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Kirk talks about stroke in new TV ad

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* After releasing his doctor’s report this week which claimed he has made a “full cognitive recovery,” Sen. Mark Kirk is now running a TV ad about his stroke…

The Kirk For Senate campaign has launched a new television ad, titled “Determined,” highlighting Senator Mark Kirk’s determination to recover from his stroke and represent Illinois with fierce independence.

* The ad…

* Script…

I remember holding the hand of the paramedic and knowing something was very wrong.

I thought that was the last human being I would ever touch.

As I learned to walk and climb again, I thought of our Illinois families struggling to get by.

After facing death, Mark returned even more committed to serve.

Bucking his party to support marriage equality and fight to combat gun violence.

I was determined to return to the Senate, to do the job you elected me to.

I’m Mark Kirk, and I approve this message.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 1:54 am

Comments

The ad works, it’s his story.

What is going to be the test these 7+ weeks left will be if Kirk can keep his quips in check to allow an ad like this to have weight.

Kirk’s own actions from this point after the ad airs will dictate it’s grade.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 1:18 am
Very well crafted message for such a short ad. It’s a nice positive ad for a change that subtly reminds viewers of his independent space between the two ever-more-partisan parties, and that he’s the experienced incumbent “the job you elected me to do”.

Comment by Responsa Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 6:43 am
Good ad. Denouncing Trump: smart. Denounce a few others and he might win.

Nah, probably not.

Comment by The_Equalizer Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 7:31 am
Both candidates have stories of challenges they’ve overcome, and each will have compelling spots showing their struggles. This one was skillfully done and will be well received. Smart how they added his independent streak in there.

Comment by Down the Middle Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 8:08 am
Duckworth has been leaving the stroke alone for the most part.

But if Kirk wants to make it a campaign topic, well…

Comment by Dee Lay Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 8:37 am
=But if Kirk wants to make it a campaign topic, well… =

Maybe, but I think there might be a specific reason why the Duckworth campaign has left it alone and that is maybe the lone bright spot in this campaign. Tammy certainly has her own compelling story of overcoming obstacles as well.

Going positive would be a significant pivot in this campaign so I am not going to hold my breath.

Comment by JS Mill Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 8:49 am
A “full cognitive recovery” is great. It suggests his intellectual functioning is normal. The phrase doesn’t necessarily mean that Sen. Kirk has recovered all of his executive functioning, including normal inhibitions, and his ability to control his emotions. Those could have been affected in a different part of the brain.

This ad presents him in the best light. He hasn’t really answered all of the questions about his recovery, however.

Comment by Keyrock Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 8:57 am
The most perfect ad of this election season so far. It humanizes Kirk in a significant way - makes him relatable to everyone who has faced challenges in life (meaning everyone). Much stronger than the Duckworth ad that discussed her similar challenges.

Comment by phocion Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 9:00 am
It’s a great spot when coupled with his doctor’s report on his cognitive recovery.

Duckworth would be crazy to make Kirk’s stroke an issue. The backlash would be fierce and deservedly so.

Kirk doesn’t say goofy things and make up stories because of his stroke; he’s been doing that his whole career, and that’s a legitimate issue.

So is the fact that Kirk can be counted to fall in line when needed with the rest of the obstructionists in the Congressional GOP caucuses. Kirk’s alleged “independence” has never been demonstrated on a tough vote that moved the ball forward on anything.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 9:09 am
Biden, Manchin and Durbin made the cut.

Where’s McConnell, Cruz, Sessions and the rest of his fellow GOP senators?

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 9:14 am
Reminds me a bit of FDR (not equivalent, mind you, just reminiscent). But without a doubt, this is a deft move in an environment of circus-like, vulgar, and unworthy negative campaign messaging. This ad is like a breath of fresh air.

All that said, I can’t help but draw a comparison to his opponent, and I am reminded that Tammy Duckworth’s doctors will never be able to declare her “fully recovered” from the injuries she sustained in service of our country…

Comment by anon123 Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 9:24 am
From my POV, both candidates have great stories and compelling motivational backgrounds.

From an ad standpoint, this was well done. I may, or may not, agree with him on anything other than the fact that he can’t stand Trump, but this was a good ad.

Comment by Delimma Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 9:24 am
Kirk also needs to understand that by having “full cognitive recovery”, there’s no magic hat for him to reach into if he starts shooting off his mouth again. Here you go Mark: get one of those Live Strong bracelets. When you’re feeling punchy and get the urge to refer to women as “hos” stretch it out real good and snap yourself.

Comment by anon123 Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 9:31 am
It’s great that he highlights the few times he’s bucked his party on votes. The problem is when he doesn’t. He isn’t a good fit for Illinois. Never was.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 9:31 am
Me at 9:31

Comment by PublicServant Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 9:32 am
I am happy he has recovered but I will never vote for someone who calls me a ho.

Comment by Cheryl44 Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 9:43 am
Still won’t vote for him no matter how nice there ad.

Comment by Huh? Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 9:47 am
“I thought about Illinois families struggling to get by.”

Is that why you voted to repeal Obamacare five times…while receiving Cadillac-level care at Northwestern and RIC?

Comment by Jocko Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 10:09 am
These will be the themes of upcoming Duckworth ads as well. Kirk probably had to do it, and it’s deftly done.

Comment by walker Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 10:41 am
Takeaway: So, Mark Kirk is now a libertarian? The man runs from his party so much he should switch his affiliation already or go independent. There’s a precedent for it, but he’s too dependent on those party fundraising $.

Comment by Stark Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 10:57 am
I’ve seen the Kirk commercial and was pretty impressed. It’s simple and to the point plus answers voter’s question if they know about the stroke but don’t understand that he fully recovered. He worked hard but is lucky to have great insurance as well as worked hard to recover.

Comment by Belle Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 12:36 pm
This is the same man who has the best healthcare around, paid for by our tax dollars, who if given the opportunity will take healthcare away from 50 million plus Americans.

Comment by Kooky in California Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 12:42 pm
The qualitative gap between the Duckworth and Kirk stories is as wider than the Grand Canyon.

Tammy overcame grievous war injuries in service to her country.

Kirk simply had a stroke. There’s no public service or heroism in that. If anything, Kirk’s failure to step down after his stroke was more indicative of a lust for power and control than service.

Comment by Brendan Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 1:36 pm
As a codicil to my comment about Kirk’s stroke…if the president has a stroke, there are constitutional provisions that allow for presidential authority to be transferred until s/he recovers. There are no such provisions for senators and representatives - short of forcible removal from office by their respective chambers.

Comment by Brendan Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 1:40 pm
==Kirk simply had a stroke. There’s no public service or heroism in that. ==

You sound like a swell guy.

Comment by Responsa Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 2:20 pm