Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: “The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board has no Republicans”
Next Post: Rauner administration claims it’s doing better on EDGE credits
Posted in:
* I told subscribers about this ad earlier today. From a press release…
Leading Illinois For Tomorrow to Give Voters a Choice to LIFT Up Our State Instead of Continuing Down Rauner’s Destructive Path
LIFT Dedicated to Rebuilding Illinois’ Middle Class & Creating Opportunity for AllCHICAGO – Leading Illinois for Tomorrow (LIFT), a new political action committee, launched television and digital ads on Tuesday to counter an onslaught of campaign spending by Governor Bruce Rauner and his wealthy allies on behalf of GOP candidates.
“The purpose of LIFT is to explain the stark choice voters will be presented with this fall,” said state Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston), the LIFT Chairman. “Illinois has serious problems, but Rauner and the Republicans are making them worse. For the first time in history, Illinois has gone 16 months without a state budget. The middle class is under attack and universities and social service agencies are suffering. LIFT will make sure Illinois voters know that Democrats have a better way forward.”
LIFT was formed to demonstrate that our democracy is not for sale to the highest bidder and to fight back against the radical Republican agenda. LIFT will highlight Democrats’ real plans to strengthen the middle class, grow our economy, fix the state budget, reform politics, make the tax system fair, and provide equal opportunity to everyone.
“An unprecedented amount of money is pouring into Republican races from just a handful of extraordinarily wealthy individuals, including Governor Rauner,” said Biss. “Illinois Republican candidates are too scared to demand that Rauner and his multi-millionaire and billionaire friends pay their fair share so we can make the investments in Illinois’ residents, institutions and infrastructure that we need to create economic growth and opportunity for all. LIFT will fight back against the idea that our government should be run by and for the benefit of a few people to the detriment of millions of Illinoisans.”
LIFT is filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) as a federal super PAC. Television and digital ads began running in the Chicago media market on Tuesday, with downstate markets to soon follow.
All donors to LIFT will be disclosed on the FEC website. LIFT is not coordinating with any candidate, campaign or political party.
For more information about LIFT, please visit LiftIllinois.com.
* Rate it…
* Here’s the last line…
If Bruce Rauner and the Illinois Republicans support Donald Trump after all that, why would we support them?
Discuss.
*** UPDATE *** Greg Hinz…
“Gov. Rauner is running an aggressive campaign to paint Republicans and Democrats in a certain way (pro-reform and pro-status quo, respectively),” Biss wrote. “This message strikes me as inaccurate and politically dangerous. I think it’s important to communicate a very different message about what Republicans and Democrats stand for, and what a vote for Republicans or a vote for Democrats up and down the ticket would mean for the quality of life of real people.” […]
Biss says he will disclose his donors soon. And asked if he’s gearing up to challenge Rauner himself in 2018, the senator gives a most political answer: “I’m not giving that any thought right now,” he wrote, “focused on 2016!”
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 10:28 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: “The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board has no Republicans”
Next Post: Rauner administration claims it’s doing better on EDGE credits
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
There is so much more to come.IMHO
Comment by Magic carpet ride Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 10:40 am
Finally…some counter-punching. All Republicans need to be tied directly to Rauner and Trump. It is the winning strategy.
Comment by Ratso Rizzo Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 10:40 am
Wow, didn’t expect this kinda stuff from the DEM side. I guess I just thought we didn’t have any money to counter the Rauner attacks. But my comment to republicans stands for the DEMS too. Does anyone watch these adds anymore? I know that some groups/demographics break late. So are these designed to hit them?
Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 10:40 am
—
Does anyone watch these adds anymore?
—
I don’t know anyone under 25 (maybe 30) who watches commercials. Any airtime like this is a waste of time and money.
The problem, however, is the alternative. I stream most of what I watch — and when I do watch something (like occasional news) — I never see the commercials.
Obviously, there are people who watch these — or see these — but I’m guessing it’s mostly older folks who don’t stream, torrent, or DVR.
*shrug*
This stuff is old-school as far as I’m concerned. But I am happy to see the Dems finally jumping into the fray.
Comment by Bobby Catalpa Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 10:44 am
“Rate it”
B+/B
“Why”
I’m not going to walk this around the barn, I’m going to rate the Ad, but I think there’s some context needed.
First, that’s probably the best “grab” of Rauner commenting. That’s really good. You have Rauner himself “answering” the questions.
