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* Kristen McQueary says she was a Democrat who the Democratic Party lost…
After years of watching the failed policies of leading Democrats in this state, from disastrous financial mismanagement to inauthentic attempts at social justice policy, I stopped voting Democratic. I charged in the opposite direction. I have not looked back.
She most certainly did charge in the opposite direction. Props for full disclosure there.
* And she has a long list of indisputably valid, spot-on criticisms of her former party…
For those who still espouse the economic and social ideals of the left, consider the failure of Democratic leaders and lawmakers in Springfield to enact the change you believe in. The Democratic-supermajority General Assembly adjourned the spring legislative session once again without passing school funding reform. Without approving an elected school board for Chicago. Without advancing a graduated income tax. Without enforcing a higher minimum wage.
All true. She goes into more detail on each issue and she’s absolutely right. The party’s legislative leaders pay mere lip service to a whole host of progressive causes, but don’t actually get anything accomplished on them.
* While her criticisms are totally legit, the tell is in her closing argument…
If you tend to vote Democrat, do some soul-searching before November. Your party is failing you. It is failing all of us. Your leaders are playing you for fools.
Stop getting played.
There’s zero doubt that if you’re a progressive Democrat, you are getting played on lots of issues near and dear to your heart. But what are all those liberals supposed to do come November? Vote Republican? Hardly.
The answer instead is: “Stay home.” Pieces like these are designed to depress the other side’s base. Both sides regularly do it and we’ll see a whole lot more of it before election day, as we always do. The difference is this one is quite well-written.
Kudos.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 10:58 am
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No matter the controlled device, writing from honesty to make the device work in the writing is always the best work you can produce.
She wrote well to the exercise and wrote well to the subject.
Well done.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:04 am
===I charged in the opposite direction. I have not looked back.===
I assume she’s also embraced the anti-choice, pro-xenophobe, Ayn Rand-style “you’re on your own” economics, and other hallmarks of the Republican Mainstream. Good for her.
What a complete and total tronc.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:06 am
So if you believe in a higher minimum wage, no incarceration for petty drug offenses, a graduated income tax, vote republican? What in the world is she talking about? If you believe strongly in issues and your political party isn’t doing enough, you should vote for people who don’t believe in what you believe? I don’t get it. It sounds completely crackers.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:07 am
Hurricane McQueary to the rescue of poor deluded Dem voters.
Why vote for the wildly imperfect Dems?
Because the other side is worse.
That boys and girls, ladies and gents is what politics is mostly about. Supporting the least bad option.
Comment by IrishPirate Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:09 am
Meh. I found the piece tronc at best.
Comment by The Captain Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:09 am
I agree with everything on there, but I’m probably also going to agree with everything the Democrats write about the Republicans. It’s a sad state of affairs we’re in right now.
Comment by Ahoy! Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:09 am
This post definitely speaks to me. I always vote for democrats nationally and always had in other elections until this last one. Somehow with Quinn and gerrymandered supermajorities we were still left with regressive taxation and not a sense of good government. Worst is having Madigan/Cullerton working as their day jobs helping mostly republican 1%ers lower their property taxes behind closed doors while publically claiming to be great champions of the middle class. Suppose as Democrats we are expected to just smile and nod going along with it. Reached the breaking point when Madigan lawyers had the gerrymandering and term limits petitions thrown off. Hope we can have an actual progressive choice jnin this state again at some point.
Comment by Very fed up Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:10 am
My wife made a similar conversion. My in-laws have never forgiven me.
