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Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner, under the gun this week for admitting he belongs to an exclusive wine club that costs upward of $100,000 to join after portraying himself as the frugal $18 watch wearer, had a new everyday Joe ad teed up.
In this one, Rauner talks about his “trashcan van,” which he says he’s owned for 20 years — with “almost 200,000 miles.”
“I’ll live in Springfield, sell that state plane and drive my van to work because the Capital needs a good trash can,” Rauner says in the ad, chiding Gov. Pat Quinn for using a state plane to fly to Springfield.
* The ad…
* DGA response…
This is from the phony with a $100,000 extra parking spot. The ad is as insulting as it is incredulous. Voters beware.
*** UPDATE *** Quinn campaign…
“Mr. Rauner’s attempt to deceive voters into not thinking that he’s an out of touch billionaire with 9 homes and a $140,000+ wine club membership is offensive. But it’s not as offensive as the fact that his policies always benefit the very wealthy at the expense of the rest of us, whether it’s his heartless belief that the minimum wage should be eliminated or his plan to tax consumption of food and medicine. We don’t think voters will be fooled.”
Food and medicine taxes? A new front against Rauner appears to be opening.
*** UPDATE 2 *** The Rauner campaign responds to the food and medicine tax allegation…
This is a lie. Bruce’s growth plan only modernizes how we treat services - not goods like food and medicine. And in fact, Bruce explicitly said that he would exempt “medical services” and “day-to-day items like Laundromats, day care centers, barber shops and animal care.”
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:31 am
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This is great. The Rauner crew is always waiting in the tall weeds ready to pounce. Keep doing the class warfare stuff Quinnsters.
Comment by Wally Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:36 am
So, at a Rauner event not long ago I saw him get into a black GMC Yukon XL Denali. Starting MSRP is $60,985. Sheesh.
Comment by So. ILL Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:36 am
If there were only a way to make campaign promises binding.
Comment by What's in a name? Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:37 am
At which one of his six houses does he garage the van?
Comment by What's in a name? Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:38 am
Is that the car he parks at the top of his car elevator?
Comment by Skeptic Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:38 am
This seems desperate. All someone has to do is take a picture of the above mentioned Denali and it becomes a negative story. Just like the watch and the jacket, this will backfire. Don’t get this ad at all.
Comment by LittleLebowskiUrbanAchiever Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:39 am
Such a ridiculous ad. As if he ever drives that thing.
Comment by Just Observing Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:39 am
That “Trashcan Van” doesn’t look like it’s made in America (Volkswagen)….
Comment by Almost the Weekend Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:39 am
^^^So, at a Rauner event not long ago I saw him get into a black GMC Yukon XL Denali. Starting MSRP is $60,985. Sheesh.^^^
I am sure it belonged to a friend. Probably a thrill for Bruce to ride in such a nice vehicle.
Comment by Peoria guy Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:39 am
$18 watch, rust bucket van and $140,000 wine club, earned over $50 million last year. Does anyone really believe Bruce drive that thing back and forth to work every day? Frankly, I find it more than a bit disingenuous.
Comment by Stones Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:40 am
I look forward to a montage of Bruce getting out of limos and/or driving a luxury auto.
But why does Bruce keep trying to portray himself as an everyman when he clearly isn’t? Hard to see him winning that argument with the populist Quinn.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:40 am
LOL @PeoriaGuy
Comment by Just Observing Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:40 am
Oh no! The governor of the 5th largest state sometimes takes a small PLANE to work!
Wonder how often that van is Rauner’s choice when he goes to one of his 9 houses around the country? True, if you got it out to Napa you could cart back a lot of nice vino.
So insulting. Rauner obviously believes we’re all a bunch of gullible hicks.
Comment by too obvious Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:40 am
==So, at a Rauner event not long ago I saw him get into a black GMC Yukon XL Denali. Starting MSRP is $60,985.==
Maybe that was Rahm’s car. Bruce’s wine, Rahm’s car.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:41 am
wow–he really is a fraud.
Comment by Tom Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:43 am
assuming raunter wins, think of the reelection campaign ads based on silly promises like this. the gov’s parking spot at the capital is easily photographed after all.
Comment by goose/gander Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:44 am
There are people in the state who can’t afford a car at all, and several who are forced to drive older vehicles. This may come across as offensive to those who actually have to drive similar “trash can vans.” This may not be an effective ad in garnering support from those he needs. Use of the word “trash” does not seem wise.
Comment by Illinoise Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:45 am
Denali? That’s the schlepping car. I’m sure there are maseratis, porsches and a fleet of mercedes in his hangar type garage. What an offensive remark about the van. Is he aware that many people have vans like this as their only means of transportation for their family?
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:46 am
Instead of an election on how to deal with the pension crisis and create jobs in Illinois, we’re having one over the trappings of wealth. Brings to mind this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlS2ZrZIK2Q
Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:46 am
He’s becoming a joke. I hope it’s not just political insiders that get it.
Comment by Chi Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:46 am
Rauner doesn’t get it. He really, really thinks voters are idiots.
