* Ron Gidwitz, chairman of Trump-Pence Victory Illinois, writes in Crain’s…
Two things are guaranteed out of every political campaign season:
• We all get tired of the rhetoric and non-stop campaign ads; and . . .
• Outlandish accusations will describe mole hills as mountains.
That second point may best be illustrated by Illinois Democrats’ piercing shrieks about Governor Bruce Rauner’s support for Donald Trump. Unless you’re wise enough to take an extended vacation off the planet during election season, you’ve undoubtedly seen the breathless accusations splashed across the airwaves that Governor Rauner deeply and profoundly supports Donald Trump—punctuated with one single damning phrase: “I will support the Republican Party’s nominee.”
Be still my heart! A half-hearted phrase muttered demurely and without mentioning He Whose Name Will Not Be Spoken suddenly has become video proof that Rauner will go to the ends of the Earth to get Trump elected so he can steal from the poor and give to the wealthy. Clearly, Rauner’s terse phraseology can be interpreted as a sign of complicity and access to the pots of gold the governor has in his possession!
So, lemme get this straight. The Illinois chairman of Donald Trump’s campaign has now stridently come to the defense of his party’s governor for not explicitly by name endorsing… Donald Trump.
OK.
Only in Illinois.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 9:45 am:
Dear Mr. Godwitz,
Just write the checks, k. Just write the checks. If there’s one thing I’ve learned with you, it’s that writing checks is right about where you need to stop.
Bruce Rauner supports Donald Trump for President of the United States.
There’s video at the Illinois Republican Convention making clear Rauner’s support.
There’s response after response. Rauner supports the Republican Nominee.
Bruce Rauner supports Donald Trump.
It’s not for debate, discussion or a ridiculously silly, Onion-Like excuse statement released by a “leader” more qualified to be the ATM then the CEO of “Rauner-Trump Excuses LLC”
- slow down - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 9:47 am:
Yes it’s odd for the Illinois chair of Trump’s campaign to defend Rauner as noted, but it’s really beside the point. Rauner’s refusal to explicitly reject Trumpism is and should be a big deal. By not rejecting Trumpism, Rauner contributes to the ongoing normalization of Trump’s overtly racist, xenophobic and misogynistic campaign. Truly depressing.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 9:52 am:
That’s one big sloppy kiss on the tukkus from Gidwitz. I guess he got the message from the slap down Rauner delivered when he tried to muscle Kirk.
But his incoherent “defense” just raises the issue in Crain’s. That’s free media for the Dems point.
- A guy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 9:52 am:
This absolutely nutty discussion and theme has distracted plenty. And really meant little or nothing. Madigan hits home. Trump doesn’t.
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 9:52 am:
Ron Gidwitz’s juggling of the multiverses! Amazin’.
- wondering - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 9:56 am:
Is there really a lot of difference between Rauner and Trump in terms of character, personal life, outlandish attempts at character assassination, business ethics, tax avoidance (think graduated income tax)? Of course he supports Trump, birds of a feather.
- AlfondoGonz - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 9:57 am:
To suggest that Trump doesn’t “hit home” to a significant chunk of the population is almost impressive in its ignorance.
- Deft Wing - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 9:58 am:
What’s interesting here is, Gidwitz gives some semblance of credence to Madigan’s lackey, Biss, and the lame attempts to connect Rauner to Trump. With the exception of a certain prolific Madigan apologist is this space, everyone knows Rauner is not with Trump … just as everyone knows Madigan jettisoned Biss from the Comptroller’s race and dispatched for henchman services now; sacrificial lamb services in 2018.
- Moe Berg - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:03 am:
Actually, Crain’s also published a lacertaing counter-point to the Gidwitz piece from Chris Kennedy. While GOP governors and other Illinois elected officials have condemned Trump, Rauner remains silent, which Kennedy says is, “complicity with Trump’s hate.”
Rauner’s trying to have his cake and eat it too and he got deservedly blasted for it.
