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Debate insta-poll

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* Who won tonight’s debate? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.

survey hosting

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:00 pm

Comments

Amanda Vinicky.

Comment by Dan Johnson Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:01 pm
A write-in vote for Amanda Vinicky.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:01 pm
Stick to the question, please.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:02 pm
Populism rules everything around me.

Comment by Mike Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:02 pm
PQ. Rauner must procrastinate on homework because he has to study every issue out there.

Comment by Aqua Buddha Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:02 pm
Quinn showed his compassion for the state of Illinois. Rauner showed how he wants to privatize and make a profit. He is not what the state needs. GO QUINN.

Comment by MaconDem Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:02 pm
COGFA

Comment by The Juan Maclean Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:03 pm
I agree… Amanda.

She was the most knowledgeable and she’s not the candidate.

Comment by FormerParatrooper Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:03 pm
Pat Quinn won. He talked about the pension payments, which happened, and realistic solutions to out fiscal problems, like raising taxes on millionaires.

Rauner could not articulate how his budget plan would work, nor would he answer how he’d have a different result than Kochtopia, as a word some have used, aka Kansas and the trickle down tax plan.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:04 pm
Quinn won after his comment about the prison guard’s employee union endorsement, directly followin the Rauner comment about prison reform

Comment by Illinoise Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:04 pm
Quinn looks more comfortable, has more substance and is more friendly and looks healthier. Rauner gave me visions of pasty Nixon in 1960.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:05 pm
Chip Englander

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:05 pm
As long as Mike and Lisa Madigan are around, taxpayers lose.

Comment by Brass Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:06 pm
It scares me but Rauner won.

I am voting for Quinn but he really screwed up tonight.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:06 pm
Governor made some good points while still managing to attack. Rauner really looked aloof. No specifics from Rauner. Quinn handled himself well.

Comment by independent ian Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:06 pm
It’s clear Bruce Rauner is extremely uncomfortable having to be accountable in public view versus being behind closed doors in private meetings where he doesn’t think he needs to be accountable. He fumbled all over the place while Quinn was concise, on message and comfortable with the questions.

Comment by DuPage Mama Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:07 pm
Bruce Rauner said some variation of, “I don’t know enough… I have to study it… I’m not sure…” a half-dozen times tonight.

And poor Rauner clearly didn’t know enough about pensions to understand and answer the question about pensions.

What’s he been doing? When will he start preparing to prepare to govern?

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:08 pm
Rauner came off like he was running for head of the Tea Party. Not in a good way. How did this rubber faced man make so much money? Quinn kicked his rear. Hard to fathom how Quinn managed to lull Rauner to sleep. Did anyone see a snake charmer in the room? Amazing.

Rauner blew it. Truely AMAZING.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:08 pm
Ok fine.

Objectively, I think Quinn won.

I thought Quinn’s one liners were fresh. Rauner seemed to repeat the same lines from 18 months ago. I thought Rauner’s weakest moment was when he answered a direct question about policy: he would have rejected the federal Medicaid money. It’s like he knew it was a horrible thing to admit. And he couldn’t platitude it away.

Comment by Dan Johnson Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:09 pm
Since we can’t vote for Vinicky I would say debate was a draw.

Comment by Ralph Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:10 pm
Pat Quinn won. Not close. He listened to questions, stayed mostly on point, and came off as more trustworthy than Rauner. Rauner was vague, relied on catch phrases, and came off as aloof. And yes, the smirking was annoying.

Comment by Southerner Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:10 pm
It scares me but Rauner won.

I am voting for Quinn but he came across worse then Rauner.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:11 pm
Quinn. We are under a month to go and Rauner still has no specifics. How are we supposed to take a gamble on someone? It’s not enough to be “not Pat Quinn”.

Comment by the koala Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:12 pm
It got needlessly personal on both sides. But Quinn won, largely because Rauner answered entirely too many questions with variations on “I don’t know”, “I haven’t studied that yet”, etc. - and that’s when he answered the questions at all. Failing to articulate how his budget could possibly add up put a bow on the evening.