Dude, let me spell it out for you: the people who drive crappy vans and wear old watches do it because they don’t have enough to get a new van or a new watch. They might even work for the minimum wage that you want to abolish. They don’t belong to 100,000 dollar wine clubs and parade around Montana carrying bottles of expensive wine. They don’t have a personal smoking room in the Sears Tower.
The symbols you’re attempting to co-opt don’t define you. You’re actually defined by the deliberate, clumsy way you’ve chosen to co-opt.
The fact that you’re blind to this — and the fact that you continually parade around with your crappy stuff — stuff that you obviously use only for parading around attempting to get to votes — the fact that you don’t *see* this — astonishing.
Dude, seriously: get a grip. This doesn’t fool the voters.
Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:46 am
Aww. We have another addition to the Rauner “everyperson” persona family: the van. We can add it to the Carhartt and watch.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:46 am
Goose/gander—-The Guv’s mansion is 3 blocks from the Capitol.
Comment by Wally Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:47 am
Where are your tax returns and birth certificate, Bruce?
Comment by Del Clinkton Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:47 am
I take that question back. Of course he doesn’t know about families driving trash can vans as their only means of transportation.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:47 am
Bruce and I were comparing vehicles at a campaign event over the summer around June, when he parked next to me in the parking lot. My 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 320,000 miles had his van beat. We spent some time comparing mileage and car maintenance protocols. So I do know that vehicle exists.
Cute ad. Ugly van. Bruce, buy a Jeep!
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:48 am
Raunerbots, this ad is exactly why we keep mentioning his wealth. It’s not class warfare and it’s not that we begrudge him for having it. The wealth attacks work because he is trying soooo hard to act like he’s just a regular lunch bucket guy.
Rauner owns a $29 million Manhattan apartment that has a moat around it. Don’t give me this stuff about an old broken down van he likes to drive. This is the dumbest ad of the cycle so far.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:48 am
Time out.
Pat Quinn does fly in the state plane. A lot of voters seethe at the thought of elected officials flying on the taxpayer dollar - especially when reports come out that he is flying back-and-forth fairly often during session. Members of Congress sometimes fly first class, and it has become campaign fodder for their opponents.
If done correctly, hitting your opponent over taxpayer-funded perks is quite effective. Things like the Congressional gym and using state planes for “official” travel can easily be campaign fodder.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:55 am
Louis, how’s your appeal going in Springfield to keep the Libertarian Party from having ballot access? I thought your guy Bruce was supposed to be for ballot access. You are the objector and appellant in that Libertarian Party case right?
Comment by too obvious Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:56 am
Should we take it that he’s anti-USA cars and too dumb to help the auto industry by dumping his van during the 2009 Cash for Clunkers program?
I’m sure this will go down as the most intellectual ad of the season.
Comment by Norseman Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:56 am
===This is from the phony with a $100,000 extra parking spot. The ad is as insulting as it is incredulous. Voters beware.===
Besides - 47th Ward - setting the table of how those following Bruce Rauner, man o man, the DGA, kudos, Spot On…
The term Raunerbot has now a new meaning besides blindly following, it’s now bald face lying… to yourselves.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:58 am
Really bad idea. Tries way too hard. Nobody in the braintrust waved this off?
Dude, the cheap watch schtick is done. People know you now. Put it away, you’re embarrassing yourself and coming off as an even bigger phony, if that’s possible.
Not only that, but you’re insulting people who have to drive POS cars to get by. You might be able to fool some of the people all of the time with ridiculous policy pronouncements, but you can’t fool anybody pretending that you don’t live large.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 9:58 am
Actually, if Quinn wanted to really sell his Minimum Wage Challenge, he should have driven a beater around all week.
Comment by ChrisB Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:01 am
Bruce Rauner clearly thinks he can fool enough of the people enough of the time.
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:04 am
Jeesh. I’ve been warning my kids for years about creepy old dudes in vans.
Comment by Shark Sandwich Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:05 am
sorry Rich, my sinus infection is making me cranky today…
Comment by PoolGuy Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:06 am
My only comment is Quinn can try and make Rauner look bad for being rich. But lets look at it this way that’s the American dream. And what has Quinn done his entire life other than live off taxpayers..
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:08 am
Sometimes a van…is just a van. These are the vehicles you find 12 year old Cheerios in. The vehicles you take your kids to school, and then off to college in. Absolutely the vehicles you teach your kids to drive in. Then, you let them use it through the dating years thinking it will keep them more virtuous because of the unhipness of a van. But you secretly know better. That van could’ve been a loveshack, where parents thought it was the last place anyone would look. They’re sentimental. That’s why people keep ‘em so long. Good morning folks! lol
Comment by A guy... Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:09 am
@Wally - If “class warfare” attacks didn’t work then why was Bruce bragging about having a $18 watch? Why has his numbers gone down since Quinn pointed out his wealth? Why is he bragging about having a 20-year-old vehicle?
Anyway, “class warfare” is a 2-way street and when you oppose the minimum wage the people who are a lot closer to minimum wage than $50-million-a-year may feel its their class that is under attack.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:12 am
Oh I can’t wait for the add that tells me how he and the “little woman” spend Sundays clipping coupons together. Or, how he keeps a quarter in his “trashcan van” in case he needs to stop at Aldi on his way home. You know…to purchase some generic bread, cheese singles and mustard to make his brown bag lunch.
