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Rauner campaign to Pritzker: “Just because you weren’t accused of any wrongdoing doesn’t mean you didn’t do anything wrong”

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* From Gov. Rauner’s campaign…

‘Hundreds of People’ Isn’t an Excuse

During last night’s Democratic forum, JB Pritzker claimed that his reason for being on FBI wiretaps with disgraced former Governor Rod Blagojevich was that “hundreds of people were speaking with Governor Blagojevich at the time.”

Just because other people were doing it does not make it the right thing to do.

Here is a list of other things that hundreds of people have done that were wrong:

Hundreds of people may have used steroids in baseball
Hundreds of people thought Sharknado was a good movie
Hundreds of people took patronage jobs from corrupt Illinois politicians like Mike Madigan
Hundreds of politicians advocate every day for higher taxes
Hundreds of people thought eating Tide Pods was a good idea
Hundreds of politically-connected property tax lawyers take advantage of a corrupt system that hurts Illinoisans

News flash, JB Pritzker. Just because you weren’t accused of any wrongdoing doesn’t mean you didn’t do anything wrong.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:01 am

Comments

What is the alleged “wrong”? Specifically.

Comment by Oh, please! Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:03 am
Tell me more about this back porch deal.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:03 am
=== Just because you weren’t accused of any wrongdoing doesn’t mean you didn’t do anything wrong. ===

By that standard, all are guilty. Without charges, a trial, and conviction. Apparently due process doesn’t matter to Rauner.

Comment by anon2 Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:05 am
C’mon JB, you’re paying people to help you with this and it’s been out there for long enough to come up with a good answer. Here’s my idea:

“When a Governor calls, you take the call. When he’s acting like Gov. B acted, you say as little as possible and try not to make him mad. That’s what I did, and the tapes show it. Of course, I would have preferred to take him to task for what he was trying to do, but the Governor is a powerful person. And, like Gov. Rauner, Gov. B used the power of his office to punish his perceived enemies. That’s why Gov. Rauner is so dangerous…” (Pivot to Rauner as a bad guy talking points.)

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:06 am
===News flash, JB Pritzker. Just because you weren’t accused of any wrongdoing doesn’t mean you didn’t do anything wrong.===

… like taking multiple personal business meetings, one on the Governor’s Mansion porch where a governor made a 300% profit off of a $5 million dollar investment… all the while allegedly having his business in a blind trust…

Those who live in public housing as a governor shouldn’t interrupt personal business meetings to cast ethical stones…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:06 am
People in glass houses…

Comment by Neveranonymous Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:06 am
I always thought that if you weren’t accused of any wrongdoing it meant that you didn’t do anything wrong or illegal. Maybe that’s too old school.

Comment by forwhatitsworth Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:07 am
Hundreds of people have taken meetings in the governor’s mansion about their 300% ROI on their multi-million-dollar investments.

Well, OK, actually just one. But the point still stands.

Comment by South of Sherman Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:09 am
The burden is still on the accuser to state what they believe is wrongdoing. If Team Rauner believes they have done so and voters don’t agree, then it’s up to Team Rauner to clarify. And if their charge doesn’t take root, well…

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:09 am
–Just because you weren’t accused of any wrongdoing doesn’t mean you didn’t do anything wrong.–

Actually, the Rauner spot accuses Pritzker of quid pro quo corruption. Patrick Fitzgerald didn’t see it that way.

What’s with the trite, mirror-construction cliches today? On another thread, some Kennedy apologist posted ”It’s important to take issues seriously, but never ourselves too seriously.”

Make an effort.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:09 am
And just because you’re unhappy with a 300% return on investment doesn’t mean you should take shady meetings on the back porch of the Governor’s Mansion, but here we are.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:10 am
Rauner’s campaign has chutzpah, I’ll give them that.
Like OW said, JB’s team has to come up with a response and stick to it. (for example, “I’ve always been interested in politics and I let Blago entice me with a shortcut.”)

Comment by Jocko Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:10 am
“Just because you weren’t accused of any wrongdoing doesn’t mean you didn’t do anything wrong.”

