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Tribune editorial: “Rauner comes across as a perpetual victim”

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Three years into his first term after promising to “shake up Springfield,” Rauner continues to allow the most powerful man in Illinois politics — yes, it’s House Speaker Michael Madigan and let’s not feign surprise — to mess with his psyche. At a news conference Monday, Rauner offered a quirky assertion that even though he is governor, he is not “in charge” of state government. Madigan is. Rauner also suggested Madigan “rigged” the Democratic primary field, presumably clearing the path for gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker, who has picked up numerous endorsements from the Dems’ political elite — most of whom genuflect to you-know-whom. […]

With Madigan constantly in his sights, however, Rauner comes across as a perpetual victim. That posture only elevates the stature of Madigan, who is adept at getting under people’s skin. That’s what he does. Those people include former governors of both parties. Chicago mayors. Fellow Democrats statewide. Even his staunchest loyalists and, at times publicly, his daughter, who happens to be the attorney general.

Rather than partake in Madigan’s games, Rauner should be talking about his own record and what he would do with another four years. As a candidate in 2014, Rauner was John Wayne: “Mike Madigan has never negotiated with someone like me. He’s negotiated with career politicians who need money, who need favors, who owe special interest groups. I don’t owe anybody anything and I don’t need money and I don’t need a political career and I don’t need a job,” he said the month before he was elected. […]

Madigan shouldn’t be the focus of Rauner’s re-election campaign. Rauner should be the focus of Rauner’s campaign.

Ain’t gonna happen.

* Related…

* Rauner’s caught a bad case of Madigan Fever

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 7:20 am

Comments

Rauner the victim.

He is our very own Donald J. Trump.

Comment by Lake county voter Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 6:27 pm
I would encourage him to adorn himself in biker gear and soldier on like the true 1%er that he is.

Comment by P. Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 6:29 pm
==That posture only elevates the stature of Madigan==

Yep. Another talking point for Ives: “Thanks to Bruce Rauner, Madigan has never been more powerful.”

Comment by Roman Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 6:30 pm
You go to war with the army you have, and all Rauner has is Madigan.

Comment by Facts are stubborn things Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 6:33 pm
Translation: Rauner, don’t whine about Madigan, that’s our job. — Tribune Editorial Board

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 6:34 pm
Is a perpetual victim the same as a whiner(winer)?

Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 6:35 pm
By being a perpetual victim, it only highlights the failures Rauner has these past years by trying to distance himself from the rule that all governors know, and Rauner hasn’t figured out…

Governors own.

The last thing, honestly, is to be a victim and place blame… as both are generated from a premise of failure or a failed “something”… and by highlighting that victimgood and blame… even on Madigan… it just isn’t “enough” to overcome…

Governors own.

The real shame?

The real shame is governors own “the good”, as Rauner touts J-12 funding and criminal justice reform, but what would really make the difference is a governor owning the bad, but also a governor that can cloak him/herself in so much more good to own… the bad becomes the rally cry for a second term.

…

Whew. I’ve held that for so long, it’s now almost too late for Rauner to A) understand it B) build around that and C) decide Governors own is a good way to to govern, and to win that second term.

This Trib piece… its setting the table…

Rauner is a perpetual victim, little acconplished, pointing fingers, pointing blame, taking no ownership… failing… failing Illinois.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 6:37 pm
These cats are so weird; totally lacking in self-awareness.

Rauner’s whiny rhetoric is indistinguishable from that of the tronclodytes.

The troncs have done more than anyone over the years to “elevate” the nonsensical legend of the all-powerful, all-controlling Madigan.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 6:44 pm
“Rauner should be the focus of Rauner’s campaign.”

Rauner has no record to run on so…

Comment by Mama Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 6:44 pm
Are Tribbies finally admittin’ GovJunk is the fraud many others have seen for months? Madigan has worked with GOPies, but he does write blank checks

Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 6:48 pm
I wouldn’t equate him with Trump. I think he’s a decent human being as far as I can tell. As a Governor though he’s terrible. Another great example of how the business world doesn’t translate to government.

Comment by Stones Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 6:49 pm
Boo hoo! Madigan won’t let me be an oligarch.

Comment by Real Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 6:50 pm
Rauner neutered himself, then claims it is Madigan’s fault he becan a gelding.

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 7:07 pm
BWIA™ Best Whiner in America.

Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 7:13 pm
This is what happens when we elect business people to public office. They don’t know what to do to build coalitions and alliances. They just pout that they have no power like what they are accustomed to.

Comment by Not It Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 7:15 pm
“I’ve been successful at everything I’ve ever done.”

Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 7:30 pm
A decent human being who cuts funds for autism on World Autism Day.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 7:40 pm
That staged phony picture of him sitting at his desk along waiting for a budget. Makes him look small, weak and ineffective.

“I’m not in charge” said no successful leader ever.

Comment by Siriusly Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 7:49 pm
Oswego Willy drives some excellent points home.

I would add that by focusing on his own failures, Rauner also is highlighting his own weakness.

“Weak” is a fatal flaw in politics, particularly a GOP politics. Trump understood it, and constantly berates his opponents as weak, small, effeminate, losers.

It is no accident that the Tribune uses the image of John Wayne: 6′ 4″ icon of Western masculinity, Republican, conservative, prototype for Ronald Reagan’s success. (also a John Birch Society member as I recall).

It is also no accident that Jeanne Ives and Dan Proft are comparing Rauner to a women’s studies professor, and that They so quickly jumped on Rauner’s claim he is not in charge, and said Ives will “lead the charge.”

I would take issue with the Chicago Tribune’s claim that Madigan is the most powerful political figure in Illinois. My friends at the Tribune editorial board have always given way too much credit to the Madigan mythology. Chicago Magazine last had Rahm atop the Power 100 and they were right. Madigan and Rauner were tied at #2 and I think that is right too. Atleast it was. What amazed me was that Rauner had a very long relationship with Rahm dating back to the 1990’s, Rahm had very little relationship with Madigan prior to becoming Mayor, and somehow Rauner was unable to capitalize on that to get anything done.

I told a friend earlier this week that if I were advising Rauner, I would tell him to withdraw his petitions, let the GOP have Jeanne Ives as their standard bearer, move to Montana in January and hand the governor’s office over to Sanguinetti. All the GOP is gonna do is suck $60-$100 million out of him to prop up a minority in the legislature, some nationally targeted Congressmen, and Erika Harold’s US Senate ambitions. He is like Thidwick the Moose.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 7:58 pm
There are about 4 democrats in Illinois that could lose to Bruce Rauner. JB is definitely one of the four.

Comment by New Foundland Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 8:06 pm
===There are about 4 democrats in Illinois that could lose to Bruce Rauner. JB is definitely one of them.===

You honestly think JB Pritzker would lose to Bruce Rauner? I think any Democrat, except for Mike Madigan, could beat Rauner. Rauner won every county except Cook. He’s not going to win Jackson, he’s not going to win Alexander, he’s not going to win St. Claire, and I don’t see him winning Champaign. Really, I think Rauner’s vulnerable with any county that has a major university. Pritzker, Biss, Kennedy, Daiber, or any number of Democrats could beat Rauner.

Rauner reminds me of a schoolyard bully, whining about the kid that stands up to him. I’m not going to disagree that Michael J. Madigan is the most powerful man in Illinois, but he’s also the only one whose ever stood up to Bruce Rauner. When a bully gets bullied, they cry like a weakling. Rauner’s getting bullied.

Comment by Hottot Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 8:23 pm
Should we surmise The Tribune will not endorse in the GOP primary for governor? And chance they endorse Ives?

Comment by DarkHorse Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 8:32 pm
Newfoundland— you have had too much egg nog this evening.. when the trib bails out, this is going to be a rough ride for the next 11 months…

Comment by cicom Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 8:45 pm
Tronclodyte. I love it. Trademark that.

Comment by Glengarry Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 8:53 pm
YellowDog. I want to join your pack. Well said.

Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 9:03 pm
== Madigan shouldn’t be the focus of Rauner’s re-election campaign. Rauner should be the focus of Rauner’s campaign. ==

Rauner can’t be the focus of Rauner’s campaign, though, because in his three years he hasn’t forged any successes. All he can do is disparage Madigan — which is tantamount to shooting fish in a proverbial barrel — and that got him elected in the first place, but when you’re running for *re*-election, you need a list of accomplishments to show off. And he hasn’t any, in nos mall part because nothing is ever his fault.

