Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Debate thread

Posted in:

Illinois

Come back here tonight for debate liveblogging.

Until then, use the comments to suggest a debate drinking game for both Blagojevich and Topinka.

By the way, your best bet for listening online is probably WBBM AM.

—————————————————————————————

* Man, Topinka sounds nervous at the beginning.

* LOL… Did the governor just call Topinka “Public Official A”? Shameless.

* I wonder how many people will actually hear this debate?

* These endless fillibusters have to stop, on both sides.

* “She’s issued more than 300 no-bid contracts.” - Gov. Blagojevich

* The governor says he got that info on Topinka’s office from a FOIA his office submitted. Topinka has denied that she gave out those no-bid contracts.

* Seriously, the moderators really need to get control of these two a bit more. These endless lists and diatribes are no help at all.

* The fun thing is that the computer broadcast is on a delay, so I can “see” what they’re about to say by reading the comments as they come through.

* Topinka discloses that Paul Vallas helped craft her education plan. I had heard this was the case. Curious that they haven’t made more hay out of this fact.

* There isn’t even a hint of optimism in her voice. The hectoring gets old.

* Topinka commends MJM for asking for special session, says there should be a freeze. That’s gonna put serious pressure on Blagojevich. A ComEd lobster was most worried about this earlier tonight when I talked to him because it could force Blagojevich to actually call the session.

* LOL. JBT brings up the ethanol ad where the guv is standing in a soybean field.

* It’s a good thing that the drinking game wasn’t “Take a shot every time somebody posted a snarky, off-point, high schoolish comment” or I’d be dead by now.

* So, what have we learned from this, campers? They despise each other? No, we knew that one already. Topinka is too negative? Nope. Knew that. Blagojevich is a robot with his talking points unless he’s seriously challenged? Nix that, already knew it (and he wasn’t challenged here tonight).

* What they ought to do is broadcast the post-debate press conferences because we didn’t get much out of this.

* By the way, hats off to the governor’s Internet squad. TopinkaWatch had a bunch of info on the no-bid contracts point moments after the governor uttered it tonight.

* As OneMan just pointed out in comments….

If she gets another debate with him, which I doubt, she needs to figure out how to

A) Sound a little less angry
B) Get him off of his talking points

Easy for me to say, hard for her to do.

Exactly. There was no attempt to put him back on his heels. He just churned out his factoids one after another pretty much uninterrupted, and she sounded like she had a frown on her face the entire time.

Win: Blagojevich.

* My final point: This is basically a tune-up for the Public TV debate (although that debate is not completely certain). Few people will actually listen to a political debate on radio. Many more people will see the news coverage than the debate. And lots more will see the TV ads generated by the debate, if any. Topinka’s performance is less of a factor this time. But that doesn’t excuse it.

[Comments closed. Use Tuesday’s thread instead.]

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 4:29 pm

Comments

shot of tequila everytime Blagojevich says George Ryan and everytime Topinka says federal investigations and the best part is that after 5 minutes you will be passed out and not have to listen to the rest!

Comment by HANKSTER Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 4:33 pm
How about a shot for anyone that can guess who the moderator will be for the supplemental debate with Rich Whitney immediately following?

Comment by Squideshi Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 4:38 pm
Finke had a great idea yesterday…over/under on number of times the word “Ryan” is used. I say 2,000 and I’ll take the over.
Wonder if Shimkus will make to the debate or is he still on the lam?

Comment by BonVoyageJohn Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 4:46 pm
Blogo throws back a shot every time he says “we have been friends since I was 8 years old”, “I’m not sure if it was a christening or a birthday present”, “healthcare for kids,” “George Ryan’s treasurer”, and “uh, oh, uh, um, you asked me—-what was the question?” Then I think we’ll start hearing the truth, and it won’t be pretty.

Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 5:03 pm
How can someone in Chicago hear the debate? Is this only a radio debate? If so where can I pick it up around the city?

Comment by Curious Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 5:17 pm
You can hear the debate at 8:06PM on 780AM

Comment by Bridget Dooley Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 5:23 pm
Thanks Bridget!

