* Brenden Moore at the Herald and Review…
Though some high-profile Republicans, such as Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, have encouraged people to get vaccinated, leadership has been lacking on the issue from others.
Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland, who has openly flouted the mask mandate on the U.S. House floor and just recently tweeted “Do vaccines work?” in response to the revised CDC mask recommendations (they do).
Only about 34% of Miller’s constituents are fully vaccinated, the lowest of any congressional district in the state, according to data from Harvard University. A public message encouraging vaccination could go a long way.
Same with state Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, a downstate candidate for governor. He pointedly refused to endorse the vaccine in an interview earlier this week with WCIA, despite the vaccine’s effectiveness at preventing hospitalization and death.
* No relation…
* Mark Maxwell on Darren Bailey…
Throughout the pandemic, Bailey has promoted the importance of individual responsibility over collective action and personal freedoms over government mandates. What advice would he give responsible individuals about how they could best protect themselves and others during the pandemic?
“I think the one thing that people need to do is understand the constitutional basis of freedom that this country stands on: the Constitution,” Bailey answered, avoiding any reference to vaccines.
Publicly available data posted on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website says that 97.7% of people who died due to COVID-19 this year were unvaccinated. Asked how he would respond to that data if it came across his desk as governor, Bailey dismissed the readily available numbers as untrustworthy, without offering any evidence or explanation.
“We asked for the proof,” Bailey said. “We want to see it. Where’s this coming from? Where’s this going? And they never present it. So, my facts, your facts, my data, your data.”
* Um…
* Maxwell…
When a reporter asked Bailey how he squares that comment with speed limit laws that were intended to keep people safe, he seemed to suggest those laws were merely “advice.”
“Speed limit laws, you know, that’s, that’s an advice, that’s a law. You drive the speed limit, or you speed, or you drive slower. It is up to government, it is up to the Illinois Department of Public Health, to best advise what they think is best. It is up to the American people to decide on their own if they’re going to go with that advice or not. It’s that simple.”
* Bailey also refused to say whether he was vaxed…
* He’s not vaxed and neither is fellow Republican gubernatorial candidate Gary Rabine…
* The depths some people will sink just to score political points with the most deliberately ignorant segment of the GOP base…
According to fellow church members, Bailey’s own brother-in-law was transferred to a hospital in St. Louis under a medically induced coma for specialized [COVID] treatment.
The church is asking for urgent prayers while Bailey sows doubts about public health data that shows vaccines are effective.
Public health data shows nearly 98% of Illinois patients who died due to covid-19 illness this year did not have the vaccine.
Pritzker responded to the reports and said leadership is about listening to experts.
“I am sorry for his brother-in-law who is hospitalized with COVID-19,” he said. “Misinformation is killing people. And people who are promoting misinformation, people who are not listening to the science, are not helping anyone. We need leaders in the state of Illinois listening to the science.”
* And Bailey isn’t alone…
Rabine falsely said that if the vaccines were FDA approved, they “would have been taken off the shelf about 5,000 or 6,000 deaths ago.”
Rabine’s comment, which he repeated throughout the interview, either misunderstands or misinterprets the CDC’s regular, routine collection of “adverse event” reports from people who took the vaccine. As a part of rigorous review protocols, the law requires public health experts to cast a wide net and collect a variety of tips or reports from anyone and everyone who may have gone through some sort of medical episode or death after taking a vaccine, even if the vaccine had nothing to do with their medical episode. Those reports are gathered and collected for medical professionals to thoroughly examine and look for any potential link back to the vaccine. The CDC calls the process the “most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history,” and says the vaccines are “safe and effective.” […]
Asked to clarify what he meant, Rabine again incorrectly attributed thousands of deaths directly to the vaccine. He was apparently using the CDC’s ‘Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System’ (VAERS) to inflate fears about the risks of the vaccine. While the CDC says “reports of death after COVID-19 vaccination are rare,” the agency did collect “6,207 reports of death (0.0018%) among people who received a COVID-19 vaccine,” adding that the “FDA requires healthcare providers to report any death after COVID-19 vaccination to VAERS, even if it’s unclear whether the vaccine was the cause.”