- Anon - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:09 am:
Ron Gidwitz only has a platform because he has a big checkbook. No one I know takes him seriously when he plays operative. Just write the check Ron and skip your commentary.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:10 am:
===Madigan’s lackey, Biss===
LOL
Did you just now arrive in Illinois?
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:14 am:
A Guy is partially right. Trump definitely hits home - so no offense, Guy, but you’re wrong there - but there’s a pretty good chance he loses. However, unless something really weird happens then Madigan will still be Speaker for the 100th General Assembly and will still be in charge of half of the statehouse. Trump losing means that he’ll go away (at least in the short term) but Madigan will still be around for as long as he chooses.
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:15 am:
I still can’t wrap myself around why Ron Gidwitz would agree to be the Trump-Pence chair in Illinois. I would’ve thought a safe Republican state-level official would take up that mantle. Trump has no chance of winning Illinois but some Republican from a safe district could’ve used that as a jumping platform and taken one for the team. This truly is a bizarre year.
- Peets - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:16 am:
Based on Mr. Gidwitz’ most recent statements, i believe it is best that he step aside in his role as chairman of the Trump campaign. His misstatements put the Trump campaign in too much of a defensive position and his gaffes have undermined public confidence in his role.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:16 am:
===I still can’t wrap myself around why Ron Gidwitz would agree to be the Trump-Pence chair===
Because somebody finally made him feel important? /s
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:18 am:
Rich - maybe. But still…
- Carhartt Union Negotiating Team - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:19 am:
When will the Illinois GOP tire of these rich, white, aging men who are out of touch with the realities facing real Illinoisans?
Rauner is fair game and doesn’t need to be defended on his lack of iron-clad endorsement. He’s purchased the Illinois GOP, so he can support or not support Trump. Whatever. It’s as important to regular Illinoisans as his workin’ man costumes and his “just like you” biker vest.
People want some resolution to this drawn-out ego competition between he and the Speaker. That’s why they voted Quinn out.
And so, his defender is Ron Gidwitz. Who? A rich has-been who also tried to buy his way into office.
I do hope these guys (Rauner & Madigan alike) get what they want on Tuesday. And, regardless of the outcome, I pray they’ll just get the friggin’ trains back on the track (I’d never ask to get them running on time).
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:22 am:
– Madigan hits home. Trump doesn’t.–
Kind of strange that the likes of Kirk, Dold and vulnerable GOP lawmakers around the country are blowing all that money on TV denouncing Trump.
You should have told them it’s unnecessary.
- @MisterJayEm - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:25 am:
“Rauner’s taxes don’t matter!”
“Then why won’t he release them?”
“It’s not an issue!!!”
“Rauner’s backing Trump doesn’t matter!”
“Then why the statement from Gidwitz?”
“It’s not an issue!!!”
Weird.
– MrJM
- Austin Blvd - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:31 am:
As I suggested in a post yesterday, Gidwitz has been muscled aside by Rauner and the billionaire big boys. This is his effort to stay relevant.
Bet he reads Cap Fax.
- Jocko - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:34 am:
Ron Gidwitz doing his best Frank Drebin impersonation.
http://tiny.cc/yufkgy
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:47 am:
Upon further review, Gidwitz is really painting a picture of Rauner with the adjectives and adverbs.
“Half-hearted,” “demurely,” “milquetoast.”
You think The Boss likes those words attached to him?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:52 am:
- Deft Wing -
From Capitol Fax…
http://bit.ly/2fsoB1v
===(Rich Miller in the Post) Madigan had foiled Biss at just about every turn. The county party chairmen’s endorsement of Mendoza was a major blow===
Are you new to Illinois?
Are you new to reading?
- Deft Wing - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:08 am:
Biss is Madigan’s lackey. Biss stood down when Madigan forced him out of the Comptroller’s race and “won” the consolation prize as serving as the sacrificial lamb on those lame anti-Rauner ads.
- @MisterJayEm - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:13 am:
“Biss is Madigan’s lackey. Biss stood down when Madigan forced him out”
Lacks internal coherence.