Comment by Curious Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 5:31 pm
Will the debate be streamed online anywhere?

Comment by Curious Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 5:37 pm
I know WBBM streams online…

http://www.wbbm780.com

As does WJBC

http://www.wjbc.com/

And WJPF

http://www.wjpf.com/home.php

All are IRN affiliates

Comment by Ryan Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 5:41 pm
Also forgot KMOX…

http://www.kmox.com

Comment by Ryan Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 5:41 pm
WBBM is no good. They’re planning to air a partisan political event this evening that excludes one of the three candidates on the ballot. When they do so, they may be in violation of federal law.

Comment by Squideshi Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 6:11 pm
As a loyal member of one of the state’s two largest parties (it doesn’t matter which one…the election is about good government or its absence, not party ID), I am ashamed that its gubernatorial candidate did not insist on including all the candidates who are on the ballot. Are they scared of being shown up by a third-party candidate? [Actually, they probably should be. You start to wonder after a while whether Illinois really is scraping the bottom of the leadership barrel to come up with these choices.] Can’t we do better?

Comment by Ashamed Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 6:28 pm
oh, please tell me what federal law insists on the inclusion of a fringe candidate?

Comment by bored now Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 6:35 pm
Do we really need a federal law to force us to give the people a good look at all of their options (such as they are)?

Comment by Ashamed Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 6:37 pm
It’s time for Rod to answer all of the allegations that are out there. He can’t hide anymore.

Comment by Hova Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 6:43 pm
I’ll give the Gooberner $50 bucks to smash an empty beer can against his forehead. Maybe this action might reconnect his madula with his brain stem so he can “think more clearly.”

Comment by Rex Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 6:49 pm
The debate wouldn’t perchance be on tv…I like watching Rod squirm

Comment by ISU REP Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 6:51 pm
No, I think it’s only on the radio.

Comment by Bridget Dooley Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 7:55 pm
One thing for sure, the expectations are all on Blago; he has to dance pretty darn well tonight to not be considered the loser in this debate.

Topinka’s expectations are to make some points on the corruption and follow up with some workable-sounding proactive plans, enough to show she’s been working on a plan.

Rod’s arguments will be “I may not be perfect but I have a plan and tey don’t”. He will also try the “Whatever you think I did bad, the other side has been doing it, so we’re even” ploy. Rod will try the rope-a-dope, trying to turn every question into a prepared soundbite from the campaign, and he will try to run out the clock with incredibily contorted run-on sentences.

Topinka needs to keep Rod off the prepared soundbites and ad-libbing off the cuff: Rod will then self-destruct like last Thursday.

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 7:57 pm
here it comes…

Comment by Gregor Samsa Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:07 pm
White horse’s you know what…

Comment by Gregor Samsa Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:07 pm
Rod says he never promised to ride in on a white horse.

Backpeddling already.

Comment by William Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:09 pm
He’s on the talking points again…She was Ryan’s treasurer, but not Blago’s?

Comment by Gregor Samsa Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:11 pm
We would be better off if they would both GET absent.

Comment by Southern Illinois Democrat Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:12 pm
Nice try Elvis. Public Official A DOES NOT stand for absent. It stand for your butt is in a sling with the Feds.

Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:15 pm
Good one, Red, hitting your stride now on the long term public servant thing, and nice dig on the presidential aspirations.

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:16 pm
Are they ever going to talk about anything other than how sleezy each one is?

Comment by Southern Illinois Democrat Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:16 pm
I’m lifting my finger right now…

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:17 pm
Rod gets a chance to respond and WBBM interupts with a weather report, I hope that they are consistent and interupt with another weather report during a Judy response.

Comment by wndycty Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:17 pm
Topinka was asked about Cellini, Kjellander and accepting contributions from people who do business with her office - she avoided answering the question.

Comment by RealClear Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:18 pm
I hope she hits on the fact that SHE is also HIS treasurer.

Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:19 pm
She’s a wreckin’ machine!

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:20 pm
We are #1 for healthcare programs. We are #50 in AFFODING IT.

Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:20 pm
Shameless…Topinka fails to mention that the 300 taxes and fees would not have passed without the votes from 10 Republicans (including Cross, Saviano, McAuliffe, etc.)

