understands oil wars are wasteful and expensive.
Since I’m not a supporter of the two-party system, I just sit back and watch, no “Trump Anxiety” here.
“Little Marco” is now the establishment’s guy. Many voters and commenters in social media despise the GOP establishment and their scripted politicians. I looked at Florida media outlets comments sections, and Rubio is not liked by many, who said they’re voting for Trump.
There’s a very lame TV commercial out now supporting Rubio and saying something like, “Teach the establishment a lesson by electing a conservative candidate.” Trump supporters and others could see right through it, which is why Trump is winning in a lot of states.
- The Way I See It - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:49 am:
I really haven’t missed tv ads for presidential candidates. At least the primary will be here soon and they’ll be gone
Not thinking about the Presidential race but Legislative. They are crazy–having Cruz on top of the ticket will assure a swept by the dems in the ‘burbs. Trump at least would take some amount of democrats. Cruz will cause suburban republican women to switch to the dems. Wow is all I can say.
Cubs owners …Ricketts family gets over $$$$90 Million from Feds …. City and and State kick in more yet they fund a $5 million campaign for anti Trump ads
That’s going to bring Trump voters back into the fold - Kelo and a mantra of “libral, libral, libral.”
I don’t think the Club for Growth has any idea what they’re up against. Trump may be Mr. 42% in the rest of the GOP primaries. But the rest of the party has no plan at all for how to get that 42% back. If they’re not careful, they’re going to find that constantly linking Trump to national health care has the opposite effect, making some of these folks decide national health care isn’t so awful.
The whole thing is hilarious, really. “If you’re not careful, Mr. used to be an electrician at an auto plant, those liberals are going to seize your vacation home to build a highway.”
Trump voter response - “A highway? I love highways. Ought to be more of em. Can I work on that job?”
Been watching these commercials over the past couple days. One- Trump has somehow now become a typical politician? There’s an interesting spin.
Two- Rubio is now the anti-establishment candidate? All the news channels have been reporting for the past 2 weeks is how the GOP establishment is trying to make sure Marco is their guy.
Strange days indeed.
Mary Brown in the CST asks the question, ” are Reagan Dems supporting Trump?” Yes they are. Union membership cannot handle another 4 years of a Clinton. How convenient for her to change colors on TPP when opposition is futile. I have said it before, but I think it worth repeating. I fear a HRC presidency more than RTW.
- Team Sleep - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 10:31 am:
I can’t say that I blame the anti-Trump crowd. I believe that 69 delegates are stake. That’s a big chunk of what’s necessary to carry the nomination.
- AC - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 10:35 am:
If the establishment understood the dynamics of this race they’d endorse Trump in hopes that their support would backfire and denounce one of the other candidates they wanted to help.
- Sir Reel - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 10:36 am:
Unfortunately the alternative at this point is Cruz. As if Cruz can sweep into the Whitehouse.
But it’s great to see the Republican money men burn through millions on a losing cause.
- The Captain - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 10:36 am:
$2 million for a statewide ad buy for 8 days is a really healthy buy. You’re going to see these non-stop on every channel.
- Me too - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 10:36 am:
So glad I get to vote for McCann and Drumpf. One to stick it to the Guv, and one to stick it to his party. He’s been on every side of every issue. I think he’s the only candidate Hillary can beat.
- Anonymous - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 10:37 am:
Hey, whatever it takes
- Saluki - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 10:38 am:
The more the Republican wiz kids pour into tearing Trump down, the more galvanized his support becomes.
- FTR - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 10:42 am:
Interesting raw vote totals coming out of Louisiana on Saturday. Those who cast ballots during the early voting window the last week of February backed Trump, while those who showed up to vote on Saturday backed Cruz. Did the worm turn last week with the Romney offensive and the embarrassing debate?
- wordslinger - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 10:42 am:
Too little, too late.
The GOP sharpies have reaped what they’ve sown.
Why vote for another Dog Whistler when you’ve got a guy who will give it to you direct and with the bark on?
You know the only differences between Trump’s “no Muslims” policy and Kirk and Rauner’s “no refugees unless there’s a 100% guarantee from the FBI that they’re not terrorists” policy?
Trump’s position is more honest and less cynical.
- Will Caskey - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 10:42 am:
Has the Club for Growth read, like, any exit polls? Are they aware that the Trump is not a real conservative attacks don’t hurt and probably help him?
