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* Mike Flannery of Fox 32 interviewed Richard Irvin. It didn’t end well…
Irvin: I’m pro-life.
Flannery: Any exceptions for rape, incest, the life of the mother?
Irvin: You know, there are always exceptions, rape, incest, life of the mother.
Flannery: You would allow abortion in those circumstances? [Irvin looks to his right.] You would allow abortion in those circumstances?
Irvin: I think we’re done.
…Adding… He was being signaled that the allotted time had long expired, I’m told. But, man, that didn’t come off well.
…Adding… Now I’m being told by a top Irvin operative that he would’ve answered “Yes” to Flannery’s question. And they’re also saying he already answered the question before Flannery asked him point blank.
* Watch…
…Adding… The full interview (with higher quality) is here.
…Adding… He dodged another Trump question when talking to Greg Hinz…
But asked if he voted for Trump in 2020, Irvin wouldn’t say. “Joe Biden’s the president,” Irvin replied. Pritzker is just prompting such questions to change the subject from the fact that “crime’s out of control, taxing and spending is out of control, corruption is out of control.”
…Adding… Terry Cosgrove at Personal PAC…
When asked if he supported exceptions to abortion for rape and incest victims, Richard Irvin declined to answer and nervously looked to his handler for help. His silence speaks volumes and women across Illinois are listening. This question should be a no-brainer for anyone seeking our state’s highest office and is a reminder that everything is on the line this November. Richard Irvin has revealed himself to be another out of touch, right-wing extremist who would seek to take our state backwards, and we must do everything we can to ensure that he doesn’t get anywhere near the governor’s office.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:01 pm
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Previous Post: Maybe a little bit of upside-downism?
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I mean, give him a break, we can’t expect a candidate for Governor to be asked off-the-wall questions like who he voted for in the past presidential election or his position on abortion.
Comment by charles in charge Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:07 pm
Yeah.
“Crime”
Yeah.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:08 pm
I am surprised he was not specifically coached to this issue. Whoever he has hired has done him a great disservice.
Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:11 pm
I take it back, keeping him from talking to anyone *was* a wise strategy.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:12 pm
well, at least he wasn’t as bad in this clip as Rocky Wirtz was last night.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:12 pm
And another thing Mike, that’s an ugly shirt.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:13 pm
Another candidate not ready for prime time. Loren Michaels must be getting a royalty.
Comment by Lt Guv Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:13 pm
They told him he was going on Fox, so he maybe wasn’t expecting the question and didn’t bother to prep?
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:13 pm
Dude, that’s like policy position #1 in a GOP primary. And your answer was in the realm of acceptable. Now, however, the bigger story is you ran under pressure. Go team.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:14 pm
He certainly should be done.
This was the best the GOP could do?
Comment by Keyrock Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:15 pm
…but crime.
Comment by Dotnonymous Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:15 pm
Ken Griffin might want to consider hiring a new purchasing manager. This may not have been his smartest buy ever.
Comment by former southerner Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:17 pm
Ok, to the post,
Think on this…
Irvin opines on crime, can’t talk about crime enough, how he saved Aurora, riots, I mean, the hyperbole towards blaming Pritzker, Dems, and all the talk of crime… can’t keep him quiet.
But abortion… can’t even say where he is there?
Now he’s “Pro-Life”, and such a pro-lifer that he abruptly stops the interview and has such conviction about being pro-life… he can’t express it?
See, in 9 months or so… it might matter a great deal… abortion… and being locked in “today”…
… Irvin could “Rauner” himself, like HB40 signing bad… but this time suburban women might not like Irvin’s position, while the Ives-Proft wing call Irvin a “Dem” or R_N_… and no help with the pro-lifers in November.
Or…
Meh… I mean… every candidate stops interviews like this, it’s common…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:17 pm
Somewhere Chris Kennedy is still waiting for the elevator doors to close on Flannery
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:21 pm
He and Rocky Wirtz got the same advice on how to handle tough but inevitable questions
Comment by Emanuel Collective Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:22 pm
Irvin: I think we’re done.
Who’s doing the thinking?
Comment by Dotnonymous Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:22 pm
Richard Irvin might know who he is, but he seems very uncertain of who he is supposed to be. Someone needs to deploy a cash cannon to the Best Team In America, post-haste.
Comment by Roadrager Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:23 pm
He is running for Governor. Simple question, would he sign a 15 week abortion bill like the one from BBC Texas.
Comment by H L Mencken Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:27 pm
“I think we’re done here.” Might be truly prescient words.