Comment by RealClear Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:21 pm
Did she have an inspector general that resigned (was fired), I think she was an African American woman, I would love to know the story behind that. I would love for the press to dig that up, maybe there is no story there but I would like to know.

Comment by wndycty Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:21 pm
What is the deal with those D.O.L. job figures anyhow? We know DCEO was double-counting job here in the state, but what’s the accounting trick they’re using on the federal figures?

P.S. Edge tax Credit was a George Ryan initiative.

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:22 pm
HE had an inspector general who resigned.

Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:22 pm
Here we go, bring up those business cost increases, way to go Judy.

Good, overtime really not enough people to do the job, understaffing.

Comment by Concerned Voter Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:23 pm
Oh, she’s hitting good on the fundraising.

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:23 pm
does this debate really matter? blago gets in and then is indicted within 6 months.. Pat Quinn the next Gov.. Scarrrrry

Comment by Da Godfather Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:24 pm
Ever tried getting a doctor to take AllKids? Not as easy as Blago suggests…

Comment by he's not quite truthful Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:24 pm
Rod is winning! leading the state in jobs! Blah blah blah Judy
Judy said obfuscate…she must be reading Capfaxblog

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:25 pm
Wow, Judy sounds like she already chain-smoked 5 packs of Marlboro Reds today. And the night’s still young.

Comment by RealClear Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:25 pm
Oh NO, you di’in’t raise the FOIA thing, Rod!
That’s gonna come back to bite you.

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:25 pm
No, Pat Quinn for Governor is the best case scenario!!

Judy has the most nasal, smoke-a-pack-a-day voice ever, ugh. I would vote for Blago if it meant I wouldn’t have to listen to HER for the next few years.

Comment by Bridget Dooley Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:26 pm
I think listening to this on the radio or over the web is probably too dull for the average voter.

Comment by Marie Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:26 pm
BAM!

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:26 pm
Why didnt she yell and scream when Ryan and Edgar raised fees?

Comment by Southern Illinois Democrat Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:26 pm
At least she said hundred and not thousand this time.

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:27 pm
Marie, you’re probably right. RealClear, great minds…

This is the 2nd time Rod has said Judy is making things up.

Comment by Bridget Dooley Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:27 pm
Whoops…gotcha Judy!
Oh it is only one lease and its Quinn’s fault!

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:28 pm
i want to know why rod’s taxes only went up 1% ….. rod has no idea! LMAO!!!!!!!

Comment by Da Godfather Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:29 pm
That’s the second time Judy said “deja vu all over again.”

Comment by Marie Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:30 pm
No I was talking about her. I believe her Inspector General was digging a bit too much. I may be wrong, but it can’t be hard to look can it? Just see if Judy had an Inspector General who resigned (was fired), I’m sure we can find. If she lost an Inspector General I would love to know why. I can be wrong. Hopefully Rich or someone else can confirm.

Comment by wndycty Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:30 pm
The women on the Bachelor this season are Hot!!!

Comment by anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:30 pm
Yes yes yes

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:30 pm
Maybe the algebra students can work a story problem on how property tax assessments are calculated…

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:31 pm
If I was judy I wouldn’t agree to any more debates!

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:32 pm
More ‘rithmatic?

Comment by Marie Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:33 pm
If I were Judy, I’d demand the debates be televised.

Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:33 pm
Bill, I COMPLETELY agree. Judy would be stupid to take Rod on any more than absolutely necessary!! He’s killing tonight.

Comment by Bridget Dooley Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:34 pm
“How can he pay for it” is going to be the mantra.

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:34 pm
She just called us all a bunch of deadbeats!

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:34 pm
Judy needs to get a clue. She has an opportunity to say what she stands for, what she will do, but she just bashes, bashes, bashes. Poor Judy I feel sorry for her. She is not giving anyone a reason to vote for her, she just keeps digging for reasons not to vote for Rod. She is just a very very very weak and miserable candidate.

Comment by wndycty Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:35 pm
Nobody knows what she’s talking about!

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:35 pm
OMG! He just called Judy a senior citizen (by “going to to senior citizen bingo”)!

