My son Dajae was just 14 years old. He was coming home from a party, walking with a group of friends. They were where they were supposed to be doing what they were supposed to do. Dajae and his friends stumbled upon a person who started shooting at a group of kids. He had no idea who they were.
We’re in a club that shouldn’t exist, mothers who have lost their child due to gun violence. We should not be losing our kids in this way.
I’m supporting JB Pritzker for governor. JB’s criminal justice plan calls gun violence exactly what it is: an epidemic. I think he’s addressing a lot of the factors that contribute to criminality and gun violence. He has a plan. JB can make a difference because he cares, he understands, and he cares.
Is this an indication that the JB campaign is a little bit worried about Kennedy making some headway among African-Americans with his anti-violence messaging and “strategic gentrification” comment?
- prairiestatedem - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 11:21 am:
Sorry JB, you can’t buy credibility on the issue of gun violence…The honest and moving ad that Chris Kennedy and Ra Joy highlighted their personal experience of both losing an immidate family member is something you can’t just write a check to equalize. So many families who are survivors of this terrible tragedy that plagues our state are sick of hearing the same from another pol who is “deeply concerned” verses two men who are also survivors and have a plan to stop this terrible reality.
It’s a poignant ad by a sad mother talking about a real problem. It is a horrible club to be in as she so eloquently explains. I think @prairiestatedem is right, though, that saying JB “understands” gun violence when it’s RaJoy and Chris who are the ones who have lived it is an unfortunate rhetorical stretch by the Pritzker campaign. For this I have to give it a B- grade. Probably they should rework this ad a bit still using the mom and highlighting the issue, but changing the verbiage a bit.
But–and this is a big but–there’s a way to go from “understanding” and “caring” to actually “addressing” and “solving” the epidemic of gun violence in some Chicago neighborhoods (wasn’t it Kennedy who referred to the 80%-8% “rule” just last week?).
I assume JB has a plan, a concrete plan. Has he unveiled it?
If we’re honest, this is the rebuttal ad to Kennedy and gun violence.
It blunts the Kennedy spot it does what it’s suppose to do. It’s not suppose to take over and swamp the Kennedy ad, but it does enough to get Pritzker in the discussion.
Ms. Rice is a powerful spokesperson. She’s eloquent and speaks with passion. She makes a case as to her support, and her story, for Pritzker.
What was a bit distracting was the graphic of the “plan” kinda took away from Ms. Rice. She’s strong enough to carry that he has a written plan, the graphic steals a bit of her testimonial.
The ad was very good because of the mother’s compelling story.
I just read JBs website about gun violence. He gets it right. Rauner hasn’t been ignoring this issue either - he signed a bill increasing prison terms for repeat gun offenders.
Just as important as illegal guns, the culture of violence is the culprit. Small victory - 2017 murder count was down from 2016.
well she is just lovely. and this is an indication that JB is worried. so he’s trying to convince us with the lovely woman who says he has a plan. but as lovely as she is, this is packaged puff. no meat.
- Trapped in the 'burbs - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 3:08 pm:
Whatever you think about the candidates, this is another example of JB’s team outshining the competition.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 3:31 pm:
“Whatever you think about the candidates, this is another example of JB’s team outshining the competition.”
I agree.
I think it’s a very good ad. Someone I know recently lost a child to gun violence. The child was in the wrong place at the wrong time. What a terrible and needless fate.
I see prairiestatedem is back to give us the official Kennedy campaign spin.
==So many families who are survivors of this terrible tragedy that plagues our state are sick of hearing the same from another pol who is “deeply concerned”==
That doesn’t seem to be the case for Mrs. Rice.
== verses two men who are also survivors and have a plan to stop this terrible reality==
Look, I’m sure Chris and Ra’s hearts are in the right place on this but Chris as a candidate has done nothing but fall on his face over and over again during this primary. At this point, why in the world should dem primary voters believe he can right the ship and win a campaign against Rauner - something that would be required in order to implement this anti-violence plan that your campaign believes is superior to Pritzkers? I don’t know about everyone else here, but I am far from convinced that Kennedy can suddenly stop the unforced errors he continually commits once this moves to the general.
