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* I’ll let you know if the other candidates respond…
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy is challenging his primary opponents to at least five statewide televised debates beginning in January 2018 and concluding before the Democratic primary on March 20, 2018. Kennedy proposed that a minimum of two of the televised debates take place outside of the Chicago media market.
“Next March, Democrats face an important choice about Illinois’ future. We must make the right choice as a party to defeat Bruce Rauner because Illinois has never been in worse shape than it is today,” Kennedy said. “The primary voters can’t make an informed decision without vigorous issue-oriented debates where each candidate can lay out their vision for our state’s future.”
Representatives for the Kennedy campaign will contact the campaign representatives for his primary opponents to begin negotiations on logistics, format, dates and venues for these debates. Those details will be announced at a later date.
Thoughts?
…Adding… Ouch…
Breaking: Chris Kennedy governor campaign discovers its email password, sends us first release since July 26.
— Chris Kaergard (@ChrisKaergard) September 7, 2017
*** UPDATE 1 *** Ameya Pawar’s campaign…
Why wait until January? It should happen now. We’re ready.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Rep. Scott Drury’s campaign…
“By starting the negotiations at 5, Mr. Kennedy actually seeks very few debates. Given the size of Illinois and its diverse population, there should be 10 televised debates, with at least 4 taking place in Central and Southern Illinois.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** Pritzker campaign…
“JB looks forward to participating in at least five debates and he’s enjoyed the 15 forums he’s already attended across the state.”
Kennedy, I’m told, has missed 5 of those 15 forums.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:04 pm
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So the guy who gets so nervous he drops mics wants five televised debates? Is he going to run out before the debates start like he did over the weekend in Rock Island and before that in DuPage?
Comment by Anon0091 Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:06 pm
Not to be rude, but … of all the candidates to propose televised debates.
He’s by far the worst extemp speaker in the field.
Comment by PJ Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:07 pm
Chris “John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy ” is hoping for a nixionian moment.
Comment by Nixon Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:07 pm
At three of them he will leave before it’s his turn to speak.
Comment by The Captain Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:07 pm
Kennedy wants 5 debates, I want to see one Kennedy LG running mate…
Focus, Kennedy Crew, Focus…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:08 pm
Perhaps get a Gov Lite so you can actually circulate petitions before worrying about debates in January?
Comment by Centenial Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:08 pm
I think JB may counter offer 5 Lt. Governor debates…
Comment by Century Club Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:11 pm
This would be a good thing for the party and the state.
Debates are probably the best way that non-engaged citizens learn about government. And a more informed, educated electorate is as good as it gets.
Five debates feels about right. Hopefully there’s a quick consensus among all the candidates and the calendar gets locked down quickly.
Comment by Dan Johnson Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:11 pm
Boy, i need to hurry up and pencil in those debate dates.
Comment by Blue dog dem Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:13 pm
I think five debates would be great. Not sure why the worst speaker thinks this is a good idea for him. Though I do like Century Club’s counter-offer of five Lt. Gov debates.
Comment by Anon0091 Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:15 pm
Apparently none of you saw the Kennedy interview on CLTV last night….if you did you would know that each of the democrats in the field should be worried. This guy is winning in the polls and I think he is taking aim at Trump in 2020 more than anything.
Comment by Dave Nave Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:21 pm
I too saw the Kennedy interview last night. His answers were concise and substantive. His answer on what past governors helped Illinois probably put shivers down the spine of Pritzker and likely why his campaign is calling for more debated today.
Comment by DuPage County Steve Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:23 pm
===if you did you would know that each of the democrats in the field should be worried.===
Kennedy can’t even convince anyone to run with him right now.
Kennedy needs to worry about getting on the ballot, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:24 pm
Mr/MsDaveNave
Glad you got the CK talkin’ point. Show was a yawner.
But thanks for pluggin’ the show
Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:29 pm
Interesting that he recommends 5 debates. have not seen the interview last night, but if his answers are getting shorter in interviews, that’s beneficial. I like his long form speeches, but that does not wear well in a debate. He is, however, an attractive candidate from a meaning perspective. He speaks with deep meaning.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:29 pm
Kennedy trots out his Hail Mary early….things must look grim to him.
Comment by Wondering Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:29 pm
Um, you might want to start with getting on the ballot. There are these things called “petitions” you need to circulate. Baby steps.