Comment by Marie Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:36 pm
Agree Bridget. JBT is not doing well in my mind. Blago has his talking points down a lot better.

Comment by Southern Illinois Democrat Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:36 pm
Rod knows Judy’s plan better than she does.

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:37 pm
He’s killing? Good lord you’re nuts…

Comment by YR Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:38 pm
300 no bid contracts worth 52 million? say it aint so judy. she’s so damn adamant that her office does absolutely everything competitively bid. sounds like she has some serious explaining to do. but will the media actually call her out on this?

Comment by a friend Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:39 pm
spit it out Judy!
Whose got a smoke?

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:39 pm
YR, you think Judy is doing well? Blago isn’t my favorite guy, but I’ll certainly concede that he debates far more effectively than Judy.

Comment by Bridget Dooley Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:39 pm
She should hit now with the flu shots and the crummy drug program

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:40 pm
He is drilling her with his 5 points. She just has no plan, she is clueless. He came prepared he came loaded. He sell himself strategically, he attacks her strategically, she just keeps talking. Does she have her coffee cup? If so what is in it?

Comment by wndycty Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:40 pm
Hahaha, I think Judy only takes Lucky Strikes. Real women dont need no stinkin’ filters!

Comment by Bridget Dooley Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:40 pm
Some major Blago koolaid is being downed tonight

Comment by ISU REP Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:40 pm
Awkward comments by the moderator.

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:41 pm
Key lime green? With her loud red hair? Got she must look like a darn X-mas tree.

Comment by wndycty Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:41 pm
a natural color
YES!!!!
Perfect hair!
Yes!!!
They should make them each sing an Elvis tune!

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:42 pm
Topinka’s lies on no-bid contracts are already up on Topinka Watch.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:42 pm
But an emergency session this week is not possible?

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:42 pm
I’m going to be Judy for Halloween. Where can I get a lime green suit?

Comment by Bridget Dooley Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:43 pm
blago has on orange jumpsuit..

Comment by Da Godfather Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:43 pm
mines?

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:44 pm
Telling point that the commissioners were Blago plants. And Rod coming down to Springfield.
Braveheart (snicker).

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:44 pm
Damn the Topinka Watch is fast. Judy has some explaining to do. Sort of reminds me of a Thompson Twins song, “Lies, Lies, Lies” LOL

Comment by wndycty Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:45 pm
I want to go for halloween as Blago, get me an elvis wig, a suit, and a bank account with $50 million in it.

Comment by Concerned Voter Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:45 pm
Bridget,

Currently, I don’t htink either is winning. But I would, for once, LOVE to see this dope of a governor come up with an originial idea that isn’t part of his talking points.

Comment by YR Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:46 pm
Rod has tunred into a talking point robot.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:46 pm
I wonder if Rod’s handlers give him a script when he goes home every night…”Hello honey, how was your day…my day was fine…what is for dumber….uh…wait….dinner.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:48 pm
Agriwhatcher?

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:48 pm
A script? He is prepped, he is prepared. Judy on the other hand is just a wreck.

Comment by wndycty Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:49 pm
Why would he veer away from his talking points? Isn’t the objective to pound the message over and over again and continue to direct the conversation back to his talking points? That’s the point and he’s nailing it.

Comment by Bridget Dooley Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:49 pm
YR
His original ideas ARE his “talking points”. Its called being prepared.

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:49 pm
E-85 started with Edgar, not Blago.

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:50 pm
The real debate happened earlier on the lawn where the Greens had a voice. Rich Whitney was looking good in his sharp suit. Should have put him on stage to make the event more attractive.

Comment by Green Observer Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:51 pm
Does it count that more kids passed the High School exam if the standards were lowered?

Rod brought up FOIA, and Judy did not pounce over the Franks foia request.

Did Rod ever answer the question about taxes?

These two are like bickering children.

Apparently, the office to hold is treasurer, according to Rod, the treas has all the power.

Comment by Wumpus Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:51 pm
The old ethanol in a soybean field trick.

Comment by Marie Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:51 pm
Prepped? He’s not answering questions, just spouting memorized points.