“This website is not Google. Use it before asking silly questions.”
I went to his campaign website before posting. There was a section on “Domestic Violence Prevention” and on “Criminal Justice Reform”, but no section devoted to “Gun Violence in Chicago.” Here’s what the “Criminal Justice Reform” section actually says: “Treat gun violence like a public health epidemic and make police more accountable to the communities they serve.”
Apologies if I came across as “silly.” I’m normally conscientious about Google, and had anticipated I’d find a fully-articulated position on the campaign website.
Sage comments from Todd Vandermyde, former NRA lobbyist for Illinois. Black Caucus Reps. from the “democratic party” are the only people who called out the unconstitutional back room deals Vandermyde cut with anti-gun police unions to sell out NRA members on Rep. Brandon Phelps concealed carry bill.
Gun owners across Illinois thank God every day now that Vandermyde can’t do any more damage. All we have to deal with is J.B. Pritzker if he wins, not NRA lobbyists working against the people they are supposed to represent.
- Peterpolicypan - Thursday, Jan 11, 18 @ 2:23 pm:
This woman is from Evanston… What about the bigger issues happening is Chicago? As sad as her story is, what about the thousands of other mother’s who’ve lost their children, how will JB combat that?
- logic not emotion - Thursday, Jan 11, 18 @ 3:50 pm:
I’d second Todd’s comment about the Democrat party excluding gun owners. As someone who is not at all pleased with Rauner’s performance, I was open to voting for a Democrat governor. As a gun owner and 2nd amendment supporter, the Democrats have made clear once again that they are not inclusive and prefer pushing failed gun control policies instead of more effective approaches that protect all of our 2nd amendment rights.
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 11:10 am:
Perfect.
- Roman - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 11:16 am:
Well done.
Is this an indication that the JB campaign is a little bit worried about Kennedy making some headway among African-Americans with his anti-violence messaging and “strategic gentrification” comment?
- prairiestatedem - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 11:21 am:
Sorry JB, you can’t buy credibility on the issue of gun violence…The honest and moving ad that Chris Kennedy and Ra Joy highlighted their personal experience of both losing an immidate family member is something you can’t just write a check to equalize. So many families who are survivors of this terrible tragedy that plagues our state are sick of hearing the same from another pol who is “deeply concerned” verses two men who are also survivors and have a plan to stop this terrible reality.
- Responsa - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 11:44 am:
It’s a poignant ad by a sad mother talking about a real problem. It is a horrible club to be in as she so eloquently explains. I think @prairiestatedem is right, though, that saying JB “understands” gun violence when it’s RaJoy and Chris who are the ones who have lived it is an unfortunate rhetorical stretch by the Pritzker campaign. For this I have to give it a B- grade. Probably they should rework this ad a bit still using the mom and highlighting the issue, but changing the verbiage a bit.
- A guy - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 12:05 pm:
it’s very effective; because she is.
- dbk - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 12:08 pm:
Really good. She’s very compelling.
But–and this is a big but–there’s a way to go from “understanding” and “caring” to actually “addressing” and “solving” the epidemic of gun violence in some Chicago neighborhoods (wasn’t it Kennedy who referred to the 80%-8% “rule” just last week?).
I assume JB has a plan, a concrete plan. Has he unveiled it?
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 12:29 pm:
===Has he unveiled it? ===
This website is not Google. Use it before asking silly questions.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 1:08 pm:
To the Ad,
If we’re honest, this is the rebuttal ad to Kennedy and gun violence.
It blunts the Kennedy spot it does what it’s suppose to do. It’s not suppose to take over and swamp the Kennedy ad, but it does enough to get Pritzker in the discussion.
Ms. Rice is a powerful spokesperson. She’s eloquent and speaks with passion. She makes a case as to her support, and her story, for Pritzker.
