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* Your main takeaways from President Obama’s speech?

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:04 pm

Comments

I sure hope it was good cover to de-escalate.

Comment by Waffle Fries Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:05 pm
The Dunkin jab was most memborable.

Comment by Just Observing Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:06 pm
“Now, guys, you’re embarrassing me. Play nice!”

Comment by Across the Street Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:07 pm
Everyone needs to work together again with everyone else. Except you, Ken Dunkin.

Comment by The Man on 6 Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:07 pm
He was asking for depolarization, something the governor and legislature need to take to heart.

Comment by illinoised Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:08 pm
P.S. Loved the Dunkin line. Ouch!

Comment by illinoised Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:08 pm
So… Can Ken Dunkin be done now?

Comment by Across the Street Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:08 pm
One of his best speeches since the Kerry Convention speech.

Comment by D.P.Gumby Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:09 pm
bye Dunkin! lol

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:09 pm
Pot lecturing kettle

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:10 pm
1. Compromise is victory
2. Effective self-governance itself is at stake with the issues raised

Comment by Concerned Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:10 pm
It reminded me why I like Obama. Listening to him makes me want to be the best version of myself. I hope it can sink in a little in Springfield.

Comment by Montrose Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:11 pm
It was great to escape for a while, but reality comes back tomorrow. Unfortunately, I don’t see it magically changing Rauner or Madigan to reach out and make deals. I’d be more optimistic if the President also arranged a private meeting with all of the leaders to reinforce this message and try to be the broker.

Comment by unclesam Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:11 pm
Great speech, one of his best, I wish he gave a speech like this a few years ago with the same message. Obama looked happy like he was at home. I hope his speech will turn things around

Comment by Publius Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:12 pm
Politics ain’t bean bag.

The dunkin jab was pretty good.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:12 pm
Pretty good speech, could have done with a little less sass so the real gravitas of where we are right now as a country and state is in terms of polarization would have hit home a bit more.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:12 pm
He’s moving full forward into the role of Statesman. His legacy is important to him. No snark. I’ve heard him hundreds of times. He sounded more presidential today than I can ever recall.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:12 pm
“If 99% of us voted, it wouldn’t matter how much the 1% spend”

Comment by Donnie Euchre Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:13 pm
Seems like in an actually functioning legislature with trust and goodwill maybe there would be compromise to be had on a bill for redistricting plus automatic voter registration. But there’s not so there isn’t.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:13 pm
Compromise is only okay when Madigan does not, but not okay when your name is Dunkin.

Comment by iMark1978 Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:14 pm
“VFW in Carbondale.” Best speech I have heard in a long time. Excellent. The President seemed to be very comfortable back on his home turf. Was interesting to watch the dynamics of it unfold.

Comment by Saluki Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:15 pm
There is no limit to what we can accomplish if we remove our heads from our banned word.

Comment by SAP Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:15 pm
Great speech that he did not write. Talked about progress in the Justice Department. Let’s see if they follow thru if the FBI recommends an indictment on Hillary

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:15 pm
Compromise is the essence of democracy.

(By the way, has anyone else noticed that the ‘Raunerbots’ seem to have mostly abandoned drive-by comments here and moved over to Crain’s?)

Comment by Rasselas Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:16 pm
Regarding drive-bys, other than Anonymous 2:10 and 2:15. Seriously? This speech absolutely sounded like Obama’s voice. He hires his speechwriters, he works with them, he edits their work. What is the point of your remark?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:19 pm
Anonymous 2:19 was me

Comment by Rasselas Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:19 pm
Anonymous, was that you flying the stars and bars from your pickup truck circling the Capitol?

Comment by Me too Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:20 pm
===that he did not write===

First, if you want to be a proper troll, you’ll need to come up with a clever nickname so we know it’s you next time.

Second, what makes you think he didn’t write his own speech? Of course he has speech writers. I’m sure he didn’t spend hours researching famous historical presidential insults in his spare time, but that doesn’t mean he can’t claim authorship.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:20 pm
You think he got where he is today without all the same bad politicS he is complaining about.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:21 pm
His oratory skills have never been his problem. I know someone who talked with Sen Schumer and he said during his first few years in office President Obama just wasnt a very good negotiator. And before this soeech it seemed as though he had just given uo and was gonna EO his way through it.