Comment by jeffinginChicago Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:10 am
That was extremely well written.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:12 am
And yes, she is speaking truth to me, a progressive Democrat. I feel played by the national party in a big way, and like many, live with a disappointment in the failed promise of President Obama, who is nothing if not an Illinois Democrat in his heart. Lots of pretty, inspiring words, and a reality that is much more moderate (at best). On a statewide level, there are bright spots, for sure. And I am furious at the gridlock and posturing being played by the leadership of the Democrats in Springfield (although I maintain that John Cullerton is the grownup in that room). But in November, I’ll be voting for the lesser of evils in most races. And I hope to God I get someone good to vote for in 2018! Because I know why people like me may choose not to vote this November, or in 2018, although I believe they must, if only to vote against the “evil” that we know.
Comment by Archiesmom Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:12 am
I think Mr. D. must let Katrina sweep the stables for all the Strawmen she built here.
–The Democratic-supermajority General Assembly adjourned the spring legislative session once again without passing school funding reform. Without approving an elected school board for Chicago. Without advancing a graduated income tax. Without enforcing a higher minimum wage.–
As hard as it is for ideological zealots to understand, there is not “pure position” among Democrats on any of those issues and many others.
School funding? Give me a break. That’s a district-by-district donnybrook.
And the super-majority gag is just pathetic. It doesn’t exist. You’d think 70-plus failed override attempts would penetrate even the Ivory Tower (it’s a rental).
I’m sure a former Democrat like Katrina is happy shillin’ for the New Boss with all the other IPI types.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:13 am
Doesnt move the needle here. The Republicans have failed just as badly.
Comment by John Reynolds Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:14 am
I too am a frustrated former Democrat, but I am just as frustrated with Republicans. Democrats keep proposing stupid laws that drive me nuts, but Republicans fail to offer any real meaningful alternatives. Where are the dynamic leaders - in either party - who can develop and offer sensible alternatives to the failed business as usual? For some reason, they are either too timid, afraid of blowback from both friend and foe, or simply lack the creative juices to find workable solutions.
Although I find myself extremely limited in my choices, I refuse to “stay home.” I may be far more cynical that before, but despite the head banging I have to endure when talking politics and good government, I still believe in the possibility there are a few leaders, Democrat or Republican, who can rise above this mess.
Rauner and Madigan are not among them. Nor is McQueary.
Comment by Suburbanon Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:15 am
I would agree that it accomplishes it’s objective but it’s rooted in partisanship not journalism. Now if she was able to craft the article defining the term “reform” and provide the clear and measurable benefits of it she might convince me. Unfortunately tronc is worlds away from journalism these days.
Comment by pundent Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:17 am
That’s the same thing Trump voters are saying about the republican party, and bernie voters about the democrats.
Comment by NoGifts Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:17 am
After someone says a hurricane would be in your best interests, you can safely stop listening to that person.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:18 am
It’s very well written — assuming the audience has no capacity whatsoever for analytical thought and would not be able to figure out that every single point she’s discussing would be immeasurably worse if the Illinois GOP were able to implement its preferred policies.
Without that assumption, it’s just a troncful of partisan hackery.
Comment by South of Sherman Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:24 am
=But what are all those liberals supposed to do come November? Vote Republican? Hardly.=
The answer is quite straightforward - Green Party. However, you should not expect instant gratification. Our political system of elections and primaries is publicly funded and the rules are made by two entrenched political parties, which serve themselves before any public interest.
The fact is that the 2-party system isn’t working and folks are already starting to rebel at the national level. Sanders and Trump are essentially 3rd and fourth party candidates running under the 2-party old system because it’s the only way they have a chance in their lifetimes.
The platform is similar to the Democratic party during the 2nd half of the 20th century.
Comment by Qui Tam Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:25 am
==This post definitely speaks to me. I always vote for democrats nationally and always had in other elections until this last one.==
This speaks to me as well. Iam democratic on the national level. But from I a lifetime of watching incompetent dems on the state and local level I can’t consider supporting them. I’ll either hold my nose and vote r ( when they put up blago and quinn) or leave down ticket races blank.
Comment by atsuishin Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:25 am
Question I would pose to Hurricane McQueary, if she allowed questions, would be what would her position be if a liberal billionaire bought the Tribune? I mean Tronc.