What’s the grammatical rule on triple-negative sentence construction?

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:11 am
Just because Bruce Rauner hasn’t actually been accused of murdering and dismembering 12 people doesn’t mean he didn’t do it.

This is fun.

Comment by Concerned Observer Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:11 am
In his defense, that last line does not apply to Governor Rauner.

Rauner is correct. Nobody has accused J.B. of doing anything wrong, and yet it is possible that what he did was wrong.

In contrast, many people have actually accused Rauner of wrongdoing, ranging from failing to submit a budget to being pals with people who funded the Alabama abuser to back porch deals.

For Rauner, the line would be “Just because you’ve never been charged or convicted doesn’t mean you didn’t do anything wrong.”

Comment by Gooner Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:12 am
There is hardly a good response Pritzker can take on this issue. It never looks great, no matter how you spin it.

Comment by People Over Parties Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:13 am
Poor word choice.
“Just because you weren’t accused of any wrongdoing doesn’t mean you didn’t do anything wrong.”

Wrongdoing is doing something wrong. Rauner is clearly accusing him of doing something wrong. At the same time, it’s not hard to be accused of something you didn’t do, so for JB to not even have been accused of wrongdoing makes him sound innocent.

Should be: “Just because you weren’t charged with a crime doesn’t mean you didn’t do anything wrong.”

Words can make a difference. Not being charged with a crime is much different than not being accused of wrongdoing. Plus you now subtly put out there the idea that being charged with a crime was a possibility. For what Rauner spends, he should get better messaging than he does.

Comment by m Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:14 am
At least Sharknado is not pretentious.

Comment by Baloneymous Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:20 am
Bruce, are you saying the hundreds of people whose only sin was to speak with Rod did something wrong? Can you be more specific or is it just wrong to talk to a governor accused of wrongdoing? In which case, I guess nobody’s talking with you these days.

Comment by Anon0091 Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:23 am
Hundreds of people think this list is incredibly stupid.

Comment by Flip357 Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:24 am
Hundreds of people were conducting private business on the back porch of the governor’s mansion. Oh wait…

Comment by Nick Name Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:27 am
He just lost the Sharknado vote.

Comment by Montrose Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:28 am
8/10 on creativity, 9/10 on the dismount. 6/10 from the Russian judge.

Comment by A State Employee Guy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:29 am
Sorta like ‘just because you pledged to put your assets in a blind trust doesn’t mean you put your assets in a blind trust’?

Is that how it goes, tough guy?

Comment by Macbeth Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:30 am
“Hundreds of people thought Sharknado was a good movie”

I know Greg Harris endorsed JB but this is some pretty deep shade to be throwing…

Comment by Doofman Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:30 am
Back atcha governor.

Comment by Flynn's Mom Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:36 am
Millions voted for Bruce Rauner, still doesn’t make it right.

Comment by Gruntled University Employee Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:38 am
“I know Greg Harris endorsed JB but this is some pretty deep shade to be throwing…”

Next thing you know he’s going to go after bacon and then watch Greg go!

Comment by Anon0091 Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:39 am
Rauner’s List- still managed to get “Mike Madigan” on it./S

BTIA ™ must have sat in a circle and taken turns to “develop” this “list of other things that hundreds of people have done that were wrong”. Wonder if drinks were served in order to get Sharknado and Tide Pods on the list. Yeesh.

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:39 am
Just because you say all your loot is in a blind trust must mean you are lying through your teeth.
Just because you say you don’t know your $30K a month consltant means you are lying through your teeth
Just because…..(can we do the goomah stuff here?)

Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:39 am
“Just because the FBI, Federal Prosecutor, and Grand Jury listened to the tapes and couldn’t find any basis for charges doesn’t mean…never mind.”

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:40 am
Bruce is just going for the sympathy vote having moved from despicable to pathetic.

When the general election poker game comes around the people dying of neglect in nursing homes hand is going to beat an empty phone conversation.

Comment by former southerner Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:41 am
Hundreds of Illinoisans thought voting for Rauner was a good idea……

Comment by School Finance Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:41 am
This is a strong point and within bounds. The goofy references to Tide Pods and Sharknado weaken an otherwise strong point.