Comment by whatthewhat Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:31 pm
I agree with Rich. Costello would be risking a lot to team up with Kennedy. But Costello, despite being a popular incumbant, may be in trouble for his relection bid anyway. I am hearing Monroe County cant field a candidate for amy of the county wide offices. He cant lose yhat county 75-25 and still win. My point. Jerry, join team Kennedy.
Comment by Blue dog dem Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:31 pm
JB refuses to endorse Obama, yuks it up with Blago, appears to donate $100K to Blago for $1million worth of funding to his pet project, and is in the Madigan/Barios machine embrace, and it’s Kennedy who should fear debates? I must have missed that stellar JB performance during the 9th Congressional primary debates.
The more times Kennedy can say “Unlike my friend JB here, I didn’t need to wait to know I was supporting Barrack Obama rather than Mitt Romney” the better. What’s JB saying in response “but, but, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum were still in the race when I said that!”
Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:36 pm
Yeah, the trailing candidate usually does want more debates.
But in this case, the candidate seems uniquely ill-disposed to take advantage of them.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:42 pm
Pritzker should suggest he wants atleast seven debates, at the Lincoln-Douglas debate sites, possibly more.
Comment by Thomas Paine Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:46 pm
I dont think any of the fringe candidates should muddy the debate. …just sayin…
Comment by Blue dog dem Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:48 pm
===Apparently none of you saw the Kennedy interview on CLTV last night===
CLTV? It’s not even offered by DirecTV. How many people do you think watch CLTV? If he gets permission, he should post it on his website and instantly triple the viewership to an even dozen.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:51 pm
-Pritzker can’t stop holding hands with Blago
-Biss looks absolutely disorganized & incompetent
-Pawar wants Columbus’ Day name changed
Kennedy is the only candidate that is talking about HOW to fix things, not what the problem is. He’s already got 44% of the democrats in the bag & hasn’t aired a single ad.
Good luck field.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 12:59 pm
===He’s already got 44% of the democrats in the bag===
The primary is 7 months away and he has no money. Don’t bring that bag to the checkout counter quite yet.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:02 pm
==-Biss looks absolutely disorganized & incompetent==
Yeah, Kennedy sure nailed that running mate thing.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:03 pm
==How many people do you think watch CLTV?==
I’m guessing more folks watched a rerun of Welcome Back Kotter on Antenna TV.
Comment by City Zen Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:04 pm
===He’s already got 44% of the democrats in the bag & hasn’t aired a single ad.===
… and is unable to circulate a single petition to get in the ballot.
“Good luck Kennedy”
Ugh.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:05 pm
= The primary is 7 months away and he has no money. Don’t bring that bag to the checkout counter quite yet.=
You’re right, Rich…..although the personal checkbook has yet to be opened.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:05 pm
=== … and is unable to circulate a single petition to get in the ballot.===
People think THAT will be a problem? Seriously?
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:07 pm
===…although the personal checkbook has yet to be opened.===
How about a running mate? Get one if those, pick a name here, then get back to all of us.
Kennedy was the one that broke the caps and yet looks utterly foolish with a ridiculous burn rate, that you point out doesn’t include a single ad aired.
LOL
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:08 pm
==People think THAT will be a problem? Seriously?==
*Probably* not, but given all the other organizational problems he’s had, it’s not outside the realm of possibility.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:08 pm
===People think THAT will be a problem? Seriously?===
Welp, so far, legally… It’s a problem, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:09 pm
People get so caught up in the running mate thing. All it can do is hurt you, and it cannot help.
SEE: Daniel Biss
Comment by Dave Nave Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:09 pm
LOL, Drury. Why not 50 debates?
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:09 pm
Without a running mate, you can’t circulate, you can’t circulate, you can’t get on the ballot.
It’s not being hung up on it, it’s a statutory requirement, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:11 pm
To the Drury proposal, I think the mathematical formula is something like the number of debates a candidate wants directly correlates with their need for free media coverage. Does anyone really want to hear from these guys 10 times? Anyone?
Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:17 pm
That 44% must be regressing.
Comment by Almost the weekend Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:20 pm
===All it can do is hurt you, and it cannot help===
I disagree. I think Stratton has helped Pritzker.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:25 pm
That Kennedy name means something folks. He has shown barely any positive momentum since forming his campaign, yet he stands at 44%. Less informed voters may see the Kennedy name and think “He’s someone I can trust” just based on his relatives.