Comment by Johnnie F. Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:14 am
Pat Quinn 30+yrs in politics. Worked for Gov Dan Walker who went to prison. Lt Gov for Rod Blago who went to prison. Quinn under state and federal investigation.
Focus man it ain’t about the van.
Comment by Empty Suit Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:16 am
Rauner is spending big money to make an ad starring his old van because he’s just a sentimental guy A guy?
That’s pretty weak. I realize you don’t have much to work with here, but “sometimes a van is just a van?”
Really?
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:16 am
“And what has Quinn done his entire life other than live off taxpayers.”
Everyone lives off taxpayers. Taxpayers live in Rauner’s nursing homes. Taxpayers invest in Rauner’s private equity funds, etc.
Has Quinn worked in a governmental capacity for much of his career? Yes. So what? He’s currently applying for a job in his field of expertise. It’s good experience to have.
Comment by Chi Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:17 am
“My only comment is Quinn can try and make Rauner look bad for being rich.”
Rauner’s doing a great job making himself look like a phony.
This ad makes him look like he’s on the defensive. Now he’s taken the “everyperson” persona to an even phonier level.
This ad makes Rauner look like he’s on the defensive.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:18 am
Yes, the ad is pretty phony and team Rauner should have done a better job of highlighting the cost of tax payer dollars spend on Quinn’s commuting instead of focusing on the van. Don’t get me wrong, I like the van, I just didn’t think the ad was as effective as it could have been, it could have also highlighted a broader theme.
Could probably make a whole serious of “Pat Quinn wants to talk about how I spend my hard earned money because he doesn’t want to talk about how he spends your hard earned money.”
Comment by Ahoy! Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:22 am
The class warfare in this campaign is coming from the rich white guy exercising the rich white guy privilege to believe that he’s entitled to be governor because he’s a rich white guy. Doesn’t have to have any real economic policies, doesn’t have to disclose his “social policy”, doesn’t have to disclose his income tax. “I’m a rich white guy so I’m beyond question.”
Comment by D.P.Gumby Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:24 am
==The symbols you’re attempting to co-opt don’t define you. You’re actually defined by the deliberate, clumsy way you’ve chosen to co-opt.==
And neither does a Super 8 card, cutting the grass with a push mower or sitting in the upper deck.
PQ is as guilty of pandering to “everyday people” as Rauner is.
Comment by Bogey Golfer Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:25 am
=== 47th Ward - Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:16 am:
Rauner is spending big money to make an ad starring his old van because he’s just a sentimental guy A guy?
That’s pretty weak. I realize you don’t have much to work with here, but “sometimes a van is just a van?”
Really?===
LOL 47. Don’t know your history with the minivan, 47 or even if you have any. For us, it was the practical choice that Mrs. Guy just adjusted to. She couldn’t wait to not “need” it anymore and get more hip in her 40s. Putting 200K miles on a van ain’t easy. You just look at your pals in the eye “no words- they get it” and keep driving.
Then when you trade it in, darn it, you miss it. You took it for granted because it was the obvious choice for so long. The Mrs.- she doesn’t miss it at all. She goes for the sleek, new, mod, fast and dare I say it…sexy new car; not van. Cross over or SUV, maybe, but definitely not a van. She feels liberated by shedding the van. She doesn’t even like it when you drive it. She’s onboard with the kids rolling in it in a “uncool” way though.
The Van tells the family story man. It’s metaphorical payback for how some (very uncool) guys go through their own mid life crises. The van can’t reinvent itself. But it can stay reliable and do what it always did. Mile after mile. I’m smiling 47. My van was good to me. I miss it.
Comment by A guy... Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:32 am
After reading the previous postings, it sounds like he really does drive around in this old VW van.
And it seems that if the ad runs, it challenges the Quinn argument that Rauner can’t relate to regular people. That argument is an important one in Quinn’s attempts to portray his opponent as a cartoon Daddy Warbucks.
That was always a big mistake.
This is because the arguments that Rauner can’t relate to normal people because he is rich, was always an easy one to counter. You have to hope that Rauner would enjoy being portrayed as Lex Luther and not respond, or that enough voters just absolutely hate people who have things they don’t have, and get jealous.
If he is rich enough for all those houses, he knows what it is like to have a regular house as well. If he can afford designer leather jackets, then he obviously owns a barn coat. If he can afford a Rolex, he obviously owns an $18 dollar watch as well. Claiming he can afford expensive items, doesn’t mean that he is a fake when he uses items each of us use as well. Being wealthy gives him options we don’t have, but as a man I’m sure he finds flannel boxers just as comfortable as I do. While it may play politically to demonize him because he has more money than the rest of us - combined - it is misleading. Voters know that. Lots of rich people run and get elected into office. Always have been.
It isn’t the fact that a candidate is rich that could be a problem. But if a candidate has an opponent that doesn’t make those other issues a problem, and focuses on the fact that a candidate is rich - then we start running into trouble.