I mean good buy for their media consultant but
- Mama - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 10:52 am:
“Trump’s Chicago rally will take place while the Illinois Republican Party holds a fundraising dinner honoring Gov. Bruce Rauner featuring a rival for the GOP presidential nomination, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.”
It appears Rauner set up his fundraiser so Trump would be un-available. It appears Rauner is in Cruz corner.
- Mark Garrity - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 10:53 am:
I think it shows GOP voters’ devotion to conservative issues is a mile wide and an inch deep. That’s an opportunity for Dems and other GOP candidates who can break out of the establishment mold.
- The Dude Abides - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 10:56 am:
The GOP is worried and rightfully so. Neither Trump or Cruz are presidential material. John Kasich is but he’s way behind in the polls. Unless something startling happens Hillary will be the next President.
- VanillaMan - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 10:56 am:
Echo chamber.
They are only preaching to their choir.
America wants a bigger than life hero to solve their problems. The generation raised on superheroes and Marvel comic movies aren’t suspicious about heroes at all. The Boomers, raised on Hitler fears and Televangelists cons have been told to not believe in heroes. Their children and grandchildren aren’t afraid of what a Hitler can do - they are afraid that their future is falling apart, and their children’s future.
Americans want a bigger than life hero and Trump is the only guy running willing to do their hero. All the others are just politicians at a time when politics can’t be less respected.
Either support the kind of candidate this movement wants, or find one. In the old days, the national parties used to build up their candidates into being bigger than life heroes. In 2008, the media bootlicked Obama into a charismatic figure. It can be done.
If you do not want Trump - find someone bigger than he. Find a sports hero, a military hero, a movie star hero, or a powerful celebrity hero.
Stop bashing what people want. They aren’t listening to your insults. They are tired of watching people be coddled, and aren’t afraid of any insults. They can take it. They are not afraid of a foul-mouth foolish billionaire who has a skyscraper in many major cities, marries hot chicks and is willing to step on toes in order to give America jobs, infrastructure and a future.
What’s money to a real hero?
- A Jack - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 10:58 am:
For a party that wants is disenfrachise a person’s right to collectively bargain, bringing up the issue of eminent domain seems rather disingenuous.
- Appalled - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:00 am:
Out of all the racism, misogyny, promised war crimes, threats to the Constitution, and downright lunacy of the Trump campaign, the Republicans’ main complaint is that he’s too liberal?
- A guy - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:04 am:
Who knew Maine was so influential?
This stuff is new to us here because the train is coming to town. It’s been going on elsewhere too. Not sure what effect it will have. Trump’s supporters are pretty loyal. Don’t know if there’s much ground to gain with this. I’d predict Kasich will do pretty well here because of his Midwestern-ness. That’s where I think the undecideds in the middle will go. Trump will get his and Cruz will get his. Not sure what Rubio will get. In a crowded primary with several people on the ballot who are out, but will still get votes, it looks like Trump has more galvanized support than the others. We’ll see.
- Anonymous - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:05 am:
==For a party that wants is disenfrachise a person’s right to collectively bargain, bringing up the issue of eminent domain seems rather disingenuous.==
Huh? The two have nothing to do with each other.
- Johnny Pyle Driver - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:06 am:
Honestly, i’d rather have Trump than Cruz. The things Ted Cruz believes are legitimately scary. Donald is just a loudmouth. Who knows what he actually believes
- hisgirlfriday - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:07 am:
@FTR: Maybe the early vote vs. election day disparity related to how late the anti-trump factions are getting involved. I mean early voting has been available in illinois for a while but they are only just now running commercials?
day late and a dollar short.
- breadandbutter - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:09 am:
Exactly Johnny Pyle Driver, such as this starting to surface about Cruz.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michelangelo-signorile/post_10496_b_8544540.html
- Mouthy - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:09 am:
Can’t wait for Trump’s new book coming out soon called “My Struggle”. He’s sending an advance copy to Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel to get her take on it. It’s been translated to German which makes the book’s name… “Mein Kampf”…
- Aldyth - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:14 am:
I’m looking forward to seeing which part of the Republican Party splits off.
- doofusguy - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:20 am:
Love being able to pick a party for the primaries!
- Allen D - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:30 am:
I wouldn’t be surprised if it is a Trump - Cruz ticket…. I will vote for the GOP nod, however I am hoping for TRUMP as the nominee for the ticket.
- @MisterJayEm - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:33 am:
$2 million in ads.