Comment by thunderspirit Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 9:15 pm
(Tips cap to - YDD -)

This…

===What amazed me was that Rauner had a very long relationship with Rahm dating back to the 1990’s, Rahm had very little relationship with Madigan prior to becoming Mayor, and somehow Rauner was unable to capitalize on that to get anything done.===

For me, it’s this premise…

Rahm has no votes to give, Rauner gave no one cover to work a horse trade, but what Rahm and Rauner coulda done was work a project, show a benefit, even to Dems, let alone the city, and use the idea to bring Madigan along.

The Rahm “wish list” and relationship, that was the opening, it was never the triangulation.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 9:19 pm
Thanks Oswego Willy.

I am not sure the governor’s internal programming enables him to recognize victory takes many forms, and I don’t think that Rauner would have seen partnering with Mayor Emanuel as a victory in and of itself.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 11:03 pm
“Beware that, when fighting Madigan, you yourself do not become Madigan… for when you gaze long into the Speaker… The Speaker gazes also into you.” -Bruce Nietzsche

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 5, 17 @ 11:07 pm
===The Rahm “wish list” and relationship, that was the opening, it was never the triangulation.====
Or at least Rahm was smart enough politically to make a pivot and stop going down that path. A triangle isn’t a triangle if it doesn’t have three sides. Once Cullerton wasn’t a side of the triangle that would have left Rahm dancing in the wrong hall.

Comment by Been There Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 1:09 am
i just got here, has been replaced with I’m not in charge, so sad

Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 3:51 am
*** UPDATED

What I mean is, I have come to believe that Rauner does not see reducing violence or improving educational performance or promoting development in economically distressed area as ends unto themselves.

If he can leverage those things to bust up unions or weaken public pensions or peel away African American support for Democrats, he is all in.

Just juxtapose the photo-op of Bruce and Diane at the homeless shelter with his callous lack of response when that shelter faced closure due to two years without a state budget.

There is no authenticity there.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 8:15 am
Rauner’s self-inflicted wounds and sharp criticism and attacks from his supporters are oppo manna from heaven to Rauner’s opponents. But those wounds come because Rauner truly is a lousy governor. A successful governor would help manufacture incremental victories and fight to ensure full budgets are passed. A successful governor would be touting accomplishments.

Thankfully brave Republicans voted for revenue and budget legislation, as we’ve cut our bill backlog almost in half.

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 8:20 am
@Been There

I am not sure the dominos necessarily started falling in that order.

I think those who have “been there” were taken aback that Rauner claimed he had spoken to the Democratic leaders when he had not.

He showed an unlimited ability to fabricate conversations with Other elected officials, business leaders, union members, other folks.

And, at the same time, repeatedly leaked confidential negotiations with leaders.

He had his front groups attacking both Democrats and members of his own party while denying any responsibility for it.

Trust is the currency of lawmaking.

It is no wonder that he was unsuccessful partnering with Democrats. I feel like it all kinda fell apart at the same time, with Democrats negotiating through Radogno (one person they knew stood by her word) until that all fall apart when Rauner knifes her in the back.

It is no surprise that he lied right to the faces of members of his own party. Tillman. Proft. The Cardinal.

I guess I am a little surprised they are all so shocked, given the repeated pattern of behavior that dates back atleast to Day 0.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 8:29 am
- YDD -

I think you really captured the real Rauner as well.

I call Raunerism the costal ultra-liberal Democratic social agenda… that requires Labor destroyed, social services eliminated, and closed higher education institutions.

It’s warped.

It’s also dishonest for Rauner to portray himself as thoughtful or honest to his word or his thoughts, as the only honest Rauner has shown is to Raunerism, and however he (Rauner) could leverage the pain, suffering, and betrayal to get his real wants.

The fibbing is Raunerism personified. It’s a man exhibiting the falsehoods he speaks, as Raunerism is a phony fib to Illinois.

The reasons Rauner couldn’t work that Rahm angle is that in the end, Rahm is more of an honest actor in dealmaking than Rauner could only hope to be.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 8:42 am
Rauner ruled with his money and intimidation, instead of building relationships, failing to have a plan, a clear plan on how to help Illinois.

Under his leadership, Illinoisans have suffered tremendously.

Can’t wait for him to leave.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 8:48 am
I still wanna know if this — the fibbing, the backstabbing, the inability to compromise — is how Rauner ran his business.

And if this is the case — why aren’t more people who dealt with Rauner in business deals stepping up and saying, yeah, this is who this guy is. He’s not who says he is.

Comment by Macbeth Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 8:48 am
Rauner has no credibility, so any campaign promise(s) this time around will fall on deaf ears. His only option is to attack Madigan.

