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Tone it down, please

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* Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle ventured south of I-80 today and put her foot right in her mouth…

Preckwinkle was defending the recent move by city officials to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, saying out of whack drug laws unfairly lead to more minorities behind bars.

Republican state Rep. Chapin Rose questioned whether such an approach includes drug treatment for those who are ticketed. Preckwinkle said no, arguing that drug treatment should be part of health care system, not criminal justice. She said Reagan deserves a “special place in hell” for his involvement in “making drug use political.”

“What? You didn’t like that?” Preckwinkle said after members of the audience gasped.

Um, she was speaking Downstate and this is Reagan’s home state. Not a good thing.

And it was Nixon who was really responsible for the War on Drugs. Reagan just amped it up, which, at the time, was a pretty popular thing to do. I opposed it, but I was in a very small minority back then. It’s a horribly failed program, but saying a former president deserves a “special place in hell” for his part in it is way over the line.

If she wants to run statewide (subscribe to find out more), then Preckwinkle will have to learn how to speak to groups which aren’t always full of hardcore Chicago Democrats. Champaign-Urbana is a pretty liberal place, but it isn’t the 4th Ward.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 2:58 pm

Comments

Politics aside, that’s just a nasty thing to say. Way out of line for a public official.

Countdown to when it tops Drudge Report and Dems all over the country running for re-election are put on the defensive: 5,4,3,2,1,…..

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:03 pm
During discussions over expungement legislation sponsored by State Rep. Connie Howard, Rep. Rose suggested that language be added requiring anyone asking the court to seal a minor drug conviction to first pass a drug test.

Chapin Rose was a reasonable guy then, and he’s a reasonable guy now.

The language he wanted was inserted, and Rose spoke in favor of the bill on the House floor. Not an easy thing to do for a former prosecutor. Thanks in part to his support and hard work, the measure passed unanimously.

There are ideologues with bad ideas in Illinois politics. Representative Rose is not one of them.

Comment by Dave Clarkin Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:05 pm
Have been trying to figure out a way to subscribe for a couple days now…..I don’t have microsoft outlook so now what?

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:09 pm
That’ll come back and bite her if she has any grander ambitions…

Comment by phocion Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:10 pm
Like Nancy Jones was saying…..

Comment by amalia Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:12 pm
Not ready for prime time.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:15 pm
Today looks like Stupid Politician Day on CapFax.

Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:18 pm
Eh…I’m a former Reaganite except for this, and I’m okay with it.

Even the right acknowledges it was a grand failure: The drug war was escalated by Ron and Nancy for pure political gain. Hundreds of thousands of families destroyed by mandatory minimums. People who had nothing to do with any drug crime given decades. Kids orphaned. And violence and drug use up.

Special place in hell is a colloquial phrase that fits the bill here. Plus, most people love Preckwinkle’s straight talk.

Comment by state worker Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:18 pm
===She (Preckwinkle) said Reagan deserves a “special place in hell” for his involvement in “making drug use political.”

“What? You didn’t like that?” Preckwinkle said after members of the audience gasped.===

This will just blow over … it’s not like anyone has a video, or audio … or …

Quotes are silly things, they follow you … and just when you think you shook them … they come right back at you.

Illinois doesn’t even recognize Reagan … anme one way Illinois says, “Hey, we claim Ronald Reagan! ….”

My advice, stay away from Lincoln, even the Lincoln that seems to be forever spinning in his grave.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:20 pm
I’ve heard these lapses in judgement/gaffes happen after fairly regularly after overconsumption of one’s own kool-aid .

Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:24 pm
Ms Preckwinkle this one is for you, listen and learn!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvN1jTkzXbY

Comment by WazUp Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:25 pm
Preckwinkle is not a serious statewide candidate. Having watched her on tv for a few years she makes Chris Christie look like a civil, happy human being (which is very hard)(as we see here with her comment), this pot legalization is indicative of how “out there” she is, she has a lot of the sonia sotomayor the world has done be wrong in her (not appealing to people outside hyde park and parts of the city), she comes off on tv as extremely arrogant and full of herself-much more so than even Rahm, and it’s unclear to me what about cook county government this state would ever want to replicate.

Other than that, she’s a great candidate.

Comment by Shore Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:36 pm
Not sure if anyone deserves a “special place in Hell”, for the government’s policy on drugs.
I don’t seem to recall Clinton pushing to ease up on drug offenders when he was in office.

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:41 pm
I applaud President Preckwinkle for saying this. stand your ground Toni!

Comment by wndycty Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:43 pm
For the record, Champaign-Urbana is probably MORE liberal than the 4th Ward.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:45 pm
[War on Drugs] a horribly failed program, but saying a former president deserves a “special place in hell” for his part in it is way over the line.

This is a classic Kinsley gaffe.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:46 pm
word, kind of like how the dems used the akin statement to put the gop on defensive? biggest difference is that akin is an idiot, and preckwincke seems to be doing a good job.

