Question of the day
Monday, Jul 24, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Rick’s tweet got me thinking about the similarities between our president and our governor…
* For instance…
He referred to his Republican allies in Congress as “they,” while casting himself passively as “sitting in the Oval Office … pen in hand, waiting to sign something.”
While here in Illinois…
* And then there’s stuff like this…
Former FBI Director James Comey said he documented his meetings with President Trump because he worried he’d have to defend himself and the FBI publicly over those conversations because Trump “might lie,” a feeling he never had with previous presidents with whom he worked.
“I was honestly concerned he might lie about the nature of our meeting,” Comey said.
And…
* WSIL TV sat down with Gov. Rauner yesterday…
When asked about his relationship with Madigan and whether the two of them could sit down and talk, Rauner said he had spent “hours and hours and hours” meeting with the speaker.
“When I first met him eight years ago, I asked him what his goal was for improving the quality of life for the people of Illinois. You know what he said to me? He laughed and said ‘I don’t have a goal like that.’ He said ‘I do two things: manage power and make money for managing power,’” said Rauner.
I asked the House Speaker’s spokesman for comment. His e-mailed reply…
Sounds like another election night phone call to me.
You’ll recall that Rauner said on election night that he had spoken with Madigan about the future, but actually hadn’t.
* And then there’s this national angle…
President Donald Trump predicted Tuesday that Republicans would wait for the federal insurance market to collapse and then work to broker a deal to rewrite the nation’s landmark health-care law, while Senate leaders pressed ahead with a plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act with no immediate replacement.
The local angle…
“Crisis creates opportunity. Crisis creates leverage to change … and we’ve got to use that leverage of the crisis to force structural change,” said Rauner, borrowing from a political philosophy famously coined by his friend Rahm Emanuel that “you never want a serious crisis to go to waste.”
* Also, too…
Not only does Trump refuse to apologize, he blames others for his own actions.
Meanwhile, in Illinois…
Also, great move throwing the new staff under the bus on this topic. Same as it ever was. Nothing is ever this man’s fault.
* Another one…
South Carolina Rep. Mark Sanford on Sunday said President Donald Trump threatened to back a Republican primary challenger against him if he voted against the American Health Care Act, the GOP’s Obamacare replacement bill that failed last month.
Tribune…
The Illinois Republican Party heavily funded by Gov. Bruce Rauner has worked for years to tell voters that Democrats wanted to raise state taxes.
Then a bunch of the party’s own lawmakers voted for a tax hike and bucked the governor’s override. Shortly after, Rauner’s hand-picked state GOP chairman released a statement sharply critical of them.
“After all we have accomplished together, it is astonishing that these legislators would now turn their backs on taxpayers across the state,” the statement from party Chairman Tim Schneider read in part. “I am confident voters will hold those politicians accountable for choosing Mike Madigan over the people of Illinois.”
Assuming Schneider isn’t suggesting he wants Democrats to defeat those Republicans, the statement suggests those GOP lawmakers could face primary opponents next spring.
* Nationally…
Locally…
* National headline…
Embattled White House Lurches from Crisis to Crisis
Local headline…
Rauner lurches from crisis to crisis
* There’s also this national trend in the political environment…
A black Texas congressman said Saturday that he’s been threatened with lynching by callers infuriated over him seeking impeachment of President Trump.
And here…
The group’s Facebook page generated hundreds of thousands of often profanity-laden, hate-filled and even some comments that appeared to advocate violent acts like lynching. It also succeeded in inundating legislators with calls and e-mails. At least one legislator, Rep. Steve Andersson (R-Geneva), reported receiving death threats. The group claims to have an “unblemished” record of “decency, civility, and candor,” but that’s not how some of those legislators see it.
* The Question: What major differences do you see separating President Trump from Gov. Rauner? Don’t forget to explain. And, please, no snark. This is a serious question.
- Come on Man! - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:37 pm:
Manners. Thats about it. BR is a well mannered guy as opposed to the vulgarity that DJT opperates.
- Ducky LaMoore - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:38 pm:
Rauner is totally able to control himself and chooses not too. Trump just can’t help himself.
- Roadiepig - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:39 pm:
Well, the president has both the house and senate with majorities from ” his” party, and Rauner doesn’t. Hasn’t made any difference for the president so far, but it is different, isn’t it?
