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* Zorn writes about Gov. Rauner’s recent comment that he and Speaker Madigan “have a fundamental disagreement, an honest disagreement”…
I’ve certainly heard Rauner raging about and impugning Madigan’s integrity and ethics with all the subtlety of an anonymous blog commenter. But I’ve never heard him suggest that perhaps Madigan is simply wrong on the issues, not evil.
“This is the first time he’s ever acknowledged that Madigan is coming from an ‘honest’ position,” wrote Capitol Fax publisher Rich Miller, who highlighted the TV interview on his website.
Maybe Rauner was tired. Maybe his mind wandered for a moment. Or maybe, and pardon my Pollyanna, he’s getting around to realizing that those who’ve been balking at his “reform” demands sincerely believe that his ideas will hurt middle-income earners and make life harder for working families. […]
His fans seem to approve. Every time I write something that casts doubt on elements of Rauner’s “turnaround agenda,” I am reliably inundated with messages demanding to know how much Madigan paid me to write it because, clearly, no independent thinker could possibly doubt the governor.
Ain’t that the truth.
* People love them some cartoons, and there is no greater cartoon battle in this state than Super Man Rauner vs. Darth Vader Madigan. Any criticism of the governor is automatically viewed as 100 percent support for Madigan. Some Facebook creepster actually asked me the other day if I was a drug user who’s being blackmailed by Madigan. I suggested he immediately seek psychiatric help. Let’s hope he does.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 11:25 am
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I thought you were a republican?I was one once.
Comment by illinois manufacturer Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 11:34 am
Unfortunately, much of the media coverage of state government has devolved into cartoon battles.
There are notable exceptions. But TV is useless. It’s like they’re broadcasting from another planet, it’s so remote from reality.
And tronclodytes Kass and Katrina just run the same insipidly shallow cartoon every day. Check out their commenters. You hope those people don’t drive cars.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 11:39 am
The absolutism in the cartoon world of Madigan and Rauner is the biggest disappointment by Rauner trying to “change” things that actually have bipartisan support and by Madigan, who knows full well compromise in governing is required in divided givetnment and both sides need to actively seek common ground for that conpromise.
IllinoisGo is the poster child for Raunerism going amok, and its demise reinforces that ignoring common ground for 100% agreement will not lead to electoral success.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 11:40 am
I don’t know the Governor personally but he is a textbook example of how being successful in the corporate world doesn’t necessarily translate to the public sector. Good government is compromise and cooperation and CEO’s aren’t necessarily used to that. I hope those that support The Donald take note of the position we are in here.
Comment by Stones Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 11:43 am
Cartoon’s and soundbites are easier to digest for those too lazy to think about issues. The concern about the dumbing down of America isn’t new, but social medial has certainly expedited that process.
I used to point out to family and friends the falsehoods on some of the things they share, but then you get the hate statements that come with it.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 11:43 am
OW can you provide any recent examples of Madigan “knowing full well compromise is required in a divided government and both sides need to actively seek common ground for that compromise”?
Comment by Lucky Pierre Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 11:45 am
Resist Willy, resist. I know it’s hard but resist. Don’t feed the troll.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 11:47 am
What’s worse is the Tribune editorial board leading the cartoon parade in front of their super hero, Rauner. They’re horrified at the thought of a Trump presidency, what he might do to this country, but oblivious to what’s happened in this state since Rauner took office. It’s hard to believe the same board is writing about these two, very similar men, both saying they can make this state and country great again if we just follow their direction.
Comment by Wensicia Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 11:47 am
Would you expect anything different.
We live in a nation that has eschewed making things to one that depends on consumerism.
We have a whole lot of people whose livelihood depends on marketing their product to the masses-including politics, religion, the TV news and everything else we see.
A whole lot of cash goes into those efforts. A good marketing effort depends on simplistic and absolute slogans that can easily be remembered. Forget any real debate on issues as that doesn’t achieve the desired effect of selling your product.
Comment by train111 Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 11:47 am
Five great comments to begin the thread, then ‘PLOP’…….
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 11:52 am
He can resist Norseman because there are zero examples of Madigan seeking compromise over the past 18 months.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 11:53 am
- Norseman -
I defer to you…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 11:53 am
It is the responsibility and duty of a governor to lead all citizens and consider all citizens when opening their mouths, discussing our issues and finding workable solutions in our state.
Governors are to be both a party leader and a state uniter. They are to differentiate between doing the daily routine of governing and the work they do as a partisan political leader.
Rauner failed to unite Illinoisans through his daily governing duties and has only divided Illinoisans based on a political view no longer supported after 2012.
