Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar » Idle threats?
SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax      Advertise Here      About     Exclusive Subscriber Content     Updated Posts    Contact Rich Miller
CapitolFax.com
To subscribe to Capitol Fax, click here.
Idle threats?

Wednesday, Nov 2, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Possible gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy lambasted Gov. Rauner in Crain’s for staying mostly mum on Donald Trump

In the face of this very partial accounting of Trump’s misdeeds, Rauner’s silence must be called what it is: complicity with Trump’s hate.

Does Rauner remain quiet because he’s not a woman, Latino, African American, Jewish, Muslim, LGTBQ, or a veteran? Does Rauner not understand he is the governor of a state whose citizens are numerously represented among those groups? Does he not appreciate Illinois’ diversity is its strength and a reason businesses locate here? Does he not recognize his duty as his party’s leader to take a stand on behalf of Republicans (and everyone in our state) against Trump’s ugly words? Does he agree with what Trump says?

We are left to wonder. Rauner’s haughty dismissals of questions about his Trump support, as if Illinoisans don’t deserve to know why, is especially unfortunate considering how many Republican officials have spoken out against their nominee.

* His conclusion

Whether it’s because he is afraid of the electorate, deliberately malicious, or incompetent, Rauner’s defective moral compass is an embarrassment to the Land of Lincoln, named for our greatest president who gave his life to defend the democratic values Trump would destroy. Illinoisans will not forget Rauner chose to remain mute in the face of Trump’s demagoguery, unwilling to be counted when it mattered by saying what all decent people know is true: Donald Trump is unfit for the presidency and a danger to our republic.

I dunno. People have pretty short memories. We’ll see.

* Ron Gidwitz’s pro-Rauner piece in Crain’s also ends with a threat

The truth is that the governor is focused on one thing: fixing Illinois. Taking his milquetoast statement supporting the future Republican presidential nominee as proof of Rauner’s true intentions is an insult to the intelligence of the electorate. People subjected to those misguided and inane ads will remember that—both on November 8th and into the future.

I think the “people” Gidwitz is talking about mostly reside in the governor’s orbit. But, maybe not.

* Which threat do you think is more credible? Or is neither threat credible?

       

38 Comments
  1. - Saluki - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:40 am:

    Neither matters.


  2. - Sir Reel - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:42 am:

    Kennedy’s is too over the top.

    Gidwitz’ “fixing Illinois” is code for defeating the Democrats.


  3. - Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:44 am:

    Neither. Until Kennedy actually gets in the ring he’s the next Bill Daley, all talk.


  4. - Anon221 - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:44 am:

    It’s in the tone. Which party is intent on fixing Illinois, and which on fixin’ Illinois? Who intends to break more people and programs before calling it quits?


  5. - Demoralized - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:44 am:

    Depends on whether Donald Trump wins and if he does what he does as President.


  6. - Ahoy! - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:46 am:

    Neither are credible as they are just political hogwash on both sides. Come 2018, not enough people are going to care and Gidwitz has to know that Trump is a dumpster fire in Illinois.


  7. - Team Sleep - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:53 am:

    Wow - so Chris Kennedy doesn’t like and disagrees with Governor Rauner?! Color me shocked! But perhaps Gidwitz also should’ve kept his fingers off the keyboard.

    I go with neither.


  8. - @MisterJayEm - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:57 am:

    Regardless of the election results, Trump does not seem likely to 1) ‘fade away’ or 2) endear himself to Illinois voters.

    So unless Trump surprises us all, I expect Rauner’s “milquetoast statement” to be revisited in the next two years.

    – MrJM


  9. - MSIX - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:59 am:

    =Depends on whether Donald Trump wins and if he does what he does as President.=

    Agreed. If Trump loses, Rauner’s silence on his candidacy will be long forgotten by 2018. If Trump wins and is a disaster, Rauner’s silence could come back to haunt him.


  10. - Pundent - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:01 am:

    Neither is credible and in fact both miss the larger point.

    Rauner made his support of Trump clear at the ILGOP convention. The larger question is why Rauner would be willing to provide his support in that venue but subsequently ignore the question outside of it? It’s actually a very disturbing pattern and we’ve seen it with other topics as well (unions and social services in particular).