Comment by BuckinIrish Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:29 pm
===That Kennedy name means something folks. He has shown barely any positive momentum since forming his campaign, yet he stands at 44%. Less informed voters may see the Kennedy name and think “He’s someone I can trust” just based on his relatives.===
… and yet not a soul, up to now, is willing to run with the guy?
If all you say is indeed the truth to the politics, not finding a running mate up to now is even a bigger fail than even I think.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:32 pm
Drury: “there should be 10 televised debates, with at least 4 taking place in Central and Southern Illinois.”
He makes it sound like folks in Central and Southern Illinois don’t have TV sets. If its televised, does it really make a difference where they are held? Usually the audience doesn’t seem to be a huge factor in these debates, does it?
Comment by Joe M Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:36 pm
What’s that? My opponent wants 10 debates? I say we should have 20, nay, 30! 30 debates!
Comment by Jack Kemp Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:40 pm
The 44% number for Kennedy is being thrown around here a lot. That poll was from two months ago. Kennedy has basically done nothing since then, while Pritzker has been on TV, done numerous mailings, and picked up endorsements. If all Kennedy has going for him is that one old poll, good luck with that.
Comment by TopHatMonocle Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:41 pm
- TopHatMonocle -
No one is stopping Pritzker, Biss, even Kennedy from dropping a poll and running with the results
It’s confusing to me, actually, why Pritzker hasn’t dropped a poll where he’s within striking distance or surpassed Kennedy from the last poll… as Pritzker circulated petitions with Stratton and Kennedy, and now Biss, continue to search for running mates.
It’s puzzling…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:44 pm
Running mates only really matter inasmuch as they say something about the principal. In Stratton’s case, she may have helped because apparently picking a legit running mate is harder than it looks, but Pritzker pulled it off, and showed some leg to a few underrepresented parts of the Democratic coalition in the process.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:53 pm
==That poll was from two months ago.==
OTOH, someone else has certainly polled the race since then, but not updated the numbers.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:55 pm
Kennedy’s name recognition counts a lot because I think there’s going to be a Trump effect on turnout. I could be wrong, but I think there’s a part of the Dem electorate which realizes they’ve really hurt themselves by not turning out in non-presidential elections and there’s lots of “grassroots needs to get involved” and voter reg talk out there. If you get typically weak primary turnout, then JB’s union/Madigan ties help him immensely. And by at least blunting Kennedy’s African-American appeal, the White endorsement and Stratton pick plays to that scenario as well.
Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 1:57 pm
===OTOH, someone else has certainly polled the race since then, but not updated the numbers.===
Yep. That’s why this no new numbers, after Pritzker’s buys in the summer on TV, after state fair, after Stratton was chosen, I’m led to believe there aren’t numbers somewhere?
Puzzling.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 2:01 pm
Nice one-upmanship from former prosecutor Scott Drury. Pritzker should demand 15 debates. Per day. Starting tonight.
Comment by Politix Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 2:02 pm
If there were ten debates, how many would Drury actually make through before he crashed and burned? Robot Rubio is nothing compared to the “former federal prosecutor.”
Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 2:06 pm
==Yep. That’s why this no new numbers, after Pritzker’s buys in the summer on TV, after state fair, after Stratton was chosen, I’m led to believe there aren’t numbers somewhere?==
Simplest explanation is that Pritzker doesn’t have numbers showing him with a lead. But I suspect they show something he likes, as we haven’t seen any resets from him yet.
That Kennedy, who could desperately use some good press, hasn’t put out fresh numbers is interesting, too. I’m guessing he’s given a couple points back and doesn’t want to talk about that.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 2:11 pm
===But I suspect they show something he likes, as we haven’t seen any resets from him yet.===
- Arsenal -
I’d say you’re not wrong, but that strategy may not be a that right.
While there hasn’t been any substantial changes and Stratton is a great pick, the natural political jump, a good jump, is to have fresh poll numbers coincide with petitions going out, ginning up a natural push of mommentum.
Sitting on good numbers as petitions go out is puzzling.
People like to back winners, and those leading in the polls.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 2:14 pm
Kennedy wouldn’t release a poll with him losing. Biss and Pawar wouldn’t release a poll because they’re both sub-10%. I also think it’s possible none of them have spent money on polling since the one Kennedy released in July.
If Pritzker has a poll with him in the lead, which I would bet he does, what does he gain by releasing it? He has all the money he needs and endorsements are rolling in. But Biss is taking potshots at him, and if Kennedy saw a poll with him losing then maybe he’d start swinging at Pritzker too. Longer he holds that off, the better.