Rod, answer the questions!!!

Comment by William Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:52 pm
I’m guessing “Bridget” and “Bill” are getting bonuses for every post.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:52 pm
Judy sounds like a children’s book! “I like clean energy. Ethanol is good. Illinois has agriculture. We need ethanol. Rod doesn’t know about soybeans. He is dumb.”

Comment by Bridget Dooley Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:52 pm
Yessssssssss!
Any more questions Judy?

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:52 pm
Rod was the one raised the fees on farmer’s ag chemicals and supplies until ADM told him to knock it off.

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:53 pm
I wonder if Rod could find Christian County on map.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:54 pm
Bonuses? From who? Hook it up!

Comment by Bridget Dooley Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:54 pm
Hot Rod is getting it for his property tax deal with Houlihan. When will Mr. Houlihan be available to discuss his findings? He pays less than what a 4000 sq ft house would be appraised and taxed at anywhere else in the state. Come on Gov, you look like the idiot here and quit playing us, especially the good folks of the Windy City.

Comment by Save a horse ride Harley Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:54 pm
raised fees on farmers chemicals?? he raised fees on everything!!

Comment by Da Godfather Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:55 pm
And most of all HER WORD is GOOD… no memorandum needed!

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:55 pm
Farm in the zoo????

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:55 pm
JC Penny is the biggest business in North Riverside. Corruption is the biggest business in Chicago.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:56 pm
I own a corn field and believe it or not they both have driven by it. So, I say on that point the debate is a draw.

Comment by Southern Illinois Democrat Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:56 pm
Judy doesn’t have anyone crawling all over her!

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:57 pm
Didn’t the fish farming funding come from the tobacco settlement funds? Or am I just imagining that?

Comment by Marie Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:58 pm
Yeah…hammer it home Rod!

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:58 pm
She should have hit him way harder ont he allkids medicaid failure.

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:59 pm
WAS in crisis?! Please Rod, you’ve done nothing but make things worse.

Comment by ISU REP Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:59 pm
a chicken in every pot!!!

Comment by El Conquistador Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 8:59 pm
Rod takes a page from George Costanza’s book….it’s not a lie if you believe it.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:00 pm
Preschool program - not up and running - no funding yet. AllKids - not up and running - no doctors will take more welfare patients.

Comment by Little E Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:01 pm
WBBM just cut off Rod’s closing address to go to their jingle and station ID. Kinda severe for him running past one minute.

Comment by William Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:01 pm
If she gets another debate with him, wich I doubt, she needs to figure out how to

A) Sound a little less angry
B) Get him off of his talking points

Easy for me to say, hard for her to do.

Comment by OneMan Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:01 pm
and the award for the worst moderator in debate history goes to…………

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:01 pm
Rod couldn’t find Christian County on a bet….In fact he probably couldn’t find his own rear end without a bribe and a road map…

Comment by Christian County?? Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:02 pm
Governor Roboto laid an egg tonight. He sounded like a person way out of his league trying to grasp something he clearly doesn’t get. Amateur hour, pure amateur hour.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:03 pm
Goodnight Bill. You exhaust me. And that’s not a compliment.

Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:04 pm
What have we learned? We’ve learned that this is the best that we can find out of a pool of 12 million residents. She deserves to lose for not truly taking him to task with her only chance. He deserves to win, so that he can sleep in the bed of debt he’s made and possibly one up G Ryan, by being indicted while still in office. How sad for Illinois.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:04 pm
I bet Rod’s handlers are dismantling him backstage right now. I hope they remembered the instructions.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:05 pm
I’d say that Rod did pretty well tonight. He stayed on message, didn’t stutter, and sounded more in control of the conversation than Judy.

Comment by Bridget Dooley Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:05 pm
SERENITY NOW…he should remember that when hes doing 10-20 in the state pen….

Comment by ISU REP Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:05 pm
I would have to say Topinka did the worst job I have ever heard a statewide candidate do in a debate. Judy’s staff better get a handle on her. You guys are starting to look like idiots.

Comment by Mona's friend Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:05 pm
Topinka might not want to ask for another debate, she isnt in his league at these things. Forget policy or whatever you think about him or her, he crushed her.

