Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Kirk, Duckworth and Kinzinger slam Trump

Posted in:

Illinois

* He’s the gift that keeps on giving…

Sen. Mark Kirk and challenger Tammy Duckworth both called out presidential candidate Donald Trump on Monday over his war of words with the parents of a fallen Army captain.

Kirk said Trump should “lay off the Gold Star family. They have given as much as can be given.” […]

“If the family gets involved in politics then, of course, people are going to argue back — that’s your First Amendment right,” Kirk said, but attacking a Gold Star family is inappropriate. […]

Later Monday, Democrat Tammy Duckworth called Trump’s statements “despicable” and expressed her condolences for the Khan family’s loss.

“Their service and sacrifice are more than most Americans will know,” the Iraq War veteran said. “They should receive nothing but our gratitude.”

* More from WLS Radio…

On Monday Senator Kirk, who has said he is not voting for Trump, told reporters, “I didn’t like that. In my world a veteran that gave up their life is someone who is almost sacred. ”

Kirk was a Naval Reservist before suffering a stroke in 2012. He also said, “We serve in the military so that you have first amendment rights to make sure that you can say and vote for whoever you want. That young man who gave his life for the country gave his last full measure, as Abraham Lincoln would say. We need to respect that family and make sure that family is honored and not criticized. I would say to Trump ‘Lay off the Gold Star families. They have given as much as can be given.’”

* Kirk wasn’t the only Illinois Republican to take a stand…

Adam Kinzinger of Channahon, who served in the Air Force and is a pilot in the Air National Guard. Kinzinger has not expressed support for Trump’s candidacy and issued a statement that didn’t even use the presidential candidate’s name.

“No one can truly understand the sacrifice a family makes when their loved one serves their country or the heartbreak of losing a loved one. There’s no greater love than a man who lays down his life for his friends,” Kinzinger said.

“As a military man myself, I have deep respect for the sacrifices made by anyone who is willing to defend the Constitution. Comments disparaging our service men and women, and their families, are deeply disturbing and wholly unpatriotic,” he said.

Do your very best to remain calm and civil in comments. I deleted a whole bunch of them yesterday on this very topic. Banishments will commence today.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 12:11 pm

Comments

Please note while Kirk and Kinzinger have denounced Trump, and Kirk even stating as often as he can he, Kirk, will not vote for Trump.

For clarity, I’m a no Trump, never Trump, the last 48 hours notwithstanding.

As you note this, remember, Bruce Rauner at the Illinois Republican Convention made perfectly clear he supports Donald Trump, and Rauner has yet to denounce any support for Donald Trump, solidifying Rauner’s only public remarks that…

… Bruce Rauner supports Donald Trump.

I thank both Sen. Kirk and Rep. Kinzinger for their thoughtfulness.

Oswego Willy

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 12:17 pm
Thank you OW. You are the reason I have hope for the Illinois GOP to become competitive again and show we can really and truly have bi-partisan cooperation in Illinois.

Comment by HRC2016 Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 12:22 pm
Republicans up for election/re-election in Illinois need to run away from Trump as fast as they can. He is just starting to rev up that mouth. Just watch as the self-destruction continues.

Comment by Ray del Camino Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 12:22 pm
I think this episode is the moment when sensible Republicans start heading for the exit ramp and finally jump off the Trump Expressway. Attacking a Gold Star mother? Really? At long last, has he no decency?

Of course, I’ve been wrong all along predicting the downfall of Trump. It simply boggles my mind how people can applaud this guy for the things he says. He is making Sarah Palin look like Thomas Jefferson more with each Tweet and comment. She was mocked for her answers to basic interview questions. His answers are met with stunned silence.

It’s not too late GOP friends. Get out in front of this, for the sake of your party and for the sake of our country.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 12:23 pm
Good for them.

Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 12:24 pm
—-Republicans up for election/re-election in Illinois need to run away from Trump as fast as they can. He is just starting to rev up that mouth. Just watch as the self-destruction continues.—-

It really depends on where you are, depending on the district Trump could be popular.