Comment by wizard Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 3:47 pm
I’d say that the most telling part of this story is the line. “What? You didn’t like that?”

She’s out of touch.

Comment by CU Voter Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 4:03 pm
Normally I don’t throw in with firebrands, but I’ve seen the effects of using the criminal justice system to deal with drug problems and the modern mental health system that grew out of Reagan’s deinstitutionalization program. Anyone who has seen either system up close and how “well” they serve our society will tell you how they feel if given the opportunity. It might not be artfully phrased but she’s not wrong. If you think she is, then please, by all means, defend the status quo in mental health treatment and the literal war on (some non-patentable) drugs.

Comment by Colossus Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 4:09 pm
Reagan’s CIA supported right wing death squads that raped and murdered nuns and assassinated a Catholic arch-bishop.

Reagan buried the AIDS epidemic on page 12.

I agree with others that trying to pin the “War on Drugs” as Reagan’s most despicable act seems nitpicky.

But hey…atleast now we know Preckwinkle believes in Heaven and Hell!

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 4:09 pm
A couple thoughts:

1) An out of character statement from Preckwinkle, who is usually careful, aloof, and in no way hyperbolic.

2) The statement in no way hurts her in a Dem primary for Gov. General…different story.

Comment by Phil Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 4:10 pm
===“What? You didn’t like that?”===

If someone has THAT part of the quote on video, that would be up there with Ramey’s, “You know who I am?” in all-time campaign killers

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 4:14 pm
Well, Quinn proved you don’t need downstate to win.

Comment by Robo Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 4:23 pm
“she’s not wrong. If you think she is, then please, by all means, defend”

Since man cannot know the spiritual state of the deceased, it is impossible for President Preckwinkle to assign a afterlife location to President Reagan.

Her passing judgement on the deceased seems unpleasant, vindictive, and ironic in a forum that is supposedly “facilitating bipartisan and cross-regional cooperation”

Comment by Backwards Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 4:26 pm
Backwards (appropriate name) -

Until we can admit the emperor has no clothes, nothing will get better. Reagan wasn’t a saint, he didn’t singlehandedly defeat the Soviet Union, he raised taxes several times when it was necessary, and he was significantly to the left of the average Republican today. His economic ideas were hokum and have set the stage for the national decline we have seen since he came to prominence.

You’re not defending anything, you’re just doubling down on umbrage. When you’re ready to talk about reality, I’m all ears. Sure, “special place in hell” might be a strong way of saying it, but shying away from taking an honest look at reality only gets us…where we are now, counting angels (or demons) on a pinhead.

Comment by Colossus Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 4:37 pm
Whatever you say Colossus, but how has President Preckwinkle determined Reagan’s spiritual condition and how does this statement contribute to the goals of the Edgar Fellows?

Comment by backwards Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 4:48 pm
I have to agree with Shore.
This is in character for Toni. Too often, she’s aloof and unable to connect with people.
Personally, she’s very rarely likeable.
She has a warm side, but I think I’ve seen it twice (and never while dealing with her on any matters that were in the least bit controversial).
She reminds me a bit of Brady. She may do OK where “D” after her name is enough to get her elected, but she will have a very tough time reaching out to those not already on her side.

Comment by Jasper Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 4:53 pm
The point is, Preckwinkle’s remark buries the issue, and probably discredits her position in some minds.

Politics is a game of addition. The idea is to attract people to your position, not repel them with gratuitous and juvenile remarks.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 5:02 pm
Word, I completely agree with you. It was poorly phrased and I understand why some are offended. But when given the choice between taking offense and puffing my chest to defend my tribe or talking about the real issue that was being discussed, I’ll choose the latter every time.

It seems that folks don’t realize that the game of addition is going to sound very different in coming cycles. The sensibilities of those of us born while Reagan was president are shaped by a very different understanding of the last 30 years, and adding the Gen Y/Millenials to the political game is going to result in very different rhetoric and stances than have been employed to great effect by parties fighting for Boomer and Gen X votes. And I think this incessant Umbrage Olympics that we call an election year will be roundly rejected by the generation that is just now finding its political footing and beginning to take its place in the grand system.

Comment by Colossus Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 5:10 pm
RE: “For the record, Champaign-Urbana is probably MORE liberal than the 4th Ward.”

@Yellow Dog: You know Dear…it’s a wonder that the Champaign-Urbana centered congressional seat NEVER goes Democrat, they clearly need a candidate with political insights like yours. *EYEROLL* Champaign-Urbana is Republican territory and far more conservative than Hyde Park/Kenwood - the same reason that Bloomington-Normal keeps sending Republicans to the General Assembly. Get a clue, Dear.

Comment by Debbie Reynolds Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 5:17 pm
Debbie Reynolds, (great blog name btw) you and YDD are both a bit right and wrong about C-U. The ‘Paign as a whole leans Republican/conservative. On the other hand, it’s called “The People’s Republic of Urbana” with good reason.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 5:29 pm
Thank you, Dear.