Comment by HANKSTER Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:06 pm
I think if people tuned out after the halfway point, what they take with them is bad for Rod on the ethics. The second half, particularly the education chunk, was near impenetrable to the qverage person, and the stats flew fast and loose over the jobs/development topic. This is why 13 debates could have been good: one topic per debate, we could have got past more of the prepared talking points and into the underlying assumptions and plans.

Comment by Gregor Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:06 pm
pretty accurate.. Blago taking care of cronnies.. aka Tony Rezko.. he still MIA?

Comment by Da Godfather Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:06 pm
Pat Quinn, the gods are smiling on you.

Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:07 pm
Domo arigato, Governor Roboto, domo…domo
Domo arigato, Governor Roboto, domo…domo
Domo arigato, Governor Roboto, domo…domo

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:08 pm
Anon 9:05, that was freaking hilarious.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:08 pm
Anon 9:08….I know

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:10 pm
Just saw the clips on FOX32 in Chicago, like clockwork Judy had a coffee cup, this time a McDonald’s premium blend with a straw.

Comment by wndycty Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:10 pm
Good night Little e

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:10 pm
No, Rod didn’t “crush” her on anything. She hit her stride about the fourth question in and I thought she was gonna light the booster rocket, then she lost some steam as Rod tried to run out the clock with run-on sentences… Red could have hit harder on mrod’s failures and the connecting-the dots-thing. She better hope the press follows up on the statements and runs a side-by-side comparison.

Comment by Gregor Samsa Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:11 pm
I wonder if Rod will head over to Papa Tony’s Pizza for a post-debate pie with a side ill gotten gains.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:11 pm
Another homerun for Grod!

JudyBore forgot to tell about Brickhead and the executions..hmmm She’ll be down more points by sunrise.

Comment by Reddbyrd Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:11 pm
Grod and Arod have a lot in common. People expect a lot….and they never live up to expectations.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:16 pm
He will have a hard time beating back this property tax issue. That is a simple, straightforward issue that the average voter understands. He really needs to work on his answer for that or she will just beat him over the head with it for a long while.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:18 pm
They were both a bit of a drag.

Thanks, Rich.

Comment by Marie Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:18 pm
The amazing thing is that Rod didn’t answer one question the moderator asked. Let’s hope he fares better with other types of folks who ask questions.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:20 pm
From the ffem minutes I heard, they were equally complaining and calling the other a liar.

Comment by Wumpus Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:21 pm
It all seemed rather amateurish from the moderators to the candidates.

Comment by Save a horse ride Harley Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:23 pm
I’m afraid to say, she won, hands down.

Comment by WestsideDem Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:24 pm
Wumpus- did you hear the part where Rod’s people flipped his switch on and he actually started doing the robot? It was amazing, the moderator did a play by play.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:24 pm
Did I hear Rod’s property taxes on the North Side went up by less than 1% while his neighbors suffered 40% increases? There could be a revolt.

Comment by Holy Taxbreak, Batman Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:26 pm
I can’t believe his house is like 3800 square feet. No wonder why he never leaves his house (much less never goes to Springfield). He probably gets lost in there.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:27 pm
How funny would it be if Rod had a hair weave? Come on, it’s possible.

Comment by Ted Danson Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:29 pm
This is interesting. If you watch the Hot women (hat tip to anon 8:20) on the Bachelor with the sound off while listening to the debate, Topinka seems 5% less nutty than usual.

Comment by RealClear Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:30 pm
This will be interesting, to see the fact-checking and truth squad rundowns tomorrow.

Comment by Anonah Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:34 pm
Every time I see Rod now, I can’t get past the image of him on the Daily Show saying he was fascinated by Scwarzenegger’s film Pumping Iron. Now THAT is creepy.

Comment by Donnie Baseball Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:34 pm
Rod sounded like a bad telemarketer…the kind who, when interrupted, questioned or challenged just gets perplexed and starts reading the prepared script over again from the beginning. Either that or (for the rest of you who are old enough to remember this) like a record with a skip in it.

Comment by Casey Jones Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:37 pm
Great job, Rod.