Comment by zoot car Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:12 pm
I didn’t vote. Couldn’t do it in good conscience. Information lost. Blather won. Disappointed in both candidates. Disappointed even more in the debate moderation. Oy, horrible.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:12 pm
I think Rauner was more professional, calmer, and confident. Quinn looked the part of insider, career politician. Not sure if this will make any difference though as most Chg dems just vote Dem

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:13 pm
Quinn highlighted Rauner’s baseness when Raunser attempted accusing Quinn of making policy based on politics rather than providing public service.

Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:13 pm
I would give the edge to Quinn, he looked more comfortable and at ease. Rauner started rough and at times has trouble sounding like a regular person in terms of speech patterns but got better as the debate went on.

Comment by Lunchbox Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:13 pm
Dupage Mama might have it right- Rauner is so scared of saying something wrong that he fumbles over everything and sticks to broad generalizations. Quinn can talk about issues well and with specifics.

Comment by chi Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:15 pm
Ok sorry Rich - to the question. Quinn got it. Rauner made too few attacks and didn’t break any new ground in places he really needed to. Quinn played it safe - got his tested attacks and didn’t get off message on the positive points. The format was really terrible though and 60 minutes was way too short.

Comment by The Juan Maclean Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:16 pm
===edge to Quinn, he looked more comfortable===

Were we watching the same debate?

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:16 pm
Amanda won the debate…

- MrJM - won the comments, again, period…

Quinn “won” on split decision but neither put anything away on each other or anything.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:16 pm
Rauner lost it.

I think they thought they would be able to make this entire debate about NRI and they had no Plan B.

It is less than a month before the election and Rauner still cannot answer basic questions about the budget.

We are supposed to be in a budget crisis, he says he is the one to fix it, and he has fewer answers than a college senior.

Mind-boggling.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:18 pm
@Rich

Quinn never looks comfortable… except for a week after a poll that has him up by more than 10 points….

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:19 pm
I voted Rauner. Quinn threw out some folksy terms, but after 6 years (just as gov) he knows how to play this game and I didnt get anything from him except that he was doing just that. As for Rauner, sure fault him for not being completely comfortable with the political debate game, but I see that as a good thing these days, especially in Illinois.

Winner of the night might have been PQs face after Vinicky brought up term limits and the years Quinns been in office.

Comment by Nony Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:19 pm
Why is it just the anon commenters think Rauner won?

Comment by Anon Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:19 pm
Didn’t vote, it was a draw.

Comment by Large Mammal Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:19 pm
Someone please get the Bots off of the poll.

Over 300 votes cast?

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:20 pm
===The format was really terrible though===

I agree. I think the LWV needs to do a rethink on its debates. They just don’t work right.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:20 pm
^ Lol, interesting that an anon pointed that out….

Comment by Nony Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:20 pm
Apologies, missed that Rich.

Sorry.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:21 pm
I could have done better than Bruce.

Comment by Sanguinetti Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:21 pm
Both candidates dodged far too many questions, but Quinn gave more real answers than Rauner did.

Comment by Debate Judge Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:21 pm
looks like Rauner is spending money here to get votes cause the totals in no way match commentary on the board.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:22 pm
I can’t get over how Rauner suggests transitioning state workers from pension to 401(k) while (1) suggesting state employees are just bureaucrats but will make investment decisions to get returns on their self managed 401(k) plans to sustain themselves in retirement longer than their current pension plan and (2) saying he wouldn’t have supported the recent pension agreement because the changes were unconstitutional.

Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:22 pm
Bruce Rauner won. Quinn dodged questions and gave out false information. Bruce showed confidence and honesty about what he would do in office. Quinn? He gave out false promises and made up numbers to cover up his negative track record with Illinois.

Comment by IL Taxpayer Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:23 pm
Gov: on message, aggressive, stated endorsements, listed accomplishments, articulated goals. Rauner: doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing as a candidate except state the “sky’s falling”, and provided no ideas or plans.

Comment by Eddy Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:23 pm
PQ. Incumbents tend to have the advantage, since ya know, they actually do the day to day work. Even with that consideration, Rauner did not do as well as I expected.

The Question that really stuck out to me- besides the fact BR wouldn’t acknowledge climate change as fact- was when Amanda asked “If you could undo a failure what would it be” in so many words.

Rauner, not a single point said, “I”. It was “We” and “The Market” and the “CEO’s” that contributed to the blemishes on his record. I believe that speaks volumes for the true character of BR. Quinn owned the question with “I” and “me” statements.