If Rauner being wealthy is the only thing Pat Quinn is going to tell us during this campaign, and bank his hopes of reelection by portraying Rauner as a heartless man incapable of understanding everyday people, he is going to lose this election.
With every ad Rauner spends his millions broadcasting to us how he knows what it is like to live like us, the less this Quinn argument against him works. If polls get tighter, expect to see more everyday Bruce ads. As a man, I just know he like flannel boxers and PBR, as much as any guy.
You see, being rich doesn’t change a person - it just gives them a lot of options. Quinn should have never focused on the bling Rauner has. He needed to have focused on selling Pat Quinn.
The only way Pat Quinn was going to win this election was by reminding the majority of voters who elected him, that they made the right choice then, and need to do it again.
Quinn is already an elected governor. All he had to do is convince the same people to vote for him again. EASY SALE people!
Pat Quinn’s attacks on Rauner as out of touch by wealth doesn’t work when Rauner pops each stereotype, and that leaves Pat with ZIPPO reasons for voters to vote for him.
That never had to be.
More lawn mower ads Pat!
We need to fall in love with you again, you bald headed love machine!
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:32 am
Okay, so wine a rich guy owns a bottle of wine worth more than your old van and drinks it regularly with the Mayor of Chicago on his multimillion dollar pleasure ranch in Montana. What’s the story, the wine or the van? How many sips of his wine is worth a year of minimum wages?
Comment by Jimmy Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:33 am
Also it saddens me that Illinois of all places should know what “class warfare” really is yet this national talking point nonsense gets thrown around even here.
Make a trip down to Desplaines st between lake and randolph and say a prayer for the souls of those who lost their lives there on the battlefield for an 8-hour workday. That’s real class warfare. But pointing out some dude bragging about his $18 watch has 8 houses? That’s just politics. Not warfare.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:34 am
Stop.It.Bruce. I know that is how the rich stay rich. I appreciate how he talks about being practical, but he probably has poor people pulling that van like a rickshaw.
There is a balance between showing you are practical vs coming across as condescending. I know he will not go on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous or MTV Cribs, but enough
Comment by Wumpus Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:35 am
Bad ad. Really bad. First of all, is Rauner never going to use a plane to fly around the State if he’s Governor? Not answered in the ad. Second, agree with all the comments here that this is some weak attempt to show Rauner is a regular guy. Dude, you’re rich. Own it.
Comment by phocion Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:35 am
Is this Rauner’s Dove hunting van? With all the $10K donors he has, it would look a little like a clown car when they all piled out to go bird blastin’…
Comment by Jimmy Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:37 am
Boys and girls, quick question: Who would you rather change lives with? The guys with 12 inch weeds or the guy with a 12 foot moat? Answer honestly or forever forfeit your right to purchase a lottery ticket.
Comment by A guy... Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:38 am
Pretty sure the DGA meant “incredible.” Incredulous doesn’t work there. Don’t they have any English majors on staff?
Comment by Levi Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:39 am
“And what has Quinn done his entire life other than live off taxpayers.”
Yes, and at the other end of the taxpayer feeding trough is a venture capitalist who’s living off the proceeds of public pension funds and bust out schemes at medicare and medicaid funded nursing homes…
Comment by Johnnie F. Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:39 am
I want to see an add with Quinn bashing Rauner for being rich followed by an add from the Illinois State Lottery.
Comment by Empty Suit Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:40 am
phocion = is Rauner never going to use a plane to fly around the State if he’s Governor=
Great point, I hope the media can lock him in on this. My guess is that his plan is to use his or a friend’s private plane.
Comment by Jimmy Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:40 am
To the update: Coming from the crew who never saw a tax they didn’t like. Now, that’s rich.
Comment by A guy... Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:41 am
Rich - I made a comment saying there should be plenty of pics of him driving this vehicle , but it was deleted. Would you please tell me what was gratuitously insulting (or otherwise delete-worthy) about that post?
Comment by WhyDeleted?? Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:41 am
= Is this Rauner’s Dove hunting van? With all the $10K donors he has, it would look a little like a clown car when they all piled out to go bird blastin’… =
POINTS!
Comment by Archiesmom Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:46 am
Bruce - you’re looking silly now.
Comment by low level Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:47 am
The Rauner team has run a strong campaign strategically, (from a purely political POV), but some of their lesser tactics have been stupid. My guess is that this ad is just one of many to keep the junior staff motivated and was put out without a lot of senior input. With lots of money, you can just spray it around.
Bruce, to be generous, sees to have hired good senior professionals, and he simply lets them do “whatever” with his and others’ money. He trusts them to win for him, without a lot of management or leadership by him, and assumes he will personally be held blameless after the campaign investment pays off.
We are seeing his business skills and strategy from GTCR, playing out in his campaign.
Comment by walker Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:48 am
- A Guy…-,
“Sometimes a van is a van?”
Sometimes a prop (wife, Carhartt, watch, can) is a prop.
===Boys and girls, quick question: Who would you rather change lives with? The guys with 12 inch weeds or the guy with a 12 foot moat?===
We know you ENVY Bruce Rauner, that doesn’t make him less than a fraud, or you less of a lemming.
