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Kennedy gets all flourishy

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Chris Kennedy’s longtime management of the Merchandise Mart may have earned him respect in Chicago’s business community — but his habit of declining to run for a political office after his name has been floated means he has a reputation in the political world as something of a serial tease. […]

Referring to the luxury 46-story apartment building, which was built on land owned by the Kennedy family and bankrolled by the AFL-CIO’s Building Investment Trust, as the “fulfillment of the American Dream,” he employed soaring rhetoric about the founding fathers, and took what seemed to be a swipe at Donald Trump and Bruce Rauner. […]

“We are living in a time when some national leaders and some state leaders are held up as examples to our children, teaching them a new and ugly form of economics, that what you get should not be determined by what you need, but instead that what you get should be determined by what you take,” he said, referring to that as “a lesson that no generation in our country has been taught since the age of the robber barons.”

“America was supposed to be a place free from the oppression of political leaders acting like kings, imposing their views on everyone else, dismissing the pain and the hardship that they cause as nothing more than the collateral damage necessary to pursue some selfish agenda,” added Kennedy, who sold the Merchandise Mart in 2012 and now spends his time running a grocery non-profit, Top Box Foods.

I dunno. It’s just so early. It’s not even time to cover spring training, or even pitchers and catchers reporting. Heck, it’s even too early for hot stove league. They’re barely chopping the wood to heat the stoves, for crying out loud.

Oh, well. Something to do, I suppose. The Democrats really do not love this governor, so they’re desperate to find a replacement. Kennedy seems to understand this and is feeding that hunger. Whether he’ll stick around long enough to file this time is another question.

* And as far as the praise he heaped on organized labor yesterday, Kennedy held a significant stake in Vornado Realty Trust when it attempted to open New York City’s first ever WalMart. The project faced strong opposition from unions, small businesses and local activists and was abandoned. Vornado has also been hit for ties to an anti-union contractor which used undocumented immigrant labor.

And, yes, the oppo is, indeed, already flowing.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 10:42 am

Comments

Whoever the Democrats pick they need to be able to put together a concise platform and that’s going to be a lot more important than being a scion.

Republicans are able to win statewide in non-presidential years while Democrats maintain overwhelming control of the legislature and it’s not because of name recognition or fund raising.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 10:52 am
“America was supposed to be a place free from the oppression of political leaders acting like kings…”

He’s a Kennedy for crying out loud. I’m sure Joseph Kennedy accumulated the massive family fortune through savory means…

Comment by Chairman McBroom Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 10:55 am
Chris may be a good guy, who knows, and maybe even a great governor. The comparative bar for ‘great’ after the last series of bums is humiliatingly low. But, damn, these Kennedy’s…..enough.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 10:56 am
Democrats selecting a millionaire to take on a Republican billionaire is not the answer. He’s also very raw and the oppo with his business and how he made money, won’t gain voters it will deter D’s from going out to the polls.

The more I think about it Durbin is the Democrats best bet. He has a record to run on and although it will be a negative race, Dem voters will know he stands in their corner. Won’t be bad either Obama campaigning for him to return the favor.

Comment by Almost the Weekend Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 10:57 am
Considering the State of IL’s current condition, I don’t think it will be possible to have a “Great” governor for at least a decade or more.

Comment by Robert the 1st Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 10:58 am
Not to diminish the many good things the Kennedy family has done over the years, but there seems to be just a touch of “old money = good, new money = bad” in that rhetoric.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 10:59 am
Yeah, it’s early…but I still think it makes sense for Kennedy to jump out like this. That’s assuming this isn’t just the latest chapter of his Hamlet routine and he really is going to run.

The two other “big name” candidates that have been floated, Durbin and Dart, are likely to take their sweet time making a decision. If Kennedy can get out in front of them, raise money, and seem like a credible candidate, those two are less likely to jump in late.

The big question: who’s floating the oppo, Rauner or fellow Dems?

Comment by RH Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 11:01 am
=== “a lesson that no generation in our country has been taught since the age of the robber barons.”===

He might want to visit one of the Genealogy websites…Really dude! /s

Chris, you’ll do a lot better backing someone. You’re not the guy. You were purposely bred NOT to be the guy.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 11:02 am
Yeah, I just get the feeling that he ain’t gonna be in it for the long haul. Maybe I’m wrong (when it comes to judging whether someone will actually run, I am usually wrong). To those who say his oppo might keep dems from showing up at the polls for him, I don’t think putting even Daffy Duck on the ticket would keep the dems from coming out in droves to get rid of this gov.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 11:02 am
“bankrolled by the AFL-CIO’s Building Investment Trust,”

My guess is that Kennedy will do just fine with labor.

