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Pritzker’s name floated again for president

Monday, Dec 13, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller

* From a New York Times story about a “Plan B” if President Biden doesn’t run again

There’s also Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, a billionaire who has worked to stabilize his state’s finances and enact progressive policies, like a $15 minimum wage, since his election in 2018. A longtime financial benefactor of national Democrats, Mr. Pritzker may face a competitive race for re-election in 2022.

While allies say that Mr. Pritzker has expressed no specific intention to run for president in 2024 if Mr. Biden bows out, he has talked privately about his interest in seeking the White House at some point should the opportunity arise.

His advisers tried to tamp down the prospect, at least for now. “Governor Pritzker is focused on addressing the challenges facing the people of Illinois and is not spending any time on D.C.’s favorite parlor game: Who will run for President next,” said Emily Bittner, his spokeswoman. She said the governor “wholeheartedly supports” Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris and expected them to be re-elected.

Still, the talk is abundant — at least in private.

* Politico

A person close to the governor’s campaign called The New York Times story “a reach.”

* I would agree, but a Democratic pal of mine with years in this business thinks otherwise. From a text…

There’s no accidents in the NY Times political section. Emily is seasoned in the national press. Very easy to get somebody out of a cattle call story on column inches alone. I very much believe Gov has talked about it with enough people in enough of the right places to earn that mention.

We’ll see. But governors who get too ambitious in this state don’t meet successful ends. Think Dan Walker, Rod Blagojevich and Bruce Rauner.

       

53 Comments
  1. - Jibba - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 8:54 am:

    I support JB but he is not a good enough politician to run for president in 2024, maybe not even 2028, and maybe never. He needs to do more and better for Illinois first. See the latest Governor of Chicago flap.


  2. - ;) - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 8:59 am:

    No shot at all. Keep dreaming Christian Mitchell.


  3. - skutt - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:00 am:

    He need to get re-elected in IL first, and he needs to polish up a bit before he pursues political ambitions beyond the state.


  4. - Benjamin - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:03 am:

    J.B.’s doing a fine job, but–to use a baseball term–he’s a replacement-level candidate. There are other higher profile choices ahead of him. And it isn’t clear to me that he’d even be interested. He hasn’t been burnishing his national reputation or building a mailing list or the like, the things you’d do if you had even the mildest case of Potomac Fever.


  5. - Nick - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:04 am:

    Why not.

    Though for all we know this could just amount to him having said he wouldn’t mind being president some day.


  6. - Amalia - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:05 am:

    um, no. plenty of good people at the national level already, starting with Amy Klobuchar.


  7. - Furtive Look - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:05 am:

    Oh to dream the impossible dream. Like skutt says, he’d better get re-elected first.


  8. - DuPage Moderate - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:05 am:

    What a treat that would be - insofar as he leaves the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield.


  9. - Arsenal - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:11 am:

    As I’ve said before: I can’t imagine that JB Pritzker is one of the minority of major politicians that does not see a potential POTUS when he looks in the mirror.

    However, I just can’t ever see him challenging Biden or Harris in a primary, so that probably pushes us out to 2028 at least- maybe even 2032.

    That’s *long* time to wait.


  10. - Red Ranger - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:12 am:

    If Pritzker beats Bailey 65-35 next year, does he pivot to being a “Midwest problem solver” that can bring people together or does he continue with his MSNBC/NYT pleasing policies to focus on the Dem primary? That, to me, is me is the real question, because his focus on the White House is pretty clear.


  11. - DuPage Guy - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:13 am:

    I don’t think he’s a slam dunk for President as he lacks the overall Washinton presence that is helpful to get things passed and get work done. Having supermajorities in the GA have helped him a lot.

    That being said, I don’t think he’s a bad candidate for it. His progressive bonafides are good, and his governing bonafides are coming along. He’s also a white Jewish man. Inoffensive enough to “independent” male voters, hard to call a Nazi, and harder to drum up the Israeli conservative lobby against.

    The biggest mark against him for progressives is he’s a billionaire. The biggest mark for him with moderate and liberal democrats is he’s a billionaire who spent $170m and $56m of his own money on his politics. Their hope is that he would spend equal or more to that to be President, helping with their cash advantage.

    So not an A+ candidate, but definitely someone with potential.


  12. - Levois J - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:15 am:

    I can’t speak for Dan Walker, but Blago would definitely be a joke on the national stage as we would see much later. And as for Rauner well I was never aware he had ambitions beyond the governorship. Perhaps have some more accomplished in this state before even trying.

    As for Pritzker, so far I don’t see it. Perhaps get re-elected first and then talk. The national Dems need to develop a legit bench beyond Kamala Harris because she’s not working out!


  13. - WestBurbs - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:18 am:

    Curious, other than bail reform, what “progressive” mudslinging hits JB in a national forum? I don’t think the failed graduated tax or Covid are effective attacks. What else, other than being an anti-Tump Dem?


  14. - flea - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:19 am:

    If he cant beat Bailey by more than 65-35 I will be astonished.


  15. - Soccermom - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:21 am:

    What about Abraham Lincoln, Rich?