Also, sorry to digress away from debates which are clearly important to hash out these days…
Comment by TopHatMonocle Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 2:17 pm
===If Pritzker has a poll with him in the lead, which I would bet he does, what does he gain by releasing it? He has all the money he needs and endorsements are rolling in.===
Above…
===…the natural political jump, a good jump, is to have fresh poll numbers coincide with petitions going out, ginning up a natural push of mommentum.
Sitting on good numbers as petitions go out is puzzling.===
To the debates,
Kennedy asking for 5 could be Kennedy seeing his lead slip, the burn rate of his monies as troubling, the lack of a running mate scary… and Kennedy needs something to seem engaged.
Thus… “5 debates”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 2:20 pm
==Sitting on good numbers as petitions go out is puzzling.==
Hmm, I don’t think I made myself clear. I suspect Pritzker doesn’t have a poll showing him winning- at least not outside the MOE. Thus, he has nothing to put out to coincide with petitions.
But the fact that he’s not shaking up his operation indicates that he’s currently satisfied with how things are going. Maybe he shouldn’t be, but the non-polling indicators of the state of the race certainly aren’t smiling on any other candidate right now.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 2:25 pm
==I also think it’s possible none of them have spent money on polling since the one Kennedy released in July.==
Mmmaybe. Kennedy has spent a lot on consultants, Pritzker has a lot to spend, and Biss certainly has enough to get one poll out there. Now, maybe they’ve all focused more on modeling and issue testing. But you’d think someone would get a topline number in the last 60 days.
==If Pritzker has a poll with him in the lead, which I would bet he does, what does he gain by releasing it?==
It’s an interesting question because, really, the narrative is already that he’s winning, and it’s just that poll that says otherwise. Does he need to rebut that? I’m not sure he needs to, but I don’t see how it would hurt, either.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 2:38 pm
Five televised debates with Chris Kennddy sounds like a fantastic idea. Sufferers of sleep disorders would greatly benefit. Mattress, pillow and bed manufacturers would see an incredible increase in sales.
Not to even mention the economic growth nine months later.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 2:58 pm
I’m gonna push back on those that say if Pritzker had a poll showing a lead he would have released it. Why? All the momentum is going his way. Biss is imploding. Kennedy can’t find someone willing to run with him. Pawar just raised 250k from his spokesman’s Dad and the rest are nowhere. So if it’s going well for Pritzker, why would you need to put out a poll? Why wouldn’t you wait until you needed good news or a distraction?
Comment by Pushback Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 3:04 pm
Also, the “44% in the bag” number was from a head to head poll that didn’t have the other candidates. It’s old and it’s bogus. And even with this supposed advantage, he can’t raise money ($50k since 7/1) or find a running mate.
Comment by Pushback Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 3:06 pm
===Why wouldn’t you wait until you needed good news or a distraction?===
1) a bad news day (bad news) isn’t buoyed by a good poll number report. “We messed this up, but look at the poll”. No. Then the next question is “oh yeah, for how long”
2) you release to buoy your volunteers. People love to back a winner. “Work hard and get signatures, our candidate is leading”
3) discourage others working on other canpaigns on first day of circulating. “We need signatures and now we’re trailing in the polls”
4) momentum. You want to start petition time with momentum rolling your way. A good poll helps.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 3:09 pm
OW, in regards to #3, most of the other campaigns couldn’t circulate on 9/5 anyway.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 3:14 pm
===in regards to #3, most of the other campaigns couldn’t circulate on 9/5 anyway.
===
Ok, you got me there, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 3:22 pm
===He’s already got 44% of the democrats in the bag===
If that’s the case, why would he want any debates?
Dazzle, with your logical explanation on that one.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 3:52 pm
If Kennedy wanted to really make a splash he should just challenge Pritzker. 5, 10, 15, 20 debates doesn’t matter. Need to go after the biggest bull in the room.
Drury wants debates downstate so he can actually see downstate and maybe someone down there will know he’s a candidate.
Comment by DuPage Bard Thursday, Sep 7, 17 @ 4:19 pm
Why do we have to wait until January? If the establishment is gonna trip all over themselves to endorse a year out, why not let people compare the candidates side by side earlier too?
Comment by CatAttack Friday, Sep 8, 17 @ 7:36 am