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:41 pm:
Rauner doesn’t tweet
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:41 pm:
One is skinnier than the other. That’s about all I got.
- The Old Professor - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:42 pm:
President Trump doesn’t realize his enormous areas of ignorance in areas of policy.
Governor Rauner probably realizes his ignorance, but he doesn’t care.
He’s the student who writes the answer for the test instantly, and spends the rest of the time coming up with reasons to back his gut feeling.
- Roman - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:42 pm:
You can add shifting positions on abortion to the list of similarities.
- blue dog dem - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:43 pm:
I think Rauner hates Democrats. I do not think Trump hates Democrats. I think Rauner doesn’t care if people like him. I think Trump wants everyone to love him.
- Perrid - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:43 pm:
Rauner has more control of himself, and thus is more polite. On a related note, I think Rauner is smarter than Trump. I disagree with Rauner strongly, but I don’t find him abhorrent. Our president disgusts me as a human being. No class or respect for others
- 47th Ward - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:44 pm:
It seems to me that Trump has a better understanding of what his job entails and a better plan for how to do it. Say what you will about his tweets and the childish behavior, but the federal government has a budget, pays its bills, and the ship of state is sailing forward.
Let’s face it, Trump was never serious about building a wall. He wasn’t serious about replacing Obamacare with “something much better.” He just wants people to pay attention to him and play golf every weekend, while leveraging his position to benefit the Trump Organization. And he’s been quite successful. So much winning!
Rauner, on the other hand, doesn’t really care about popularity. Unlike Trump, Rauner cares deeply about the equally unattainable policy goal he supports: crush the public employee unions and make Illinois a haven for business investment. Unlike Trump, Rauner really believes in his ideals. And while Trump gets do as he pleases and is miserable, Rauner hasn’t accomplished anything and says he’s never been happier.
Yep, these guys couldn’t be more different.
- In a Minute - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:48 pm:
1. Rauner is unfailingly polite. Trump is abrasive.
2. Rauner had a history of philanthropy supporting a variety of educational, healthcare and civic causes before he took office. Trump did not.
3. Rauner is almost wonkish in his knowledge of economic and educational policy. Trump does not.
4. Rauner governs from a set of well known principles. Trump does not.
- Tom B. - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:50 pm:
Different: Rauner is actually an ideologue, Trump isn’t.
Different: I think Rauner could care less if everybody hates him as long as he got his win. Trump can’t stand being unpopular, but is so undisciplined, he can’t get out of his own way.
Same: Neither know how to actually win in political situations and keep screwing up by thinking the lessons they’ve learned in life/business apply to politics.
Same: Money and power have shielded them from learning hard lessons.
- Dan Johnson - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:51 pm:
I think Governor Rauner has a fundamental respect for the rule of law. President Trump does not.
If Governor Rauner were the President, I don’t think he would cozy up to authoritarian regimes.
In other words, I don’t think Governor Rauner shares the worst trait of President Trump: an anti-Republic streak.
- Franklin Delano Bluth - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:54 pm:
I think Rauner actually has some deep-seated beliefs and wants to make things better for people (though I think he couldn’t be farther off). Trump just says what he needs to say and believes what he needs to believe.
They are both similar in the sense that they’ll shamelessly pander (see: Carhart) and that they honestly believe them and a few rich folks can simply fix everything and refuse to take outside opinion or criticism.
- lake county democrat - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:54 pm:
Someone already mentioned this but to concur:
Rauner would sacrifice popularity for cause. Trump would sacrifice cause for popularity.
- Anon221 - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:54 pm:
Rauner answers the phone when the Koch Brothers call. Trump tells staff to take a message.
- Deadbeat Conservative - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:56 pm:
Trump doesn’t own the national GOP, he’s been in open conflict.
Rauner is a majority owner of the GOP, examples include Durkin, and Brady.
Also the national press dislikes Trump and superfluously reports on Trump’s “personality” (while missing war and ecocide). With very few exceptions, The IL press is subordinate to Rauner.
- Cheryl44 - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:57 pm:
I think the governor could read an entire book. A chapter book, no pictures. I doubt the president reads well enough or could sit still long enough to do so.
- ILPundit - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:58 pm:
Rauner understands message discipline. That’s really about it.