If they are not paying you for throwing out your dignity, your common sense, you honestly, integrity, ethics and morals, your foolhardy way you defend Bruce Rauner for blatantly being who he pretends to be, you seriously need to take a look at what you represent, and what you are standing up for in Bruce Rauner. He is paying well to sell out, you need to cash in.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:49 am
The other obvious question — and one I haven’t really heard asked directly: why?
If you’re a billionaire — why are you wearing a crappy watch? Why are you driving around a crappy van? There’s nothing pleasing about a 200,000 mile car — especially when you can obviously afford a new one.
Actually — and Rauner highlighted this for me — there’s nothing more offensive to me that a billionaire (anyone — Bill Gates, Rauner, Steve Ballmer) going on and on about their crappy little personal items when they’re buying basketball teams and wine memberships and (I’m guessing) smoking the Opus X’s (or whatever) that no one else can afford. It’s deeply weird to me — this idea that, yeah, I’ve got this wealth — but I don’t want to visibly spend it. Man, if you have the cash, don’t pretend like you don’t have the cash. That’s offensive.
Plus, someone oughta check and make sure Rauner is up-to-date on his emissions check. If you’re driving around a van like that, I’m sure it’s failed a couple of emissions checks — or it’s about to fail one. All of course assuming you’re on the up-and-up and have the van actually registered in Winnetka.
Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:50 am
You know what would be even better? An ad featuring Quinnochio in the van! That would be AMAZING!
Comment by Soccermom Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:51 am
Bernie madoff would be governor of New York today if he had hired Ruaners campaign team.
Comment by William j Kelly Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:51 am
@47th Ward nailed it. The reason the wealth stuff works on Rauner is that he keeps (pathetically) trying to run from it. What really bothers voters is the sense that they’re being f—ed with, not being played straight with. To cite a totally different example, if Anthony Weiner had said from the beginning, “Yeah, I tweeted those pictures. What a dumb thing to do!” he’d still be in Congress. The mistake he made was in spending a week denying they were his photos. That’s what tanked him.
This ad is pathetic. Actually, that’s too kind a word for it.
Comment by Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 10:52 am
I wish Rauner would own /admit his wealth.
“Yes, I do have a big house. Not big enough to fit all the illegally hired patronage state employees you are hiding, but it is big.”
Comment by Robert the Bruce Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:00 am
And Bruce flies around the state in plane owned by mega-billionaire Ken Griffin. The same Ken Griffin would said uber-wealthy people don’t have sufficient influence on the political process. A view that only someone in the .0001 percent could believe.
This ad is a huge mistake and opens the door for counter punches that are going to sting.
BTW, VMan… What have you been smoking lately? And read the blog today. Most rich candidates do lose, largely because they are rich. This line of attack is obviously working otherwise Rauner wouldn’t feel the need to air this goofy ad. Please save us your weakly constructed rationalizations.
Comment by LittleLebowskiUrbanAchiever Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:01 am
If you’re a billionaire — why are you wearing a crappy watch? Why are you driving around a crappy van? There’s nothing pleasing about a 200,000 mile car — especially when you can obviously afford a new one.
You don’t get it. He is just like one of us, but has lots more stuff. He likes the stuff he has. He likes that van. He likes that watch. He is just like anyone else.
Your question “why?” is dependent upon a bunch of myths.
1.) Rich guys are out of touch.
2.) We have nothing in common with rich guys.
3.) Rich people only have the most expensive stuff.
4.) Rich people can buy anything.
There are probably a few others, as well.
You have to understand, we are having these myths propagated because we have an incumbent who doesn’t know how to run a reelection campaign. Instead of telling his millions of voters why they need to reelect him, the incumbent has made wealth an issue. Then he began telling everyone that wealthy people are not good people to send into elected office. Then he began telling everyone that his opponent couldn’t be governor because he is wealthy.
So, it is understandable that these myths exist partly because it has been advertised repeated over the past couple of months.
So, get out more and meet some rich people. You would be surprised how normal they are. That way, you wouldn’t be surprised when a Bruce Rauner doesn’t match the warped stereotyped caricature an endangered incumbent governor broadcasts.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:09 am
Most rich candidates do lose, largely because they are rich.
They lose because their political opponents decided to win. They won because they had better policy stands. They won because they were incumbents who knew how to get reelected. They won because the other candidate couldn’t figure out how they were alike to voters.
Thinking that focusing on the wealth doesn’t work when BOTH candidates are millionaires, which happens a lot more often than you think.
The idea that populists can win by bashing their opponents wealth, and generating masses of jealous voters to carry the populist into office - isn’t accurate at all.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:14 am
For crying out loud, it was Rauner who put the van out there: producing a TV spot, paying to have it aired.
He’s trying to communicate a message with it, as ridiculous as it might be.
It was stupid. He served up a fat one, and Quinn went yard.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:15 am
What firm is Rauner paying for his ads. They should be fired because they are the worst things I have ever seen. With all that money you would think he could get a better agency.
Comment by Anon Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:16 am
https://capitolfax.com/2014/06/24/on-cars-adlai-and-bruce/
Comment by Nony Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:18 am
Rauner wouldn’t feel the need to air this goofy ad.