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:30 pm
The clip can be used initially by his Republican rivals and later, by the Democrats. It’s like a reversible coat, or turncoat.
Comment by justaguy02 Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:31 pm
So… no Trump… pro-life, but iffy to that too…
These are red flags… big, bright, flying high… red flags.
Whew.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:36 pm
=== Pritzker is just prompting such questions to change the subject===
No, Richard, this has nothing to do with Pritzker. Trump is without question the leader of the Republican Party. He tried to bring down the government. You’re choosing to identify as a Republican. You see the issue here? You need an answer to this or you need to drop out.
Comment by One hand //ing Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:39 pm
His answer on who he voted for in 2020 seems really unsustainable. I’ve seen moderates square that circle by saying they wrote in the most popular person they could think of; I think I remember Mark Kirk claiming he wrote in David Patraeus one year. But a total non-sequitur is a band aid response for a question he’ll get asked all year.
If he can get through the primary he might be able to cop to voting Biden in the general but June is a long time from now. And at this rate there’s gonna be a lot more questions he needs to yadda yadda yadda through. Pretty white knuckle comms strategy imo
Comment by vern Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:40 pm
“Flannery: You would allow abortion in those circumstances? [Irvin looks to his right.] You would allow abortion in those circumstances?
Irvin: I think we’re done.”
Don’t most Republicans believe in exceptions? I know that sometimes gets Republicans in trouble with the base, but the last time I looked at a poll the majority of Republicans are not absolutists. He already implied what his answer would be, but then he couldn’t definitively say yes and said the interview was over. If he thought THAT question was hard, he is not going to make it.
Comment by Correcting Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:49 pm
“crime’s out of control, taxing and spending is out of control, corruption is out of control”
Irvin is working his evasive Raunerite talking points on Trump. Why not just say who you voted for and move on? Is this the tough guy in the TV commercial, standing up to rioters and looters and not putting up with it, but he won’t say who he voted for?
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:49 pm
I remember another Republican governor that the press tried to pin down with questions like these. He lost - bigly.
Irvin doesn’t seem to acknowledge that he has to win a primary first. And that the press gets to ask the questions. I know this about Bailey and Rabine, you ask either of them these questions and you’ll get a response.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 6:56 pm
Well it is not like the GOP has anyone that might actually be a good candidate
Comment by DuPage Saint Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 7:03 pm
I see it’s getting very hard for Ken Dunkin 2.0
Not knowing where he stands on anything.
Comment by Real Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 7:03 pm
This guy makes Darren Bailey look like A Pro.
Let’s be clear about a few things: Anyone running for the Republican nomiation for governor who refuses to say whether they support Donald Trump…did not and does not support Donald Trump.
Also, Ken Griffin did not and does not support Donald Trump, so if you are planning on cashing Griffin’s checks, you might as well say you didnt support Donald Trump, because you are going to get hit for being backed by a rhino anywho.
It’s hard to believe Mike Z recruited this high school talent show.
Jesse Sullivan is looking better-and-better. Maybe he can get Ives as his running mate?
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 7:11 pm
=== I know that sometimes gets Republicans in trouble with the base, but the last time I looked at a poll the majority of Republicans are not absolutists.===
If you’re about “correcting”, can you cite that poll?
Thanks.
I’d check this NPR story as well…
Irvin will be asked if Roe should be overturned in the primary… oh boy… I’ll be interesting. Gotta get past the primary.
Looking forward to your cite.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 7:49 pm
Well at least he’s now answering questions. But it does make me wonder what the prep was like these last couple of weeks. I mean it’s not as if these questions couldn’t have been anticipated. The fact that Flannery and Hinz would ask them tells me they’re taking Irvin’s candidacy seriously. Maybe a bit more seriously than the candidate himself? I’m beginning to wonder even with Griffin’s cash if Irvin is up to the task. We’re only a little more than 2 weeks past his announcement. I’ve got to think the questions get tougher from here. And we haven’t really gotten to his crime narrative and how that reconciles with his criminal defense work.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 7:50 pm
Ouch, unforced error that will haunt him. Like@GOM stated, can’t be a tough guy and run from a reporter.
In the ILGOP it is better to look crazy than weak. He looked weak.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 7:54 pm
=== Whoever he has hired has done him a great disservice. ===
Whoever Griffin hired to advise has done him a great disservice. Fixed it for you.