Comment by A Modest Proposal Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 12:27 pm
Trump’s attack on CPT Kahn is the worst mistake I have seen by a presidential candidate in my lifetime. He is toast. Good riddance Trump

Comment by John-on-the-spot Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 12:32 pm
===I have hope for the Illinois GOP to become competitive again and show we can really and truly have bi-partisan cooperation in Illinois.===

I have great hope for the Illinois Republican Party as well, and thank you for your kind words, but that hope is being severely tested by Donald Trump, all that Trump stands for, and all that Trump says and does that aren’t only not Republican ideals, Trump is continuing ideals that do not match or are consistent with the best ideals of the United States.

The Illinois Republican Party will find its way when thoughtfulness, autonomy, and rational thought to governing and politics prevail.

I know we can get there, and that will open the tent for growth too.

But first, Trump and the dangers of Trump are the challenges today. I renounce Trump, completely, and with no reservations.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 12:34 pm
Maybe we can make it to November without talking about anything but the evils of Donald Trump-Republicans and Democrats.

Then it’ll be back to normal in Washington DC, without President Obama, who at least has been willing to push for modest change.

Money will reign, whichever candidate wins.

Comment by Cassandra Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 12:38 pm
I don’t get Trump and his comments towards the Kahn family. Once minute he’s trying to court veterans and the next he’s attacking a family that has made the supreme sacrifice.

If this were any other year I would say there is no way Hillary could prevail with her significant negatives.

Comment by Stones Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 12:50 pm
==- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 12:23 pm:==

Much like the 101 in Speed, I think the Trump Expressway has a big old gap in it, but I doubt the Trump bus is going to make it over (not that he cares).

Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 12:56 pm
=== In my world a veteran that gave up their life is someone who is almost sacred. ”===

In my world, the world “almost” isn’t necessary.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:00 pm
I still maintain Trump truly does not want to be President. He will make many, many other gaffes between now and election day - whether they are calculated or not is the question.

Comment by Bogey Golfer Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:03 pm
Interesting to note Kinzinger has no opponent and lives in a trump district… That’s courage. I’m in his dist

Comment by Not Alan Keyes Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:08 pm
=I think this episode is the moment when sensible Republicans start heading for the exit ramp and finally jump off the Trump Expressway. Attacking a Gold Star mother? Really? At long last, has he no decency?=

For Republicans the decision to abandon Trump is a perilous one. As he is quick to point out, he garnered more support than any primary candidate in history and brought more people to the party than anyone in recent memory. Like it or not he’s redefined what it means to be a Republican. If you abandon Trump you abandon his voters.

At this point no one can say they were surprised by Trump’s attack on the Kahn family. Trump has been remarkably consistent in his willingness to attack anyone. He’s not going to suddenly change his tune because it’s uncomfortable for others in the party. In fact, this is likely the winning formula for Clinton. Find a sympathetic figure, have them say something unflattering about Trump and then stand back and watch him explode. I expect it will get a lot worse from here on out.

Comment by pundent Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:08 pm
A Modest Proposal - Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 12:27 pm:
Wrong is wrong no matter where you live. I’m saddened to have him as a major party candidate for the highest office of the most powerful country on earth. And yes, we have problems. The great thing is that we can rally together to address them unlike any other nation. That’s what we need to be doing.

Comment by Sense of a Goose Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:13 pm
It just baffles me that this narrative is still going on. Any other candidate would have realized the gaffe, apologized, and tried desperately to move on, but Trump is keeping this alive thru his insistence on having the last word. Trump’s candidacy has broken all the normal rules and he’s still chugging along. I just don’t get it.

Comment by Downstater Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:13 pm
Senator Kirk and Congressman Kinzinger get it-the members of the GOP simply cannot just sit on their hands while this bloviating buffoon is out there doing and saying completely repulsive things. Attacking a Gold Star family? Are you kidding me? I respect both Senator Kirk and Congressman Kinzinger greatly for taking a stand on Trump(especially Senator Kirk, who seems to have gone a step farther than Congressman Kinzinger in his refusal to vote for Trump). I fully expect more denunciations out of GOP politicians between now and November, but the two IL Republicans were very quick to do denounce Trump compared to the rest of the party. They should both be commended for that.

Comment by John Charles Fremont Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:15 pm
Mike Pence is right. Trump has the right to say whatever he wants. See the 1st Amendment for clarification.

If he wants to get elected, you probably dont want to say some of that stuff.