It’s a hypothetical because like Trump she doesn’t allow any questions that do not confirm her own wonderfulness and importance. To question the Hurricane is to question perfection.
Comment by IrishPirate Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:26 am
The only word I can think of to describe my feelings about her column is “tronc.”
Comment by Terry Salad Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:26 am
I particularly agree on the failure to pass a progressive income tax. Some of the things she mentioned require votes which will be unpopular with many, though are positive changes. What we need is a leader who is willing to take the slings and arrows that go with positive change. Had Rauner actually been that, we could have had a balance of revenue increases and cuts and some positive reforms already. That people support him, I understand, that they are not frustrated with him for not getting things done which he could already have accomplished, I do not understand. And I don’t know why I did not edit that terrible sentence.
Comment by Earnest Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:27 am
Isn’t this how we got Rauner as Gov?
Comment by Highland Il Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:27 am
She makes a compelling argument. Facts are facts. You don’t have to like Rauner either but you can’t dump this mess entirely in his lap. By my calculations, the democratic leadership has been around far longer and presided over the failings currently affecting the State. I told my college bound daughter the other day (sending her to another state), if it were not for our government and its leaders, I would like this State so much more.
Comment by New Slang Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:27 am
Our Republican governor said he would have vetoed Illinois’ marriage equality legislation. A Democratic governor signed it. https://capitolfax.com/2014/06/02/rauner-blasted-for-saying-hed-veto-gay-marriage-bill/
It’s absurd to pretend the values of Illinois Democrats are somehow advanced if Republicans win.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:30 am
“The Democratic-supermajority General Assembly adjourned the spring legislative session once again without passing school funding reform. Without approving an elected school board for Chicago. Without advancing a graduated income tax. Without enforcing a higher minimum wage.”
Yes, they did. How many of those issues would be vetoed by the Governor? When we all vote Republican like she seems to be asking, how many of those issues with the GOP take up? If your answer is “none” you are paying attention. If you are paying attention and have Democratic or progressive beliefs, then you aren’t voting Republican. She’s saying the Democrats left me, quoting Ronald Reagan or Jeanne Kirkpatrick, but that’s nonsense. Reagan and Kirkpatrick (and McQueary) became more conservative and left for the party that was more aligned with their beliefs. Irish Pirate said it better than I can already:
Why vote for the wildly imperfect Dems?
Because the other side is worse.
Comment by paddyrollingstone Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:33 am
This would have been a good column to write before a Democratic Primary, urging Dems to vote for Bernie-style progressives. But we’re heading toward a General Election.
“…inauthentic attempts at social justice policy…” Um, okay. So I should charge “in the other direction” like her and become a Republican if I want progressive taxation, an elected school board, and transgendered rights?
Comment by Tom S Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:35 am
My best friend from growing up said it well. He said that when he was 18 his father sat him down and said, “Mike, you are old enough to do what you want but in our family we have always voted Democratic. Also, stay away from the Whiskey, it killed your uncle Pat.” As Mike recounted the story 25 years later, he downed a shot of whiskey and said, “voting for the Democrats was easier.”
Comment by paddyrollingstone Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:36 am
Based on the excerpts provided here, Kristen McQueary didn’t provide any compelling alternative solutions or reasons to leave the Democratic Party to join the Republicans.
Comment by Valerie F. Leonard Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:37 am
===didn’t provide any compelling alternative solutions or reasons to leave the Democratic Party to join the Republicans===
Correct. Did you not read what I wrote?
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:41 am
Why keep voting for dems if you are a progressive or liberal?
Simple. The lesser of two evils is actually less evil.
Don’t like it? Build a viable 3rd option. But until it’s built know that staying home or throwing your vote away is essentially making it easier for the more evil agenda to be enacted.
Comment by steward Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:42 am
As a Progressive, I can tell you that it’s getting harder and harder to tell the difference between the Republican and Democrat parties.