It makes clear Rauner isn’t really avoiding the question, Rauner hopes you’re not paying attention. That subtly is important. It makes clear this isn’t wishy-washy, Rauner is supporting the Nominee.
Are these old framings? Absolutely. Pick a category. Trump has been framed. This allows an Illinois and a Rauner and Raunerite framing, well beyond the national talking points. Excellent making Illinois invested in Trump.
Why not an A?
The gray image of Rauner, make it with Rauner owning it in vivid color. That’s just me, but it’s a B+/B
Solid work.
To the Post,
Sen. Biss is doing something that is begging for oxygen. Bruce Rauner is starving the flame, and exceptionally well, of “where is Rauner with Trump?”. Rauner has been able to skate through, and not held accountable. That ends now.
Now, I’ll grant you… maybe I’m grading on a curve and not realizing it because of the complete lack of Rauner accountability to Trump, and I just that and not realizing it.
That’s more than possible.
But here’s the skinny…
Sen. Biss has done an outstanding job trying to get a PAC together to inform voters and build the message and try to hold accountable Rauner to Trump… and Rauner’s own words.
I’m impressed well beyond the video quality of an Ad that will feed the flame, and put heat on Rauner…
As a “No Trump, Never Trump”, I’ve come to the realization as things are revealed, I’m already “there”, and can’t be “more” No Trump, Never Trump. I’m at an end of the road, no need to look for exit ramps when I’ve been off the road since March.
Has this started September 15ish… but I digress…
Sen. Biss, well done.
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 10:47 am
Solid. May it live and thrive on the Interwebtubes for all who wish to see. Rauner wants a 2018 campaign “season”, Biss and Co. are deliverinG! (Capital G intentional!)
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 10:54 am
I would rate this ad a 10. Connecting Rauner to Trump is a good move, but Rauner himself is no better than Trump.
Comment by Mal Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 10:54 am
I’ve been wondering for some time now how much it’s worth to Illinois and national Democrats to prevent Illinois from switching from a solidly Dem state to a battleground state. It’s very clear that it’s worth $20 million and counting to the Republicans.
Comment by Moby Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:01 am
It’s a low-quality video but effective. It ties Rauner to Trump. There’s also the allegation that Rauner said and/or nodded that he would vote for Trump at an event in Chicago not too long ago. If it happened, too bad it wasn’t caught on video.
I rate it a B.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:02 am
I’ve been begging for something like this to exist for some time, but I don’t care for this messaging. Its value is only immediate, you can’t really lay a foundation and connect it to a broader theme that will still resonate in two years. Besides what people most know about Rauner and Trump so far comes from the story after story after story where Rauner won’t say who he is voting for. So my criticisms are a) this has no benefit for 2018, unless you want to stretch and make the point that he shows bad judgement except that b) the current repeated media examples show that Rauner keeps passing on the opportunity to support his own party’s nominee.
Of all the things you could hit him on you’re hitting him on the one attack that he’s already defended against. And watching this ad makes me like Trump less moreso than making me like Rauner less.
Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:04 am
” LIFT will highlight Democrats’ real plans to strengthen the middle class, grow our economy, fix the state budget, reform politics, make the tax system fair, and provide equal opportunity to everyone.”
I’m not sure that this ad does any of what LIFT said it plans to do. This is simply more nasty negative campaigning that fits right in except they’ve started after tens of thousands of people have already early voted.
Comment by 4 percent Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:10 am
@4percent
This is a NEW super PAC that was just formed and you except them to do all of that in their very first ad? Hold your horses for a moment.
Comment by Mal Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:13 am
The truth is that Rauner probably doesn’t support Trump, and the fact that he can’t say he would support Trump is important. Voters will see that. Im sorry, but its not going to move the needle at all.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:14 am
Every politician who supports Trumps should be held to account for putting party over country. Rauner ran for Gov as a supposed moderate without a social agenda yet is backing a man who is openly racist, xenophobic and misogynistic. He should have to answer for that support.
Comment by slow down Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:14 am
===Its value is only immediate, you can’t really lay a foundation and connect it to a broader theme that will still resonate in two years.===
Disagree.
The Ad is making clear a connection in 2016, and holding accountable this November the Governor to Trump.
While Rauner is trying to move on to 2018, this campaign is about keepin’ Rauner in 2016 and his words.