JB has to deal with this. He might say he wasn’t among the hundreds of people talking to this Governor because at least the one who “called him” WAS in charge.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:41 am
Rauner is still chasing it, and it’s getting sillier with each iteration.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:44 am
To the commenters reiterating that JB did nothing wrong… that’s not the point. Appearance is everything. Perception is everything. This doesn’t make Pritzker look good, regardless of wrongdoing. That’s what matters most when attacking.

Comment by People Over Parties Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:45 am
–Wonder if drinks were served in order to get Sharknado and Tide Pods on the list. –

Juice boxes.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:45 am
“Just because you weren’t accused of any wrongdoing doesn’t mean you didn’t do anything wrong.”

To Rauner all of his opponents are corrupt. It’s his worldview, except when he gave money to CPS after clouting his daughter, and to former Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell’s campaign after getting pension business.

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:46 am
===Appearance is everything. Perception is everything.===

Perhaps the stupidest idea to come out of American politics in decades.

Perception varies by those who perceive.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:46 am
===Appearance is everything. Perception is everything. This doesn’t make Pritzker look good, regardless of wrongdoing. That’s what matters most when attacking.===

“Appearance is everything. Perception is everything. This doesn’t make Rauner look good, doing personal business on the porch of the mansion after saying he had his businesses in a blind trust, regardless of wrongdoing. That’s what matters most when attacking.”

Better.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:47 am
–This is a strong point and within bounds. –

What was the “wrongdoing,” specifically?

–JB has to deal with this. He might say he wasn’t among the hundreds of people talking to this Governor because at least the one who “called him” WAS in charge.–

I wonder what that means.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:48 am
What should I perceive?

That sealed tapes that were never to be heard publicly become Rauner’s call to honesty and integrity?

That perception?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:50 am
Touche, Word, touché:)

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:51 am
I thought the first Sharknado was a hoot.

Comment by Archiesmom Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:51 am
So OW, the Chicago Tribune did the wrong thing exposing this?

Thought the press was supposed to speak truth to power?

Guess the Pentagon papers shouldn’t have been released either because they were sealed.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:52 am
===News flash, JB Pritzker. Just because you weren’t accused of any wrongdoing doesn’t mean you didn’t do anything wrong.===

This “reprimand” by Rauner’s Crew is off the idea that tapes that were never heard and under seal were then covertly made public and used in Ads… is on the “up and up”?

I know Rauner personally lacks a sense of ethics, but isn’t there a legal question to using tapes that by all counts, were under seal?

So Rauner and his Crew what to use tapes that were obtained and used outside a court order as a basis on a question of ethics?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:55 am
Rauner has no accomplishments in office so he attacks. Politics 101. The problem is the people of Illinois are fed up and want change so it won’t work.

Comment by Illinois Resident Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:55 am
—Just because you weren’t accused of any wrongdoing doesn’t mean you didn’t do anything wrong.—

Oh, Bruce. Shall we revisit the “I will bury her” comment?

“I will make her radioactive. She will never get another job anywhere, ever. I will bankrupt her with legal fees. I don’t know if she has a family or not, but if she does, she better think twice about this.”

Comment by Sigh Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:56 am
===Thought the press was supposed to speak truth to power?

Guess the Pentagon papers shouldn’t have been released either because they were sealed.===

The Pentagon Papers were not trial court documents under seal.

Watching a movie or thinking you understand the law… lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:56 am
“To Rauner all of his opponents are corrupt.” Heck, on the campaign trail he call 1/3 of his own caucus “corrupt.”

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:58 am
Of course perception matters by those who perceive. I’m not doubting that. I believe generally, phone calls to a disgraced governor, regardless of actual wrongdoing, can be perceived by most as a negative quality in a candidate.

Comment by People Over Parties Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:59 am
==Appearance is everything. Perception is everything.==

Perception is malleable. The people saying JB did nothing wrong just want perception to match reality. Not sure you wanna be standing on the ideal that they should give that up.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:01 pm
JB would be wise to hire ‘Pot Calling’ immediately. A great, and plausible, answer to that question and issue.