The Dems only seem to care about unions these days from a fundraising perspective, not from a philosophical view of “workers coming together to represent the working class”
Comment by CharlieKratos Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:43 am
@ Tom S - I am one of those progressive Democrats who will not “Stay Home”. Much as I disagree with my party at times, the alternative is even far less appealing for some obvious reasons.
Great point Tom S.
Comment by illini Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:45 am
In broad scope and in detail this is a huge non-sequitur. How on earth does this follow logically:
“After years of watching the failed policies of leading Democrats in this state, from disastrous financial mismanagement to inauthentic attempts at social justice policy, I stopped voting Democratic. I charged in the opposite direction. I have not looked back.”
The Democratic party failed to achieve the goals I embrace, so I abandoned those goals.
Comment by JPC Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:48 am
A collection of words and thought carefully crafted. Meh. I come from a long line of Republican public servants, and I could write the piece from the opposite perspective. These R’s aren’t the party of my father, heck I think very few in the GA even understand how to serve the public, they just use the public to serve themselves.
The R’s are simply paying her more money
Comment by Mad Brown Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:48 am
It’s convenient to wrap all the Democrats in one, tightly-knit coat, but that ain’t reality. Not all the Democrats are progressive. DIVERSITY.
It’s much easier to walk and talk the same when your party is homogeneous. Case in point, check out the photo from a recent GOP press conference….
http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Illinois-lawmakers-near-session-s-end-without-7953996.php#photo-10170036
Comment by Under Influenced Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:48 am
Superficially it sounds good, but the base truth is that government is failing citizens in the U.S. on every level, no matter which party holds office or if it’s even nonpartisan.
It’s simply not solving problems. Education. Employment. Health care. Public safety. Infrastructure. You name it, there’s incompetence and excuses at every level.
Unless you have an army of lobbyists and Super PACs, our elected officials don’t listen and they don’t do much.
But Republicans have had their chance. Did they solve problems? Did they get things done for citizens, or for their big-bucks donors?
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:49 am
Well-written. Too bad it wasn’t written before the primary.
Comment by SAP Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:51 am
This is not news for many left progressive folks. Not sure if it was that the party left us, or we left the party. But the Democratic Party has been stuck in the center, the Republican Party moved far to the right.
There are the folks who are looking for real solutions (K. Cassidy, Guzzardi, etc.). But the vast majority, especially in Chicago/ÎL, it’s a self interested party.
Let’s take a look and learn some from some of the other Dem state parties who have had to rebrand, recharged, and won (namely CA).
Comment by Bleh Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:53 am
Hold on.
In the piece she supports creating two dozen new political offices (potentially with salaries and pensions) to oversee Chicago schools.
I don’t think she’s strayed as far away from the core beliefs of the party as she fears.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 11:59 am
Major flaw in her approach:
None of those people she is trying to reach actually casts a vote for Madigan or Cullerton in the voting booth.
Comment by Ggeo Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:02 pm
It was an easy transition from JFK Democrat to Ronald Reagan Republican. Many have never returned.
Comment by Keyser Soze Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:03 pm
The part about CTU was spot on. They scream and insult Rahm and wanting progressive revenue. The reality is the city has the highest sales tax in the nation and among highest property taxes. Yet they welcome Madigan who has been in a better position than any politician im the state to put in a progressive income tax and chosen not to with open arms. Does not make any sense
Comment by Very fed up Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:07 pm
Last night I suggested this was written by Goldberg. On reflection, it is too calm and well-written for that.
Instead, it was probably dictated by Lance.
Thanks, Rich, for pointing out the purpose of the column.
Comment by Keyrock Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:10 pm
Listen the JFK’s speeches “ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country” and compare it the Bernie Sanders rhetoric and then tell me the Democrats are in the center and the Republicans moved way far to the right
Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:10 pm
Monetized, but not curated.