* Rabine’s spokesman walked it back…
After the interview, Maxwell wrote in a story for his station that he received a voicemail from Rabine’s spokesman, Travis Akin, who sought to retract the candidate’s claims of thousands of deaths directly attributable to vaccines. “I think we are walking that back,” Akin said, according to Maxwell’s story.
* But…
Attacking a reporter for tweeting simple facts. Great. Also, Rabine didn’t go after any of the male reporters who were calling him out and even mocking him. Gonna be a long year.
* Even the ILGOP cringed…
* Like I said, it’s gonna be a long year…
* But hilarity will certainly abound…
So, he held his little rally outside. Great advance work, bub.
- Edyrdologist - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 11:54 am:
ILGOP not exactly sending their best these days…
- Stacey Abrams' Fitness Trainer - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 11:54 am:
The GOP candidates need to show they are as health conscience as JB Pritzker. It’s going to be a long campaign.
- tea_and_honey - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 11:57 am:
I know most people consider the speed limit a suggestion rather than a law but I think this is the first time I’ve heard a public official take that stance on the record.
- Huh? - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 11:57 am:
“Do vaccines work?”
What an inane question.
The deadly polio and smallpox have been eradicated in the US because of vaccines. Childhood diseases are nearly a thing of the past because of vaccines.
- Dotnonymous - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:01 pm:
“Walking back” from lies is language in it’s most deceptive and dishonest form…stop it.
- Confederate Railroad - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:01 pm:
I hate that to get the vaccine or not has become a democrat/republican issue. It seems like everything has become us vs them.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:04 pm:
All these candidates must be “good news” for McConchie and Durkin… new maps, these candidates, some statewide…
Bet they’re throwing a party…
… no masks, no vaccinations, of course.
- Montrose - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:08 pm:
They are killing people. Full stop.
- Dotnonymous - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:09 pm:
Bailey is obviously in favor of tribal law…ruled by a thousand local feudal Chieftains…kinda like klans?
- train111 - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:14 pm:
If one of these clowns is the GOP nominee for governor - what is the over/under on them getting under 40% of the vote?
- DuPage Saint - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:14 pm:
So then I suppose Bailey is against required vaccines for school children? He is the candidate for liberty, polio, smallpox etc. Great platform. I suggest his Lt Governor candidate should be the Grim Reaper or perhaps one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
- Demoralized - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:15 pm:
So Darren Bailey is the anti-law and order candidate?
- Annonin' - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:21 pm:
“I think the one thing that people need to do is understand the constitutional basis of freedom that this country stands on: the Constitution,” Bailey answered, avoiding any reference to vaccines” Can someone ask Gomer when he next appears how he squares this line with his all consuming demands to regulate womens’ health care?
- Occasionally Moderated - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:23 pm:
I’d like to be the first to congratulate Governor Pritzker on his second term.
- Joe Schmoe - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:26 pm:
Isn’t there one ‘common sense’ Republican who is going to stand up and show some leadership? This is truly embarrassing.
- Sir Reel - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:28 pm:
“Understanding” the Constitution is great at preventing disease as long as you wrap it around your head and secure it with duct tape.
- Jocko - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:30 pm:
==He tells the crowd he wants to see more transparency about what DNA might be in “MMA and rubella==
Come to think of it. Jonas Salk never patented the polio vaccine. What was he hiding? /S
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:36 pm:
For freedom of the body, except for the pro-life stuff
For backing the blue, except if the blue go after racists and insurrectionists
For following the science, except if it means masks or vaccines
None of these phonies care about the greater good, honesty, integrity, or people.
All of these people care about the grift, appeasing racists, insurrectionists, conspiracy theorists, and being angry white victims to urban persons of color… and libs… and libs mean anyone outside the cult.
Good on DeVore, this side grift might mean a seat on the Bench, a pension, and knowing he can be overturned countless times… and stay seated.
Mary Miller scared off Davis, who knows where Davis might land.
Bailey, et al, are willing to have death be the winning minority strategy… as long as racism makes a primary win possible in these times.
Emboldened and empowered, they all are.
Congratulations ILGOP
- Rudy’s teeth - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:41 pm:
Oh, Darren. Jumping from topic to topic with no clear answers or solutions.
