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Question of the day

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* From Aviva Bowen’s Facebook page…

Election Day is Tuesday, and you know what that means! - the Running of the Political Cliches, brought to you by Masters of the Obvious. Today’s kick-off begins with an old favorite - “it all comes down to turnout.” Stories about the impact of weather and debates on undecided voters (spoiler: little to none) must be on the way.

Other favorites, fellow hacks and flaks?

(And reporter friends, I’m not dissing this story; it’s a good round-up. Just laughing at the headline.)

She then linked to a story with the headline: “Turnout could swing GOP race for Illinois governor.”

* Some of her comments…

Kevin Lampe: We have done everything, it is now up to the voters.

Scott Cisek: Winning comes at many levels.

Kyle Hillman: Something, something… Abraham Lincoln ….something, something

Will Caskey: Low turnout, voter apathy mark (election). Political science professor Dick Simpson said (sad panda).

Elizabeth Austin: This has been a hard-fought primary, but I think I can speak both for my team and for my opponent’s in saying that we are firmly united in our commitment to a (Democratic/Republican) win in November.

* The Question: Your favorite/least favorite political cliches?

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:39 pm

Comments

Signs don’t vote

Until the last vote is counted

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:43 pm
Cautiously optimistic

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:44 pm
Least fave: Voters went to the polls under cloudy/sunny/snowy/rainy skies.
Least fave: Has/lacks fire in the belly.
Fave: Heck, I can’t think of one.

Comment by Perry Noya Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:44 pm
Undecideds will break after …

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:45 pm
“X” has worn out his/her shoes, hitting the precincts.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:46 pm
OK, I thought of a fave:

Democrats in disarray!

Comment by Perry Noya Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:46 pm
Well, we feel the momentum is on our side…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:48 pm
“Moral victory.”

“Symbolic defeat.”

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:48 pm
“The only poll that counts is the one on election day.” (said by politicians whose support is in the single digits, of course)

Comment by ??? Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:48 pm
The only poll that matters is the one taken from the People voting on Election Day

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:48 pm
Before the polls open: Close elections are won or lost by two votes per precinct.

After the polls close: You can’t blame anyone but the candidate for a loss this big.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:48 pm
It`s for the children.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:50 pm
Sorry - ??? -.

This was really a group effort showing how “X” brings people together

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:50 pm
The suburban moms have spoken in favor of choice

We have to stop: (Mike Madigan) (the Far Right agenda) (taxing and spending)

Comment by Capitol View Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:50 pm
The people spoke

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:51 pm
Oswego Willy, no apologies needed. We were posting at the same time. Great minds think alike!

Comment by ??? Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:51 pm
This (district/town/state/etc) made it clear it (favors/opposes) “x”

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:53 pm
“Now let’s throw it to (clueless TV reporter) who is talking with someone who just voted.”

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:54 pm
- ??? -,

Careful, you may have the great mind, I will hop on for the ride.

—————-

It’s a mandate.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:54 pm
“Little known challenger faces uphill battle”

Comment by Smoggie Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:55 pm
“It is clear that my (extremely narrow win) was a mandate from the people!”

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:55 pm
What is the pulse in the precints?

We are at (diner/greasy spoon/bar) where the talk about the election…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:56 pm
The desecration of fine establishments for “sandwich summits,” “beer summits,” etc. between winner and loser.

I just want a corned beef sandwich from Manny’s without having to shake hands with you dopes.

Comment by Jimmy CrackCorn Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:56 pm
Absentee ballots could very well decide this race.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:57 pm
I think we made our case…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:59 pm
At this point, least favorite….”fat lady” clearing her throat, getting ready, approaching the stage, etc. Various graphics usually accompany with a “Rubenesque” woman. Has no one even a thimble full of sympathy for the hefty “moose” size amongst us?

Comment by anonymoose Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 12:59 pm
“We’re going to prove the pundits and pollsters wrong.”

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:00 pm
The experts are going to get this one wrong come Election Day

We will be the last one standing

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:01 pm
Crossover votes!

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:01 pm
“Money doesn’t matter.”

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:01 pm
Former Chief of Staff to High Ranking Illinois Official Says Making All Facebook Photos Orange-colored Will Be Key to Victory Surge

Comment by Smoggie Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:01 pm
Rich - sorry!

EVERYONE counted us out…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:01 pm
“That’s not what we’ve been seeing, (reporter), and I think a lotta folks out there are going to be surprised. We’ve seen a lot of polls, but the only one that counts is the one they take on election day.”

Comment by ChinaTown Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:03 pm
Machine politics, plain and simple…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:04 pm
Chicago-Style

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:05 pm
I’m going to hold my nose and vote for the guy who happens to belong to the same political party I’ve voted for in the past 20 elections. I’m really an independent but every election the other party nominates the most evil person on the planet. Maybe next time.