The reality is when candidates are not believable, they’re done. Voters will see right through them.

Comment by Thomas Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 8:52 am
===why aren’t more people who dealt with Rauner in business deals stepping up and saying, yeah, this is who this guy is. He’s not who says he is.===

- Macbeth -

You’re asking the wrong question.

The question never asked was…

“Why aren’t Rauner’s, the Rauners too, friends, colleagues, business associates… why was there no one that would vouch for Bruce, for Bruce and Diana, that he and they were good people?”

The only person to vouch for Bruce?

Diana Rauner

The Pritzker “1871” ad had people who vouched for JB, albeit one is now suing JB, but the ad made clear… JB can bring in others to talk about JB

Where have the ‘ Rauners’ friends and business folk that know them best?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 8:56 am
ranuner has a business associate, but the restraining order keeps him talking

Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 9:08 am
From http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/October-2014/Bruce-Rauner/

“Jim Edgar—whom Rauner eventually won over during that Sangamo Club meeting (following the 2014 Gubernatorial primary where Rauner beat Dillard by 3 percentage points)—says that the election might ultimately boil down to a very simple question. ‘Not the question of “Who is Bruce Rauner?” but ‘Do you like him better than the other guy?’ ”

Well, we all know Rauner better these days, and Edgar’s question then is just as pertinent now. Who is going to vouch for Rauner in this cycle besides Diana? It’s going to be really interesting.

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 9:35 am
When they make the Citizen Rauner movie, as he drops the snowglobe he’s going to mutter the word “Madigan”.

Comment by Lamont Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 9:38 am
==Rather than partake in Madigan’s games, Rauner should be talking about his own record==

He doesn’t have a record. He’s not in charge.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 9:40 am
—
It’s going to be really interesting.
—

What’s interesting is if a whiner can win. It’d be an inversion for GOP politics. Generally, it’s the strong, silent, authoritarian type that pulls in votes. That’s the GOP mindset.

But a whiner (in a Carhartt no less)? That’d be rich.

But … oddly enough: totally plausible these days where down is up and up is down.

Comment by Macbeth Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 9:46 am
==I would take issue with the Chicago Tribune’s claim that Madigan is the most powerful political figure in Illinois.==

I would too, but if Madigan is “more powerful” than Rauner, it’s because Rauner has made a lot of mistakes. If he’s not more powerful than Madigan, it’s only but for his own poor decisions.

==I think any Democrat, except for Mike Madigan, could beat Rauner. ==

I mean, Hardimann probably wouldn’t beat Rauner. But otherwise, yes, any Democrat *Can* beat Rauner…but I think Rauner could beat any Democrat, too. Maybe not Durbin or an Obama. But otherwise, $150 million buys you a lot of spins of the wheel.

==What amazed me was that Rauner had a very long relationship with Rahm dating back to the 1990’s, Rahm had very little relationship with Madigan prior to becoming Mayor, and somehow Rauner was unable to capitalize on that to get anything done.==

Yeah, this is one of the mistakes I’m talking about. By immediately playing to the Republican base’s apathy for Chicago, he put a potential ally in a position to score easy points by opposing him.

Another big mistake? Attacking the unions en masse. If he’d divided them like Scott Walker did- and the trades are just looking for an excuse to break with the publics- AFSCME would be isolated right now, and the fractures in the Democratic/Labor alliance that we saw in ‘13-’14 could well be worse.

But, instead, here we are.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 9:50 am
At this point, Rauner has painted himself into a corner, ala Former Senator Mark Kirk. You can’t reject an entire swath of your base, in this instance conservatives, and expect to win. As we’ve seen, you can’t make it up with Independents and Democrats that are receptive to your message.

Rauner may win the battle against Ives, but doubtful he’ll win the war against Pritzker, especially when accomplishments have been few and far between in his first and possibly last term.

Comment by Rusty Jones Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 10:01 am
Macbeth- “It’d be an inversion for GOP politics.”

The “Wonderland” aspects of politics currently is disturbing these days. The hardcase mindset of “any Republican is better than a Democrat at any price” is becoming more and more prevalent. Flake’s check memo of “Country Over Politics” is a great statement, but he’s doing it from the cover of not seeking re-election.

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 10:02 am
=== Ain’t gonna happen. ===

That’s because his record is a sorry one. He hasn’t achieved even piecemeal victories that he might have gotten by good faith negotiations, instead of name-calling and confrontation.