Not an impressive display so far.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 7:55 pm
My link.
shorturl.at/dmtIX
“About six-in-ten Americans say abortion should be legal in all or most cases”
- Pew Research, May 6, 2021
- NPR,
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 7:56 pm
===Maybe he can get Ives as his running mate?===
If she won’t do it, maybe Sully can get Fran Eaton or Jill Stanek to run with him. After this sad performance, that might move some ILGOP primary voters to him and lock them in.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 7:58 pm
He would have answered yes, you see, now that he’s been informed through the appropriate channels what his answer is. It’s going to be a tad awkward at the debate when he keeps stepping off stage to get his answers.
Someone might be a bit over their skis here.
Comment by Roadrager Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 8:01 pm
Full disclosure, I am pro-life with the exceptions. That is my personal choice and view.
I vote, and support, pro-choice.
Easy to reconcile, and live with too.
So, while I agree with Irvin’s “yes”, personally, voting for that after what could be after possible SCOTUS rulings…
Threading needles, Irvin is at this point.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 8:01 pm
Now I know why he wouldn’t speak to reporters until now.
Comment by Fivegreeneleaves Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 8:03 pm
The thing is… Bourne could *still* save the day, vouch for Irvin, try to paste her bona fides on abortion on Irvin to help, with exceptions…
What do they say about running mates? Ah. Yeah.
If you’re not hurting, you’re helping… if you’re not helping, you’re hurting.
Irvin needs some help.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 8:10 pm
“I think we’re done here.” - Six (6) syllables.
“Yes.” — One (1) syllable.
I don’t know if Irvin would have, but he certainly could have.
– MrJM
Comment by MisterJayEm Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 8:14 pm
== What ya if they say about running mates?==
Arguably, Stratton helped Pritzker put the Jesse White phone call behind him, but this is a much different kind of problem. A lesser one, I’d argue.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 8:15 pm
People I know in Aurora like the guy and generally think he’s done a good job as mayor. But the kinds of questions involved in running for governor are different, and he seemed unprepared. Not a good start to his media engagement.
Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 8:16 pm
That is a candidate not ready for prime time and he had enough time to get ready. Can’t wait to see how they handle the real oppo when it comes.
Comment by Long year Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 8:16 pm
===…but this is a much different kind of problem. A lesser one, I’d argue.===
Threading a needle to the general election, I disagree on the lesser, citing Rauner, Ives, HB40, and Proft and Brady both not on the Irvin bandwagon today.
It could be a huge problem if Irvin wins in June, SCOTUS changes course on Roe, and Irvin not fully on board with the decision, or needing to agree with the ruling, in Illinois, to keep the base… that eye of a needle gets smaller and smaller?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 8:20 pm
Well Z, things aren’t going so well for you. Simple questions like this and he’s having a hard time. It’s not gonna get easier. And your candidate has a lot in his background to answer.
Comment by Jenny Clark Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 8:30 pm
He’s a rookie and rookies make errors. The abortion mumbling won’t stick with him permanently. He’ll be ready with a better answer next time. He’s gotta check with the party leaders and funders to find out what positions are OK.
Comment by James Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 8:38 pm
===The abortion mumbling won’t stick with him permanently.===
Ads are tough to respond on abortion, as the responses reinforce a position that others aren’t gonna like. It’s like the *one* position in all politics you can’t fumble, as it defines you in ways that leave little daylight.
===He’s gotta check with the party leaders and funders to find out what positions are OK.===
Have you ever met someone who is staunchly pro-life?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 8:47 pm
all of Irvin’s answers on every interview seem dishonest or contrary to his actions.
Comment by Robbie Gould Fan Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 8:48 pm
He’s a rookie and rookies make errors.
-You only make these mistakes when you are not running on your own convictions. And instead running in attempts to fit a certain mold.
Comment by Real Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 9:02 pm
== The abortion mumbling won’t stick with him permanently. ==
I can think of 90 million ways to make it stick.
Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 9:11 pm
Selling your soul doesn’t make you a strong or effective candidate. This may be botched beyond repair.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 9:51 pm
Just watched Irvin’s debacle on WGN where he sat in silence on Trump question. Ken Griffin should sue anyone who suggested Irvin to him.
Comment by Robbie Gould Fan Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 9:59 pm
If I would have known that all you had to do to get north of $100M from Ken Griffin was continuously repeat the words crime and taxes I might have given it a shot.
After avoiding the press for two weeks I would have expected a little bit more from his coming out party. And not being prepared on the topic of Donald Trump and abortion? Well that’s just inexcusable.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 10:18 pm
This didn’t come off well. But at the end of the day probably better than giving the DGA that perfect little clip
Comment by TaxTheMemes Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:00 pm
Well… I’m late to the party. But let me just say… if he does occasionally smoke a cigar, tonight would be a good night for it. Because the competition had proven the only person that is going to result in JB Pritzker not being governor is JB Pritzker. That should be a relief and alarming simultaneously.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:24 pm
Maybe just maybe Irvin’s answers to the interview questions are not Richard Irvin’s answers, but are actually Ken Griffin’s bought and paid for “answers”.