Comment by R2D2 & C3PO Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:41 pm
With regard to finding Christian County…

Several years ago, the Governor was on a tour of southern Illinois in Massac County and when the hosts pointed out some issues along the Ohio River he said, “I didn’t know that the Ohio River came close to Illinois.”

Maybe not the exact quote but pretty darn close and the people who overheard this were democrats…

Comment by Link Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 9:41 pm
I really can’t stand the thought of 4 more years of the ‘best darn Governor money can buy, and rent, and maybe rent to own…’ LOL

Comment by Belle Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 10:00 pm
I listened with a friend from New York. She didn’t think much of the candidates, but she particularly couldn’t stand the moderator.

I sorta felt the moderator injected himself too much and seemed biased toward Blagojevich.

Neither candidate sounded particularly good to me. Both were talking to fast. Sometimes Blago sounded short of breath. JBT mangled her syntax too often. Who says, “mine’s” when they mean “mine”?

I would say Blagojevich did a better job accomplishing his goals than JBT. But breaking even was a win for him.

I’m not sure, but I suspect Whitney would have appeared at least equal to RB and JBT. Neither were impressive.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 10:09 pm
So I jump ship in Hong Kong and make my way over to Tibet, and I get on as a looper at a course over in the Himalayas. A looper, you know, a caddy, a looper, a jock. So, I tell them I’m a pro jock, and who do you think they give me? The Dalai Lama, himself. Twelfth son of the Lama. The flowing robes, the grace, bald… striking.

Rod won, hands down!

Comment by B Hicks Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 10:33 pm
Rich, I just noticed you posted your verdict as “Win: Blagojevich”. I’m afraid you have the right bottom line, but his getting there was more a product of JBT failing to capitalize and the moderator allowing him to dodge the main point of many questions than something the Gov truly earned. And he shouldn’t win either a debate or re-election; what with the ethics questions, hiring fraud allegations, $1500 birthtism presents, an undertaxed 3,800 square foot house, an overall air of superiority and a clear belief in soveriegn immunity this fellow has more in common with Louis XVI than he does with the average Illinoisian. He needs to be put in the position of speaking to his record more and cannot be allowed the opportunity to turn future debates into commercials where he blandly delivers his well rehersed talking points or “RoboGov 2: The Sequel” will remain a possibility.

Of course, maybe we’ll all get lucky and somebody will catch Patty saying “Let them eat cake” on camera…

Comment by Casey Jones Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 10:34 pm
The debate was split in my book. JBT don’t have much worries in southern illinois. I just walked a precinct with 700 voters. One person stated that they were voting for rod and the rest were good conversations about judy..I bet rod won’t get 150 votes in the demo precinct………

Comment by ironman Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 10:36 pm
Blago was better at debating, but I didn’t believe a frickin word he said. He is shameless.

Comment by Schiznitz Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 10:38 pm
In light of Ironman’s comments, I think you all should check out the unofficial poll being conducted by the Ottawa Daily Times. According to that poll, it is a dead heat with 26% currently undecided and an incredibly strong showing by Whitney (24%). Methinks this shows that it is a long way from over.

Comment by Country Girl Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 10:46 pm
LOLOLOL

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 10:48 pm
Hmmm. looks like a Kool-Aid overdose for Mr. Hicks. I’ll investigate that once I finish auditing the Ottawa Daily Times-Clarion-Ledger-Star-Bugle-Gazette statistically valid poll.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 11:08 pm
Anon 9:08-

Hey, behaving like a carbon-based robot got Al Gore into a very close race back in the 2000 election. Maybe Rod thought it was so effective with supporters that he pulled it off on purpose.

Or maybe…the party is just running Frankensapiens robots to make us all THINK it is a real human? Gasp!!

Comment by Angie Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 11:09 pm
I met Bill Mitchell in Decatur tonight. Let me just say: Bobby thinks that he is a tad bit friendly, you know what I mean?