What was a bit distracting was the graphic of the “plan” kinda took away from Ms. Rice. She’s strong enough to carry that he has a written plan, the graphic steals a bit of her testimonial.
Solid B+
- Sputnik - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 1:33 pm:
The ad was very good because of the mother’s compelling story.
I just read JBs website about gun violence. He gets it right. Rauner hasn’t been ignoring this issue either - he signed a bill increasing prison terms for repeat gun offenders.
Just as important as illegal guns, the culture of violence is the culprit. Small victory - 2017 murder count was down from 2016.
- Amalia - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 3:06 pm:
well she is just lovely. and this is an indication that JB is worried. so he’s trying to convince us with the lovely woman who says he has a plan. but as lovely as she is, this is packaged puff. no meat.
- Trapped in the 'burbs - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 3:08 pm:
Whatever you think about the candidates, this is another example of JB’s team outshining the competition.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 3:31 pm:
“Whatever you think about the candidates, this is another example of JB’s team outshining the competition.”
I agree.
I think it’s a very good ad. Someone I know recently lost a child to gun violence. The child was in the wrong place at the wrong time. What a terrible and needless fate.
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 3:33 pm:
I see prairiestatedem is back to give us the official Kennedy campaign spin.
==So many families who are survivors of this terrible tragedy that plagues our state are sick of hearing the same from another pol who is “deeply concerned”==
That doesn’t seem to be the case for Mrs. Rice.
== verses two men who are also survivors and have a plan to stop this terrible reality==
Look, I’m sure Chris and Ra’s hearts are in the right place on this but Chris as a candidate has done nothing but fall on his face over and over again during this primary. At this point, why in the world should dem primary voters believe he can right the ship and win a campaign against Rauner - something that would be required in order to implement this anti-violence plan that your campaign believes is superior to Pritzkers? I don’t know about everyone else here, but I am far from convinced that Kennedy can suddenly stop the unforced errors he continually commits once this moves to the general.
- dbk - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 3:41 pm:
===Has he unveiled it? ===
“This website is not Google. Use it before asking silly questions.”
I went to his campaign website before posting. There was a section on “Domestic Violence Prevention” and on “Criminal Justice Reform”, but no section devoted to “Gun Violence in Chicago.” Here’s what the “Criminal Justice Reform” section actually says: “Treat gun violence like a public health epidemic and make police more accountable to the communities they serve.”
I did find this, but it’s from 9 months ago:
http://ilforjb-pritzker.com/jb-pritzker-will-confront-chicago-gun/
Apologies if I came across as “silly.” I’m normally conscientious about Google, and had anticipated I’d find a fully-articulated position on the campaign website.
- Todd - Wednesday, Jan 10, 18 @ 5:57 pm:
its good ad that doesn’t get into the details, you’d have to know JBs past.
And once again it looks like there is no room for gun owners in the democratic party
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 11, 18 @ 10:39 am:
Sage comments from Todd Vandermyde, former NRA lobbyist for Illinois. Black Caucus Reps. from the “democratic party” are the only people who called out the unconstitutional back room deals Vandermyde cut with anti-gun police unions to sell out NRA members on Rep. Brandon Phelps concealed carry bill.
Gun owners across Illinois thank God every day now that Vandermyde can’t do any more damage. All we have to deal with is J.B. Pritzker if he wins, not NRA lobbyists working against the people they are supposed to represent.
- Peterpolicypan - Thursday, Jan 11, 18 @ 2:23 pm:
This woman is from Evanston… What about the bigger issues happening is Chicago? As sad as her story is, what about the thousands of other mother’s who’ve lost their children, how will JB combat that?
- logic not emotion - Thursday, Jan 11, 18 @ 3:50 pm:
I’d second Todd’s comment about the Democrat party excluding gun owners. As someone who is not at all pleased with Rauner’s performance, I was open to voting for a Democrat governor. As a gun owner and 2nd amendment supporter, the Democrats have made clear once again that they are not inclusive and prefer pushing failed gun control policies instead of more effective approaches that protect all of our 2nd amendment rights.