Comment by northsider (the original) Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:12 pm
===The reality is the city has the highest sales tax in the nation and among highest property taxes===
Sales tax, true. Property tax, not even close for residential.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:15 pm
I’ve known Ms McQueary for years, and she certainly has gone all out for a number of Dem candidates and supported them as “rebels” who just wind up kissing Madigan’s ring and avoid dealing with Illinois problems. Rep Kelly Burke, my state rep, is an excellent example. She endorsed her, mentored her poltically, gave her a lot positive pub and now you can’t find a website or quote from Ms Burke on her opinion on how to fix this budgetary mess.
When it comes right down to it, there are very few elected officials who are down there just to do good for the state and their districts. Due to the powers that be protecting each other against “boat rockers”, this condition has little chance of changing.
It’ll be interesting how Ms McQueary translates this newly found ideology into endorsements next fall.
Comment by Illinois Bob Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:15 pm
I seriously doubt that McQueary was a Democrat despite her claims to the contrary. As Bleh commented the Democratic party has moved towards to middle while the Republican party has moved towards the right. This explains the disdain for a “Wall Street” Democrat like Hillary Clinton.
But if we are to believe McQueary she was not a center Democrat but a far-left (Progressive) Democrat and her disdain for the party forced her to move to the far right. I for one am not buying it.
Comment by pundent Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:17 pm
In the world of conflict of interest and since this reporter writes for a newspaper, should she continue in her reporting role since she now has publicly declared her individual views?
Comment by John Smith Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:17 pm
=== seriously doubt that McQueary was a Democrat ===
When you live in Beverly/Morgan Park and you want to vote in local primaries, you pretty much have no choice.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:19 pm
@Rich
=Sales tax, true. Property tax, not even close for residential.=
Absolutely right, Rich, and that’s a problem. I personally believe that taxes should reflect spending so that taxpayers can take action to address problems before they become crises.
If Chicago taxpayers had to pay the freight in real estate taxes for all those giveaways Daley gave to the CTU over the years and the patronage bureaucracy he created at CPS, perhaps things wouldn’t have gotten this out of control.
Comment by Illinois Bob Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:22 pm
At least she didn’t write the tronc press release. That was bad.
Comment by Jorge Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:22 pm
@Rich
=When you live in Beverly/Morgan Park and you want to vote in local primaries, you pretty much have no choice.=
LOL, you got that right, Rich. I lived at 99th and Hoyne in Beverly in the early 1980s, and I found out that if you wanted your garbage picked up or other city services, you better have voted in the “right” primary.
Of course, back then the Dem candidates were pretty effective at providing service to the people in the community, so I’d have supported them anyway.
That was, of course, before everything pretty much fell apart in Chicago.
Comment by Illinois bob Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:28 pm
===before everything pretty much fell apart in Chicago.===
When exactly was that? 1983 maybe?
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:29 pm
===When exactly was that? 1983 maybe?===
Red China…
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:31 pm
@john smith:
This is clearly labelled as Commentary on the Chicago Tribune website.
Comment by John Smith Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:33 pm
In my opinion both parties are corporatist. The difference being that at least the Democrats throw the poor and middle class a bone, from time to time. The Republicans, in my opinion, have decided to only dole out gravey to large corporations and the rich. I’ll take the occasional bone rather than a promise of - someday… if I play my cards right and at the expense of those less fortunate…I may be deemed worthy of feasting on some gravey.
Comment by Triple fat Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:34 pm
@John Smith: Columnists are allowed to express their personal opinions on the opinion page.
Comment by Tournaround Agenda Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:36 pm
–Listen the JFK’s speeches “ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country” and compare it the Bernie Sanders rhetoric and then tell me the Democrats are in the center and the Republicans moved way far to the right–
I’d suggest you pay more attention to what politicians do then what they say. They’ll say just about anything.
For example, Reagan is the rhetorical bellcow for the GOP.