Sounds nervous and out of his element when faced with reporters’ questions. Confident demeanor is lacking.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:45 pm:
Call this what it is;
=== “Speed limit laws, you know, that’s, that’s an advice, that’s a law. You drive the speed limit, or you speed, or you drive slower. It is up to government, it is up to the Illinois Department of Public Health, to best advise what they think is best. It is up to the American people to decide on their own if they’re going to go with that advice or not. It’s that simple.”===
It’s performance art. Nothing more, nothing less… the lowest common denominator of ignorance, appealing to the in-law uncle wanting freedom for ‘Merica… while dividing ‘Merica too.
It’s utter gibberish you’d hear at the end of a bar who tips the bartender poorly and yells at the TV in between shots of bad whiskey and worse takes.
It’s performance art. It’s a caricature of a hollow man who may believe every word, but knows he must appeal to the lowest forms.
It’s like knowing the magic trick, the luster of it to fool people then becomes how much of a grift can be made off the gullible… performance art
- Joe Bidenopolous - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:52 pm:
==what is the over/under on them getting under 40% of the vote?==
Bailey gets 40% or more in the General: +250
Rabine gets 40% or more in the General: +1000
- thisjustinagain - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:53 pm:
Darren’s take on traffic laws is just as funny as his take on everything else, and just as wrong. ILGOP: The party of FAIL.
- JS Mill - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:53 pm:
I am asking everyone to vote in the GOP primary and to vote for Bailey. My bucket list dream is to see Bailey debate Pritzker. If he is this shaky in front of small market (although very skilled) media, a debate would be a hoot.
- Anyone Remember - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:57 pm:
=== “MMA and rubella.” It’s MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella.”===
Has BoJo put Bailey in direct contact with Andrew Wakefield and Julie Kirkbride?
- Original Rambler - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 12:57 pm:
Never thought of it that way Rich but you are correct. Please keep posting these because this is the only place I see them. I’m going to get a crick in my neck from shaking my head so much over the next 12+ months.
- The Dude Abides - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 1:00 pm:
There are literally people in Miller’s District who by following her advice will get Covid and some will die. What a disgusting example she is.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 1:01 pm:
To Rabine?
Easy.
It’s not even close.
I’m trusting Hannah Meisel… all day
Not a contest.
Hannah Meisel is tops, one of the best covering the Illinois beat, and shines especially when shining a light on the truth of things others want spun to her… or about her.
Also?
Rabine needs to realize he’s not running against Hannah, and running against the truth is just as bad.
- Boone's is Back - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 1:02 pm:
There is a whole lot of stupid to digest here. Bailey’s brother-in-law makes this whole thing even sadder. The one thing I will add is that it’s time for the FDA to fully approve the vaccine and end the “emergency” terminology. This would take away a lot of their arguments and put the vaccine on level with measles, polio, etc for mandatory vaccination in school enrollment, etc.
- Bruce( no not him) - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 1:09 pm:
===”Bailey’s spokesman said the event was supposed to be inside Pizza Ranch, but the restaurant is now closed Monday and Tuesday.”===
All I hear is Peewee Herman’s voice. “I meant to do that”
- TheInvisibleMan - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 1:11 pm:
Remember when Rabine openly admitted he was too stupid to understand how elections work.
He wasn’t lying.
- Rudy’s teeth - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 1:18 pm:
Did Darren Bailey take elocution lessons from Ralph Kramden? When reporters ask questions, they expect answers.
“I’m not going to answer that” is petulant. Darren, you’re not ready for the big chair.
- historic66 - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 1:32 pm:
===There is a whole lot of stupid to digest here. Bailey’s brother-in-law makes this whole thing even sadder. The one thing I will add is that it’s time for the FDA to fully approve the vaccine and end the “emergency” terminology. This would take away a lot of their arguments and put the vaccine on level with measles, polio, etc for mandatory vaccination in school enrollment, etc.===
Unfortunately, I’m already reading comments that full approval won’t change the viewpoint of many re: the vaccine because the approval will have been rushed, rather than taking years as other vaccines. We’re sunk.
- Dotnonymous - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 1:32 pm:
This is what it sounds like…when a minor attempts to sound like a major… not even close to ready for the Big Show.