Comment by Dave Gilbert’s Ghost Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:04 pm
Some rich guy thought refusing to sign a budget for years and refused to negotiate a budget deal was cool. That doesn’t mean you should do that.

Comment by Glengarry Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:06 pm
Take note Team JB… Team Rauner has decided to go full Trump (complete separation from reality & total lack of self awareness) act accordingly. This includes not relying on the media (outside of this site of course) to call Team Rauner out on these things.

Comment by Concrned Dem Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:07 pm
The tape shows Pritzker listened to Blagojevich’s pitch, not that Pritzker agreed to any of it. It’s a dog that probably won’t hunt, but Rauner and Kennedy can show it off all they want.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:09 pm
So someone is comparing the Tribbies releasin’ tapes that they have probably because they were caught in the wire tap with the publication of the Pentagon Papers? That is a hoot.

Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:10 pm
It seems like the Rauner campaign statement diminishes the severity of what Pritzker did—sort of a slap on the wrist. It takes away the “bombshell” element.

I grant that appearances might mean something, but the state has issues so much more important than past non-indictments or charges. It’s time for us to finally put Blago behind us and focus on trying to solve our massive problems. On this point, Pritzker is right to turn the focus on his plans and Rauner’s record.

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:20 pm
“Hey sorry, gotta run Rod, I hear the dog crying to be let out” would have been another option for JB if he wasn’t interested in having the convo but wanted to be polite.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:26 pm
Lots of tankers here. Pritzker made multiple calls to Blago in the midst of a federal investigation being made public to discuss multiple state appointments he wanted to be appointed to. The fact he still can’t answer the question speaks volumes.

Comment by view from the cheap seats Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:33 pm
Team Rauner, JB was excused by the Feds, ask for a written excuse when they come to see you

Comment by Rabid Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:36 pm
—Of course perception matters by those who perceive. I’m not doubting that. I believe generally, phone calls to a disgraced governor, regardless of actual wrongdoing, can be perceived by most as a negative quality in a candidate.—

It comes down to policies of the individual candidate not attacks. Rauner not wanting personal freedom, tax money, jobs, and infrastructure that we would get regarding cannabis legalization is enough for me (and many others) to disqualify him period. JB is also in favor of medicare for all which we need in this country.

Comment by Illinois Resident Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:38 pm
==I wonder what that means.==

Try harder. lol.

You’re impossible even in agreement. Please don’t ask me to explain this too.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:38 pm
Rauner takes his marching orders from the Koch brothers at his social climbing shindigs in Palm Springs. Nobody cares that Pritzker hems and haws with Blago.

Comment by DeseDemDose Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:39 pm
“Lots of tankers here. Pritzker made multiple calls to Blago in the midst of a federal investigation being made public to discuss multiple state appointments he wanted to be appointed to.”

And the upshot is…what? Pritzker wasn’t charged or convicted of anything. Again, Illinois has very serious problems. How about we focus on those? Focus…focus.

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:41 pm
So who stole the tapes?

Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:42 pm
===So who stole the tapes?===

I don’t think they were stolen.

I do think someone in possession of them allowed them to get to the Tribune in hopes of their distribution.

The USAO seems confused too. Why wouldn’t they be confused, a candidate has decided to take the next step and put tapes in their ads that the USAO has a judge put under seal.

But, Rauner wants to talk ethics…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:45 pm
Amanda Vinicky tweeted a bit ago:

“U.S. Attorney John Lausch won’t comment on whether there is a pending investigation into how tapes not used as evidence in the Blagojevich trial became public (what you hear in Rauner’s anti-Pritzker ads), but says that some tapes are out is a ‘concern’.” (see Scribby feed to right)

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:49 pm
–Please don’t ask me to explain this too.–

You’re right, it’s a big ask.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:49 pm
Rauner, in his various costumes, is a true man of the people.