  11. - Last Bull Moose - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:03 am:

    I think both threats are credible. The attacks are not about policy differences among people of good faith and shared values. They are personal and going to the moral values of the opponents. Some are seeking vengeance.

    Moral purity does not help create pragmatic compromise. We have not yet reached the stage of “Beecher’s Bibles”, but it is ugly.


  12. - DownStateGrl - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:04 am:

    Neither. Waste of ink on both fronts.


  13. - Responsa - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:04 am:

    neither


  14. - Colin O'Scopey - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:04 am:

    Rich, I think you should replace the word “credible” with the word “laughable”.


  15. - Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:07 am:

    To the Post,

    My thought on all this, collectively is this…

    If Trump tries to parlay his losing campaign into the reality of “Trump TV” and making the President Clinton midterm his payback for losing, then Trump won’t go away and both sides, again, will be faced with Breitbart-Trumpian midterm messaging that could backfire on Republicans, or energize the midterm distain for Democrats.

    If Trump wins, the headwinds of midterm elections and a Trump White House Wong help Rauner one bit.

    So, how Trump responds in his loss, if Trump loses will dictate the playing field where Trump as something in a arsenal could again come to pass.

    To the Kennedy and Gidwitz…

    They’re speaking to the 7 days left, even if they think they’re not (wink-wink). Their remarks will be magnified only by the profile of Trump after November 8th; President, media mogul, historical footnote.

    We will know quickly, as Trump can’t stand not having a spotlight(?)


  16. - Daniel Plainview - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:13 am:

    If Trump wins, Kennedy is much more credible. If he loses, Kennedy is slightly more credible.


  17. - hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:15 am:

    So Gidwitz is reassuring us about Rauner by telling us he’s just being a phony politician?

    If so, what is Rauner’s brand in 2018. He’s obviously failed at shaking up Springfield in a positive way and he can’t claim to be some independent outsider if he stands by Trump for partisan reasons.


  18. - Silent Majority - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:23 am:

    LETTTT’SSSSS GET READY TO RUMBLEEEEEE. Dang, two years out and more of this….. Really?


  19. - Sue - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:26 am:

    And we care about Chris Kennedy??


  20. - Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:28 am:

    In a similar vein, I look forward to Mr. Kennedy’s repudiation of his ancestors’ prior misdeeds. /s (kinda)


  21. - Joe Bidenopolous - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:40 am:

    I’m with MrJM - after he loses, Trump isn’t going quietly into the night. That’s really not his style. Whether it’s a Trump News Network or his most strident supporters fomenting some unrest, this cat is going to be relevant in ‘18. I could see the LIFT ads and more being repackaged for that election too


  22. - A guy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:47 am:

    ===* Which threat do you think is more credible? Or is neither threat credible?====

    The only things less credible than the threats are the two featherweights doing the threatening. Not even B Actors.


  23. - Blue dog dem - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:49 am:

    Take it from old Blue. A former Kennedy Democrat turned independent. When the dust sertles, supporring HRC will be a anchor than Trump ever was.


  24. - Blue dog dem - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:50 am:

    …something like that.


  25. - Chicago 20 - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:53 am:

    People are judged by their words and actions.

    Public relation machines and unlimited money can distort realities until the cumulative weight overcomes the unlimited spending.

    Kennedy is correct, there will be a judgement day.


  26. - Union Man - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:53 am:

    Yes of course, Mr. Gidwitz has a long history of selfless public service advocating that government run for the benefit of the majority….


  27. - Trapped in the 'burbs - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 12:02 pm:

    A rich guy who inherited his money is beefing about a guy who made his own money while considering running for governor. While Kennedy appears on social media occasionally, Dan Biss is working with Democrats around the state and spearheading a multimillion dollar push back against the GOP. I wonder who’s going get more traction in the democratic primary?