- Friendly Bob Adams - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 1:34 pm:
Where do they find these guys? Basic principles of electoral politics suggest that you reach out to a wide range of voters that can give you a majority and get you elected.
Yet these two are reaching out to a subset of a subset of voters that are fired up about the vaccine issue. This will not gain them any voters not already in the red column.
- NIU Grad - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 1:39 pm:
I was really hoping Bailey and Rabine were just the extreme elements before someone more prominent/reasonable jumped into the race…nope, looks like this is it.
- Norseman - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 1:46 pm:
I never knew that all these government laws didn’t mean a thing. Next time I get pulled over for speeding, I’ll remind the police officer that Bailey says obeying laws is up to me. [facepalm gif]
- Dotnonymous - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 2:08 pm:
Darren Bailey don’t need no stinkin’ vaccine…He gonna rassel the virus away….MMA style.
- 47th and Lake Park - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 3:36 pm:
If Darren Bailey and Gary Rabine are the best the IL GOP can cough up, they are in worse shape than I thought. Clearly, no serious candidate is getting into the GOP primary (yet), and therefore they are left with brain-trusts like Bailey. And why is he/they running? Either they have no political understanding whatsoever, or they just like to hear themselves talk (and to raise money). These guys need to be held accountable for the death and suffering that they are causing with their ridiculousness on the vax. (And I’ll bet you a dime that Bailey got his vax as soon as he was eligible.) But I guess if Trump is getting a pass for killing 500K people (yes, I’ll give him 100K– maybe a competent president might have lost that many), then maybe the IL GOP’s dream-like state just continues, and the Dems will just run the state forever.
- Menardian - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 3:37 pm:
I, too, would like to know the DNA in mixed martial arts.
- Pundent - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 3:43 pm:
=This would take away a lot of their arguments and put the vaccine on level with measles, polio, etc for mandatory vaccination in school enrollment, etc.=
When a candidate confuses a vaccine with mixed martial arts they have no arguments. Bailey offers nothing more than liberty, freedom, constitutional word salad. He’s pandering to those foolish enough to listen even when sickness or death are the consequence.
- ArchPundit - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 3:55 pm:
There is no DNA in mRNA vaccines. I know I’m just yelling at clouds at this point, but I just had to point this out.
- ArchPundit - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 4:02 pm:
Again, yelling at clouds, but he wants to disclose the DNA in MMR? It’s the RNA for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (there isn’t DNA in those viruses). What’s the question? That’s what it’s made from–attenuated viruses. Look up the RNA for those viruses. That’s it and some chemicals that are listed on the medication and in the paperwork you are given to preserve the attenuated viruses.
He keeps finding ways to sound dumber.
- zatoichi - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 4:58 pm:
Saw a recent item on Redit - In WWII, London required all lights out at night so German bombers would have trouble finding London. So would Bailey and Miller be the people demanding their right to turn on lights because light restriction is not in the constitution? I’d vote for Bailey in the primary just to see the Pritzker/Bailey debate.
- PublicServant - Monday, Aug 2, 21 @ 6:01 pm:
Bailey is the Tailban of Illinois.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Aug 3, 21 @ 10:04 am:
A DeVore campaign, in my appellate district, could be incredibly entertaining. I just hope the media gives it the coverage it deserves, but nowadays, I doubt it. Any appellate court race in this district will mostly be played out on people’s social media, where TD will be heralded as the guy who fought Pritzker and got things opened with his dazzling legal skills.
- anon2 - Tuesday, Aug 3, 21 @ 11:51 am:
Bailey is pro-choice on the vaccine, and insists it’s unconstitutional for government to tell people what to do. Yet he wants the government to force pregnant women to carry their pregnancies full term. That will go over well in the greater Chicago area.
- anon2 - Tuesday, Aug 3, 21 @ 11:53 am:
I bet Bailey would like to repeal the safety-belt law, and existing mandatory vaccines for children to attend school. Hopefully some reporter will get him on record.
- anon2 - Tuesday, Aug 3, 21 @ 11:54 am:
I bet Bailey would like to repeal the safety-belt law and existing mandatory vaccines for children to attend school. Hopefully some reporter will get him on record.