Comment by Wizzard of Ozzie Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 11:03 am
Considering the State of IL’s current condition, I don’t think it will be possible to have a “Great” governor for at least a decade or more.

Hey, if Gov. Moonbeam can get respect out in CA, it is not beyond possibility here.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 11:06 am
It is difficult to find companies to invest in that haven’t done at least one or two unscrupulous things. And often the investor may have little control over those operations.

We should judge Kennedy by what he has done with the proceeds of his investments as compared to what Rauner has done with his profits.

Comment by A Jack Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 11:07 am
== I don’t think it will be possible to have a “Great” governor for at least a decade or more. ==

We don’t need great; Competent will do just fine.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 11:07 am
I worked in a showroom in the early 90’s. He was a rough landlord.
Once he stepped into the role, the showroom tenants had to sign the lease personally instead of using their company which meant that if they closed their showroom or had financial issues, they were responsible personally forcing many tenants into personal bankruptcy.

On the other hand, the bldg was very well managed with an amazing staff.

There was lots of turn-over after 9/11 since the showrooms were not able to sell much, forcing some very long-term renters out. Kennedy and the staff seemed to have recruited new tenants and kept it going with new ideas on how to fill a very large building.

Comment by Belle Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 11:11 am
This is par for the course for Chris Kennedy’s speeches. They always are flourishy. Nothing new in that. The last one I heard at the Openlands annual luncheon, introducing Pres. Preckwinkle, was so much so, everyone dropped mouth and exclaimed approval. It’s what we expect from a Kennedy and he always delivers.

Comment by Hamilton Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 11:12 am
A Jack- without regard to his performance as G- no one can criticize Rauners charitable philanthropy. The guy has given away in a year more then Chris Kennedy will in a life time. Not knocking what the kennedys have done for the country but The governor has donated a fortune to education and other causes

Comment by Sue Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 11:12 am
===You were purposely bred NOT to be the guy.===

You’ve filled your stupid things to say quota and it isn’t even lunch time. Maybe you should take the afternoon off.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 11:25 am
RH

Rauner. I mean we are talking about a guy who ruined Rutherford’s career. What a stunt. But, remember Madigan and his crew are the slimey ones.

Comment by Fire Waguespack Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 11:39 am
“We don’t want nobody that nobody sent.”

Comment by Robert Montgomery Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 11:43 am
–You’re not the guy. You were purposely bred NOT to be the guy.–

What is wrong with you?

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 11:44 am
As for a Chris Kennedy candidacy, I say, “Sign me up!”

Comment by Hyperbolic Chamber Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 12:30 pm
Purposely bred NOT to be the guy? Weirder than me lack of “minorities” established by the GA.

Rauner’s profits? Lots of houses, charitable endeavors and a gubernatorial campaign.

Durbin won’t run for governor. Reasons were articulated by posters some weeks ago.

Comment by Biography Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 12:39 pm
===You’re not the guy. You were purposely bred NOT to be the guy.===

Words say lots about the people that use them.

Lots.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 12:59 pm
Start your campaigns early - that was the advice given by the late JFK regarding his successful run for the White House. Chris Kennedy is following his uncle’s good advice and has the potential
to gain early support. Democrats might be smart to avoid nominating a candidate with ties to either Springfield or Washington at this point. Kennedy has the plusses on paper. Time will tell if he has the drive, but the potential is big.

Comment by Downstate Dem Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 1:13 pm
===- wordslinger - Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 11:44 am:

–You’re not the guy. You were purposely bred NOT to be the guy.–

What is wrong with you?===

Chris isn’t a young guy. Do you understand the Kennedy clan at all? They are carefully selected for roles in the family. He’s never run for anything. Some siblings and cousins have from a very young age. Others were directed to other pursuits. He’s one of the others.

He’s a very good guy. He’s not cut out for this. I’d be stunned if he ran. So would many of the Kennedy’s.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 1:26 pm
===I’d be stunned if he ran. So would many of the Kennedy’s.===

And… THERE it is… - A Guy - now speaks for the Kennedys… LOL.

Actually, Jay Doherty is the “unofficial Kennedy spokesman” here in Chicago.

Let Jay answer… - A Guy -

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 1:32 pm
Guy: Now that you put it that way, it makes sense, based on the family history (lobotomizing certain offspring comes to mind.). Sounded weird out of context, though.

Comment by Biography Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 1:34 pm
– Chris isn’t a young guy. Do you understand the Kennedy clan at all? They are carefully selected for roles in the family.–

Geez, you could use a nap.

Do you really think you have any insight here? Where did you acquire that?

Do you really think you better understand Chris Kennedy’s “role in the family” better than he does? How did that happen?