What is enjoyable is watching Paul Ryan tie himself in knots to sorta, kinda, maybe make it look like he supports all this from a distance. But if a *liberal* said what Trump is saying….oh my gosh the you know what would hit the fan. Paul Ryan would be singing God Bless America on TV.

To this extent I appreciate the fact that Trump has exposed the hypocrisy of the Conservative wing of the Republican Party.

Comment by Doug Simpson Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:17 pm
Hillary can sit this campaign out and still be president

Comment by nadia Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:23 pm
Willy, my friend, I wish you and your like minded Republicans well in your efforts to take back the soul of the Republican party in Illinois. I am a Democrat, and I have more than my share of issues with my party both at the State as well as the National level, but may not feel the angst to the extent that you so forcefully and pointedly express.

While we have our problems, they pale in comparison with what is going on in your ( no, more correctly the Rauner/Trump ) party.

Sanity, not bluster and innuendo, is badly needed. .

Comment by illini Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:25 pm
“If the family gets involved in politics then, of course, people are going to argue back — that’s your First Amendment right,” Kirk said

That’s pretty much what happened. They baited Trump and he took the bait. Nobody should be surprised.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:26 pm
==Hillary can sit this campaign out and still be president ==

You think this altercation commenced because she was sitting it out?

He should have left this whole thing go and not said a word. It was calculated that he’d respond. He did. Pride is the deadliest of all the deadly sins. He either learns or he doesn’t. If he learns, he’ll win. If he doesn’t; he doesn’t.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:30 pm
==…you probably don’t want to say some of that stuff.==

Trump’s response tells me all I need to know about the man. For his supporters to “line up” (e.g. booing a military mom in Nevada) says there is no point too low to stoop to lose their “R” vote.

Comment by Jocko Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:32 pm
Up until this point I was still tempted to hold my nose and vote for Trump. Not now. No way. No how.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:38 pm
Trump never had my vote and he certainly doesn’t now. His remarks about a gold star family and his assumptions about whether a woman has to speak in front of millions to prove her rights or support her family sicken me.

I appreciate the members of all parties that have denounced his actions over this matter. I hope that saying you denounce someone who attacks a gold star family never becomes a political problem. It should be the opposite!

That being said, I don’t think his comments here, offensive remarks earlier or offensive remarks to come will change anyone’s vote. I think that both candidates are so polarizing that most voters have chosen one or the other, albeit reluctantly, and will make whatever excuses they need to justify their choice. Trump put it bluntly when he said he could kill someone on 5th avenue and still get votes but I think he is right. I think most people tune out the rhetoric that they can’t tolerate or make excuses and move on.

Comment by Fairness and Fairness Only Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:42 pm
- illini -

As… always.., thanks for your kind words…

I guess my take, as with this Post, it’s hyper-critical, beyond party or brand, the denunciation of Donald Trump is something beyond red, blue, or purple states or districts at all levels.

The vile words of Trump, and what he is… courting… for his run for the highest office in the Free World… even if it does (it sadly does) help in some Illinois state districts and Illinois congressional districts, the truth worth of people, by their fellow “man” is being questioned, let alone the unprecedented attack on Gold Star parents, what are we saying as a country when these verbal assaults are unquestioned or are silently let stand.

At some point, you have to take a real stand with Trump.

I’m glad Kirk has, and I’m encouraged by Kinzinger.

And that’s where I am.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:42 pm
I have been a #never trump kind of person since before #never trump was a formal thing. The Gold Star fiasco caused me to write an email to the GOP informing them I no longer considered myself a Republican. Thankfully here in Illinois, I can continue to pull whatever ballot I choose in a primary.i think however that the Republican Party will cease to be a major party in the next 15 years, replaced by the Libertarians. I expect the Tea party will exist.

Comment by Thoughts Matter Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 1:51 pm
Now that Donald Trump took someone’s Purple Heart, I hope Kirk will finally stop pretending throwing his vote away on whoever it is this week is the same thing as opposing Donald Trump.

But I won’t hold my breath.

Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:04 pm
Donald Trump is a hissing and an abomination.

If there is any legal way to replace him on the ballot, we Republicans need to find it.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:35 pm
This seems to be the episode that took the win out of Trump’s sails. Before this, he seemed to be able to say anything.
The matter is deplorable on so many levels.
We have a 2 party system and they both need to be operating at a high level for this government to work properly. As a Dem, I would like to see the GOP resurrect. But, in a more productive manner than the past 8 or 10 years.