If Rauner loses- which I believe is still very much in the air- it will because of his inability to take responsibility for this actions at GTCR. Saint Reagan was the one who said the buck stops here. He should heed those words.

Comment by Come on man! Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:23 pm
It’s awesome that Bruce thinks Illinois can be the greatest state and the greatest nation on Earth. Secession yeah!!!

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:23 pm
Who was that sweaty, red faced fellow standing at the podium next to Rauner? I thought he would out perform Rauner and play to his strength as a debater, instead his pivots and personal attacks seemed nervous, forced and out of place.

Rauner started out looking nervous but dramatically improved as the debate continued. He looked calm and assured and seemed to be enjoying himself. He as expected, stayed on message and kept hitting his talking points. Quinn on the other hand, seemed unfocused at times, which absolutely astounded me.

Who would have thought?

Comment by Louis G Atsaves Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:23 pm
Did Quinn say that carbon emissions cause natural weather events like the Washington, IL tornado?

Oh yeah, and George W. Bush caused Hurricane Katrina.

To quote a retired police officer I recently saw on TV… it’s time to Wake Up! Voted for Bruce Rauner obviously.

Comment by Jerry Hubbard Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:23 pm
Quinn sounded more like a “Governor”, with more conviction. Rauner at times seemed like he was searching for a answer or pivoting back to talking points. Rauner should have been better prepared by his team…or he didn’t listen to them. After describing how bad our state is, after a while I was expecting more meat on the bones.

Comment by One to the Dome Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:24 pm
Quinn: rauner had no substance.

Comment by 618662dem Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:24 pm
Quinn won IMHO. I was surprised how unprepared Rauner seemed to cover basic stuff. You would think the pension stuff etc were all brand new topics he had no time to study or
Prepare. Get away from his prepackaged material and he does not know what to do. I would think Rauner would be more facile then he is.

Comment by Ghost Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:24 pm
I’m clearly in the minority here but the crew I watched with was put off by Vinickey. The consensus here was she wasn’t trying to get answers, just making good tv, by making the candidates squirm. Seemed like a try out for a cable news gig. But like I said, I’m clearly in the minority.

Comment by W.S. Walcott Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:26 pm
Here’s something to remember: If you’re judging the winner and loser on their appearance or demeanor, you can forget that. Few people watched this debate. It’s not like a presidential debate. Only absolutely horrendous style will make it through to the media coverage, where most will hear about it.

You judge a debate like this on who you honestly believe won on points, not looks. Because that’s how it’ll be written up.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:27 pm
“Quinn dodged questions and gave out false information. Bruce showed confidence and honesty about what he would do in office.”

Sounds interesting. What channel was *that* debate on?

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:28 pm
@W.S. Walcott

Completely agree. And love your medicine show.

@Jerry Hubbard

I thought you died… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Reed

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:30 pm
MrJm, you’ve made me laugh twice in one night. Bravo.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:30 pm
Ha, I should expand– Quinn looked more comfortable and confident than Rauner, especially on the pension payment schedule and minimum wage questions. Most of Rauner’s answers were not memorable. Quinn dropping Washington in to the discussion about Rauner’s donation was laughable, though.

I’m surprised at how split the poll question is. Are Rauner folks just not commenting? Quinnsters are out in force tonight.

Comment by Lunchbox Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:30 pm
It’s hard to know if this was in any way a game changer without knowing who was actually watching and where they live or work (or don’t have work because there are no jobs). Neither candidate soared and neither imploded. I’ve seen way worse debates, and the questions on issues were better tonite than usual.

Comment by Responsa Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:30 pm
Rauner blew it on key issues like our budget and healthcare reform. He could not articulate one way that his budget ideas would help the state. He could not state one example of how Medicaid expansion is waste and fraud.

Rauner got worse, in my opinion, as the debate wore on, like the Kansas question and fairy dust budget explanation moment.

Quinn had a stronger close with facts about our improving employment situation, and Rauner skidded out with his Quinn-Blago cronyism fallback.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:31 pm
Sorry, Louis, but in my view, sticking to talking points is a sure to lose a debate, not win one. Giving real answers to the questions that were actually asked (not the questions the candidates wished they were asked) is the real point of a debate.