Comment by Nony Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:21 pm
Gosh, but he didn’t say he was for term limits! Oh…right, he never was.

I think he said what we’ve been saying here all along…if you insist on “purity”, nothing will ever get done.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:21 pm
One of the great speeches on politics and self government of all time. I just wish we could also have seen what Obama saw from his vantage point of the audience.

Comment by OakParkVoter Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:21 pm
“Your main takeaways from President Obama’s speech?”

I’ll miss him.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:22 pm
There actually was a pickup doing so, and I ask because afterward I was told they did it on MLK day too. Sickening, and the lack of respect for the office and the president regardless of whether you agree or not, is pretty low. Almost as low as the driver of that truck.

Comment by Me too Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:22 pm
–Anonymous, was that you flying the stars and bars from your pickup truck circling the Capitol?–

Did that really happen?

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:23 pm
Yes, at about 12:45 I saw a truck flying both a full size American flag and a full size Rebel Flag from the pickup bed traveling south on College.

Comment by Me too Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:26 pm
The Dunkin remark undercut every single thing he said about bipartisanship and polarization. Feel-good “comin’ home” story, but worthless overall.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:26 pm
Crossing Monroe by CU1.

Comment by Me too Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:26 pm
No me, probably a Bernie Sanders plant

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:26 pm
Love the Harmon shout-out and the Dunkin shout-at. But really this speech could be summed up in three words: “You guys behave.”

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:27 pm
Anon, did it undercut what he said about the disgusting effects of money in politics? I ask because selling your vote is not the same thing as negotiating a compromise. Dunkin didn’t see the light, he saw dollar signs, and now his campaign is flush with cash from Rauner’s democratic front group. Hmmmm. This isn’t rocket science.

Comment by Me too Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:28 pm
Meh. It was okay. But singling out Dunkin was unnecessary.

Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:30 pm
Me too: I agree. It’s not rocket science.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:31 pm
Glad to hear that Bernie grows plants Anonymous, but stay local.

Comment by Me too Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:31 pm
Too bad he never followed his own advice in Washington.

Comment by anonymous retiree Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:32 pm
Historic. Remarkable. Timely. And to the point.

I drove to Springfield 9 years ago today to hear his announcement and was just as moved.

I hope both sides of the aisle were listening.

Comment by illini Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:33 pm
It was a great speech. It was conciliatory, non partisan and a civics lesson all rolled into one. I hope Rauner and Madigan and their Lieutenants take a few of his points to heart and get to work. His point about divided Government and not being able to get everything you want is sound advice.

Comment by The Dude Abides Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:33 pm
I’ve missed him and it was good having him back. His speech reminded what I miss about him, he’s just a decent human being who is a pleasure to spend time with.

Comment by The Captain Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:34 pm
“Pot[us] lecturing kettle”

Comment by Bigtwich Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:34 pm
About the only comments on here not worth the time to read are being delivered by a few guys who wish to remain anonymous. That figures.

Comment by The Dude Abides Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:35 pm
==You think he got where he is today without all the same bad politicS he is complaining about. ==

Obama can rewrite it the way he wants to remember it. History is written by the winners.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:36 pm
me me me

Comment by Joe Kool Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:38 pm
Great speech. Obama’s a brilliant guy — and I’d vote for him again (and again).

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:39 pm
I loved it that Obama used Lincoln’s quote, “A House Divided Can Not Stand”. Hope that hits home with both sides.

Comment by Mama Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:39 pm
A very good speech (not incredible, but better than good) — considering our current issues in Illinois. Measured — reminds some that an unwillingness to negotiate, and seek out compromise — ARE the problem. It leaves him free of too much criticism of partisan politics, while it reminds us rhetoric, name-calling, personal attacks say more about US than about the subject(s) of our attacks. Someone above said it best: I will miss this guy, and all that he has accomplished. I truly believe that history will rank him among the greats, decades from now.

Okay, beyond the speech — the jab at Dunkin is still a highlight of the day… (smile).