Comment by Trapped in the "burbs Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:55 pm
Let me get this straight; it is only questionable conduct, when someone else does it. When the Governor does something shady, we are supposed to just trust that he is doing the right thing. Ok Now I get the gist of these charges. A blind trust is only a name, and Rauner can discuss it on his back porch, even though the rules say otherwise. You know with all the spinning going on, someone should be real dizzy.

Comment by Retired Educator Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 12:59 pm
=Team Rauner has decided to go full Trump=

When Rauner starts leading chants of “lock him up” you might be on to something.

Comment by Robert the 1st Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:00 pm
I will admit up front that I don’t like Rauner. He really is the worst governor Illinois ever had (and I include Blago in that assessment). However, viewed objectively, I just don’t see what JB did wrong in that conversation. By the same token, I don’t see what Blago did wrong there either. It is not the fing golden conversation. Blago was truly logrolling in that conversation suggesting that if he gave Madigan something, Madigan would accede to Blago’s legislative priorities.JB does not offer anything for the AG’s spot but at the end of the day, does anyone really think that it is mere coincidence that bigtime contributors to POTUS happen to end up as ambassadors to cool counties? Other than the fact that it is Blago on the other end of the line, can anyone explain why this is even perceived as being wrong for JB?

Comment by TominChicago Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:02 pm
The Feds were protecting the Senate Seat. Once they got Rod, Obama moved Fitzgerald and the investigation went away.

Did something wrong, did something illegal, being charged, and being convicted all have very different connotations.

We do know that once the Feds decided not to prosecute anyone else, the AG could have filed state charges and did not.

I ask, do we believe no one else broke the law.

Lots of issues facing this state and acting like listening to a proposal to buy a senate seat when both candidates are going to spend $50 mil on the Govner’s seat this year seems a bit absurd to me.

Comment by the Patriot Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:03 pm
People who have formally studied Communications (or even ever taken a media training course in some capacity) already should know that acknowledging that a negative perception exists is a super important part of damage control. Astonishingly, as far as I know JB has never even attempted to do this publicly. One way of helping to manage the perception of bad judgement/wrongdoing with respect to Blago would be for him to say something like, “With the power of hindsight and in retrospect of all that’s happened since, I can understand that this recorded conversation with the former governor may not sit well with a lot of folks. But let me assure you that at the time, blah blah ….”

This approach still would not make the problem go away, but would be a major step forward. Unless JB is ignoring good advice, whoever in his employ that has been advising JB in this particular matter comes close to malpractice.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:05 pm
Flag on the play. You don’t get to drop g’s, wear cowboy drag, and quaff Stag on one hand, and then give Sharknado the Human Centipede treatment on the other.

Comment by Shark Sandwich Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:07 pm
===I ask, do we believe no one else broke the law.===

lol

According to… the law… there were no other charges, trials, or convictions then what were brought.

Are you talking about another “law”, cause that place sounds fun, lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:07 pm
Didn’t Rauner use effectively the same words in his own defense during the nursing home trial? That Rauner was innocent because he wasn’t personally accused of setting up a shell company to get out of lawsuits stemming from little old ladies getting pushed down the stairs?

Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:10 pm
Patriot, that is some INFOWARS level conspiring right there. What proof do you have that Obama pulled Fitzgerald off of JB? Seems odd to me that a republican who defied Bush on Scooter Libby would blindly (and silently) follow politically motivated direction from a democratic president. Also the AG does not have the power to indic t under Illinois law for corruption but let’s pretend she did. What charge could have been brought based on the conversation that JB had with Blago? Aggravated “um humming”?

Comment by TominChicago Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:11 pm
–The Feds were protecting the Senate Seat. Once they got Rod, Obama moved Fitzgerald and the investigation went away.–

Is that the word on the streets — of Mars? Fitzgerald was U.S. attorney through mid-2012.

Why did Obama and Fitzgerald conspire in this willful obstruction of justice? What was in it for them?

Hand someone your car keys, please.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:12 pm
===The Feds were protecting the Senate Seat. Once they got Rod, Obama moved Fitzgerald and the investigation went away. ===

What state were you living in?

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:16 pm
Yo wordslinger: the wrongdoing was openly soliciting a political position from a dude who was running a pay-for-play scheme. I feel silly having to explain this to you.