Comment by Chicago 20 Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:25 pm
Irvin: “I think we’re done.”
More than you know.
Comment by Give Us Barabbas Thursday, Feb 3, 22 @ 11:57 pm
Buyers remorse? After watching that someone with a lot of money is looking for the pepto. Get Sullivan a running mate before it’s too late. The plane is going down but maybe—just maybe—a safe water landing is still possible. Irvin is not the guy.
Comment by Galway Bay Friday, Feb 4, 22 @ 12:59 am
coulda, shoulda woulda
Comment by Rabid Friday, Feb 4, 22 @ 5:58 am
=== Get Sullivan a running mate…===
There’s probably not an accident that the stolen valor candidate can’t find a number 2.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 4, 22 @ 6:56 am
Not good, this is not nearly as tough as it will get and to say he muffed it is an understatement. Nope not good for Irvin or the GOP hopefuls down ticket. If this continues, and Bailey is the winner of the GOP Primary, he will get pummeled and the House and Senate will not see the gains they might have. This is a disaster if it continues.
Comment by Elliott Ness Friday, Feb 4, 22 @ 7:32 am
Yes, this would be devastating in a normal year (in both the Repub Primary and General Election) but this may not be a normal year. As we all know, billionaire fueled Republicans are betting the farm that public safety and CRT will trump all progressive social issues issues this year. I think the jury is still out on whether or not that will work.
Comment by Irene Friday, Feb 4, 22 @ 7:32 am
The thing is, the actual job of being Governor doesn’t necessarily a quick wit and snappy answers. It helps, but you do have staff to lean on and time to think.
But, for whatever reason, we’ve decided that quick wits is one of the criteria we will use to choose…well, just about every elected official.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Feb 4, 22 @ 7:34 am
Don’t forget, this is a “Z Production”, when Z was given the Rauner reigns we all saw what happened. Part of the sad thing is that Bourne and Demmer decided to likely bet their political careers on this “plan”.
Comment by Elliott Ness Friday, Feb 4, 22 @ 7:36 am
I find this interesting, not from a horse race point of view, but from a policy point of view. The question was “would you ALLOW abortions…” The way it’s phrased is that women need permission to control their own bodies. Like in some scenario where a woman, maybe she’s an 11 year old pregnant with her brother or a woman wanting to get rid of a dead fetus inside her, needs to her her 1040-AB Abortion Authorization Form signed by a man before she can have agency.
Comment by Narc Friday, Feb 4, 22 @ 7:57 am
These posts made my morning. I suspect both Ken Griffin and I spit our coffee into our computer monitors today…for VERY different reasons.
Comment by Jocko Friday, Feb 4, 22 @ 8:05 am
Irvin looking to his handlers for help reminds me of Will Ferrell in the movie The Campaign when he was trying t9o remember the Lord’s Prayer:
NSFW- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhl1cnmOZ0Y
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Feb 4, 22 @ 8:23 am
Just another step toward the re-election of Gov. Pritzker. This guy may be the Mayor of the 2nd largest city in Illinois, but it obviously hasn’t prepared him to be Governor.
Comment by South of I-64 Friday, Feb 4, 22 @ 8:32 am
Is Aurora the Wasilla of Illinois?
Maybe he spent all his prep time trying to remember the newspapers he regularly reads.
Comment by Henry Francis Friday, Feb 4, 22 @ 8:42 am
I’ve been at the bedside of three different individuals as they passed away. One was surrounded by health professionals, the others were simply with family.
In all three instances, when life ends was very definitive. Whether with health or family, the determination was specific.
It seems that the classification of when life ends, would logically be the determination of when life begins.
Just my thought.
Comment by Downstate Friday, Feb 4, 22 @ 8:44 am
It will be interesting to see polling data for the general election.
Comment by James the Intolerant Friday, Feb 4, 22 @ 9:23 am
We just trade marked “I think we’re done”
Posters, coffee cups on the way.
‘riffin must be laughin’ out loud cause he conned Zell to write a check for this clown car and kept his pen in his pocket.
Next we ask about sanctuary cities — which RichieRich supports
Comment by Annonin' Friday, Feb 4, 22 @ 10:02 am
Who’s his handler?
Comment by PublicServant Friday, Feb 4, 22 @ 4:52 pm