Comment by Justin Observer Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:41 pm
BTW — one of the best — and most telling — photographs I saw from today was Rauner greeting Obama on the tarmac. Not sure what Rauner was wearing — some weird, short, rumpled jacket — but the visual distinction between the two — Rauner in his crappy, wrinkled jacket, Obama in his black trenchcoat — was quite telling. Pretty much sums it up — for me, at least.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:42 pm
Don’t confuse compromise with selling out.

Comment by Austin Blvd Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:43 pm
Unfortunately, speech was a microcosm of his presidency. Lofty rhetoric; terrific delivery, but light on substance and heavy on hypocrisy. He literally called out Dunkin in the middle of a passage about how compromising across the aisle doesn’t make you a sell out. Plus he derides money in politics, but leaves Springfield and heads to a fundraiser in California. Words and actions don’t square.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:44 pm
Obama makes speech about compromise. Dunkin was first political casualty of compromise. About money you say? He voted to override, got money from Illinois GO. If he voted yes to override, he gets money from labor. How the world goes ’round.

Comment by NixonHead Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:46 pm
BHO did not single Dunkin out - Dunkin singled himself out by his outburst in the middle of the speech.

Comment by chi Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:46 pm
The high road taken by a president who has been hated, called a Muslim and a non-American. A message about not giving up one’s principles but that the hatred and criticism are unnecessary.

Comment by Austin Blvd Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:47 pm
First speech on the Farewell Tour, but a great speech nonetheless. I look forward to an even greater “second act” post-POTUS.

Comment by Ares Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:47 pm
Good “work together” speech, great Dunkin jab…bye bye Dunk!

Comment by Grandpa52 Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:49 pm
“He literally called out Dunkin in the middle of a passage about how compromising across the aisle doesn’t make you a sell out.”

$elling out makes you a sell out.

(I’m sorry but I don’t think I can explain that with fewer or smaller words.)

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:49 pm
Cauldron lecturing kettle.

Comment by Blago's Luxurious Grey Mane Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:50 pm
Dunkin was trying to ride the President’s coat tails. Got knocked off.

Comment by jls Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:52 pm
Good overall speech but he could not help but be partisan (re: Dunkin) when he was trying to sell the virtues of bi-partisanship.

Comment by cb Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:53 pm
He’s an incredible orator. Can’t imagine 4 years of Trump after listening to President Obama for the past 8 years.

Comment by BBG Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:53 pm
I think that he struck a good balance by saying something of vital importance to both Illinois and the Nation. Bravo President Obama!

Comment by Omega Man Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:54 pm
Anonymous Retiree,

It takes two to tangle. Remember it was the GOP
that refused to cooperate with him. Healthcare is a great example. None of them voted for the Affordable Care Act even though it was originally a Republican plan. I can give numerous examples.

I liked the message that we need more compromise in government and politics.

Comment by So Blue Democrat Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:54 pm
The Dunkin jab. Any chance there is a photo out there of Dunkin after the jab?

Comment by No Longer A Lurker Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:57 pm
“- Anon - Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:26 pm:
The Dunkin remark undercut every single thing he said about bipartisanship and polarization.”

Nonsense. Being a Quisling has it’s consequences…

Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:58 pm
I bet Rauner and Dunkin are very unhappy with Obama’s speech today.

Comment by Mama Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:59 pm
MrJM - “$elling out makes you a sell out.” Exactly.

Comment by illini Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:00 pm
It’s about time - the playground monitor has returned to the schoolyard.

Comment by TinyDancer(FKA Sue) Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:01 pm
I liked it. Sentimental return to the capitol. A really good speech, I am hopeful it will help change the mood just a little bit.

Comment by siriusly Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:02 pm
“- No Longer A Lurker - Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 2:57 pm:
The Dunkin jab. Any chance there is a photo out there of Dunkin after the jab?”

No picture but this is a close rendition..
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/02/29/8f/02298f8438c93b96403c8a2413b36d03.jpg

Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:02 pm
Dunkin’s snuggle up with Rauner has nothing to do with bipartisanship or compromise. It has everything to do with Rauner dumping a truckload of money on his front porch.

Comment by IllinoisBoi Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:05 pm
I hope those Capitol staffers learn from what he said today about civility and decorum. Calling any elected official, who has demonstrate dedicated service for over 40 years, as a “Sleazy” political, must know their tactics are not constructive.

Comment by Just Saying .... Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:06 pm
His four points at the end of the speech is what we need to strive toward.