  16. - Donnie Elgin - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:23 am:

    Pritzker is a uniquely Illinois creature, while he is decent on the campaign trail and he has a good favorability ( most Governors do). His real strength is the supermajority he enjoys in Springfield - put him on the national scene and he become much more pedestrian.


  17. - SOIL M - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:23 am:

    I was looking at this a couple months ago. Biden will be lucky to make it to the end of one term, much less a second. Even Democrats dont like Harris, as was evident in 2020 Primary. They took Cuomo out. Why did they take hom out when they did? The issues with him were known for a long time, so why then?
    Newsom, while he survived the recall, is severly damaged.
    The powers pulling Bidens strings need someone they know, someone who will do what they tell him to do, someone who is at least recognized on a National level, someone willing to do anything neccessary for the power that he seeks.
    Prizker has shown them that he fills that list.
    If the NYT printed it, it was leaked to them from someone to see how it flies, so the possibility is there.


  18. - Publius - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:25 am:

    There is always the Senate. Not sure how long Durbin will keep wanting to serve.


  19. - AD - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:30 am:

    Never say never. I think Pritzker is a better candidate than Biden, honestly, but I think that about many other Democrats also.

    It would be fascinating to see Pritzker debating Trump or DeSantis, though. That alone may be worth the cost of admission.


  20. - Suburban Mom - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:40 am:

    Lincoln wasn’t a governor, he was a legislator.


  21. - SWIL_Voter - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:46 am:

    He’s far better than their current bench, including the ones in the White House now, but that’s an extremely low bar. Just like the bar he’s setting as best governor of my life


  22. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:51 am:

    One race at a time, one job at a time.

    You’d think tamping it down would be… passively done… more aggressively


  23. - Almost the Weekend - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 9:55 am:

    I truly think JB doesn’t want to run for POTUS, he’s done a great job running this state compared to past predecessors this century.

    My take with no actual evidence: The individuals touting this story are the 2016 Clinton campaign alums who think it was their birthright to work at the White House someday.


  24. - Anonymous - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 10:02 am:

    Come on. There must be a sincere lack of understanding at the NYT how little appeal a white male billionaire who inherited his money has in a national election in America right now.

    But hey, might as well shoot your shot.


  25. - Shield - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 10:05 am:

    ==There’s no accidents in the NY Times political section.==

    Paging Judith Miller.


  26. - Streator Curmudgeon - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 10:11 am:

    Pritzker probably has more going for him in a presidential primary than Kamala Harris would have. She is floundering, staff are quitting, and she doesn’t have any big wins as VP she can point to.

    Even so, if Biden doesn’t run in 2024, Pritzker would probably get lost in the crowd.


  27. - Peoples Republic of Oak Park - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 10:16 am:

    Almost the weekend nailed it.


  28. - Frumpy White Guy - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 10:19 am:

    Say President Pritzker three times real fast. Quite a tongue twister if you ask me.


  29. - JB's Jogging Partner - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 10:28 am:

    This is a real story. JB is the Governor of the 6th largest state in America. JB has all the money to run a self-financed campaign. JB comes from the business community , so he can’t be portrayed as some delusionial leftist. But, JB does have problems. He’s from declining Illinois. He’s from mask up Illinois (which many Americans don’t want). He’ll have to explain why he writes checks to so many of Alderman Danny Solis’ friends. JB , also, is extremely unhealthy and that could become an issue in a presidential campaign. But, overall : he is a top tier candidate for the Democratic party. Who do the Democrats have that’s better than JB right now?


  30. - NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 10:39 am:

    What about for VP or even a Cabinet post?


  31. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 10:42 am:

    === he writes checks to so many of Alderman Danny Solis’ friends===

    Find 10 random people, how many of those 10 will know Danny Solis or any of the people you yourself didn’t name.

    (Sigh)


  32. - Pizza Man - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 10:49 am:

    While Gov. Pritzker has WH ambitions like any (or most) politicians would, he is definitely no Dan Walker or Blago. JB is skilled, savvy, and capable to serve (though he has no foreign policy chops), but I would focus on completing term # 2 and reviewing his ‘report card’ before (privately) allowing the whisper campaign to flow with earnest.

    You’re only on your 1st term…cool it for now.


  33. - Sharia Capo - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 10:52 am:

    All this Pritzker talk is strictly inside-Illinois baseball. In national fora, I see admiration for KY governor Andy Beshear as being a far more attractive national candidate.


  34. - New Day - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 11:05 am:

    When you’re governor and doing a good job, a lot of people promote you for president. Doesn’t mean it’s a real thing.


  35. - Ed McManus - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 11:09 am:

    Print edition of Tribune ran the story today but trimmed it, and the Pritzker part was left out altogether!


  36. - Loop Lady - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 11:27 am:

    There were fatal flaws in the mentioned IL POTUS candidates…JB’s religious affiliation will be problematic for some folks, not me. He would get my support.

    I think Gov Newsome of CA has done a great job, but is viewed as ultra liberal by the right and moderates. Too bad.

    Cuomo shot himself in the foot. stick a fork in him.