But I’m guessing many in today’s GOP would have a hard time with his actual record on EITC, massive Keynesian deficit spending in peacetime, immigration amnesty, arms control with the Soviets, selling missiles to Khomeni, initiating U.S. talks with the PLO, retreating from Lebanon without retaliating against the Marine barracks bombers…… and much more.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:38 pm
If she is disillusioned by or in whatever party she currently supports, then maybe she can find solace in the wealth of the advertisers not yet lost that help her employers pay her salary.
Enjoy it while it lasts.
Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:41 pm
I think most of Illinois’ state elected Dems have figured out there’s little point to participating in the Trib’s candidate endorsement process, but after this item, which as others have pointed out is “well written” (low bar for someone who earns a living from writing) but doesn’t stand up to closer analysis, all doubt should be removed. It’s a house organ for Raunerites now.
Submitting a questionnaire and participating in an endorsement session with the Trib makes as much sense for Dems as doing so with Proft’s fake newspapers.
Comment by Moe Berg Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:43 pm
–After years of watching the failed policies of leading Democrats in this state, from disastrous financial mismanagement to inauthentic attempts at social justice policy, I stopped voting Democratic. I charged in the opposite direction.–
Into the arms of calculated GOP fiscal disaster and willful destruction of the social safety net in pursuit of authentic reactionary labor policies.
You can’t argue with that kind of logic.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:47 pm
Rauner propaganda, nothing more, nothing less. Pay them enough, they will say whatever you want.
Comment by DuPage Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:47 pm
Darnnit, notice lack of profanity on Rich’s blog, my comment didn’t go thru.
Living in 19th Ward doesn’t make one a Dem. Romney carried 21 of 58 precincts there in 2012 including the third which gave POTUS only 30 percent of the vote.
In 2008 I walked by a home in Lincoln Park with two signs in the window. SARAH! and NO BAMA!
I had to put the space there because I’m guessing Rich banned the word.
Comment by IrishPirate Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:47 pm
Also I could live next to one of Rauner’s homes and still not be a GOP’er.
Comment by IrishPirate Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:49 pm
I would argue that we were on the right path with Governor Quinn. It was slow going, but revenue from the tax increases was making full pension payments and slowly paying down the vendor backlog. There was some success on pension reform and efforts to go further. Unlike Governor Rauner, I believe that Quinn cared about governing and about people. It seems to me that our greatest challenges come from our constitution. First, we are currently stuck with a flat tax. It should be progressive like most other states in the US. Second, we have little flexibility to address the pension issue. I agree that the Democratic party has failed to deliver on all it promised, but efforts have been made. Its not always clear black and white. This problem didn’t create itself overnight, and it wont be solved overnight.
Comment by There They're Their Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 12:54 pm
Wordslinger @12:47: spot on! A succinct demolition.
Comment by Moe Berg Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 1:03 pm
Don’t run your lefties off, Rich. I rather think this site is a great daily display of how revolting lefties are.
Comment by Beeker Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 1:03 pm
I’m a JFK Dem and I find nothing recognizable in the Illinois Dem party. She did a great job cataloging the games Illinois Dems play — games you should be cataloging here, too, Rich.
Comment by Driveby Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 1:04 pm
===games you should be cataloging here, too, Rich===
I have. Every one of them. She’s a Johnny Come Lately to these topics.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 1:06 pm
@Rich
=When you live in Beverly/Morgan Park and you want to vote in local primaries, you pretty much have no choice.=
LOL, you got that right, Rich. I lived at 99th and Hoyne in Beverly in the early 1980s, and I found out that if you wanted your garbage picked up or other city services, you better have voted in the “right” primary.”