Where do these delusions come from?

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 1:40 pm
Sorry but I’m still a bit awestruck at a Kennedy criticizing robber barons. I guess the most effective method of money laundering, so to speak, combines charitable giving with the passage of a lot of time.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 1:41 pm
How many Kennedy’s started running for office at 60 Willy. Can you ask Jay and get back to me?

And congratulate him on the good gig. Campaign spokesman for a guy who won’t run.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 1:41 pm
===Sorry but I’m still a bit awestruck at a Kennedy criticizing robber barons===

The very definition of Irony.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 1:43 pm
===How many Kennedy’s started running for office at 60 Willy.===

Teh stupid hurts. According to the Tribune story, linked to above, the basis of the discussion we’re having, Chris Kennedy is 52.

So by the time he’s 60, he’ll be in his second term.

Please. Quit while you’re behind.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 1:50 pm
===How many Kennedy’s started running for office at 60 Willy. Can you ask Jay and get back to me?===

Why would I do that…

You claim to speak for the Kemnedys now and further, you made it clear what Chrus Kennedy is …

===bred===

… for.

Your word, “bred”.

I’m sure your “Ron Sandack Frustrated” today, but your words seem to speak to your… gosh, I don’t even know… your delusions?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 1:52 pm
I can’t even imagine the question where the answer requires electing another member of the Kennedy family.

Comment by Downstate Illinois Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 2:22 pm
Chris Kennedy has been a strong, active member of the Chicago business and non-profit community, along with playing a leadership role for the state’s flagship university. He’s been a leader, minus elective office. If he’s ready to run to straighten out this state, I’m for it and I think a hell of a lot of downstaters would also be for it.

Comment by Downstate Dem Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 2:28 pm
My money is on Durbin, the Kennedy name still has some magic, but it’s hard to beat the experience and down home common sense that Durbin brings to the table.

Comment by Grandpa Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 2:56 pm
Man, who would’ve thunk it — “a Guy” is really the ghost of Ted Sorenson!!!

Thanks for the insight on the family, Guy, I mean Ted. So while we have your attention, did you ever get to see Bobby and LBJ argue with each other? Please tell us what it was like.

Comment by RTR Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 3:13 pm
Top Box Foods is a creative business model, but can anyone say that it has been successful in any way?

Comment by Alley Rabbit Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 3:51 pm
I’m all for anyone keeping Rauner on his tippy toes, but can’t we do better than to serve up the same old family names and ideas year after year? Dems need a better bench.

Comment by Shytown Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 4:00 pm
Downstate Dem, there are plenty of folks like you who might take issue with Kennedy’s “leadership role for the State’s flagship university.” More like “the guy who put in arrogant doofus Michael Hogan.”

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 4:37 pm
=== 47th Ward - Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 1:50 pm:

===How many Kennedy’s started running for office at 60 Willy.===

Teh stupid hurts. According to the Tribune story, linked to above, the basis of the discussion we’re having, Chris Kennedy is 52.

So by the time he’s 60, he’ll be in his second term.

Please. Quit while you’re behind.===

Dude, you’re more wicked than usual today. He’ll be 53 in a two weeks. And 55 in two years. Ancient to be starting by Kennedy standards. You’re entitled to think whatever you think. Here’s his Wiki page. Go fall in love: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_G._Kennedy
I don’t think he’ll run.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 4:58 pm
===And 55 in two years. Ancient to be starting by Kennedy standards===

Maybe so. Doesn’t mean anything special in this case.

I lean against him running, for sure. But, hey, we got him in the barrel and I’m fine with keeping him there for a while. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 5:01 pm
===OW. You claim to speak for the Kemnedys now and further, you made it clear what Chrus Kennedy is …

===bred===

Willy, do you know anything about the Kennedy’s? Hard to imagine why you’re so offended by something they are so proud of. Every family picture they took, with Grandpa Joe in the middle had him saying “Take one step forward for the picture, We’re Kennedy’s”

Yeah, they were all bred for greatness across the spectrum of American life. The family plan for Chris wasn’t elected office. He managed one of their precious assets. This stuff isn’t all secret.
Really, ask Jay about it. He’ll tell you.

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 5:03 pm
==I lean against him running, for sure. But, hey, we got him in the barrel and I’m fine with keeping him there for a while. lol===

Captain, my captain, you brought a smile to my lips, a chuckle from my craw and some sanity to the room. I’m in your debt. lol.