“It may not be good for America, but it’s damn good for CBS.” — Leslie Moonves, CBS executive chairman and CEO.
– MrJM
- Responsa - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:34 am:
I honestly don’t know what to make of this Club for Growth ad. Even a casual observer can see this supposed damaging video of Trump is decades old. He was young! Both politics and people are flux-y. In my own personal list of acquaintances I know people who used to vote solid Democrat but who now mostly vote Republican (largely due to national security and fiscal issues, I believe) and some who used to be staunch Republicans but now vote a Democratic ballot largely because of certain social issues. There is definitely some crossover big tent appeal to Trump’s candidacy. He does not fit a mold. I suspect this ad may not reflect the obvious fact that the 2016 campaigns of both parties are not being played by the old rule books and that the voters of both parties are somewhat dissatisfied and at play.
- Qui Tam - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:34 am:
The Club For Growth - Isn’t that part of same crowd that backed Bush-Cheney? Trump at least understands oil wars are wasteful and expensive.
Since I’m not a supporter of the two-party system, I just sit back and watch, no “Trump Anxiety” here.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/how-do-we-know-america-is-anxious-about-a-president-trump-shrinks-and-massage-therapists/2016/03/03/e5b55a22-e0bb-11e5-846c-10191d1fc4ec_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-cards_hp-card-politics%3Ahomepage%2Fcard
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:35 am:
“Little Marco” is now the establishment’s guy. Many voters and commenters in social media despise the GOP establishment and their scripted politicians. I looked at Florida media outlets comments sections, and Rubio is not liked by many, who said they’re voting for Trump.
There’s a very lame TV commercial out now supporting Rubio and saying something like, “Teach the establishment a lesson by electing a conservative candidate.” Trump supporters and others could see right through it, which is why Trump is winning in a lot of states.
- The Way I See It - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:49 am:
I really haven’t missed tv ads for presidential candidates. At least the primary will be here soon and they’ll be gone
- Tom - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:54 am:
Not thinking about the Presidential race but Legislative. They are crazy–having Cruz on top of the ticket will assure a swept by the dems in the ‘burbs. Trump at least would take some amount of democrats. Cruz will cause suburban republican women to switch to the dems. Wow is all I can say.
- kimocat - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 12:20 pm:
I didn’t really think anything could possibly make me vote for Trump — but if the Club for Growth hates him — Trump can’t be all bad.
- illinois manufacturer - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 12:39 pm:
Club is connected to the Koch empire. Its libertarian.
- bestday - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 12:48 pm:
Cubs owners …Ricketts family gets over $$$$90 Million from Feds …. City and and State kick in more yet they fund a $5 million campaign for anti Trump ads
- some doofus - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 1:49 pm:
That’s going to bring Trump voters back into the fold - Kelo and a mantra of “libral, libral, libral.”
I don’t think the Club for Growth has any idea what they’re up against. Trump may be Mr. 42% in the rest of the GOP primaries. But the rest of the party has no plan at all for how to get that 42% back. If they’re not careful, they’re going to find that constantly linking Trump to national health care has the opposite effect, making some of these folks decide national health care isn’t so awful.
The whole thing is hilarious, really. “If you’re not careful, Mr. used to be an electrician at an auto plant, those liberals are going to seize your vacation home to build a highway.”
Trump voter response - “A highway? I love highways. Ought to be more of em. Can I work on that job?”
- DuPage Bard - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 2:08 pm:
Been watching these commercials over the past couple days. One- Trump has somehow now become a typical politician? There’s an interesting spin.
Two- Rubio is now the anti-establishment candidate? All the news channels have been reporting for the past 2 weeks is how the GOP establishment is trying to make sure Marco is their guy.
Strange days indeed.
- Enviro - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 3:15 pm:
“Did the worm turn last week with the Romney offensive…?”
But keep in mind that Romney and the GOP billionaire establishment endorse Rubio who is still losing.
- Blue dog dem - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 7:11 pm:
Mary Brown in the CST asks the question, ” are Reagan Dems supporting Trump?” Yes they are. Union membership cannot handle another 4 years of a Clinton. How convenient for her to change colors on TPP when opposition is futile. I have said it before, but I think it worth repeating. I fear a HRC presidency more than RTW.
- PublicServant - Tuesday, Mar 8, 16 @ 6:27 am:
New ad shows Madigan and Trump comparing hands. /s