Comment by that guy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:05 pm
“Is the rain/snow/wind/hail/sleet/tornado/hurricane/flood/earthquake/mudslide having any effect on today’s voter turnout? We’ll talk about that right after the break…”

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:07 pm
The vote was stolen from the people…

(Cue Tony Peraica and storming the County Building)

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:07 pm
“According to exit polls … [INSERT ANYTHING HERE]”

Comment by Anonymiss Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:08 pm
This is/isn’t a one issue candidate/campaign

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:08 pm
TV reporter to viewing audience: “I’m standing here at the XYZ Elementary School, which is the polling place for [insert candidate name here]. Candidate and Mrs. Candidate are now walking into the polling place and requesting their ballots. Wait…ok…now they are entering the poll booths to cast their votes.”

(5 minutes later) “Candidate and Ms. Candidate have finished voting and are now exiting the polling place, waving and smiling to supporters.”

Comment by ??? Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:09 pm
“Should Illinois give voters the option to choose ‘None of the Above’? (TV reporter) is with a voter right now to hear her opinion.”

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:09 pm
Irregularities seem to exist

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:09 pm
Not cliché exactly, but Archer is tops and substitute (name of candidate/politician) for his below:

Cyril Figgis: How do you keep track of all these lies?
Sterling Archer: Practice Cyril. Lying is like 95% of what I do.
Cyril Figgis: In your job.
Sterling Archer: Sure.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:10 pm
“(Insert random anything) is the backbone of Illinois.”

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:10 pm
“Candidate ‘X’, who did you vote for? (Spouse), how are you holding up?”

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:11 pm
So, now that the election is over, what will you do tomorrow?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:12 pm
Reporter: Did all the attacks bother you?

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:12 pm
“We’ll wait ’til every vote is counted!”, says the potential loser.

Comment by Wensicia Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:14 pm
From an actual press release I just received…

Jimmy Lee Tillman, II is the only candidate for the Republican nomination in the 1st Congressional District in Illinois primary. A political strategist and hip hop political talk show host, he founded the Martin Luther King Republicans organization.

“Voters in Cook County and Illinois are eager for an alternative to the current all Democratic leadership that has delivered very little,” Tillman remarked, “It is important that our community is represented in both political parties and not neglected by either.”

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:15 pm
“This campaign wasn’t about winning for me; it was a fight for the values that made this community/state/country great.”

Comment by OldSmoky2 Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:15 pm
We have learned from someone close to the campaign (candidate) did his/her usual routine this morning, bite with his/her (spouse), then, will then have lunch with supporters, and about 7 head to the VFW, where he/she started this journey and wait for the returns with supporters, family and close friends

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:16 pm
OldSmoky2 for the lead!

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:18 pm
“I shot 39″ - Tom Cross Election Day

Hey, it’s cliche!

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:18 pm
Winner after election: It’s time to come together.

Comment by In the Middle Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:18 pm
Big Mo’

Comment by phocion Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:19 pm
(after a candidate who is backed by the party and who outspends opponent 10-1 wins as expected) “The people have spoken!”

Comment by Robert the Bruce Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:19 pm
Standard Concession statement: X and I fought through a hard campaign and I wish him/her only the very best as he/she assumes office. I know he/she will work toward what’s best for the good citizens of this great county/state, district. (This usually after weeks of lies about the opponent’s record, vicious attack ads, yard signs being stolen or destroyed and opposing campaign staff and volunteers harassed. LOL)

Comment by Responsa Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:23 pm
(after a primary loss in a nasty primary)

“I just got off the phone with ”

(Crowd boos)

“No no, we’re all united- is a good man. We need to work together to defeat !”

Comment by Robert the Bruce Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:24 pm
Responsa, you said it better, we were typing with similar thoughts at same time!

Comment by Robert the Bruce Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:25 pm
What was she thinking?

Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:26 pm
We faced powerful forces.

Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:26 pm
“My candidate is electable. The opponent can’t win the general election.”

That would be one of my least favorite cliches in politics.

It presumes to speak for a group of voters whom the speaker doesn’t speak for.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:27 pm
We were outspent, but we weren’t outworked!

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:28 pm
Related: when someone claims to speak for the people who don’t vote.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:29 pm
It’s a funny shaped ball, you never know where it will bounce.

Comment by A guy... Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:29 pm
And when fringe candidates boast about the ratio of dollars to votes in a losing effort where the candidate did little campaigning beyond getting his/her name on ballot.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:30 pm
Proft-Backed Candidates Loses

Comment by Smoggie Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:31 pm
And I want to thank my family, for supporting me with all the missed (list of kid events,/birthdays/anniversary) and never complained, knowing how important this campaign is to so many in (district/county/state). I can never thank them enough.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:34 pm
“Hanging chad” or
“The recount will prove the true intent of the voters”

Comment by Jake From Elwood Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:35 pm
No regrets.

Comment by A guy... Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:36 pm
If we had one more week…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:37 pm
We peaked just at the right time

Experts told us that the campaign peaked too early which shows this result

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:39 pm
Voters saw that he is a work horse, not a show horse.

Comment by Responsa Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:42 pm
“And I want you to know that what happened today isn’t the end of our fight for the future of community/state/country.”

Comment by OldSmoky2 Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:42 pm
This campaign has criss-crossed all over “X”

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:42 pm
“glossy mailer” to describe mail pieces printed on matte paper

Comment by SorryNotSorry Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 1:42 pm
People are really tired of the negative ads

Comment by horse w/ no name Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 2:04 pm
“Bite me!” by Rich Miller.