“Now, the trouble with our liberal friends is not that they’re ignorant. It’s just that they know so much that isn’t so.” ~ Ronald Reagan

Comment by Debbie Reynolds Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 5:54 pm
I REALLY thought better of her than this.
I am very disappointed given she gives the appearance of being a decent, caring, and ethical public servant. She probably is ethical and honest. Just not best suited to serve a variety of people or tolerant of other opinions that a leader needs to have.

Comment by Richard Afflis Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 6:09 pm
“This is in character for Toni. Too often, she’s aloof and unable to connect with people.”

It must be a Hyde Park/University of Chicago thing.

Comment by Anon- amiss Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 6:24 pm
Reagan is not loved by many communities. Maybe downstate, maybe in Peoria (those Caterpillar strikers got food stamp benefits when Bob Michel was running a close race. But, not the PATCO strikers. Reagan made strikers ineligible for food stamps). I appreciate Preckwinkle’s staight-shooting honesty. She talks about real issues.

Comment by Emily Booth Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 6:36 pm
@Debbie Reynolds -

Um, I think you’re the one that is clueless.

Champaign COUNTY is Republican territory, because rural Champaign County is extremely conservative.

Champaign-Urbana, is extremely liberal.

That’s why, for example, Obama got 70 percent of the Democratic primary vote in Champaign County in 2004 for US Senate, while Hynes only got 20 percent, even though most folks think of Hynes as pretty strong in downstate.

In 1998, Glenn Poshard - a demigod throughout Southern Illinois - lost Champaign County to John Schmidt.

For I believe two decades, Champaign-Urbana was represented by ultra-liberal Helen Satterthwaite. An anti-war, anti-death penalty Quaker. Her successor lost only narrowly in the GOP landslide of 1994, primarily because she was seen as being too close to Madigan, who local Democrats perceive as being an ultra-conservative. Successive efforts to retake the House seat were stymied as one “Madigan candidate” after another was sabotaged by local Democrats.

So yes, while Champaign County has been represented by a GOP member of Congress for some time - most recently Tim Johnson (a moderate trial lawyer by most accounts) - Champaign-Urbana is a liberal bastion that has repeatedly nominated David Gill.

Bloomington-Normal is a different beast, since it isn’t just a college town, its an insurance town.

How’s that for a clue, Dear?

Here’s a tip: If you can’t be civil, at least be right.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 6:49 pm
@Arthur Andersen:

Champaign likes to look down their noses at “The People’s Republic of Urbana.”

At the same time, Champaign elected a former Black Panther to its City Council.

Rich Whitney got nearly 20% of the vote in Champaign County as the GREEN PARTY candidate for Gov in 2006 for Pete’s Sake.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 6:58 pm
sounds like ms. p wants to open up a discussion about why minority crime rates are higher than the general population. welcome, but are we ready for this? ok by me.

Comment by park Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 7:50 pm
Rich,

The Sun Times has her apology …Might be fair to link to that (?)

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 8:03 pm
Her only hope is Galesburg. Mosley Braun won Galesburg While losing Rock Island county. It is really interesting but Kewanee and Monsmouth have gone democratic while thw small towns south have all gone republican. I think its cultural. The Western illinois buldge has a lot of conservative Churches.

Comment by western illinois Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 9:00 pm
@Western Illinois -

Are we talking about a Democratic Primary or the General Election?

Scratch that.

Why are we discussing either when 1) Preckwinkle isn’t a statewide candidate yet and 2) the gubernatorial primary is 18 months away?

Here’s my two cents: as a career path, Cook County Board President is a much better job, atleast for now. The County has problems, but they are manageable and mostly within Preckwinkle’s control. The state has much bigger problems, much tougher to manage, and mostly beyond the control of the governor.

If it were a state, Cook County would be the eighth largest state. It probably has a larger budget than many small countries.

Cook County is a good gig, Toni should keep it.

Besides, anyone unfortunate enough to unseat Pat Quinn is going to have to deal with the sunset of the temporary tax hike, and is likely to be a one-termer. Its a lousy job, and I’d probably ask Quinn to be sure he really wants it before seeking re-election.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 10:12 pm
YDD, good points. The Republican Champaign I grew up in and elected folks like Tim Johnson and Virgil Wikoff and never elected Dems to the County Board has changed over the last 20-25 years.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Aug 21, 12 @ 10:20 pm
@Arthur Andersen -

Thanks. I imagine if you looked at the census data, you’d see that the populations of the rural portions of Champaign County have declined or atleast stagnated while Urbana and Champaign have grown.

At the same time, the GOP has moved so far to the right that I’m not sure Tom Ewing or Stan Weaver would recognize it or even be welcome. I have a hard time imagining Weaver putting his name on the Akin-Ryan Rape Bill, and Weaver (like Bill Black) was a pragmatist who would have looked for middle ground on pensions.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Aug 22, 12 @ 8:07 am
On that note, Democrats now hold a majority on the Champaign County board.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Aug 22, 12 @ 8:12 am