Comment by Rufus Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:06 pm
Obama can rewrite it the way he wants to remember it. History is written by the winners.

*Drops Mic*

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:09 pm
Showed he can deliver a message without yellin’ , poundin’ the podium. And recalled a difference time when people could agree and socialize even if they did not vote everythin’.

Comment by Annonn'' Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:18 pm
Lesson for all who listened.

Comment by Vole Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:23 pm
Very good speech; will probably have little effect on impasse. Will miss this POTUS. He’s shown tremendous patience and class in weathering the hateful response to his presidency (I mean the birthers, etc.; not sincere opposition to his policies).

I was puzzled at first by the Dunkin remark. It seemed inconsistent with his message until I read here that Dunkin shouted out first. Now I see it as a good example of Obama’s repartee, usually done well with enough humor to keep things friendly (when friendly is possible to begin with). His quip on executive actions was also good. That was at his own expense, but could also apply to some of Rauner’s recent moves.

Comment by X-prof Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:29 pm
Maze Jackson is on his way down to SPR to apply some Aloe to Dunkin’s burns.

Comment by Just Jack Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:33 pm
Cost Rauner, Goldner, and Proft another $500k to save their ally Mr Dunkin.

Comment by Wow Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:35 pm
liked his Dunkin cover, and, yes, that will always be what I think of when I hear duck and cover since that jab at Dunkin was kind of a nuclear strike.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:37 pm
Oh, my God, I’ll miss him. What will we do without him? And who is going to fill those shoes?

Comment by Appalled Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:40 pm
Is it true he asked for his Present voting button - for old times sake ?

Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:40 pm
Whistling past the grave yard.

Comment by Michael Westen Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:42 pm
For those of you who think its hypocrisy to point out the distinction between policy compromise and political maneuvering with the “Dunkin Jab” (great branding), you should turn around because the point likely sailed over your head while you typed and may have landed behind you.

Comment by CD Sorensen Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:43 pm
Oh poor Dunkin. You should have stayed quiet. The president is better at this than you. And far wittier.

Now go drown your sorrows with some smores at the camp-out in front of the speakers office.

Comment by There is power in a union... Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:47 pm
I think this speech was exactly like his first anecdote… it was good and may have even changed minds, but it didn’t change anyone’s vote.

Comment by JustRight Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:48 pm
A few minutes after the Dunkin jab, Obama listed “passing budgets” as something governments need to accomplish.

Standing ovation.

I think the term is “signifying without specifying”

Comment by Bill White Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:51 pm
Ok I missed it just what did Dunkin say?

Comment by Dog Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:51 pm
Has a former POTUS ever run for Governor?

Comment by cdog Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:51 pm
@- Mouthy - Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:02 pm:

LOL

Comment by No Longer A Lurker Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:54 pm
You can’t call for bi-partisanship and also make fun of a politician for being bi-partisan in the same speech.

Comment by Just Me Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:54 pm
Actually enjoyed the whimsical Pate Phillip story, the bipartisan friendship aspect, the “we were all in this together, us Freshman” part.

The comraderie that was so cherished and beloved by all, Staff, Crew, Elected, it’s now overtly anti-conradrerie.

That “overtly” camaraderie leads to friendships that can lead to bipartisanship.

Rep. Dunkin,

You are a Raunerite. Looks like the President hasn’t liked your… choices… either.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:55 pm
X-Prof…. Every President has to weather hateful speech by his adversaries. Obama is far from alone in that.

I see from reading the comments that most here missed the point of the talk. I’m not shocked, given that Obama admitted that further polarization is a failing of his presidency. The content of his speech does not match his deeds. To be clear, I’m not saying the other side is any better; but this is no MLK,who did stay positive in the face of much more.

I hope both sides find a way to work together. So far neither has….

Comment by Anony Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:56 pm
Do what I say, not what I do.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:57 pm
C-dog - no way Obama wants to deal with Madigan either….

Comment by Anony Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:58 pm
This is the Barack I remember. Relaxed, conversational, analytical and always with a sense of humor. I agreed with everything he said, and have worked on some of it in the past.