- pawn - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:58 pm:
Rauner has not bragged about sexually assaulting women, nor do we have dozens of women accusing him of doing so.
- pawn - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 12:59 pm:
Rauner has only brought his wife into the public sphere; his adult children are not engaged whatsoever.
- don the legend - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 1:01 pm:
Trump’s wife is absent
Rauner’s wife is complicit.
- A Jack - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 1:02 pm:
They both want to improve business climate in their domain, but their way of achieving that are drastically different.
Rauner’s thinks business climate will improve through taking actions that directly affect workers, particularly union workers.
Trump, however is looking for ways to improve business climate through trade agreements and reducing regulations.
- Wensicia - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 1:03 pm:
Trump can’t stand to have any negative or insult applied to him.
Rauner relishes his negatives, probably thinks it makes him look tougher, more steadfast about his goals.
- wordslinger - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 1:06 pm:
Rauner isn’t worried about being blackmailed for or Mueller discovering past hinky real estate deals with money-laundering Russian-government-sponsored gangsters.
- Boone's is Back - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 1:14 pm:
Only difference I see was the rhetoric during the campaigns. Seems like there are a lot more similarities than I originally thought.
- Flapdoodle - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 1:20 pm:
Rauner is fundamentally an ideologue, driven by a far right vision of a minimalist night watchman government with the least possible role in the economy and in society. In his world, liberty of individual action is valorized, while equality is trivialized. It’s like there are elements of Rand, Hayek, and Friedman swimming around in his head, which he can’t articulate but from which he wants to generate policy. Yet he appears to be a strong person, secure in his own self and indifferent to what others think of him.
Trump has a shrewd street-fighter mentality that emphasizes personal or factional loyalties. He is a narcissistic egoist of the first order. Loyalty to him or his family is far more important than any traditional ideological or political ties. Afraid of appearing weak, he is attracted to stronger personalities and seeks their acceptance of him as an equal. Intellectually lazy, he wouldn’t recognize Rand, Hayek, or Friedman if he tripped over them.
There are similarities between Trump and Rauner, but they are nonetheless very different personalities, one secure in its strength, the other yearning to be strong.
Both scare the dickens out of me.
- cdog - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 1:22 pm:
Trump is up against the deep-state 4th branch of the US government (which includes MSM).
Rauner is up against the party which has maintained control of Illinois state government for 35 years.
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 1:23 pm:
Rauner is wealthy
Trump is very very wealthy.
One is President
One someday had hoped to be President
One has the Washington post to keep him honest
One has Capitol Fax to keep him honest
- Roman - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 1:31 pm:
Rauner is a rigid ideologue. Trump is unmoored by any belief system.
- Trapped in the 'burbs - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 1:37 pm:
Rauner is probably a decent guy with the best of intentions that has zero ideas of how to accomplish any of his goals. Rauner never understood the process of government or simply refuses to accept that he, as governor, doesn’t get everything that he wants even though he’s never proposed legislation or a balanced budget. Rauner could have engaged the four tops and compromised enough to have achieved some of his agenda. He has proven that he will not accept 90% which any seasoned politician would see as a victory. Trump considers anybody who disagrees with him or questions him, a loser. He is a bully with a short attention span and an overwhelming drive to put himself and his family above all else. They both have disdain for people, groups or organizations that they oppose. Rauner wants to destroy the CTU and CPS. He seems obsessed with destruction and inflicting mayhem in his perception of political victory. Trump seems obsessed with himself and is angry that not everybody loves him. Trump especially hates Obama and the Clintons. He has a pathological need to attack them relentlessly. Rauner seems to do the same with Madigan. Rauner has created a series of unforced errors and missed opportunities. Trump is mired in a quagmire of his own making,
- IllinoisInsider - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 1:46 pm:
I don’t believe Rauner ran for office to satisfy his ego. Although the fight with Madigan has driven him to insanity, when Rauner took office he genuinely hoped to strike a deal and work with Madigan to get Illinois on a better path. His intentions were good.
Trump, on the other hand, only cared about his own ego and had neither plans nor a desire to actually help the people of this country.
At this point in time Rauner and Trump have the same mindset but Rauner took time to descend to this level. Trump started at the bottom.
- Curl of the Burl - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 1:47 pm:
Hold on a minute.