Comment by Debate Judge Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:31 pm
Both were terrible..Amanda was awesome

Comment by Lance Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:32 pm
===Rauner got worse, in my opinion, as the debate wore on, like the Kansas question===

Actually, I think his answer to that one was fascinating. He tipped his hand about something.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:33 pm
Rauner’s theme song after tonight should be slip slidin away.

Comment by 618662dem Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:34 pm
should have done a shot for every time Quinn said, “he’s wrong,” to whatever false comment Rauner was saying. the number of wrongs and the things Quinn says Rauner was wrong about will be noted and fact checked.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:34 pm
Debate: Pat Quinn da winner…Bruce looked like a deer in headlights…

MrJM wins the blog response…

Cant wait til it’s over!!!

Comment by Loop Lady Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:35 pm
I voted Quinn. I think if Rauner wins he will need to keep on the majority of the Governors staff. He just doesn’t know details (um, I’ll have to check on that), he doesn’t understand what he can and can’t do (I’ll freeze the pensions for current and future employees on day 1). His 1st meeting with the speaker he’ll here “you’ll be fine”. Rauner is scaring me more than Quinn.

Comment by Casual observer Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:36 pm
Rauner looked more comfortable. Quinn looked constipated.

Rauner also appeared more substantive. Quinn was obviously straining to launch canned attacks.

I thought Rauner, who was trying to sound reasonable, should have been tougher. Should have called Quinn worst governor in America a few times. That would have set Q off.

Comment by Caswell Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:37 pm
It was pretty close. Not too much new and not too much substance from either side. Lots of recycled talking points.

Rauner won because he looked more comfortable and better addressed the issues of the state, even if he didn’t go into detail. Quinn avoided policy issues even generally and just took pot shots.

Rauner could have done more. He could have talked about early prisoner release when they mentioned recidivism for example.

Narrow victory for Bruce.

Comment by Phil King Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:37 pm
Rauner’s figure about 40% of Medicaid enrollees being frauds was laughable. 40%? Really? REALLY? It’s hard enough to get ON it! After he bashed Medicaid he said he supported a strong program. Spending all oversight time on a witch hunt for fraud is not strengthening the program. Funny how no one jabbed him about those nursing homes right then.

Quinn won. Because he’s straight up.

Comment by Quill Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:38 pm
Natasha Korecki tweeted, “Rauner sporting what looks like a fresh hair cut. Looks a little nervous.”

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:38 pm
Push

Comment by Stan Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:38 pm
Hear, sorry.

Comment by Casual observer Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:39 pm
Rauner lost it because he doesn’t seem to be too interested in the job. He can hit the talking points, but again, pretty uninformed about the actual gig.

I thought the most cynical response was regarding Medicaid. He wouldn’t have expanded it, but he wouldn’t roll it back. Way to take a stand.

Then he goes on and on about waste and fraud. Who you talking about, your friends the docs? Are your nursing home buddies?

If there’s fraud, it’s on them, because they’re cashing the checks.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:39 pm
Amanda.

But if you are going to be a stickler - Quinn.

Rauner had a year to prepare himself on the budget and he still sounded like a guy without a grasp of details. Most voters don’t understand the budget either - but they know it effects them. Do you trust a guy who can’t even explain his own plan?

Comment by Kyle Hillman Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:39 pm
@ducky lamoore

You know what they say…

Once you get it…

Comment by W.S. Walcott Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:40 pm
For being such a business leader, Rauner has yet to explain to me how his budget works. Numbers don’t add up. I also don’t think Rauner is conservative enough. I don’t like either candidate. I’ll call it a tie.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:40 pm
Furthermore, on Medicaid: anyone who has been doing work in that area knows that the freak-out over fraud is nothing new, it’s been going on since the Great Recession and even with the high notes of program whacks in 2012, it’s still going on. Bruce doesn’t have a clue about Medicaid. The Gov’s been riding that bronco for years.

Comment by Quill Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:41 pm
Quinn won easy …. But judging by the people poll numbers Rauner has 19 iPads in each of his 19 homes and the staff were told to vote

Comment by Billy Zabka Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:42 pm
And one final point about Bruce and the nursing homes: people who have to live there on the Medicaid dime don’t have any real assets to call their own—Medicaid gives them $30 allowance and the nursing homes pocket the rest. That’s no way to treat any citizens of Illinois and if you have practice doing that crap, then no one should EVER vote for you.