  28. - Honeybear - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 12:12 pm:

    Both are feckless. But I’d like to point out those inane ads seem to be getting traction with the common folk. The anti Rauner ad where they are taking food off the table is universally adored by folks around here


  29. - Bleugrass Boy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 12:20 pm:

    There are lots of serious and legitimate reasons the Governor, and his policies could be criticized.
    If the best Chris Kennedy can come up with is Rauner’s opinion of Trump that says to me that Kennedy has no grasp of the issues.
    Want me to take you seriously? Point out what has happened to our State under this Governor and what you would do differently.


  30. - Faustian - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:02 pm:

    I voted for Rauner in the last Gov. election - I will not make that mistake next time !


  31. - Piece of Work - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:12 pm:

    Hey Chris, how did you do running the University of Illinois Board of Trustees?


  32. - Chicagonk - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:13 pm:

    I know Chris Kennedy is starting to get his potential campaign in place for a run in 2018. If he is willing to spend a lot of money, I think he would have a better shot at beating Rauner than whoever the state dems decide to get behind.


  33. - A guy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:23 pm:

    ==I know Chris Kennedy is starting to get his potential campaign in place for a run in 2018.==

    In that case…tell him.


  34. - Anonymous - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:43 pm:

    I thought that only Michael Sneed was swooning at the prospect of a possible gubernatorial bid by Chris Kennedy.

    Strong words from a man who ran away from the media at one public gathering rather than answer questions.


  35. - Union Man - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 3:39 pm:

    I don’t believe the majority of IL voters personally remember the days of Bobby or JFK… The name recognition is not what it would have been 20 years ago.


  36. - Say no to big government - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 3:41 pm:

    So, Kennedy thinks Rauner should blast Trump? Has he blasted Hillary? If he truly means everything he has said about Rauner, then if he is truly sincere, he should blast Hillary. In different ways, she has been offensive and has lied to and deceived the American people while Secretary of State. You have to wonder about Kennedy’s moral compass.


  37. - DGD - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 4:20 pm:

    ** Rauner’s silence must be called what it is: complicity with Trump’s hate. **

    Hyperbole much ?


  38. - Liberty - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:38 pm:

    All we need is love… I can tell by how much the left loves the right.


Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.


* Selected react to budget reconciliation bill passage (Updated x2)
* Reader comments closed for Independence Day
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Some fiscal news
* Isabel’s afternoon roundup (Updated)
* RETAIL: Strengthening Communities Across Illinois
* Groups warn about plan that doesn't appear to be in the works
* SB 328: Separating Lies From Truth
* Campaign news: Big Raja money; Benton over-shares; Rashid's large cash pile; Jeffries to speak at IDCCA brunch
* Rep. Hoan Huynh jumps into packed race for Schakowsky’s seat (Updated)
* Roundup: Pritzker taps Christian Mitchell for LG
* Open thread
* Isabel’s morning briefing
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition (Updated)
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
* Selected press releases (Live updates)
* Live coverage
* Trump admin freezes $240 million in grants for Illinois K-12 schools
* Yesterday's stories

Support CapitolFax.com
Visit our advertisers...

...............

...............

...............

...............

...............


Loading


Main Menu
Home
Illinois
YouTube
Pundit rankings
Obama
Subscriber Content
Durbin
Burris
Blagojevich Trial
Advertising
Updated Posts
Polls

Archives
July 2025
June 2025
May 2025
April 2025
March 2025
February 2025
January 2025
December 2024
November 2024
October 2024
September 2024
August 2024
July 2024
June 2024
May 2024
April 2024
March 2024
February 2024
January 2024
December 2023
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
November 2015
October 2015
September 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
May 2015
April 2015
March 2015
February 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
September 2014
August 2014
July 2014
June 2014
May 2014
April 2014
March 2014
February 2014
January 2014
December 2013
November 2013
October 2013
September 2013
August 2013
July 2013
June 2013
May 2013
April 2013
March 2013
February 2013
January 2013
December 2012
November 2012
October 2012
September 2012
August 2012
July 2012
June 2012
May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
August 2010
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004

Blog*Spot Archives
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005

Syndication

RSS Feed 2.0
Comments RSS 2.0




Hosted by MCS SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax Advertise Here Mobile Version Contact Rich Miller