Comment by Belle Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:43 pm
win should be WIND

Comment by Belle Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:43 pm
Silence from Jeanne Ives on this.

Comment by DuPage Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 2:43 pm
=If there is any legal way to replace him on the ballot, we Republicans need to find it.=

It’s far too late for that. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Trump decides at some point that he’s no longer interested in pursuing this. I don’t think he has any burning desire to be president, its more about feeding his ego and proving that he could get elected if he wanted to. I’ve never had the sense that he was all that committed to the task.

Comment by pundent Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 3:01 pm
I heard he is actually German. Has anybody seen his birth certificate? /s

Comment by Last Bull Moose Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 3:35 pm
Now Trump won’t support Paul Ryan and John McCain…

You can’t write this.

https://goo.gl/B5bLzr

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 3:50 pm
OW - So what does it mean to be a Republican today and exactly what does the party stand for? I know that you hold out hope for some semblance of the party that you remember, but I’m not sure if that’s attainable at the state or national level at this point.

Comment by pundent Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 3:56 pm
OW:

It’s hard to read this stuff and reconcile how anyone in their right mind can support the man.

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 4:00 pm
- pundent -

Trump, nationally, not unlike Rauner in Illinois, is holding hostage Republicans and the loyalty usually reserved for one member to another, under the Reagan Rule of 80%.

Both Rauner and Trump are making up new rules for their GOPs.

I hope after 2016 the ILGOP might see some semblance of order outside Rauner (doubtful, but ya never know… )

I hope after 2016 the United States will not face the challenges of Donald Trump.

I hope.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 4:02 pm
- Demoralized -

Perspective?

This is an implosion. The pillars holding up the leaky roof are being struck down by Donald Trump.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 4:03 pm
To the post. I don’t care what Kirk or Duckworth think. I commend them for their service, but believe both have issues.

Lots of back and forth over party loyalty. It appears that this country is yearning for a different form of governing. Whether your a Sanders or Trump fan, hopefully voters have had their fill of the ‘establishment’. I know I have.

Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 4:42 pm
Any jackass can spew the stuff Trump does. Yet he’s got a shot at Pres. Holy Crap, what’s up, USA!?

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 5:13 pm
Illinois, and our nation, is certainly different than it was in the days of Otto Kerner, Richard Ogilvie, Paul Powell, Paul Simon, Ken Grey, Mel Price and even Mayor Daley. This was when I was I could go on, but do want to include Big Jim Thompson and Jim Edgar as well.

Maybe I am becoming a bit of a crumudgeon in my “old age”, but in some ways I miss the politics as it used to be.

I have seem the transformation over the years and the result is a real mixed bag as far as I am concerned. Yet, I remain as involved and as passionate as I ever was, except I’m probably much more cynical. You have to change with the times!!!!

Comment by illini Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 5:26 pm
Kirk and Kinzinger wear the label of their loose cannon boy. Too little and too late. Wouldn’t vote for either of them.

My recommendation is either bail out of the party or resign. Trump is yours no matter what you think or what you do. Your party nominated him. You take the rap for bringing him to the dance. It is too little and way too late to be campaigning against trump. That chance ended when he got the required number of bound delegates.

Parties own. The Democrats take the blame for clinton. Warts, lies and all.

This reminds me of a conversation I had with the IT folks at work when I was a new hire. I went to the project manager for the new company website to complain about how bad it was. She said welcome to the party, it’s yours now. I tried to wriggle out of that jacket but no matter what I did, it was mine because I was an employee of the company.

BTW - I am not voting for trump or clinton.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 5:47 pm
===My recommendation is either bail out of the party or resign.===

Nope. Sorry. No.

Not unlike Blago for Illinois Democrats or GHR for the Illinois GOP…

There comes a time when, as a member of a party, you denounce members, but you, as a member, work hard during the tough times to make the the party better after the storm.

As I swore I’d never back a Blago candidate if the ILGOP had one, I never swore I’d leave the GOP.

One person isn’t a political party. A political party is not a religion with strict musts and required following of people.

You want to agree 80% of the time, but you are you and the party needs diversity.