Comment by Quill Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:44 pm
Nony at 9:19 gives the debate to Rauner because he doesn’t seen good at debates and Quinn seemed to know what he was doing. There’s your typical Raunerite.

Comment by chi Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:45 pm
Quinn won on knowledge, even giving Rauner the benefit of not being an incumbent. There is such a thing as preparation for substance, or at least having a few solid examples.

On style and sharpness, both were weak, so I can see how partisans could see their own favorite doing better.

Comment by walker Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:46 pm
Rauner hands down. Quinn looked very uncomfortable whenever the camera wasn’t on him. Never noticed this before, but Quinn has no neck

Comment by Beetlejuice Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:47 pm
Glad you mentioned the “Kansas” answer Rich. I’m still thinking about it. Rauner said a few things there which I (or Quinn from his reaction) never expected.

Comment by Louis G Atsaves Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:47 pm
Umpteenth vote for Amanda — some very pointed, bold questions, and tried to make them answer even after dodge attempts.

That said, Rauner, but only barely. Though Rauner was often vague, or had several questions with “I would have to look more deeply into X,” he had more moments where his answer was thought-out and well-reasonsed (as opposed to a canned talking point).

Also, Quinn lost a lot of points for me by referring several times to his withholding of legislators’ pay as a positive thing; yes, it makes good headlines, but it realllllly bugs me that he touted an unconstitutional act as both a good thing, and one that he would have done earlier — his greatest regret was failing to break the rules of the State Constitution faster. Similar note with regards to his answer(s) on the pension issue — nobody seriously thinks the ILSC is going to come down in favor of the existing legislation, so the “don’t take aspiring before you have a headache” dodge was weak; would win more points with me to admit there is a significant chance of being found unconstitutional and having some sort of proposed Plan B.

Comment by Chambananon Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:49 pm
@Beetlejuice

Don’t forget the soft-seat toilet bowl haircut. Obviously a good judgement for winning a debate….

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:50 pm
Re: Medicaid

If I remember correctly, state that accepted the add’l medicaid funding, doesn’t it sunset after a few years and then the full responsibility for the medicaid expansion fall squarely on Illinois taxpayers?

What if more and more taxpayers get out of Illinois? Detroit, anyone?

Comment by Jerry Hubbard Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:51 pm
Insta-poll now says PQ 52% - BR 48%

It might be spot on come the first Tuesday of November. The Capitol fax oracle has spoken…

Comment by W.S. Walcott Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:52 pm
Also did Rauner really say buying votes is ok as long as you use your own money ….. That’s how I heard it and it was awkward

Comment by Billy Zabka Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:54 pm
Speaker Madigan

Comment by Richmond Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:55 pm
@Jerry Hubbard

Remember the 1970s when Chicago (and New York and St Louis) was Detroit?

So lets outsource some more jobs and that will solve all of our problems.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:59 pm
Quinn by a landslide. YDD has it right, about the NRI and no plan B and Bots!

Comment by my two cents Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:00 pm
No, Jerry, you’re completely wrong, as you could find out yourself with a 30 second investment with the google.

But nice touch with the “Detroit” reference — that’s always a sign of informed insight.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:02 pm
Jerry Hubbard- you don’t remember correctly-
Feds scale back to paying 90% in 2020, never put the whole boat on the state.

Comment by chi Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:03 pm
The media will go with the neutral cliche coverage: “no knock-out punches were thrown”…and that’s a win for Quinn. He’s the incumbent and is ahead in the latest polls. Rauner needs to make something happen, he didn’t tonight.

Comment by Frank G. Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:03 pm
…I’ve directed our Director of Insurance to try and ensure that these insurance companies…

Comment by Jack Handy Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:05 pm
Quinn won just barely, just like Illinois will be saying that 1st of November.

Comment by Winning with Sheen Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:07 pm
@Jack Handy

I need to go back and get that whole phrase. It was quite something. A complete lack of syntax.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:08 pm
Quinn. Rauner doesn’t sound any different than he did in the GOP debates. You’d think after months of being painted as shifty and vague he’d be ready to be more specific. With less than a month to go before the end of the election he sounds like a guy who has been in a restaurant all night and still isn’t ready to order. It isn’t a buffet Bruce, you have to choose something.