It says so at the end.
The hopes, is appears, are to make a wave bigger by tacking on Rauner for statewide and Illinois centric races. Now. 2016.
With respect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:20 am
@- Anonymous - Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:14 am:
The truth is that Rauner probably doesn’t support Trump, and the fact that he can’t say he would support Trump is important. Voters will see that. Im sorry, but its not going to move the needle at all.
The honest truth is that Rauner is no Saint at all and is of the same cloth as Trump. It’s very true and yes Rauner really does support Trump.
Comment by Mal Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:23 am
===I don’t know anyone under 25 (maybe 30) who watches commercials. Any airtime like this is a waste of time and money.===
Because most voters are under 30? Ummmm, ok
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:26 am
===The truth is that Rauner probably doesn’t support Trump===
If this is the “truth” then why can’t Rauner say it?
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:26 am
Captain - your posts are great but I agree with Willy on this. Unlike the AFSCME ad, this is both immediate (presidential year) and long-term in its relevancy. The presidential election is on everyone’s mind, and if Biss’s group can tie a rock to Rauner’s feet then it will still weigh him down heading into the start of the gubernatorial election cycle (which starts next summer - whether we like it or not).
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:33 am
It’s not a bad ad, but if Biss is trying to ingratiate himself with targeted dems and help them out, wouldn’t it make more sense to dump this into field efforts?
To me it would be a better bang for the buck. Everyone knows what Trump has done/said at this point, and any educated voter knows that Rauner is a Republican. What purpose does this really serve?
Comment by Boone's is Back Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:34 am
It’s a solid B+. I’ve seen it twice already on WGN News in Chicago over the last 30 minutes. Here’s a freebie for the super PAC…There are memes going around the internet likening Rauner to Mr Burns of the Simpsons. I’d link that, Sandack, Mungers Math, Kirk’s buffoonery, etc. Time to dig deep.
Comment by Ratso Rizzo Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:34 am
Boone’s is Back
It’s not a bad ad, but if Biss is trying to ingratiate himself with targeted dems and help them out, wouldn’t it make more sense to dump this into field efforts?
To me it would be a better bang for the buck. Everyone knows what Trump has done/said at this point, and any educated voter knows that Rauner is a Republican. What purpose does this really serve?
==================
Many educated voters also know that a host of Republican leaders have all denounced Trump. Rauner has never came out to denounce Trump. Instead he has said he will support the nominee.
Comment by Mal Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:39 am
===likening Rauner to Mr Burns of the Simpsons===
Quinn tried that in 2014 and the company blocked him. Unregulated internet memes can’t always be used in teevee ads.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:41 am
Meh.
It’s easy for many here to forget (overlook, really) that Rauner is not on the ballot next month. So while the R’s continue to legitimately connect Madigan (who’s far more unpopular than Rauner) to House and Senate Dems in contested elections, the D’s try and thwart that by trying to attach Rauner to Trump? Holy disconnect, Batman!
Here’s the bottom line: The R’s non-stop money is going into races that matter, now. While this hit piece is for 2018 (although no one will think this ad means a thing come Nov 9 so it really does nothing for 2018, come to think of it). So this is an inefficient and ineffective media buy. Thus, it gets a D- .
Comment by Deft Wing Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:44 am
Rich, uploaded at 144p quality? C’mon it’s 2016!
Production values are ‘meh’ and I don’t see this kind of ad being passed around/linked to much online (which is how people under 45 see this stuff).
I thought Biss’ “The Road Back” video series was much better.
Comment by ChicagoVinny Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:48 am
Good solid A
BigBrain’s $21 Million spending binge has set the trap for the down ballot GOPies. Now as their fake movie is about to open — if you got $5 bucks for a ticket — they find out their guy is a total whack job.
Mr/Ms MAL claims BigBrain probably does not like Trump. Actually BigBrain craves to be Trump. Remember his has the chaser gene that was active, loves the fake tough guy biker look, fancy clubs,
being surrounded by YESers, etc, etc.
BTW should we schedule a “watch party” for BigBrain 2015 tax return which should be filed on Friday…..Can’t wait.
Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:52 am
- Deft Wing -,
If Rauner’s money is “working” in races that matter, and this Ad is about continuing a Democratic wave by making sure the head of Illinois’ Republican Party is seen and heard supporting Trump, yeah, it may have an effect in the last 4 weeks to increase momentum.