I grew up in the 1970s and 80’s at 108th and Talman and I will beg to differ. Before Pat Quinn ruined everything with his Cutback Amendment, we always had a Republican as one of our 3 state reps. My dad was a dem precinct captain and he never checked voting records before getting a neighbor a new garbage can.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 1:06 pm
I agree with a lot of the attacks on the Democrats - I think I’ve been one of the more venomous commenters here when it comes to Speaker Madigan. But I’ve still voted Dem. I even voted for Quinn, which is more than a lot of union members did. But people have a limit and if the Republican governor challenging Madigan and the Dems were pitting the interests of the middle class and not the 1% against the unions, a lot more would cross that line. (The anti-Raunerites here would still be contemptuous of Dem reformers…)
One thing Madigan has going for him: it’s a presidential election year. Far fewer are going to stay home entirely, and most people don’t leave ballots blank. Illinois used to have a reputation for ticket splitting - not sure what the data has been recently.
Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 1:06 pm
Oswego,
Exercises and devices?
Word,
What’s a donnybrook?
And were you guys or gals communications majors?
Comment by Just Stop Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 1:08 pm
===I’m a JFK Dem===
Also, I know who you are. A JFK Dem? Precious. Maybe 55 years ago. Not today, M.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 1:08 pm
===She’s a Johnny Come Lately to these topics.===
Yep. This. And that’s been catalog here too.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 1:09 pm
I prefer moderation. I am happy that the Dems passed marriage equality, but I wish they had done it sooner.
I am happy the Democrats passed medical marijuana, but I wish it was more accessible.
I am happy that they are talking about a progressive income tax, but they haven’t done it yet.
None of those are Republican agenda items.
yes, the Democrats totally caved on a horrible conceal carry law that pre-empts all local controls - and I think that progressives should still be angry about that
Otherwise- thanks for the column, Kristin - you’re not really a Democrat the same way that I am.
The income tax thing reminds me of thw at the
Comment by hockey fan Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 1:11 pm
… reminds me of the flip-flop editorials the Tribune used to bash Madigan in Quinn’s last term
One month they bashed Madigan for his heavy handed ways and dictating the agenda.
Next month they bashed Madigan for not passing a tax increase and forcing members to vote for it.
Comment by hockey fan Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 1:12 pm
ah, the words of increased white privilege! have fun with your Trump vote, Kristen.
Comment by Amalia Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 1:16 pm
===The answer instead is: “Stay home.”===
The exercise. To suppress voter turnout
===Pieces like these are designed to depress the other side’s base.===
The device. How suppression is being encouraged.
“Simple” - Kristen McQueary quote to explain conclusions. Often.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 1:18 pm
For the supposedly “sophisticated” voter, it’s another way of calling the opposition “failures” and “losers.”
It’s like Trump, but in complete sentences.
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 1:58 pm
McQueary is merely using the same kind of divide and conquer rhetoric as Rauner. It relies heavily on atomistic nitpicking rather than broad context. Either Party reduced to individual ideals is a “failure”. McQueary deconstructs in the same vein as Rauner seeks to deconstruct our State. Hate is the intent of such people that seek to drive wedges among us. The totality of a Party and the direction it bends the “arc” of our community is the issue.
“I do not pretend to understand the moral universe; the arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little ways; I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by the experience of sight; I can divine it by conscience. And from what I see I am sure it bends towards justice.” -Theodore Parker abt.1853
Comment by Jimmy H Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 2:00 pm
== Pieces like these are designed to depress the other side’s base. ==
That’s exactly right, Rich.
Remember during the 1998 Governor’s race when the Tribune regularly gave op/ed space to dissatisfied liberals like Newton Minow and Rick Garcia so they could very publicly trash Glenn Poshard for being too conservative on issues like guns, abortion, and gay rights? I lost count of the “I’m-going-to-vote-Republican-for-the-first-time” columns the Trib ran that year. Never mind that George Ryan’s positions on those issues were identical.
Looks like we’re gonna see a repeat of that from the Tronc folks this year. Only instead of complaining about Poshard, Madigan will be the target of the supposedly “former Democrats.”