Comment by A State Employee Guy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:16 pm
thank you, again, wordslinger, for putting the tin hatters in their place as only you can.

Comment by Sugar Corn Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:16 pm
I remember my parents always saying that TV was going to rot my brain. Turns out, they should have been more worried about talk radio.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:18 pm
==Astonishingly, as far as I know JB has never even attempted to do this publicly.==

He has definitely done that publicly.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:20 pm
Tide pods, seriously?

In the last 24 hrs we had:
—Medicaid audit that showed massive failure and incompetence worth million and millions
—Rauner s lie re blind trust, and greed that300% profit wasn’t enuf.

Tide pods?

Comment by Langhorne Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:23 pm
–I feel silly having to explain this to you.–

I bet you get that a lot.

But make your quid pro quo case.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:31 pm
Rauner’s version of “Your mother wears combat boots” is just a lame take on the guilt-by-association ploy.

It’s comforting to know that the great American Joe McCarthy has not been forgotten. /s

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:40 pm
Ultimately the question comes down to :
Is talking to the second-worst governor of Illinois worse than being the worst governor of Illinois?

Comment by Might Be Blocked By Rich Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:48 pm
-But make your quid pro quo case.-

QPQ ain’t necessary to prove there was wrongdoing, and of course you know that, but since you asked:

“Which, incidentally, if you can do for me what you did for her, before the end of the year. Can you think about that?” Blagojevich asked, aware that Pritzker had donated $50,000 to Madigan during the previous year.

“I can’t, I mean, not while everything’s up in the air, but I hear ya,” Pritzker said. “I hear ya and, and, and … But anyway …”

“Incidentally”, lol. This exchange happened just nanoseconds after discussing appointing JB to a position, so temporal proximity isn’t on your side here.

Even if that doesn’t sell you, a simple “No” is the one proper answer to Rod’s question there, particularly when you’re talking to a guy who knew about pay-for-play schemes in his own admin at that very point in time. Any other answer is wrong.

Comment by A State Employee Guy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:56 pm
- A State Employee Guy - Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 1:56 pm: “QPQ ain’t necessary to prove there was wrongdoing.”

Contra McDonnell v. United States, 579 U.S. ___ (2016).

Comment by TominChicago Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 2:10 pm
Hi Tom,

Your case involves a law that prohibits a public official from accepting a bribe. JB, the subject of our discussion here, is not a public official.

Comment by A State Employee Guy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 2:23 pm
ASEG, don’t quit your day job.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 2:25 pm
Well at least the corked bat was not brought up…

Comment by Sammy Soso Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 2:27 pm
Bruce:

Just because you’re not in charge does not mean you’re not responsible.

Comment by 37B Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 2:29 pm
This is so obvious it’s bizzare that people would argue with it.

Immoral acts are immoral regardless of whether:

1. It’s illegal
2. You’re accused
3. You’re convicted

If you get away with sexual assault because your victim never comes forward, that doesn’t mean you did nothing wrong.

Comment by Political Animal Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 2:32 pm
Joke’s on you, I don’t even have a job.

Comment by A State Employee Guy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 2:38 pm
-McDonnell v. United States, 579 U.S. ___ (2016-

This case involved a statute which prohibits public officials from accepting bribes. JB, the subject of our disagreement here, is not a public official. So, yeah, contra, but not in the way you’re thinking.

Comment by A State Employee Guy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 2:44 pm
–Joke’s on you, I don’t even have a job.–

LOL. OK.

–If you get away with sexual assault because your victim never comes forward, that doesn’t mean you did nothing wrong.–

What in the world are you babbling about, in this context?

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 2:46 pm
Rauner bumper sticker 2018

Pritzker wronger than Rauner

Comment by Generic Drone Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 2:48 pm
==What in the world are you babbling about, in this context?==

Point is, you can do something wrong without being “accused of wrong doing.” Pritzker’s defense isn’t a defense.

If he wants to make the argument to voters that his pay to play wasn’t unethical, he should do so. Don’t just say, “well I got away with it so it’s fine.”