Keep in in the barrel as long as you need him Rich. He’s got time and no certain plans. lol

Comment by A guy Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 5:05 pm
Let’s not forget how Chris Kennedy more or less refused the hiring of that Professor who had written something negative about his father. Rather then recuse himself-Kennedy refused to proceed with the job offer and cost the State millions in legal fees and a settlement for violating the applicants constitutional rights. Great move Chris

Comment by Sue Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 5:17 pm
–Yeah, they were all bred for greatness across the spectrum of American life. The family plan for Chris wasn’t elected office. He managed one of their precious assets. This stuff isn’t all secret.–

As someone familiar with the “family plan,” who would you say was making decisions on who was bred for what purpose? (There were many families involved by this generation).

Old Man Joe. Incapable of any communications from 1961 until his death? JFK, dead in 1963? RFK, dead in 1968?

Who was making the breeding decisions?

Since it’s not secret, where did you discover it?

And with your personal insight into the inner workings of the family, why do you think Chris Kennedy is seemingly rejecting this inviolable ancient family plan?

Why can’t he see his role when you can, so clearly?

Finally, do you have any clue as to how nuts you sound, yammering on about people you don’t even know and their inner-family workings?

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 5:20 pm
The Kennedys were never as megarich as they were made out to be. Wealthy and privilieged, certainly, but let’s remember that Ted Kennedy had to mortgage his property and take out loans when Romney ran against him. Chris has made a lot of money himself. There’s pluses and minuses to his approach.

==- A guy - Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 4:58 pm:==

Ted died at 77, Eunice at 88, Joseph #1 at 81. Wise up or shut up.

Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 5:37 pm
Precinct- the money may have been diminished but when Joe Kennedy bought the Mart he was the 11th wealthiest person in the country

Comment by Sue Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 5:42 pm
–Let’s not forget how Chris Kennedy more or less refused the hiring of that Professor who had written something negative about his father. –Rather then recuse himself-Kennedy refused to proceed with the job offer and cost the State millions in legal fees and a settlement for violating the applicants constitutional rights. Great move Chris–

How can we remember? As far as I can tell, you’re combining two separate incidents into one — and amazingly managing to get them both wrong.

1. Refusal of honorary emeritus status for the retiring Bill Ayers. Ayers had written that Sirhan Sirhan, the man convicted of murdering RFK, was a political prisoner. Kennedy cited that as his reason for voting no. The vote of the Trustees was unanimous, and no money was involved. Ayers is still collecting his pension.

2. Kennedy was part of an 8-1 Trustee majority vote to affirm an administration decision to rescind a job offer to Steven Salaita for social media comments deemed “anti-Israel.” Salaita filed two suits, one for breach of contract, one on First Amendment grounds. He dropped both suits for a settlement of $875,000. The U said they had $1.3 million in legal fees.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jun 16, 16 @ 5:52 pm
Sling, you’ll turn out wrong yet again over time. He won’t run.

Comment by À guy Friday, Jun 17, 16 @ 6:50 am
===Willy, do you know anything about the Kennedy’s?===

Tell me “Cliff Claven” as Sam Malone pours a cold one…

===Finally, do you have any clue as to how nuts you sound, yammering on about people you don’t even know and their inner-family workings?=

This.

All day.

This

- A Guy -,

Trying to “teach” when your insight isn’t remotely insightful… Yesterday was a bad day for you, let’s hope today is better.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 17, 16 @ 8:26 am
Willy, the Kennedy family are well known and well chronicled. Only the Kardashians come close. The responses were often so dim-witted by people I know are much smarter than this. Playing dumb doesn’t serve the world my friend. Chris K is a very well known quantity in Chicago. I’ve said all along he’s a very good guy. This ain’t his bag. I’m pretty confident he knows it.

Comment by A guy Friday, Jun 17, 16 @ 8:51 am
===I’m pretty confident he knows it.===

Why do you insist on claiming you know what people think and speak for them?

Seriously.

Do you not realize you do it?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 17, 16 @ 8:59 am
===The responses were often so dim-witted by people I know are much smarter than this.===

Ugh…

Hows about this…

===As someone familiar with the “family plan,” who would you say was making decisions on who was bred for what purpose? (There were many families involved by this generation).

Old Man Joe. Incapable of any communications from 1961 until his death? JFK, dead in 1963? RFK, dead in 1968?

Who was making the breeding decisions?

Since it’s not secret, where did you discover it?

And with your personal insight into the inner workings of the family, why do you think Chris Kennedy is seemingly rejecting this inviolable ancient family plan?===

Let’s try to do better today, - A Guy -…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jun 17, 16 @ 9:02 am
Guy, I’m sure Chris Kennedy appreciates you setting him straight on the pre-ordained life that he was bred for, as you like to put it.

Quite a burden you carry, this remarkable insight. There’s nothing weird about it at all, though.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jun 17, 16 @ 9:05 am