Comment by anon2 Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 10:02 am
I find it interesting the press is now all over this stuff. Where have you been the last three years? You ignored his failures, and bald faced lies. You gave him cover for his many gaffs, and missteps, but now the press takes umbrage at his recent antics. The editorial boards, and reporters were enablers for the last three years. You finally get what we have all known since the beginning. Way to be on top of things.

Comment by Retired Educator Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 10:09 am
I watched rauners “not in charge” video again:

–dripping w vitriol, spitting out his words, crazy eyes, lashing out at the press. He was/is totally out of control, speaking like someone, not used to failure, who realizes he has failed. He is enormously bitter and ticked off. The only way he can win, in his mind, is for madigan to be vanquished. If he actually believes that is highly likely, he is delusional.

I think the reason for so many BTIA flubs is rauner doesnt take guidance from anyone. Even his staff.

Comment by Langhorne Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 10:15 am
You can’t get much better in good faith negotiations like supporting Senator Cullerton’s pension bill as written and not insisting on any changes. Just admit it Speaker Madigan has concentrated so much power he literally runs everything.

If he was truly in charge the pension bill would be passed and being adjudicated in the Supreme Court.

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 10:22 am
==Where have you been the last three years?==

It took a while for Rauner to fail. And while I hold that his previous team didn’t warrant the praise they got, they were better than this.

Plus, the tax vote and subsequent staff chaos was a big clue to reporters that something was wrong in Raunerland.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 10:23 am
Anon 8:48 hits on another twist in Rauner’s endless victimhood, which Rich has pointed out as well.

Rauner as Bully-in-Chief.

Rauner attempted to control the legislature using his money and intimidation. Madigan has pointed out how GOP members chaffed.

I think it is important to understand that Rauner has believed that his methods all along merely emulated and improved upon the tools that led to Mike Madigan’s success.

I believe he is mistaken, BTW. Madigan has spent decades in some cases building relationships with lawmakers. they trust him. They have faith in him. They respect him. Yes, he controls a lot of campaign cash, but most of the members never get a dime of that money and follow Madigan anyway. Yes, he can scare the bejesus out of people, but underneath that serious stare they have all found a fighter and a comrade that shares their core Democratic values, and who has a reputation for fiercely defending those who are loyal to him.

Rauner has none of those things, has made no effort to acquire any of those things, does not value those things. Heck, look what he did to Rep. Jimenez.

Comment by Thomas Paine Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 10:37 am
===If he was truly in charge the pension bill would be passed and being adjudicated in the Supreme Court.===

No.

For the 6,858th time…

You want that? Have Rauner put 60/71 House members on the stairs, behind Rauner, who, at a podium with microphones and those members, Rauner can embarrass Madigan that he, Madigan, is holding back a passable bill.

Until then, you, again, have nothing.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 10:50 am
=If he was truly in charge the pension bill would be passed and being adjudicated in the Supreme Court.=

Isn’t knowingly passing a bill in violation of the IL Constitution against officials Oath of Office?

Comment by What Oath? Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 10:53 am
==If he was truly in charge the pension bill would be passed and being adjudicated in the Supreme Court.==

And you’re sure that the votes are there in the House and Senate?

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 10:57 am
==Just admit it Speaker Madigan has concentrated so much power he literally runs everything.==

If I didn’t know any better I’d think you were the Governor with your constant whining.

Tell me LP, given that it is likely that Madigan will be Speaker again after the next election why should I vote for a guy who has proven he cannot do anything except whine about everything. Is that what we should expect from him (and you) if the Governor wins re-election? Four more years of whining.

If the Governor (and you) believe he is not in charge then he needs to step out of the way and let a big boy sit in the big boy chair. I want a Governor and not a Victim in Chief.

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 11:27 am
=If he was truly in charge the pension bill would be passed and being adjudicated in the Supreme Court.=

No, it would have been adjudicated and tossed out long ago. For “consideration” to work you have to offer the employees a free choice to accept the consideration or keep what they already have. Cullerton’s bill did not let them keep what they have, but gave them a choice of two different reductions.

Comment by Whatever Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 2:15 pm
===and the trades are just looking for an excuse to break with the publics.===
No. We’re not. Someone gave you bad information.

Comment by Radio Flyer Wednesday, Dec 6, 17 @ 2:51 pm