Comment by Political Animal Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 2:57 pm
Political Animal What is even immoral in what JB is recorded doing? He didn’t really say anything. He certainly did not agree to contribute to Blago for the AG’s office.

Comment by Tominchicago Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 3:09 pm
Wonder what Diana Rauner, President of The Ounce feels about this…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 3:10 pm
While Chris Kennedy applauds Bruce Rauner…

Diana Rauner lauds Pritzker, even as her funding for a campaign to question Pritzker’s ethics begins.

I guess Diana Rauner only likes Pritzker for what Pritzker can do?

===”More than three decades of experience have led us to identify some big bets that have the potential to transform early learning. We are so grateful to the J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation for sharing our belief in these innovations,” said Diana Rauner, president of the Ounce of Prevention Fund. “By developing strong leaders and programs, empowering parents and strengthening early learning systems, together we can change lives for children and families.”===

“… together we can change lives”

Wow.

http://prn.to/2FsbyWU

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 3:20 pm
==Even if that doesn’t sell you, a simple “No” is the one proper answer to Rod’s question there, ==

As I suggested before: When a Governor calls, you take the call. When he’s acting like Gov. B acted, you say as little as possible and try not to make him mad. A simple “No.” could easily put a person in a bad spot with a guy who still had a lot of power. Pritzger uses the patter most people would use in that situation. His biggest communication problem is not pointing that out. My guess is that if more tapes are released, we’ll hear more people doing the same thing.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 4:05 pm
==Even if that doesn’t sell you, a simple “No” is the one proper answer to Rod’s question there==

I don’t think there’s a functional difference between, “No” and “I can’t”.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 4:07 pm
To Rauner,
Just because you were paying a member of the TRS investment board who was sending TRS money to your company, and he went to jail for it, and you did not, does not mean you did nothing wrong.

Comment by DuPage Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 4:15 pm
Just because you were elected governor doesn’t mean you’re competent in the job….

Comment by d.p.gumby Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 4:36 pm
But he didn’t just say “I can’t”, now did he? Think of it this way:

“Do you want to slaughter this puppy?”

“No”

vs.

“I can’t, I mean… not while everything is up in the air, but I hear ya.”

Comment by A State Employee Guy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 7:43 pm
State Guy, maybe some vocational training for you and you’ll find a job.

You’re not very good at this.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 7:46 pm
Bruce Rauner is, and had been a horrible governor. I wont vote for Pritzker because of his non positions on spending. But I will give him a chance. Maybe he will be a fiscal conservative.

Comment by Blue dog dem Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 9:07 pm
This is your best stuff? Man, they don’t make commenters of the year like they used to.

Comment by A State Employee Guy Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 9:21 pm
If only Blago and JB’d had their conversation on the back porch of the governor’s mansion, huh?

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 9:56 pm
—Even if that doesn’t sell you, a simple “No” is the one proper answer to Rod’s question there, particularly when you’re talking to a guy who knew about pay-for-play schemes in his own admin at that very point in time. Any other answer is wrong.—

Yea, well, that’s just like your opinion man.

Comment by Illinois Resident Wednesday, Jan 24, 18 @ 11:00 pm
the puppy ended up alive by refusing the offer poindexter

Comment by Rabid Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 7:22 am
JB sounds annoyed in the tape like he doesn’t want to talk but he has to

Comment by theq Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 9:13 am
just say I refused rods offer for pay to play

Comment by Rabid Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 9:18 am
The first time I saw the ad I thought JB was the one wearing a wire.

Comment by cc Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 9:52 am
Your opponents are guilty until proven innocent, the backbone of a campaign gasping for air.

Comment by Harvest76 Thursday, Jan 25, 18 @ 12:30 pm
A State Employee Guy, “can’t” functions as “No. Either way the puppy lives to see another day. It looks like you are disappointed Pritzker didn’t lecture Blagojevich on how to be a better person, maybe suggest Blagojavich renounce all worldly possessions and stand at the intersection telling people the world is ending.

Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Friday, Jan 26, 18 @ 6:19 am