Pat Quinn is on an ad mowing his lawn. All candidates do what they can to connect to voters. These ads were going to run and are not the result of a poll.
These claims that Rauner is a fake because he isn’t enjoying the richest products known to humanity, depends on a belief that the richest most expensive stuff on Earth is better than the stuff we use at a fraction of the price. It depends upon the idea that when you become rich you forget everything you ever liked or enjoyed before you became rich.
It is such an illogical argument. Rich people don’t throw away what they liked before the got money. Attempts to portray Rauner as a guy out of touch with everyday people because he has money, is very easily countered - as we are seeing today, and have been seeing throughout the campaigns.
Pat Quinn needs to do more positive Pat Quinn ads.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:22 am
To Zorn’s point, Rauner isn’t in the wine club for the grape. He’s in it for the status symbol.
That’s why he’ blowing millions to portray himself as a regular guy; he’s trying to buy the status symbol of being called “governor.”
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:24 am
Anyone else maybe think the fact that he still has and drives a 20 yr old camper van is indicative of why he is so rich? He makes smart investments and is prudent with the $$ he makes.
Everyone on here seems to be annoyed that he doesn’t spend his $ like they would if they were to win the lottery. Well, keep wishing on that ticket while he actually goes out, saves, invests, and makes $…
Comment by Nony Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:31 am
Why is Quinn spending millions to show us that he knows how to mow a lawn?
It is his best commercial, as well.
Candidates need to connect with voters, or they lose.
Why has Pat Quinn run for public office over the past fourty years? He’s been trying to get that same status symbol of being called governor.
It isn’t a Rauner exclusive.
Pat got their first.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:31 am
Whining about Quinn flying when this guy jets around the state on billionaire Ken Griffin’s exclusive private jet?
Comment by Precinct Captain Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:37 am
Bruce Rauner has been successful at everything his whole life.
He has money. He “hangs” with those who CAN spend six-figures on wines, own house after house, tens of thousands of acres…
“Jed Leland” says it best about Bruce Rauner;
Bruce…”You don’t care about anything except you. You just want to persuade people that you love ‘em so much that they ought to love you back. Only you want love on your own terms. Something to be played your way, according to your rules.”
I know I for one mocked the Citizen Rauner, and - wordslinger - understands and exposing to us all; it’s about Bruce, not about Illinois. It’s about status, not about statutes. It’s about entitlement for Bruce, instead of entitlements for the people struggling.
It fits. All too well. This Ad, is mocking all of us, not promoting anything meaningful, and it’s a shame that Rauner thinks so little of people, for his own personal gain.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:39 am
Taxpayer $ versus private $ would be the difference there…
Comment by Nony Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:39 am
BR is likely in the wine club to be around successful people. Who do you think Michael Bloomberg hangs around with, a few buddies at 5 Guys. Most people would love to be around and associtae with ultra-successful people.
Comment by Wally Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:42 am
Three things to point out here (and I haven’t had the chance to read all the comments so forgive redundancy):
1) An ad like this acknowledges the Quinn camp’s framing of the wealth issue. Rauner is implying that his wealth is somehow negative by trotting out his “man-of-the-people” cred via this van instead of just owning it and demonstrating the positive qualities of his wealth.
2) I grew up poor. Really poor. We had a crappy SUV that my mom got in my parents’ divorce and we were forced to keep it well past the mileage Rauner references. It broke down all the time and the cost of repairs nearly zeroed out her minimal bank account on several occasions. Calling this van a TRASHCAN VAN is in and of itself a luxury. It’s infuriating and insulting to people who HAVE to have cars like this–to get to work, etc. If he thinks this will resonate with actual working class folk, I just have to laugh (and cry) at that.
3) I understand the state plane is an easy punching bag, but the Governor serves the ENTIRE state of Illinois. So–even if Rauner lives in Springfield, do people really think it’s the best use of fuel/time/Executive Protection for him to be driving 3+ hours to Chicago while Governor? 3+ hours to Metropolis? A plane allows an elected to cover 6 cities across the state in a single day. Let’s get beyond the surface on this one.
Comment by the koala Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:43 am
Said Willie:
“If they are not paying you for throwing out your dignity, your common sense, you honestly, integrity, ethics and morals, your foolhardy way you defend Bruce Rauner for blatantly being who he pretends to be, you seriously need to take a look at what you represent, and what you are standing up for…”
Gee Willy, say what you mean and quit beatin’ around the bush.
Comment by A guy... Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:45 am
BRuce Rauner “I worked hard and built a business from the ground up, I have invested well and now I am living the American dream. If I am elected governor I will work hard to ensure that all Illinoisans have the same opportunities to achieve their dreams too” That or something like it would be that ad I would run if I were Rauner. He can do it on his (one of his) patios and not look like a fool or a fraud. It is honest and positive. Quinn has one of the softest under bellies in politics today yet Rauner is playing the pretend game. He did not grow up poor but there is still a good story there if he had a clue. Sometimes you cannot see the forest for the trees.
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:46 am
So Bruce is going to live in Springfield and drive his van to work? I just wonder who’d hire the guy.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:49 am
Frenchie, I hope someone buys you lunch today.