Least favorite when it’s directed at me, favorite when it’s not.

Comment by Anon. Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 2:04 pm
There were reports of polling places opening late, sending campaign lawyers to the courts to keep them open later this evening.

We’re hearing reports of poll watchers intimidating voters in the 33rd Ward.

One election judge has already been sent home for showing up drunk this morning.

Allegations of fraud were traded in this hotly contested battle.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 2:16 pm
favorite; ” If elected, I shall see to it that every man has a square deal, no less no more” Theodore Roosevelt ( more quote than cliché) oh for Teddy this Tuesday ! least has been addressed many times here..

Comment by railrat Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 2:20 pm
“Voter turnout in the primaries is traditionally lower than in the general election.”

“We are still waiting for the final vote counts from Cook County.” (Usually heard in the wee hours after a close election.)

Comment by Joan P. Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 2:23 pm
Neither side is conceding in this race.

It’s too close to call.

Finger pointing begins as campaign signs disappear.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 2:24 pm
this is a victory for the people.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 2:26 pm
(Insert candidate name) is sworn in, ready to hit the ground running.

Comment by CommoNooB Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 2:27 pm
Least Favorites

” At 7:05 am on Election Day Channel X News is projecting that Candidate X will win by 12 percentage points.”

” 8:00 am breaking news!!!!! Based on exit strategy polls Channel X is calling the race for (fill in the blank) in favor of Candidate Y.”

Comment by Irish Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 2:29 pm
There has been alot of mudslinging… Follow by….

We ran a clean race

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 2:31 pm
Most Favorite

“Rauner’s loss proves that money can’t buy everything.”

” And the incumbent Pat Quinn has lost to Kirk Dillard.”

Comment by Irish Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 2:34 pm
Now its time for the voters to have their say…

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 2:38 pm
“Results delayed.”

“There’s something wrong with the County/State website!”

“The people deserve a recount.

“That network always gets it wrong.”

Comment by Walker Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 2:52 pm
He/she is a (tea party) republican.

Comment by an innocent observer Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 2:54 pm
The results show the importance of appealing to suburban voters.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 3:21 pm
Our (insert name of 60+ year old “expert”) certainly didn’t see this upset coming.

Comment by Thomas Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 3:43 pm
We shouldn’t underestimate women voting, they make up a large part of the electorate.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 3:48 pm
“Shake up Springfield!”

Last two who prominently mentioned doing that didn’t turn out well for the citizens of this state (and Rich- thanks for the link and post from the IT about Dan Walker- was too young then to remember much about him, but I do remember my dad complaining about what a phony he was during the campaign)

Comment by Roadiepig Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 3:56 pm
Among MY personal favorites: “The only Poll that matters is the one taken on ELECtion Day,” and (often in defeat, but sometimes for the Victor), “The PEOPLE have spoken,” and, (especially in Chicagoland) the age-old, “Be sure to vote early and OFTEN!”

…Not to mention how I revel in the Generally Resolute nature of the USUALLY, definitively the Clincher Declaration (particularly when it’s ABC, NBC, CBS declaring it–because those Networks are Big-Time and mean Business), “So this Evening, at –: — PM, — NEWS is declaring (fill in the name) the WINNER in his/her race for (Office) in (Jurisdiction).” THAT Statement often sends a bit of a shiver down my spine–like the “Wow” Moment because it’s so significant and/or meaningful, especially when it’s been a close/highly contested Race for Big Stakes with a heretofore VERY Uncertain Outcome…!

On the list of least cared-for: “Bad Weather means Low Turnout!’ and “So it’s sure looking like if this Pattern keeps up, (So and So) will be elected the next (fill-in the Office) from (Jurisdiction)…but it’s close, and all of the Precincts haven’t been counted yet.”

Also, akin to that one is dread I too often experience as to the Remark around Midnight or later of a LONG Election Day/Night by some Major Reporter when you’re just aching already to see who’s WON so you can go to bed or go Home, to the tune of, ‘So at THIS point? It’s just TOO close to call yet, and it looks like it’s gonna be a LONG Night for BOTH Campaigns…!”

Comment by Just The Way It Is One Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 3:58 pm
Pat Quinn is sure to lose.

Comment by the Patriot Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 4:37 pm
you know paperless ballots can`t be recounted.i think my man won.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 4:54 pm
im here for the”I voted” sticker.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 5:03 pm
when was the last dry election?

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 5:08 pm
“At the end of the day……….”

Comment by Hans Sanity Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 5:18 pm
long lines,broken machines,purged rolls,power outage,gunfire,but no electioning.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 5:19 pm
“A donation to my campaign will help put us over the top”. Least favorite.
“I won’t be robo-calling your home when you are watching your favorite television program anymore.” Most favorite (I can dream, can’t I?).

Comment by Frosty-The Snowman Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 5:26 pm
“It’s the low information voter who is to blame”

Comment by Ggal Friday, Mar 14, 14 @ 5:41 pm