Comment by markg8 Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:08 pm
By the way, I know people love Amanda. I do too. But, to me, the best question of the entire night came from Jamey Dunn. It told us more about BR than any other question.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:09 pm
@ Rich, which question from Jamey Dunn?

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:10 pm
I had my impression of Rauner’s political phoniness confirmed. He spent much time in the primary attacking public worker pensions, then he boasted about how well he invested them.

Wait, what? Who is this guy who was once slamming “government union bosses?”

He tried to thread the needle on Medicaid by saying he wouldn’t get rid of it but kept one foot in the anti-Obamacare camp with the veto position.

He was strongly opposed to a minimum wage increase in the past but now supports it in a different context. He should have said that from jump street, or something close to that. Perhaps he did in the “old days” of the primary, but I missed it.

If I’m not mistaken, he said he wouldn’t have supported Kansas Gov. Brownback’s plan, but when it came to his trickle down plan, he couldn’t answer how it works.

For me there has to be more substance to a candidate. Quinn has enough substance, whereas Rauner will seemingly twist things to fit any political reality–aka a Romneyesque pivot.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:11 pm
Rich are you seeing anything weird in ip address ofanon voters? Rauner is getting hat handed to him in comments.

To your point on coverage, so far coverage I see is they both landed some shots and had missteps. A draw.

Comment by James formerly from Wrigley Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:13 pm
Oh, and by the way, Sharpie tied it in the third and we’re in overtime, tied 2-2.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:16 pm
===Rich, which question from Jamey Dunn? ===

Subscribe.

lol

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:17 pm
===doesn’t it sunset after a few years===

Yeah. It goes from 100 percent federal funding to 90.

Go away.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:19 pm
The Guv won!
I expected something from Bruce and heard nothing.
I expected nothing from the Guv and heard something.

Comment by Kankakee Kid Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:22 pm
===But nice touch with the “Detroit” reference===

Yeah, that’s now back in the comment moderation word list. I took it out for a particular post and forgot to put it back in. Oops.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:22 pm
Apparently, the Kankakee Kid has become a Democrat again. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:23 pm
I went back, DVRd it, and just listened to the responses, not the tone or tenor, sighs, but what I came away with was while speaking to the questions, Quinn was more engaged with his response in the verbiage used to give the question some respect to answer.

Not all the time, and not if Quinn felt he needed to respond to a Rauner shot.

Rauner responses were engaging to get to his pivot, once the connection in verbiage was achieved, the rote response began. It was like a flow chart response to a question to get to “safe” and finish the response.

It was more about not answering wrong for Rauner, than making the point to seem like he knows it and he got it right.

In that, still Quinn on “2 of the 3 cards of the judges scoring” but that one voting Rauner wasn’t too impressed.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:24 pm
Markg8 you nailed it!

Comment by DuPage Mama Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:27 pm
oh, Rich, it’s so much more fun to try and get things out of you.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:33 pm
I was glad to hear the out-sourcing question. Surprisingly, Quinn said “I am and have been out-sourcing”. Rauner said “blah, blah, blah”. Their responses were not what I expected.

Comment by Casual observer Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:35 pm
I voted Quinn. Quinn’s answers had more substance. Rauner still hasn’t answered my questions about his total inexperience in government, or recognized that government and investment firms are totally different games.

The “I will freeze pensions and honor contracts” statements were bizarre.

I wish he had answered the question on out sourcing government service jobs.

Comment by DuPage Grandma Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:40 pm
Compairing the high percentage of voters who said Quinn won in comments posted on this thread to the closeness of the actual votes on this poll I have come to the conclusion that the leadership of the Ranerpub, err, I mean the Republican Party of Illinois might really know what they’re talking about voter fraud

Comment by Roadiepig Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:43 pm
In the end, I came to this;

Rauner debated as though not blowing the debate was more important than winning the debate