The problem is that he is selling truffles to creatures more interested in explosives and chainmaille. It’s pretty difficult to envision an epiphany in any of the caucuses as a result of this well-deserved sermon. Leadership will cherry-pick and spin, and then tell their members to return to the “real world” they have created.

Comment by David Starrett Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 3:59 pm
@ C-dog: “Has a former POTUS ever run for Governor? ”

No, but John Quincy Adams spent 18 years in the House of Representatives after his presidency.

Comment by JoanP Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:06 pm
The Governor runs on Dunkin.
The President funs on Dunkin.

Comment by jls Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:12 pm
The transcript for Obama’s first bill is available here, starting on page 112:
www.ilga.gov/senate/transcripts/strans90/ST031397.pdf
90th General Assembly
Senate Transcript
22nd Legislative Day
March 13, 1997

Comment by Runaground Agenda Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:13 pm
==You can’t call for bi-partisanship and also make fun of a politician for being bi-partisan in the same speech. ==

There is a difference between being bi-partisan - and being paid paid off.

Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:16 pm
I meant to day there is a difference between being bi-partisan - and dunkin for dollars.

Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:17 pm
Has Maze Jackson accused the first black President of participating in a lynching yet?

Comment by ILPundit Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:19 pm
well he didn’t bring up Chicago’s shootings, so no calls for gun control.

I guess he didn’t want to sell anymore guns this month

Comment by Todd Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:20 pm
Can’t figure out what the purpose goal was. Not sure why he gave a speech other than that it was the anniversary of his announcement I guess. Nothing changed. Didn’t even attempt to move the impasse.

Comment by Political Animal Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:23 pm
@Todd -

You apparently didn’t let a single word of that speech sink in.

#NotSurprised

Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:23 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed his speech. The logic of the points he makes were delivered with precision and clarity. One wise dude.

I don’t always agree with his positions, but today, he was spot-on.

It would be a sweet chapter in life if …

November 2018, Gubernatorial Race, Obama vs Rauner

Or maybe just as sweet, he runs for Congress, becomes the Speaker of the House.

Comment by cdog Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:24 pm
I got back from the Hoogland (sp?) event. It made me genuinely happy to see grown men and women reach out their hand just to touch the president. It wipes away the cynicism of this process, even for a minute. People reaching out as if he were a deity. And I know I saw people there that may have worked against him in some elections, that brings just a touch of idealism to Springfield.

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:25 pm
- JoanP - Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:06 pm:

@ C-dog: “Has a former POTUS ever run for Governor? ”

No, but John Quincy Adams spent 18 years in the House of Representatives after his presidency.”

In 1833 he ran for governor of Massachusetts, lost, then stayed in the House.

Comment by There is power in a union... Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:25 pm
The words are good. The deeds need to improve.

I know eating candy is not good for me, but I often just can’t resist.

Try to live by these words and call all out for violating them.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:26 pm
I hope that obama becomes bored with public life and runs for governer in 18

Comment by jw Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:27 pm
Dunkin will spin this as: “Obama called me out for political heroism!”

As for the speech, this is Obama’s greatest strength. He’ll make millions once he retires from politics.

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:29 pm
Or Obama for Supreme Court. There is precedent for that too…

Comment by There is power in a union... Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:30 pm
We learned that when the president addresses the nation at a pivotal moment, Dunkin thinks it is all about his own sweet self and must share the happy news out loud.

Comment by Gruntled Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:32 pm
Most memorable was the Dunkin slam but liked the Presidnet’s tone of not allowing perfect to become the enemy of the good, wish all sides would listen. Dunkin could be toast now though no matter how much $$$$$$ Proft and Rauner throw at the race.

Comment by Elliott Ness Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:36 pm
Gruntled, Dunkin is all about Dunkin. A legend in his own mind…

Comment by There is power in a union... Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:37 pm
@Anony. Really? Which other president had his place of birth (Kenya?) and the legitimacy of his presidency questioned in the way this one has? Which has had a significant fraction of the opposing party question his religion (secret Muslim?)? Which has had a member of congress yell out that he was lying during the SoS? And which has had the leadership of the opposing party tacitly support all this?

Do feelings get strong over policy differences? Sure, I was not at all fond of Johnson (D) and Nixon (R) during the Vietnam days, and many Republicans had/have similar feelings about Pres. Clinton. But that was all about policy differences, and none of it compares to the overt racism Obama has had to deal with … that’s beyond the usual antagonism over legitimate policy differences.