– MrJM
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:17 am:
Deft - you and I are usually on the same side of the coin but I completely disagree with you on this. Are they (Madigan and Biss) working together behind the scenes? Maybe. I have no clue. But it is pretty much common knowledge at this point that Speaker Madigan muscled Biss out using good, old fashioned, ground-level work. Biss may have agreed to something or stomped his feet when he stepped away but I highly doubt that he is Madigan’s lackey.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:26 am:
DW, your mantra of unsupported talking points makes no sense.
How is Biss a “sacrificial lamb?” What’s the downside for his participation in this effort?
And you realize Sacks, Eychaner and Pritzker set up this PAC to cut Madigan out of the money loop, correct? They didnt give that money to the state party; they’re doing their own thing.
Unless you think the All-Powerful Oz can push those guys around. The tail doesn’t wag the Big Dogs.
- A guy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:31 am:
==Because somebody finally made him feel important? /s===
I’m confused by the ” /s “
- A guy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:33 am:
==Kind of strange that the likes of Kirk, Dold and vulnerable GOP lawmakers around the country are blowing all that money on TV denouncing Trump.
You should have told them it’s unnecessary.==
I have. It is unnecessary and not at all helpful.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:40 am:
Guy, I’m guessing all those Rpublican lawmakers around the country are basing their actions on actual data-supported evidence, not the consensus opinion of the voices inside your head.
- Dr X - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:40 am:
I thought Kent Gray was in charge of Trump Illinois?
Maybe he is preparing his taxes for release to the public?
- Whatever - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:50 am:
Another thing guaranteed out of every political campaign season: Ron Gidwitz desperately seeking attention and relevance.
- A guy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:56 am:
Yeah Sling. Whatever data you’re pointing to was out there when they made that decision. Truthfully, just about every one of them was pledged to another candidate in the primary. Did you factor that into your quippy Mensa analysis?
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 12:03 pm:
Guy, you remain true to form.
Strawmen and unsupported “insight,” followed by double-down tantrums.
What “evidence” did you give to Dold and Kirk regarding the Trump effect that they rejected?
- A guy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 12:59 pm:
Provided they read it here, Sling, exactly what you read.
Do you leave your home and ever talk to anyone else? Assemble your own data set in campaign(s)?
Or do you simply sit at home and think great thoughts for the rest of us to marvel at?
You are true to form as well Sling. You’re a smart guy who’s greatest asset could be that, but for an arrogance that hides such a marvelous asset. You’re an enigma.
- Lucky Pierre - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 12:59 pm:
I really don’t get linking Trump to Rauner and running ads talking about how Rauner spent millions of dollars running for office to lower his taxes.
If the rate is 1.25% lower for the time being, he would have to earn over 5 billion dollars to recoup 50 million in campaign contributions. I can think of a few better ways to lower his taxes like moving to Texas or Florida.
This is just as dumb and will be just as ineffective as Harry Reid talking about the Koch Brothers everyday before the last election.
Does every Democrat have to agree with everything Hillary Clinton has done?
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:07 pm:
Guy, in this case, I’ve witnessed the governor, Munger, Kirk, Roskam and and other suburban GOP lawmakers run from Trump as if their hair’s on fire.
That pattern has been repeated in suburban areas all around the country.
That leads me to believe they have compelling data-driven evidence to do so that might be more powerful than whatever pops into your head that you wish to be true.
Or is everyone stupid but you?
- @MisterJayEm - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:11 pm:
“You’re a smart guy who’s greatest asset could be that, but for an arrogance that hides such a marvelous asset.”
Awakening on the canvas, he slowly turned his battered head, peered through swollen lids and mumbled to the champion, “Have you had enough?”
– MrJM
- AlfondoGonz - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:14 pm:
A guy
The biggest issue with your contention that people don’t care if their elected officials support Donald Trump for President is that it is wrong by every measure. I honestly believe you may be the only person who doesn’t think it. And I mean both ways. Trump supporters loathe their reps who haven’t endorsed Trump, and everyone with a functioning brain has lost respect for any rep who does support Trump. That you don’t care is not indicative of some greater trend.