I’m a Republican, and while Trump is the party nominee, rational thought and facts tells me that Trump doesn’t stand for or represent the ideals of the GOP, even at 80%.

That doesn’t mean Gov. Kasich or Sen. Cruz, or Presidents Bushs, or Gov. Romney, or… me.

That also means we’re not leaving the GOP either.

===Parties own. The Democrats take the blame for clinton. Warts, lies and all.===

Life is never simple when talking the fluid loyalty parameters of a political party.

As it should be.

With respect.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 6:00 pm
OW
I see your point about not leaving the party… if you still believe in the party principles. In my case, I was already questioning my true party before Trump, so he was just the final straw. I sit in the middle a lot, and I’m not ready to cross over the line to Democrat - but Independent suits me for now.

Comment by thoughts matter Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 6:50 pm
It’s all very simple, Trump is a dangerous demagogue. And a buffoon.

Comment by Ron Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 7:34 pm
Being an independent is far less tortured. I disagree way too much with both parties to claim any loyalty to either. Seeing Republicans tie themselves in knots only reinforces this particularly when I hear members say they disagree with Trump on most issue but will still vote for him. In fact the message that resonated with me the most was Cruz’s when he said “vote your conscience”. It was one of the most genuine comments I’ve heard in some time. And I loathe Ted Cruz.

Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 7:47 pm
OW - Respectfully I ask these questions - At what point do you say enough is enough? At what point do you say that the principles presented by your party no longer the ideals that you hold near and dear to your heart? When do you say that my Republican (or Democratic) party is no longer mine and I have to look for someplace else that represent my political thoughts and ideas?

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 7:49 pm
Willy - “Life is never simple when talking the fluid loyalty parameters of a political party.”

I suspect that even though we may have somewhat different underlying party alliances, we have both had our problems with our respective parties.

Neither of us are going to resign or change our basic affiliations because of the foibles of our parties leaders. And this is the way it should be.

Stay strong!

Comment by illini Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 7:50 pm
- Huh? -

No worries.

===At what point do you say enough is enough?===

That’s easy. When the mainstream leadership of my party, like a McCain, like a Ryan, like a Kasich… even like a Boehner… can’t be related to rationally.

All those above have 80% in common, but are not uniformed in their thinking. When rational leadership (like Boehner) all decide that “enough is enough”. They all, like Edgar in Illinois, need people with them when it’s dark, cause it’s way too easy to be with them when it’s light.

=== At what point do you say that the principles presented by your party no longer the ideals that you hold near and dear to your heart?===

I look at this with open eyes and an open mind.

If those “backing” Bruce Rauner weren’t being held by $20 million in the GA, if those being held to vote “Yellow” or “NV” hadn’t existed, then it would be quite clear, that the party left.

By the mere threat of $20 million being used, and all the “Yellow” and “NV”s littering Roll Calls, I know the principles exist, they are just being usurped by a man, his money, and an agenda not roped to pass.

I know by all that, I need to stick around to help those voting “Yellow” and “NV”ing… if Labor and those they turned on don’t defeat them. It’s there, - Huh? - it’s most certainly there.

===When do you say that my Republican (or Democratic) party is no longer mine and I have to look for someplace else that represent my political thoughts and ideas?===

When the ideas are so cold, the people I admire, even if right now… especially “right now”… they decide that being “Yellow” or “NV”ing… and quietly, privately, stop grumbling… then it’s time to move on.

It’s not time yet. I’ll be here when the Occupation of the ILGOP ends. I promise.

With great respect, I hope that answers your thoughtful questions.

OW

- illini -,

I will if you will. And we can debate the merits of governing, not the costs of untenable agendas… OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 8:28 pm
Agreed!

Comment by illini Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 8:37 pm
OW - will have to take some time to think about what you wrote. Not sure I agree but will ponder on it.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 9:12 pm
- Huh? -

I’ll look foward to your thoughts. No snark.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 2, 16 @ 9:13 pm
There is a reason #nevertrump exists, and that reason is on full display as he feuds with a gold star family.

Comment by Liandro Wednesday, Aug 3, 16 @ 12:32 am
Mr. Kirk needs not to throw stones thru a glass house. What was it Bro’s with howes?

Let’s not forget about that little white lie about his own military service.

Comment by tinsel town Wednesday, Aug 3, 16 @ 7:53 am