Comment by X-prof Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:37 pm
@Wensicia

==Dunkin will spin this as: “Obama called me out for political heroism!”==

Please, please, please let Dan Proft design the mail piece claiming that Obama was calling Dunkin out for his heroism.

Please make it so . . .

Comment by Bill White Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:37 pm
Had trouble understanding his words…the way he pronounced his g’s…not used to hearing that from elected officials giving speeches in Illinois.

Comment by enoughalready Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:37 pm
The President made a good point. Dunkin was not engaging in compromise. His (non)votes have been bought and paid for. His democratic primary is being funded by Republicans. That says a lot.

I hope that some compromise can be reached, but not regarding the poison pills of the TA. We need a budget and we also need to get this spending under control.

Comment by NSideLady Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:40 pm
Maze has already commented on his Facebook page that POTUS called out Kenny “in a positive way all day”. wow.

Comment by Just Jack Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:44 pm
Can’t wait to get home to hear it. Loved reading the Dunkin slam. That’s delicious.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:46 pm
OK “joe cool” you get my vote…..it has always been about HIM

Comment by scott aster Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 4:58 pm
There is a transcript of the speech on the Sun Times website.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 5:33 pm
Liked the speech. As Reagan would have said; he appealed to our better angels.
I think he does miss the time when he could be liked for who he was not what he could do.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 5:34 pm
Rather like a tired performer appearing at the Illinois State Fair. He is no longer capable of appearing at major venues, so he is reduced to accepting dates in the provinces.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 5:48 pm
===@Anony. Really? Which other president had his place of birth (Kenya?) and the legitimacy of his presidency questioned in the way this one has? Which has had a significant fraction of the opposing party question his religion (secret Muslim?)? Which has had a member of congress yell out that he was lying during the SoS? And which has had the leadership of the opposing party tacitly support all this?===

Agree 100% To all those who say Pres. Obama is the one who caused the grid lock, I say BS! Ex-prof nicely summed it up. The overt racism shown to our president is shameful. And to those who say the fact he was elected shows there is no more racism, I say wake-up and look around- pay attention to what’s really going on.

It was a fabulous speech.

Comment by Former Hoosier Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 5:58 pm
Regarding the Dunkin comment, I suspect he just couldn’t resist the joke. His preceding comments led to a reaction in the crowd, which created the elephant in the room, which led to the comment.

Comment by anonymous Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 6:17 pm
I think he enjoyed his visit immensely. A good dose of midwestern normal is probably very refreshing after the fishbowl of DC. Just because our state government is dysfunctioning doesnt mean the normal people are. Kinda puts DC in perspective is my guess.

Comment by Team Warwick Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 6:23 pm
It is a rare fish that doesn’t know it is wet……

Comment by Anony Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 6:26 pm
anonymous 6:17p was me, btw.

Comment by quicknote Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 6:26 pm
You also cannot have a speech calling for bi-partisan ship when you only let folks of your party fly on Air Force One, and use the speech to help a political candidate look better than her opponent. Bad form.

Comment by Just Me Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 6:31 pm
It was dessert.

Dessert always goes down great, but it is just empty calories.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 6:40 pm
He made sense that Gov Rauner cannot, and I not a fan of his positions.

Comment by cleric d Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 6:42 pm
“did it undercut what he said about the disgusting effects of money in politics?”

No, that was undercut when he became the first presidential candidate to refuse public matching funds and flooded the system with more money than any candidate in history.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 6:44 pm
–Liked the speech. As Reagan would have said; he appealed to our better angels.–

Lincoln, First Inaugural:

–“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”–

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 7:13 pm
He means nothing he says. Urges bi-partisanship, then smacks the guy (Dunkin) who has worked across the aisle the most.

Comment by Stuck Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 8:11 pm
- Stuck -

Dunkin has done no such thing, Dunkin is someone who sold out his constituents and his party to play a role in the destruction of Illinois.

Nothing more.

The words by the President of the United States were warrented, and then some

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 8:32 pm
Dunkin was bested.

Maze can spin it however racially he wants — but Dunkin is nowhere near as smart or as slick as he thinks.