His Turnaround was rejected. That was a political issue. Yet, as governor, Rauner had a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate governing abilities, establishing credibility that would have given his political agenda future consideration.
He failed at governing as well, branding his administration as a failure. Today, Rauner could cure every fiscal issue with a perfect solution, but has no credibility to get it passed. He failed too much, displayed horrible governing abilities and has squandered his own agenda in the process.
He has done as much damage to governing in Illinois as Blagojevich had.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 11:56 am
Careful Rich “Super Man Rauner vs. Darth Vader Madigan” will get the comic book folks mad that you are mixing movies and universes.
Comment by Tom Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 11:57 am
Much easier to deflect and call people names than actually back up your post with facts.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 11:57 am
- Lucky Pierre -
The signed stopgap is a prime example, with no Turbaround Agenda items.
Your ignorance is overwhelming.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 12:01 pm
More of a Palpatine vs Yoda…..assign based on your politics
Comment by Anotherretiree Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 12:03 pm
Lucky Pierre apparently knows whereof he speaks.
If you ask for too little, you’ll get too little. If you ask for too much, then there’s no point in negotiating. Tough to strike that balance, but there’s always tomorrow.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 12:03 pm
Willy- stop gap included an agreement for pension reform (TA items). Nice try, though.
Comment by LOL Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 12:06 pm
===Willy- stop gap included an agreement for pension reform (TA items). Nice try, though.===
Nope.
It held hostage unless…
Please keep up.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 12:08 pm
LP, given the topic of the thread, you realize you’re engaging in self-parody, correct?
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 12:12 pm
Zorn’s article is absolute nonsense. Madigan has no core beliefs. He pivoted to a very strong pro-labor position because the new Governor was so strongly anti-labor. There’s no honest disagreement here. There’s political posturing - same as it always was.
Comment by phocion Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 12:24 pm
I’m still recommending this book “Plunkitt of Tammany Hall: A Series of Very Plain Talks on Very Practical Politics (Signet Classics)” Only $1.99 on Kindle and well worth the read. Timeless wisdom. https://www.amazon.com/Plunkitt-Tammany-Hall-Practical-Politics-ebook/dp/B002DQDOB6
Comment by NoGifts Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 12:24 pm
LP, at 11:57 a.m. did you really complain about “…call people names…”? I usually find adult conversation here about important topics. I feel like you are posting from a 7th grade summer school restroom.
Comment by Mongo Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 12:54 pm
Mongo and others - you missed the point of the article. Zorn is detailing how anytime he posts something defending Madigan he gets called names. It is the mirror image of what goes on here many days. The irony is lost on the worst offenders.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 1:22 pm
===Zorn is detailing how anytime he posts something defending Madigan he gets called names. It is the mirror image of what goes on here many days.===
Hmm. “Mirror Image”…
“Rich Miller is detailing how anytime he posts something defending Rauner he gets called names. It is the mirror image of what goes on with Zorn many days.”
Is that what you’re saying… Or… Hmm, I dunno…
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 1:31 pm
Is there anywhere that shows how much the state spent annually on worker compensation for state employees?
The guv keeps saying that will solve our budget issues?
Comment by Publius Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 1:50 pm
“The irony is lost on the worst offenders.”
Clearly.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 1:57 pm
Super Man vs Darth Vader? I think Godzilla and Mothra. Doesn’t matter who you’re rooting for, the town is getting destroyed regardless of who wins in the end…
Comment by HangingOn Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 2:06 pm
The next time I call someone a name on this blogging on will be the first.
Mirror image would be anything remotely defending Rauner gets attacked Willy. Usually by you
Comment by Lucky Pierre Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 2:08 pm
I know, - Norseman -, I know, bud…
I won’t do it. I appreciate it as always.
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 2:24 pm
We’re Americans. We’ll do anything to keep from having to think things through.
Comment by Cheryl44 Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 2:34 pm
===The guv keeps saying that will solve our budget issues?===
Publious
I’m normally not one to defend the governor here but I don’t think that he said that. If anything he is saying if we implement workcomp reforms across all industries in Illinois those savings plus the increase in tax revenues from the gazillion companies that will move here will solve the budget problem.
But I don’t buy it.
Comment by Been There Monday, Jul 18, 16 @ 7:32 pm
From Rich Miller: “Some Facebook creepster actually asked me the other day if I was a drug user who’s being blackmailed by Madigan. I suggested he immediately seek psychiatric help. Let’s hope he does. ” If he does, he better have his own insurance, because Rauner eliminated the funding for psychiatric leadership from the DMH budget!
Comment by Jerry Tuesday, Jul 19, 16 @ 8:07 am