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:30 pm:
I somehow think everyone is missing the point here. While everyone is arguing whether the voters care about any of this, the meat of the story is forgotten about. I think the issue is that the chairman of Trump’s Illinois campaign doesn’t think it’s a big deal that Governor Rauner hasn’t been fully supporting Donald Trump. That’s not very Trump-esqe. Trump is about revenge and scorching the earth towards those who dare not publicly and loudly support him.
- A guy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:34 pm:
Gonz, many hundreds and hundreds of households later, that’s simply not the case. That’s personal experience. If one counts the experience of the group, it’s tens of thousands of households. It doesn’t come up. Ask people in similar situations. I’m offering an opinion based on experience and data collection that is accurate and very fresh. And live. Some of the polling will offer thoughts based on the fact they asked a question that wasn’t on the minds of people. I’m not trying to convince anyone. I’m just sharing. In a week…we’ll know.
- A guy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:35 pm:
Yikes JM, are you trying to wrestle the title away from Sling?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:39 pm:
===many hundreds and hundreds of households later, that’s simply not the case. That’s personal experience. If one counts the experience of the group, it’s tens of thousands of households. It doesn’t come up. Ask people in similar situations. I’m offering an opinion based on experience and data collection that is accurate and very fresh.===
… none of which is remotely scientific, unbiased and we need to take, as your word, the tens, hundreds, thousands, are a strong enough cross section to clearly grasp what’s happening.
Mighty large opinion of yourself ya got there - A Guy -
Considering you are the sole measurer, sample taker, evaluator, and base all this on your word… of this sample size and analysts.
Words fail.
- Daniel Plainview - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 2:05 pm:
- data collection that is accurate and very fresh -
Guy, did anyone explain to you what a GOTV universe is when they gave you your walk packet?
- A guy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 2:52 pm:
==Words fail.==
One could only pray that could happen for a single day.
I have a very high opinion of what the organization I’m working with does and the data that’s been registered is indeed scientific and more accurate than what you may or may not see.
Daniel from P, Your mom’s calling. Walk Packet??? Welcome to 1998. Read all the instructions in your …packet. And…don’t lose it. Oy.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 3:33 pm:
===I have a very high opinion of what the organization I’m working with does and the data that’s been registered is indeed scientific and more accurate than what you may or may not see===
No, that’s not what you said…
===I’m offering an opinion based on experience and data collection that is accurate and very fresh===
You were referring to you.
As to hoping my words fail, it only takes your “lunacy” passed off as scientific and measured honesty to do that, lol
- A guy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 3:53 pm:
Willy. We’ll see. I know what I get to see. Don’t know what you get to see. I know what makes it “scientific”. Like I said we’ll see. Lunacy? Oy.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 3:58 pm:
- A Guy -
Aren’t you just a lowly precinct worker?
Yo are seeing numbers that others aren’t? Or are you pretending again?
lol.
Pick a lane already.
- Daniel Plainview - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 4:03 pm:
- Welcome to 1998 -
LOL, don’t believe everything the slick consultants tell you, Guy.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 5:38 pm:
– I know what I get to see. Don’t know what you get to see.–
I see a Simon Institute poll that had Clinton at 56%, Trump at 25%, in suburban Cook and the collars.
Try that one on again: in the Chicago suburbs, the Democrat at 56%, the Republican at 25%.
I see actions by the governor, Kirk, Roskam, Dold and suburban legislators reflecting that reality.
But, again, Guy, please reveal to us all the evidence you presented to the Kirk and Dold campaigns as to how their sprint away from the “malignant clown,” as Sen. Kirk would say, just gets it so wrong? (your comment at 11:33).
Why do you think you couldn’t sell it?
- Roadiepig - Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 9:49 pm:
Just have to say- this thread has been an awesome read to this lowly, not politically connected , retired state worker today