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:48 pm
Quinn debated as someone wanting to mix it up but the format tied his hands too much to attack or respond, and his answers reflected that at times.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 10:49 pm
Over the past 8 months I have criticized Rauner on this blog: from his stances on issues to his campaign team. But I truly think he won the debate tonight. As Rich noted I think this debate format was awkward, but gave Rauner an advantage. It didn’t force him to divulge into major detail because of time limits, but at the same time still get his hits on Quinn. My jaw dropped with his response to the Caterpillar and manufacturing jobs question. He was also able to go back to his talking points, which will be quoted in the newspapers tomorrow:

“Quinn has been in an executive office for 20+ years; Pat Quinn has a supermajority in Springfield and still couldn’t accomplish anything (minimum wage); Illinois is heading in the wrong direction; …fraud and corruption at the expense of Illinois taxpayers”

No average voter was watching this debate, they will hear about it in the newspaper or morning news. These will be the soundbites that are played. Because unfortunately there is a negative perception about this state and that’s how many people feel (including myself sometimes). As I can recall Pat Quinn doesn’t have to many good liners that translate to the newspaper or morning news. I loved the, (paraphrase) “Well my father said never take an aspirin to start a headache..” Those are one-liners political junkies love, but won’t translate well.

My two cents for what it’s worth.

Comment by Almost the Weekend Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 11:02 pm
Listening on the radio, it sounded like Rauner was reading his answers, or had memorized them. Quinn sounded like he just knows his stuff.

On Twitter, @ILFakeHouseNews won it.

Comment by Cheswick Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 11:10 pm
Quinn didn’t really give voters a reason to vote for him. Rauner didn’t messup. Probably a tie or a wash but if you had to give it to someone, I guess Rauner.

Comment by Roberto Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 11:16 pm
Chi-

Sorry if I phrased my sentiments poorly. Ain’t nobody perfect. I haven’t lived in Illinois all my life, so take my word for it when I say that Illinois politics is the laughing stock of the nation. But you can take my 2 cents or not.

Comment by Nony Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 11:22 pm
Vinicky looked like Evita.

Comment by Rhino Slider Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 11:23 pm
Quinn won, hands down. Quinn spoke from the heart, with passion, sincerity, experience and a very good grasp of the issues. He was in his element. I have seen Pat Quinn in the African American community for years, so his experiences and relationships are authentic.

Rauner seemed very nervous, which is understandable for a new candidate. While he has obviously learned a lot in a little time, he was not prepared to offer specifics on a vision, plan or budget for Illinois. He has yet to show how his budget will balance and leave Illinois in a better position. He would expect management of the companies in which he invests to answer those types of questions, yet, he was not able to do the same.

Rauner has emphasized his involvement with African Americans in his role of charter schools. He didn’t sound comfortable talking about his experience donating money to Morehouse College, an HBCU in Atlanta. It gave the impression that he sent money but doesn’t have a real relationship. He comes off as someone who has very limited experience working directly with African Americans. He seems most comfortable giving to African American causes than having bona fide relationships with African Americans. That sounds contrary to his Republican roots.

Rauner claimed during the debate that he cares deeply for African Americans, yet, couldn’t find one qualified African American to nurture in the executive ranks of his investment firm. He found the time to nurture Rahm Emanuel in the business and make him rich. He couldn’t do the same for one African American in his firm in 30 years.

What I found most telling was the fact that he never answered the question of whether he had ever hired an inexperienced leader to run one of his companies. His non-answer spoke volumes. He has obviously never trusted an inexperienced executive to run one of his companies, but he wants Illinois voters to give him a chance to run Illinois without any experience as an elected official.

Comment by Valerie F. Leonard Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 11:54 pm
I think a lot of people would rate it a draw. Non-partisan insiders will probably rate it a win for Quinn.

IMO, Quinn did a better job overall laying out his successes, answering off the cuff, and attacking Rauner. While Rauner also got a few hits in against Quinn, Bruce spent most of the time parroting memorized talking points … which only political junkies would have recognized.

Comment by RNUG Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:26 am
Should have added, Quinn did a very good job of playing the populist card on a regular basis, something that should go over well here in Illinois and especially in a lot of Chicago / Cook and metro East St Louis.

Comment by RNUG Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 12:49 am
“No average voter was watching this debate, they will hear about it in the newspaper or morning news.”

This is where Rich steps in to aid Mr. Quinn. Read about it in Crain’s!