Comment by Foxtrot Yankee Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 2:32 pm
===Tribune regularly gave op/ed space to dissatisfied liberals like Newton Minow===
Yep. And they did it again in 2014
“The Rauners have a bipartisan home life, and the same spirit and tone of their politics will animate a Rauner gubernatorial administration.”
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-03-19/opinion/chi-democrat-voting-for-rauner-20140319_1_republican-bruce-rauner-illinois-governor-democratic-party
Heh.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 2:35 pm
Adorable, given how badly the right wing has manipulated their base since, I dunno, Watergate?
http://www.vox.com/2016/6/2/11836202/grand-bargain-intransigence
“In the conservative imagination, failures to achieve policy gains are always the fault of perfidy and insufficiently rigorous adherence to the dogma. The idea that, at times, conservative true believers have erred by failing to correctly assess opportunities is never even considered, much less embraced.”
It’s been happening for decades: “sorry folks, we were just a couple dollars and votes short. Stupid activist liberal judges, stupid Democrats and their dark sorceries. But don’t you fret, we’ll overturn Roe v. Wade next year for sure! Keep the faith!”
Comment by Get Serious Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 2:39 pm
Rich,
Forgot about Minow resurfacing in 2014!
When Bruce Dold needs a “Democrat” to endorse a Republican, Newt is always warming in the bullpen.
Comment by Foxtrot Yankee Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 2:51 pm
There are reasons why she has this job at the Trib.
Honesty , truthfulness, intelligence, and character do not apply: see Johan Goldberg and John Kass
Rather, she’s an Irish Catholic blonde female from the only good decent neighborhood that is willing to write literally anything, see Hurricane Katrina, in order to send thrills up conservatives
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 2:57 pm
When I became of age to vote, my smart mother told me, “If you are not wealthy, you better vote for the Democrats because they take care of the middle class, the disabled and the poor.” Once you become wealthy - vote Republican because they take care of the rich folks.”
Comment by Mama Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 3:18 pm
Let’s try a real supermajority in both chambers. . . a cushion of 4 or 5 votes. You would then see things move. Our system today doesn’t allow that as the most marginal districts must vote as delegates instead of representatives.
Comment by Lt. Guv. Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 3:23 pm
=== You would then see things move. ===
Anybody think that Madigan would really pass a huge tax hike over a gubernatorial veto?
Anybody?
Bueller?
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 3:25 pm
==For those who still espouse the economic and social ideals of the left, consider the failure of Democratic leaders and lawmakers in Springfield to enact the change you believe in.==
McQueary appears to conflate Illinois Dems and federal Dems, but in fact they’re quite different. The Illinois Dem agenda primarily serves MJM’s interests, though his members occasionally drag him somewhat leftward. The federal Dems have a progressive agenda that has achieved some successes, including ObamaCare, the earned income tax credit, and successful resistance to cuts to Medicare and Social Security.
McQueary certainly knows the difference, but seems to hope that her readers don’t.
That said, Illinois Bob makes a good point. I remember when McQueary supported Burke, and I’ll take his word about the others. She has some reasons to feel played.
Comment by Anon Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 3:40 pm
There is a counterbalancing force to concern trolling for voter discouragement, and that was seen in
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 3:51 pm
Oops. Didn’t mean to hit send on my last post. I was going to say that the counterbalancing force to suppressing turnout for Democrats was seen in Dunkin’s primary and may be seen in certain Republican districts.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 3:56 pm
==After years of watching the failed policies of leading Democrats in this state==
A minimum wage increase postponed to increase Democratic votes; 4 years without a balanced budget from the GA; 14 years of deficits; $140 Bill debt; failing to pass even moderate reforms; refusing to give the gov temporary, one-year powers to manage state funds due to the lack of a balanced budget; one of the worst run states in multiple annual rankings; the least trust in state government; and on.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Jun 3, 16 @ 4:15 pm