Slinger, Quoting Zorn diminishes you. My respect for you may often times be reluctant, but it’s always genuine. You’re better than Zorn. If he quotes you, he might be worth listening to. “might”. lol
Comment by A guy... Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:50 am
- A Guy… -, I’ll still have a beer with you…
Heck, it’s a badge of honor that you defend “Your Guy” here as well as you do at times, given the cards they give ya…
If you were on the Dole, man, you earn it, with respect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:52 am
Unless there are any grocery stores in Illinois that never advertise, never hire lawyers, or never use any of the various services that Rauner intends to now charge sales taxes for, Team Quinn is correct.
And it isn’t just Yellow Dog Democrat saying it:
“I will tell you that we are very concerned with Bruce Rauner’s recent proposal for a service tax. There is I think a discussion to be had about a service tax, as our economy has changed. The way it’s been proposed, we think is very problematic. I think that the public is very skeptical of service taxes, certainly more money out of their pockets.”
- Todd Maisch, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, August 7, 2014
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:53 am
”You don’t care about anything except you. You just want to persuade people that you love ‘em so much that they ought to love you back. Only you want love on your own terms. Something to be played your way, according to your rules.”
Get a clue. This fits thousands running for office this year.
“If they are not paying you for throwing out your dignity, your common sense, you honestly, integrity, ethics and morals, your foolhardy way you defend Bruce Rauner for blatantly being who he pretends to be, you seriously need to take a look at what you represent, and what you are standing up for…”
Blogger overboard and drowning in his own miasma!
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:56 am
What trash can van?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBuGuOJPhPg&feature=youtu.be
Comment by AlabamaShake Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:57 am
Bottom line on my above post: Republicans and business groups have always, always, ALWAYS argued that taxes on businesses are ultimately passed on to consumers.
Heck, I am sure if I had 30 minutes I could find a quote from Bruce Rauner saying it too.
Before they even say it, the Senate Democrats service tax was much different, because there was no net increase in revenue. Instead, it used the closure of sales tax exemptions for services to reduce the overall sales tax rate everyone pays.
That is, not too ironically, exactly what the Chamber and Madigan have argued should be done with the corporate income tax as well: close loopholes to reduce overall business tax rate.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:58 am
- VanillaMan -, are you the guy who had to convince us all your slam was a compliment a short time ago…against me?
Stones bad glass houses.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 12:00 pm
20 year old van….
6 year old motorcycle….
Maybe he is just disciplined in his spending. Something the State of Illinois could use desperately!
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 12:00 pm
===Get a clue. This fits thousands running for office this year.===
How many are spending millions of their own money to create a character that us 180 degrees NOT who the are?
Thousands? Nope. Bruce? “That’s right. Exactly right”.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 12:09 pm
== Oswego Willy - Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 11:52 am:
- A Guy… -, I’ll still have a beer with you…
Heck, it’s a badge of honor that you defend “Your Guy” here as well as you do at times, given the cards they give ya…
If you were on the Dole, man, you earn it, with respect.===
Willie, you’re a decent sport. I’ve never been on the dole in a campaign or as a precinct captain. Too confining and not really “public service” if I’m getting shekels. We’re both trying to get to Emerald City, just counting on different wizards.
Comment by A guy... Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 12:13 pm
For those of you who are wondering whether Rauner actually owns the van, he does. We had a story on here a while ago about it. Use the Google, people.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 12:16 pm
Rich,
https://capitolfax.com/2014/06/24/on-cars-adlai-and-bruce/
Comment by Nony Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 12:19 pm
“Trash can van”…Bruce has dirty green fur and a pet worm?
Comment by Skeptic Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 12:22 pm
===Why is Quinn spending millions to show us that he knows how to mow a lawn===
Ever heard of a metaphor VanillaMan? Quinn’s lawn mower is a metaphor for cutting state spending, which Quinn has done as Governor. Ask the nice people in Jacksonville and elsewhere about those cuts. Even Gary Forby is upset with all the cutting Quinn has done to the budget.
In fact, cutting unnecessary spending from the budget in order to make the full pension payment every year he’s been Governor is one of those major achievements you keep begging Quinn to tout. Now that he’s following your advice, you’re ripping him for it or completely misconstruing the point of his lawn mower ad. Spare us of your blathering VM.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 12:42 pm
The koala - great observation that many of us upper middle classers forget about - and shows that Rauner is out of touch. When Rauner’s trashcan van breaks down, he doesn’t have to choose between repairing it or paying the rent.
“I grew up poor. Really poor. We had a crappy SUV that my mom got in my parents’ divorce and we were forced to keep it well past the mileage Rauner references. It broke down all the time and the cost of repairs nearly zeroed out her minimal bank account on several occasions. Calling this van a TRASHCAN VAN is in and of itself a luxury. It’s infuriating and insulting to people who HAVE to have cars like this–to get to work, etc. If he thinks this will resonate with actual working class folk, I just have to laugh (and cry) at that.”
Comment by Jimmy Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 12:43 pm
BTW:
20 year old van with only 200,000 miles on it?
10,000 miles a year?