Comment by Yobagoya Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 3:36 am
These debates and pols do not mean anything, a very small percentage of voters tune in to this.
Rauner is clearly the right individual for the job.
Quinn cronies and Blago holdovers will be cleaning out their desks on November 5th.

Comment by Hotel Ibiza Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 7:22 am
===These debates and pols do not mean anything, a very small percentage of voters tune in to this.
Rauner is clearly the right individual for the job.
Quinn cronies and Blago holdovers will be cleaning out their desks on November 5th.===

So…if they don’t matter, why cite them?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 7:35 am
“These debates and pols do not mean anything, a very small percentage of voters tune in to this.”

The mournful cry of the Rauner fan who thinks Quinn won.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 7:37 am
“I haven’t lived in Illinois all my life, so take my word for it when I say that Illinois politics is the laughing stock of the nation.”

As far as authority to make a vague and subjective statement goes, “I’ve lived somewhere else” isn’t all that strong.

Comment by Adlai Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 7:38 am
Quinn won this round. His answer were, by far, more insightful and of substance. Rauner gave his typical “PQ corruption, blah blah” and a few other new points. I thought he performed far worst than I had expected. Also, that third moderator that looked like she was extremely unhappy to be there.. what the heck?!

Comment by Rockford's Finest Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 7:43 am
Just pointing out the obvious. Have a great day!

Comment by Hotel Ibiza Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 8:12 am
@Come on man! - Thursday, Oct 9, 14 @ 9:23 pm:
==Saint Reagan was the one who said the buck stops here.===
No, it was Harry Truman. Reagan said: ‘mistakes have been made’, clearly implying ‘and other people made them’. He’s as far as you can get from Truman, who looks better in the light of history. (So does Eisenhower!)

Reagan was at the top of my list of ‘worst presidents of my lifetime’ until GWB launched a ‘crusade’ (his word) against the Muslim world, leading to an unfolding disaster that we’ll be living with for the rest of my lifetime….

Comment by UIC Guy Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 8:26 am
Quinn won. I fell asleep but my wife stayed awake and told me Quinn won, and she is always right about these things.

Comment by jake Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 8:34 am
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/04/05/us/politics/fivethirtyeight-0406-govs2014app/fivethirtyeight-0406-govs2014app-blog480-v3.png

Comment by Hotel Ibiza Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 8:41 am
- Hotel Ibiza -

Then how his Bruce Rauner down in polls to Quinn? lol

Saying Quinn ain’t good isn’t enough.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 8:44 am
- Hotel Ibiza -

That snapshot is “swell”, you got a date on that?

Can’t find a date…

Oh yeah, is it “2013/04/15″…

Hmm. lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 8:46 am
Hotel Ibiza, also i’m pretty sure even if Rauner wins the “holdovers” won’t have to clean out their desks on Nov. 5. you do realize he wouldn’t actually be Governor until January, right?

Comment by PoolGuy Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 8:54 am
Reactions sound like a lot nervous people out there. RELAX it’s almost the weekend.

Comment by Hotel Ibiza Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 9:06 am
no reactions are pointing out your nonsense. if the polls were the other way around i would probably tend to agree with you.

Comment by PoolGuy Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 9:10 am
- Hotel Ibiza -

Pulling year old polls, is pretty desperate when no one asked you to…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 9:14 am
i felt Quinn barely won last night. mostly because the NRI hearings did not go Bruce’s way and that smirk Rauner kept doing has more than a hint of arrogance about it. he needs to stop doing that pronto.

Rauner did hold his own at moments, but his cronyism, patronage close out reminded me of Homer Stokes with his broom of reform speech. Calling Quinn corrupt just doesn’t stick with me.

Comment by PoolGuy Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 9:21 am
Quinn. I didn’t have a stopwatch, but it seemed to me that Quinn clearly talked longer than Rauner over the course of the hour. Quinn hit the same points from his briefing book again and again.

Rauner seemed like he was in a job interview.

Comment by Anon III Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 9:29 am
@Jack & @Ducky

He can say that five times fast in his sleep.

Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 9:37 am
Bruce Rauner is the most disingenuous politician I have ever seen. He tries to appear moderate, but his math says otherwise. Why does it seem it is only up to Quinn to point these things out? Isn’t the media doing any fact checking?

Comment by James Knell Friday, Oct 10, 14 @ 11:44 am