I just read and reread Tony Sanders’s tweet - to make sure I read it right - and he said Speaker Madigan has not said anything to him about SB1 (one of the biggest bills in the last decade).
That is nuts. Is the Speaker too busy to check in with the superintended of one of the biggest public school systems in the state? Perhaps he should be more intentional.
- Chicago Cynic - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 1:48 pm:
I’m so glad you asked this question. I’ve been saying for months that Rauner and Trump are becoming one and the same. Most noteworthy: Rauner is increasingly untethered to any facts, has become quite facile with his mendacity (including just making things up out of whole cloth like the Madigan conversation) and simply doesn’t care who gets hurt in his crusade.
Differences?
Rauner is not personally crude, doesn’t personally have an obsession with tweeting and has not yet used the term “fake news” in a serious way. Also, Rauner is phony as a three dollar bill, what with the G droppin and the Carhart wearin’. Trump is by contrast a blunt, vulgar instrument.
- GOPgal - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 1:48 pm:
Trump is a do-er who is actually accomplishing an amazing amount of work for the country.
Rauner is a failure who doesn’t know how to lead.
You would have to be a clueless rube from Illinois to even ask this question.
- Henry - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 1:51 pm:
Rauner cares for and has passed criminal justice reform policies. Trump is letting the DOJ move backwards.
- Free Set of Steak Knives - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 1:57 pm:
Trump is a Populist in Conservative clothing.
Rauner is a Conservative in Populist clothing.
Trump is a successful business leader with many business failures.
Rauner enjoyed many business successes despite his failures as a business leader.
- Porgy Tirebiter - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 2:12 pm:
Trump you made his riches by building companies. Rauner made his riches by plundering and tearing companies apart. Building nothing
- Nick Name - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 2:18 pm:
Trump is a teetotaler. Rauner is not.
- Springfieldish - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 2:31 pm:
After reading these responses, perhaps the point of this exercise is how strained, manufactured and unsubstantial these differences really are. Rauner and Trump are cut from the same cloth.
- hisgirlfriday - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 2:33 pm:
The biggest difference I see is there is no question of legitimacy with Rauner being in office.
He won the popular vote and not just the most counties. There also is no evidence his campaign looked to foreign countries/other states for dirt and oppo hits on Quinn.
We the people of Illinois cannot blame an arcane system or a conspiracy involving foreign adversaries for us being stuck with an unfit governor.
- SAP - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 2:46 pm:
Trump cares about nothing beyond the next news cycle and will say whatever he thinks will help him “win” it. Governor Rauner has a long-term plan, even though he is seriously delusional about its chance of success.
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 2:52 pm:
I think Trump’s motivation stems from Obama’s legacy. Seeing a black man in the office triggered him.
- Wensicia - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 3:03 pm:
Trump is at war with the national media; they can’t find anything good to say about him.
Rauner and the Chicago Tribune are partners in the war against unions and Democrats; they can’t find anything bad to say about him or his methods.
- RNUG - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 3:06 pm:
Trump acts as if he is all powerful and wants to use the levers of government to achieve his goals.
Rauner acts as if he is completely helpless and can’t find the levers to run government.
- AlfondoGonz - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 3:10 pm:
This answer may seem like snark, but I assure you, it is not. Honest.
I have no reason to believe Rauner is illiterate.
- Captain Ed Smith - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 3:13 pm:
A couple golf courses
- RNUG - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 3:18 pm:
Trump wants to destroy the Department of Education, the IRS, Obamacare, and what he sees as unfair trade agreements. He thinks it will make America better.
Rauner wants to destroy unions, and especially CTU, CPS, Michael Madigan, the Democrat party in Illinois, and prevent a progressive income tax. He thinks it will change Illinois from a blue state to a red state.
- Emily Miller - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 3:20 pm:
I think Bruce Rauner was pretty good at making himself appear moderate and normal the first go-around. I think many people were genuinely surprised that he turned out this way. There were moments where he revealed his true intentions (see “crisis opportunity” and “using people as a wedge” remarks) during the campaign, but overall I get how he sounded to people like a reasonable, pragmatic, moderate person with no social agenda who just wanted to get in there and shake it up. He had a lot of money to deliver that message over and over, and he did that successfully.