There’s also a call to action, led into 3 times confirming Rauner’s support of Trump.
See me in 2 weeks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:57 am
Seems very inexpensive.
Which is more effective?…a hand made sign telling the truth…or…a ten zillion dollar production selling a lie?
Remember the brother holding the sign stating ” I am a Man”?…I thought so…that sign cost about a quarter to make…and awesome courage to hold.
Americans are courageous people…by and large.
Truth is still power.
Money can’t change the truth…it can only rent a temporary lie.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:57 am
Fine until the end. Call to action — ask for the votes!
“Stop the Trump and Rauner Republicans. Vote Democratic.”
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 11:58 am
===Rich, uploaded at 144p quality? C’mon it’s 2016!===
I didn’t get that version from the Biss PAC. I already had it, so I just used it again.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:01 pm
Not as good as the ad Maggie Hassan is running against Kelly Ayotte’s in NH, which had an initial version and then was updated with Trump’s Access Hollywood comments
https://youtu.be/125hB9cQRtI
Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:19 pm
I give it a grade of B. It lacks a “call to action” for the listener to do something (anything). Also the production values are a bit low but it still gets its opinion across.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 12:34 pm
–…trying to attach Rauner to Trump? Holy disconnect, Batman!–
Yeah, it’s just crazy — just about every Democratic candidate in the country is trying to attach every Republican candidate in the country to the Republican presidential nominee. Where do they get those wacky ideas?
That’s why dozens of GOP candidates around the country are tripping over themselves to get to the microphones to announce they want nothing to do with the GOP presidential nominee. Because it’s just impossible to attach them to him.
Heck, Rauner doesn’t even know the name of the GOP presidential nominee. That’s why you’ve never heard him say it…. he’s so unconcerned about being attached to Trump.
The governor’s position is clear: The GOP has to beat Clinton, he supports the GOP presidential nominee, but he’s not endorsing anyone.
What’s so confusing about that?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:11 pm
Spending that kind of money would justify better production value to me, but it’s their dime. They’re going for an effect with it I guess. The Guv has had a 2 month head start on demonstrating there’s no connection there. So, the concept seems to be a little late in the game to me.
My opinion is that the Trump/Hillary race has achieved a place of it’s own, not terribly connected much to anything else. Working down ticket races, people almost appear relieved to talk about anything besides the top of the ticket.
Coattails only really exist with really popular candidates (Reagan, B. Clinton, Obama) No one is enthusiastic about these two. I just don’t see any coattails. There’s “that” race…and the rest of them. My opinion based on a lot of conversations with voters.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 1:25 pm
–My opinion is that the Trump/Hillary race has achieved a place of it’s own, not terribly connected much to anything else. Working down ticket races, people almost appear relieved to talk about anything besides the top of the ticket.–
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDAmPIq29ro
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 2:10 pm
lol, word.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 2:12 pm
I feel the same about the kirk/duckworth race.
Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 2:25 pm
–Biss says he will disclose his donors soon.–
What’s he waiting for? Do it now.
Either go dark money or don’t.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 3:05 pm
We’ll see.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 4:42 pm
–We’ll see.–
Guy, are you still selling Trump on the doorsteps in your daily never-ending walk of the world’s largest precinct?
Selling Trump and Rauner, while “desperately” raising cash to make up for Rauner’s broken state contracts with Catholic Charities? For stuff like Syrian refugee resettlement, and immigration assistance for undocumented Mexican workers?
In your regular chin-wags with Monsignor Boland, does the phrase “cognitive dissonance” ever come up?
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 11, 16 @ 6:51 pm
===any educated voters also know that a host of Republican leaders have all denounced Trump. Rauner has never came out to denounce Trump. Instead he has said he will support the nominee.===
Mal, I’m not disputing that. My issue is with the “bang for the buck.” Aren’t there better uses for these resources? Rather than getting lost in the cacophony of election ending TV ads, why not spend it on field?
Comment by Boone's is Back Wednesday, Oct 12, 16 @ 9:58 am
Democrats have brought this state to the brink of financial collapse. Everyone knows that Rauner has completely denouced Trump and refuses to even discuss it with the media. These ads are venal and a disgusting attempt to dupe the voters to support another corrupt pro-Democratic PAC. Shame on you.
Comment by Joe Wednesday, Oct 12, 16 @ 3:30 pm