    Can’t think of any other DEM governors I could support.

    In any event, Biden should not run again IMHO.


  37. - Lucky Pierre - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 11:41 am:

    JB is in the bottom 1/3 of all Governors as far as approval rating but he definitely leads the pack in self importance.

    https://morningconsult.com/2021/11/18/phil-scott-approval-vermont-polling-senate-race/


  38. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 11:48 am:

    ===JB is in the bottom 1/3… ===

    … with a 51% approval rating.

    You thinking Bailey, Schimpf, Rabine… “Sully”… can knock that down as that “someone”?

    One race at a time.


  39. - Lucky Pierre - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 11:59 am:

    Term limited Democratic Governor Ralph Northram from Virginia is also at 51% approval

    How did that race turn out for the Republican challenger against “Landslide” Terry Mc Auliffe?


  40. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 12:04 pm:

    ===How did that race turn out for the Republican challenger against “Landslide” Terry Mc Auliffe?===

    You forget his name already, lol

    That person won’t be running for Illinois governor.

    It’s noted you couldn’t name which of the four will be beating Pritzker.


  41. - JB's Jogging Partner - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 12:06 pm:

    -JB’s Jogging Partner-

    It’s as if some people forget that opposition research exists which does raise voters’ knowledge of a candidate. If the Burke-Solis investigation should heat up in the coming months , JB might be tarred(rightly or wrongly). Do I think JB is a good candidate ? Yes, because he comes off well. But, he has weaknesses going national. In Illinois, even low poll numbers aren’t going to help the GOP much.


  42. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 12:12 pm:

    === It’s as if some people forget that opposition research exists which does raise voters’ knowledge of a candidate. If the Burke-Solis investigation should heat up in the coming months , JB might be tarred(rightly or wrongly).===

    Seriously, who exactly is going to spend the hundreds of thousands, multiple hundreds of thousands, to try to drill in something that Pritzker will be spend a quarter of a billion, with a “b”, on his own record?

    Danny Solis?

    “Sure”…. lol


  43. - Here we go again - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 12:14 pm:

    Coming from a reliably blue state, he has limited appeal.


  44. - Graybeard - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 12:21 pm:

    == Coming from a reliably blue state==
    Last four Presidents:

    Bush (reliably red Texas)
    Obama (reliably blue Illinois)
    Trump (reliably red Florida)
    Biden (reliably blue Delaware)


  45. - JS Mill - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 12:32 pm:

    = There must be a sincere lack of understanding at the NYT how little appeal a white male billionaire who inherited his money has in a national election in America right now.=

    Jeepers, I hope donald trump doesn’t hear that.

    =JB is in the bottom 1/3 of all Governors as far as approval rating but he definitely leads the pack in self importance.=

    He is leading in Illinois. That is all that matters.

    Self importance? Self delusion is strong with you. He is one of the most humble successful politicians I have ever observed. If he holds a grudge it isn’t obvious, he helps people no matter what part of the state.

    The socialist candidate Bailey wanted to kick Cook County out of the state.

    I’ll take Pritzker any time.


  46. - Oswego Willy - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 12:33 pm:

    ===Coming from a reliably blue state===

    No.

    Illinois, since 1988 has voted with the majority of voters in every race, less 2004.

    Illinois rings in with majority voters, the electoral college is another animal.


  47. - Reliably Blue - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 12:42 pm:

    NYT needs to do a little more research. Pritzker has “worked to stabilize his state’s finances” by collecting federal bailouts from the Biden administration. When those dollars are gone, we’ll be right back to “unstable finances.”


  48. - Blake - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 1:27 pm:

    It would be worthwhile to see how well each Democratic governor’s approval rating compares to Biden in the same state.


  49. - Three Dimensional Checkers - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 1:30 pm:

    President Biden is too old. When someone dies in their late 70s, it’s sad, but also when people die. There were going to be these questions about a second term no matter what he did. I think VP Harris would be in the best position to run. She’s been there and would be history making in a lot of ways.


  50. - Dotnonymous - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 2:06 pm:

    “JB , also, is extremely unhealthy and that could become an issue in a presidential campaign….”

    Do you have access to Governor Pritzker’s medical records… are you His Physician?


  51. - RNUG - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 2:58 pm:

    I tend to be a contrarian, and JB may want to make a Presidential run, but right now I don’t see 2024 as his, or any Democrat candidate’s, year. If the mid-terms don’t go heavily GOP as expected right now, then JB could have a shot.


  52. - Anonymous - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 3:07 pm:

    Only Illinois Democrats reading a state government blog could convince themselves of Pritzker’s national appeal.

    Best case he’d be Romney. Worst case scenario he’s Bloomberg.

    If I inherited over a billion dollars I’d try to run for President too I guess. What the hell else would I have to do?


  53. - Mary - Monday, Dec 13, 21 @ 4:01 pm:

    Of course Pritzker is positioning himself for President. And to say he doesn’t have DC connections is just silly. There’s a lot of people who do lots of things within the Pritzker organization that doesn’t have to be centered in IL.


Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.


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