Comment by B Hicks Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 11:11 pm
Bill, Wyndy and Bridget: You should all be ashamed of yourselves. We don’t care if the governor stays on message, etc. What he says is so scripted, no one knows who he really is. The main point with you all is winning at any cost. I hope it doesn’t come back to bite you. Your attitudes are disgusting, especially when not a day goes by without some new scheme, failed scheme, subpoena, scam, etc. from the governor and his staff of junior high students. Talk to people who work in state offices, NOT the supervisors, but the people in the ranks. They can tell you some horror stories about what’s going on and the horrendous debt to be paid by the tax-payers of Illinois caused by your favorite politician. Who do YOU think is paying for all this campaign literature - I mean program literature - that is being sent by bushels full to senior, immigrant and uneducated taxpayers. These folks are being wooed to vote to make up for the middle class voters who have seen through this governor and said “No Thanks!”

Comment by Martha Mitchell Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 11:15 pm
Shaw calls it a draw. Which is a win for Blagojevich.

Based on the performance of the two candidates, I expect Whitney to pick up 1-2 points this week.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 11:19 pm
Martha, keep your panties on, girlfriend. Many of us are not exactly Rod fans, we’e just looking at this as a political victory for Rod. Judy stumbled on her words, didn’t seem prepared, and took every opportunity to whip out snide nasty comments like “you’re attitudes are disgusting” and “you should be ashamed of yourself”. Oh wait, that was you! lol

Rod ain’t my favorite. In fact, the most compelling reason that I can think of to vote for him is that he very likely WILL get indicted and we will get Pat Quinn as governor. I’d take him over JBT any day.

Comment by Bridget Dooley Monday, Oct 2, 06 @ 11:30 pm
Blago clearly won the debate. But the really big win for Blago this week is the way Topinka’s friends Hastert and Shimkus are making Blago and his friends look like Boy Scouts by comparison.

Voters will take a guy accepting $1,500 birthday checks over a gang that looks the other way on icky old men serving on the House Gays and Teens Committee, any day of the week, and twice on Sunday.

Comment by RealClear Tuesday, Oct 3, 06 @ 12:44 am
Whatever it was, it wasn’t a debate. Without better formatting and better moderators, these things are a waste of time for everyone.

Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, Oct 3, 06 @ 1:08 am
Someone help me out. It’s 5:40 AM and I haven’t heard a thing from the Green Party. Am I missing something? Did they post their rebuttal anywhere?

Comment by RickG Tuesday, Oct 3, 06 @ 5:39 am
You kids just don’t get it. Things have sunk so low that neither party is looking for the best candidate. It only comes down to who hasn’t violated the public trust. Blago’s actions are unethical but have yet to be proven illegal. Meanwhile, JBT’s silence under Ryan’s leadership is a clear violation of the public’s trust. The Republican’s now have a lot of work to do. They know the Ds are going to vote, the undecided are totally disgusted by the National situation and have little faith in JBT, and the Rs are demoralized by the loss of their last trump card of being the party of virtue. Regardless, there will be few “winners” this November. Whoever is in office this coming year will be making some difficult decisions. Be careful what you wish for…

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Oct 3, 06 @ 5:54 am
So, where’s Big Jim when you need him. He did make his lucrative career off the Republican party after all. And he was a champion debater.

Time is tight a month before the election, but the next debate could mean the difference between a rout and a squeaky win or loss for JBT.
She needs to get Big Jim or at least some of his
bright law school associates at WS to mock debate, mock debate, mock debate right up to the
televised debate. First instructions: a loud buzzer goes off every time she says “you know”:
She said it about 5 times in the first minutes.
It makes her sound as if she doesn’t know what she is talking about. Only the unsure of themselves keep asking their audience for confirmation via “you know.”

Big Jim gave tens of millions to Ryan for his defense via his law firm. He can afford to give JBT a few thousand in debate coaching.

And if JBT’s staff can’t get her to improve her debating and public speaking technique, they should have the decency to quit.

Not to say Blago was much better. But his far more competent campaign staff have apparently drilled his talking points into him so at least he sounds better.

Comment by Cassandra Tuesday, Oct 3, 06 @ 7:54 am
The blagos ought to be good at campaigning. That’s all they have accomplished in four years while screwing everything else up!

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Oct 3, 06 @ 8:19 am