On the other hand, it was pretty clear what kind of candidate Donald Trump was, and what kind of President he would be. Having an extreme social agenda and being very upfront and public about it was his thing–he didn’t run from that. If anything, he ran toward it and clung to it as proof of just how seriously off the rails he was.
Trump embraces being off the rails- he seems to enjoy chaos It seems to throw Rauner off to realize people are starting to think he’s going off the rails. It’s pretty clear both of them make poor choices when in chaos, it’s just that Trump seems more comfortable there.
Rauner also engaged his wife to help him achieve that goal– she played a critical role in getting moderates on board by convincing people that he had no social agenda. Tump did not use his wife to get women to vote for him the way that Bruce Rauner did. Maybe someone has some theory about how the first lady helped Trump win votes, but I haven’t heard it. I’ve heard many people say that Diana’s involvement in the race pushed her husband over the top and helped him win moderate pro-choice women who believed that he would stick with them and protect their right to choose. It appears they were duped.
- RIJ - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 3:27 pm:
Rauner is the venture capitalist - destruction and ripping things apart inform his approach. Trump is the traditional capitalist - creation and salesmanship inform his approach.
Trump is incredibly narcissistic, focused on himself and his image to the detriment of his ability to govern. Rauner is obsessed with destroying unions and social programs. Trump has too much self-love, and Rauner has too much hatred.
- Going nuclear - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 3:52 pm:
I think Rauner is a moderate on environmental issues. Trump has surrounded himself with anti-science contrarians and cranks.
- Steve Rogers - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 3:55 pm:
Rauner has an incredible ability to stay on message. Trump can barely stay on message even with a teleprompter.
- Streator Curmudgeon - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 4:29 pm:
Rauner appears in a variety of “costumes” to seem like one of the little people he represents. He does, however, seem natural when he is not wearing a necktie and suit.
Trump seems to wear a suit and tie almost everywhere, and when he departs from that, he looks unnatural. When he started wearing the MAGA ballcap, it may have been the first time in his life he wore a baseball cap. He probably had to have someone bend the bill for him.
- Sarsaparilla - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 5:07 pm:
Rauner was interested in becoming an environmental scientist before turning to business, and reportedly bought some of his properties for conservation purposes.
Trump’s administration is decidedly not a friend to the environment.
- CrazyHorse - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 5:15 pm:
The big difference is that Trump is at least trying to herd votes among the Republicans while Rauner just bought his caucus.
- Glengarry - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 6:03 pm:
Rauner won a majority of voters in his election. Rauner also keeps his hand to himself.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 6:37 pm:
Trump is a much better public speaker. He’s been a celebrity for many years. Rauner seems pretty bad without talking points.
Trump is so busy helping Americans, signing so much legislation (you’re not gonna believe it) and doing so many great things for this country (believe me) that he hasn’t noticed Rauner is afraid of him and won’t even say his name.
- downstate commissioner - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 6:44 pm:
Trump understands that Congress and the Supreme Court are his equals; he may shout and tweet and throw insults, but he understands.
Rauner doesn’t.
- Me Again - Monday, Jul 24, 17 @ 8:03 pm:
Trump is doing his best to be removed from office.
Rauner is doing his best not to get reelected.
- Perrid - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 8:10 am:
OK, I get that this is just everyone’s opinion and me disagreeing with other posters is probably off topic, but Grandson of Man “Trump is a much better public speaker.” I would say the exact opposite. He just opens his mouth and has a full on stream of consciousness. I can’t follow his train of thought most of the time. Rauner might not be much better, but at worst they are equal. And downstate commissioner - “Trump understands that Congress and the Supreme Court are his equals;” no, no he doesn’t, especially not the courts. He respects no one, and attacks everyone who doesn’t agree with him and fall in line. He just is more fluid in his values than Rauner, who would rather die than give in. Giving in might look like he respects the other side’s decision and authority, but it really is just him trying to save face.
- Team Warwick - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 9:09 am:
Trump has a plan of work and has some organized staff that facilitate progress on it, marshalling him thru it step by step. He also has project management skills himself but needs more methodic stable workers to usher it as his style is not very organized and methodic.
Rauner is a McGregor Theory X person with no plan of work. He has ideaology, but no positive forward momentum on it because his Theory X keeps everything negative for him on approaches.
- Anna Hark - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 9:10 am:
Trump:kakocracy::Rauner:plutocracy