LOL. That won’t get you to the grocery store and back in Southern Illinois. People are driving 100 miles a day just to get to and from work….that is 20,000 miles.
I don’t think it is a terrible ad. I do think that train has left the station. No one is going to vote for a tax dodger who drinks $140,000 wine and wants to repeal the minimum wage just because he drives an old van.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 12:46 pm
Does the “trash can” have a place for his latest bottle of wine from $100,000 wine club membership?
Comment by Obamas Puppy Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 12:59 pm
This ad is 30 seconds of unforced error. Why poke fun at a beater when many a voter only has a beater, and no newer backups in the manse with the multicar garage? And don’t tell me that you are gonna drive a) back home to Winnetka or b) all over the State as Gov.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 1:02 pm
–Who would you rather change lives with?–
Neither. But in keeping with the relevancy of that question, if you could be a tree, what kind of tree would you be?
Do you have a point there somewhere?
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 1:21 pm
mabey bruce could pick up chad on the way to the debate,what a photo op (let rich ride in the back)
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 1:21 pm
“Pretty sure the DGA meant “incredible.” Incredulous doesn’t work there. Don’t they have any English majors on staff?”
I am incredulous that the DGA took the incredible step of anthropomorphizing that the Rauner ad.
Kids these days; never having heard “incredible” used as anything other than a synonym for “great”.
Comment by Chris Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 2:24 pm
“We don’t think voters will be fooled…”
by Rauner. We fully expect them to be fooled by *me*.
Fixed that for ya, Pat.
Comment by Chris Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 2:26 pm
Robert the Bruce - I have a better idea.
Rauner runs an ad comparing his multiple homes and offshore Camyan Islands banking accounts to the modest sized homes and checking accounts all the union workers that he wants to fire
(Hi, I’m Bruce Rauner, and I approve this message because I’m super rich and I could care less. Ha. )
Comment by low level Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 2:29 pm
Oh now I see Rauner of the enormous ranches and multiple huge mansions is just like me. I’m definitely voting for him now.
Comment by too obvious Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 2:30 pm
That Rauner rapid-response crew is Jimmy John’s fast.
Does anyone have a link to the response to Rich’s column where he called Rauner’s fiscal mumbo-jumbo a lie?
Or the response to Rick Pearson’s article the other day where they failed to provide any explanation, at all, about his centerpiece property tax freeze?
I missed those rapid responses somehow.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 2:39 pm
===wordslinger - Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 1:21 pm:
–Who would you rather change lives with?–
Neither. But in keeping with the relevancy of that question, if you could be a tree, what kind of tree would you be?
Do you have a point there somewhere?====
Because I occasionally like you, I’ll answer both.
A. Mulberry bush. Because cardinals nest there.
B. Yes.
Comment by A guy... Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 2:57 pm
=== foster brooks - Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 2:50 pm:
What does the raunerbot gig pay vman/a guy?===
Speaking only for myself on this; It pays me the hope my children and grandchildren will stay close to me in my retirement in a state I love, and I can still afford to be here without ever being a burden to any of them.
Comment by A guy... Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 3:01 pm
–Speaking only for myself on this; It pays me the hope my children and grandchildren will stay close to me in my retirement in a state I love, and I can still afford to be here without ever being a burden to any of them.–
LOL, ladies and gentlemen, Sammy Maudlin!
Good Lord, it’s a race for governor, not messiah.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 3:05 pm
I withdraw my earlier criticism.
Apparently the reason that Rauner only drives the trash can 10,000 miles a year is that he only drives it to commute from house to house to house to house to house to house to house to house.
My bad.
-YDD
Rich -
You should add a “Word of the Week Challenge” to Capitolfax.
Best use of the Word of the Week in debate wins the honors.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 3:16 pm
Watched the ad. Thought the Van was missing a really good sticker on the back. You know, something like “If this Vans Rocking don’t come knocking”. Or maybe “Don’t laugh, your next Governor could be in here”.
Wait a minute, that last one could be true!
Yikes!
Comment by Bemused Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 3:47 pm
His next move will be to wear a bandana.
Comment by Tom Joad Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 4:00 pm
It occurred to me we may need to update his monicer from “Baron von Carhart” to “Baron Van Carhart” or perhaps “Barn VW Carhart.”
Comment by Skeptic Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 4:07 pm
Baron VW Carhart. But then you already knew that.
Comment by Skeptic Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 4:09 pm
=== wordslinger - Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 3:05 pm:
–Speaking only for myself on this; It pays me the hope my children and grandchildren will stay close to me in my retirement in a state I love, and I can still afford to be here without ever being a burden to any of them.–
LOL, ladies and gentlemen, Sammy Maudlin!
Good Lord, it’s a race for governor, not messiah.===
Comments like this are gonna get you tossed outta Oak Park Slinger. And when that happens, do not even look in Hooville. They’re already dealing with a guy like you. lol.
Comment by A guy... Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 5:03 pm
==Skeptic - Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 4:09 pm:
Baron VW Carhart. But then you already knew that.===
Dude, I’m still trippin’ on “monicer”.
Comment by A guy... Friday, Sep 5, 14 @ 5:05 pm