As for the “yeah, but he’s the only Cabrini Green dude in the House” — well, whatever.

If you’re dumb, you’re dumb. It doesn’t matter if you’re from Cabrini Green.

Comment by Macbeth Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 8:42 pm
Is this the same Obama who voted present 129 times in the Illinois Senate??

Comment by Outsider Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 8:58 pm
Obama said to Dunkin, “we’ll talk later.”

Comment by Emily Booth Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 9:12 pm
Lately when the governor talks about compromise I think of this skit. It’s like he’s offering a choice of egg and spam; egg bacon and spam; or egg bacon sausage and spam; and the Democrats are like, “I don’t like spam.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anwy2MPT5RE

Comment by A worker Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 9:18 pm
A brilliant delivery of an inspirational speech, but I sure hope there is also some serious behind-the-scenes political pressure to go along with it.

Comment by peanut Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 9:38 pm
Lots of pretty words. Very little action.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 9:47 pm
Mr. President you’ve done us proud. A politician I greatly admire and the person I wish I could measure up to.

Comment by Illinoian Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 10:27 pm
What did Dunkin shout out during the Presidents speech?

Comment by Illinoian Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 10:32 pm
The Dunkin comment shows…he really does not mean what he says….”get along” work together? I am going to mock the person that dared to step out of Madigan’s army… the fact many liked that comment shows just how out of touch you all are…

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Feb 10, 16 @ 11:06 pm
I hope he returns to Illinois politics, speaker would be perfect, but I believe he is destine for far more. I love our president and actually pray the republicans paid attention.

Comment by Property of IDOC Thursday, Feb 11, 16 @ 12:42 am
Calling out the heckler that was looking for another performance bonus drawing attention to himself

Comment by Rabid Thursday, Feb 11, 16 @ 5:52 am
Obama’s speechwriters obviously did not do their homework: the quotation “Politics ain’t beanbag” was not coined by Harold Washington. It was the work of author/journalist Finley Peter Dunne. His columns popularized the legendary Archer Avenue bartender “Mister Dooley” who acted as an observer of the passing political parade.

Comment by Mister Dooley Thursday, Feb 11, 16 @ 6:51 am
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ…Sorry never drank his “KOOLAID”.

Comment by I'm Right and you are not! Thursday, Feb 11, 16 @ 7:47 am
so…the Dunkin thing is being touted by the media as an affirmation of his sell out too. ugh.

Comment by burbanite Thursday, Feb 11, 16 @ 7:53 am
The best, delivered the best, now come home.

Comment by Gizmo49z Thursday, Feb 11, 16 @ 7:58 am
Right and wrong you sound experienced. Who’s electric koolaid do you drink?

Comment by Rabidi Thursday, Feb 11, 16 @ 8:01 am
A very pleasing, head-clearing speech to watch, but he’s too nice. I personally go with the Sun Times editorial about Rauner and his enablers destroying the engine that runs the car. Maybe we could have another S-T editorial, in the form of an apology for their endorsement in 2014.

Comment by Angry Chicagoan Thursday, Feb 11, 16 @ 8:33 am
The Dunkin jab. Love him or hate him, Dunkin (and McCann) has/have done one thing that no one else has: Dare to buck party leadership. With Dunkin, he put the kibosh on an attempt by Madigan to demonstrate to the governor who is boss. I care more about child care than foolish political games in the GA, and it is (gulp) time for folks who genuinely care about moving forward to give Dunkin his due. McCann also showed courage.

And Obama couldn’t resist making that dig. It was a great line, but it undercut everything he said. Disappointing.

Comment by Too Bad Thursday, Feb 11, 16 @ 8:39 am
I’m disappointed the comments on here have gone the way of the Huffington Post or other regular media stories. It used to be insightful. Now it seems to be mostly “Oh, yeah?!…well, my side says…” Gonna have to just stick to reading Rich’s writing and ignoring comments from now on. Waste of WAY too much time.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Feb 11, 16 @ 8:43 am
great speech. had to search it out to watch at home last night after work. used lunch time to finish reading all the comments and then did a search as i noticed someone missing here. surprised to find that person decided not to comment.

Comment by working stiff Thursday, Feb 11, 16 @ 11:59 am

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