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Illinois

* Check out the body language. Caption contest, or too federal?

* The Department of Revenue once again gives the SJ-R a scooplet an hour before it reaches anyone else’s in-box…

New projections from the state Department of Revenue, provided first to The State Journal-Register, show the state could get $800 million less in money it was counting on from three major tax areas by next summer unless the national and state financial picture turns around.

Just in time for veto session.

* Another loss for the guv’s legal team…

Gov. Rod Blagojevich must continue to use Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office to defend him in a lawsuit over his planned move of the state’s traffic safety division from Springfield to southern Illinois.

Sangamon County Judge Roger Holmes this morning rejected the governor’s bid to get Madigan’s office removed. Holmes said Blagojevich could raise the question later as the case proceeds but right there is no direct conflict in having Madigan defend him.

These people are in court more than an asbestos attorney.

* From a press release…

Continuing Illinois’ efforts to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that he would co-host the international Governors’ Global Climate Summit to be held later this month in California.

The governors’ summit was announced in September. It will be held next week in Beverly Hills. Nothing like waiting until the last minute.

One can’t help but wonder whether another gubernatorial fundraiser at some posh Beverly Hills hotel might be in the offing. They’ll have to do it without Rezko’s help, however. He’s otherwise indisposed.

The good news is that the California summit will be held November 18th and 19th. The General Assembly is scheduled to be in session on the 19th, so the guv will be far, far away.

* The DC press corps is sometimes just too batty for words…

So we obsess about [Michelle Obama’s] clothes, searching for clues to how individualistic she will be, how modern, how typically Washington?

Obsess? Really? Does anyone truly obsess over the first lady elect’s clothes?

Was Barack and Michelle sending a message to the whole world with black and red? Do those colors point back to their core beliefs? Do they point to their religious value system?

Let’s write the color choice off for now to basic social naivete and suggest that the Obamas had no idea that their black and red attire choice would suggest to some a deeper, hidden meaning.

OK, I stand corrected. Some people apparently do obsess about clothes.

* I tried cutting off comments a few years ago, but readers rebelled. Zorn may have better luck for numerous reasons. Since he’s big media, he attracted a broader audience so no real “community” could develop in comments like it has here.

* This post at 538 refers to presidential strategy, but it could just as easily apply to Illinois…

The Bush-Rove team of 2000 and 2004 understood the importance of appealing to suburban voters … that is a viable strategy. Pitching your appeal to rural voters, on the other hand, probably will not work. They’re outnumbered by the city dwellers in the first place, and if your attacks are strident enough that the suburbanites start to side with the urbanites, you’ve given yourself a big problem.

* YDD, posting at the newly revamped Illinoize, wonders about the placement of the constitutional convention question.

* Partnering with Mother Tribune on the Cub sale could be a disaster? So saith the Sun-Times…

Tribune Chairman Sam Zell has been trying to hold firm on his billion-dollar asking price, offering seller financing.

But sources said buyers are reacting coolly to that plan because they think a partnership with Tribune could be a disaster.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 1:13 pm

Comments

I love Michelle’s clothes. First ladies, whatever their other stellar qualities, have been far too frumpy in recent years, going back at least to Nancy Reagan. Really, to Jackie O.

And maybe Michelle can help out some young American designers, many of whom really deserve a boost. American textiles too.

While not a fashion plate during my own life, I have come to see fashion as a very important industry, not an example of frivolity
or lack of “seriousness,” as so many over-earnest pols would have us believe. Mostly men, of course.

Comment by Cassandra Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 1:27 pm
==cesspool of spam, vitriol, bigotry, misinformation and spite==
And those were just Sam Zell’s posts!

Comment by Vote Quimby! Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 1:32 pm
That “body-language” picture seems to worthy of a caption contest!

Comment by culatr Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 1:57 pm
Have at it.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 2:02 pm
OBAMA: “OK, I’ve got the same uniform. I’m ready.”

Comment by been there Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 2:18 pm
Caption: “Maybe my approval rating will go up if I stand a little closer to that one.”

Comment by Will Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 2:18 pm
Caption: Nice suit.

Comment by Cheswick Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 2:19 pm
it’s a waste of brain power to think about the clothing of women married to men in power. but, of course there has been criticism in the past…see Hillary Clinton, Nancy Reagan. and, criticism of clothing of women running for office…see this last cycle. another waste of brain power, and largely sexist. women are as guilty as men of obsessing over the dress of those women trying to get power or who are close to power. until we stop doing this, women won’t be sitting in the power seat. we’ll just be decoration. spend brain power trying to solve society’s ills.

Comment by Amy Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 2:20 pm
We obsessed over Sarah Palin’s clothes, so why not Michelle Obama’s?

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 2:21 pm
–”The General Assembly is scheduled to be in session on the 19th, so the guv will be far, far away.”–

How nice for Rod. The 19th is the day citizens of Livingston Co and AFSCME will be wandering up and down around Springfield. I would imagine there’s a few TS supporters that would have liked to have had a word with him also.

Comment by Princess Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 2:22 pm
We did not obsess over CaribouBarbie’s clothes, we obsessed over the $150k of good GOP campaign cash that could have gone to PoorBrent or PoorJoan or PoorAnita to help confirm the wisdon of the RodTodd plan.
I am sure putting in a few thou more would have put our plan over the top
Dang

Comment by EmptySuitParade Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 2:46 pm
OBAMA: “Take. The. Picture.”

It looks like Obama is trying not to breathe the same air as Bush. Good thinking. Stupidity seems to have been contagious in that administration.

Comment by SO ILL Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 2:47 pm
–Continuing Illinois’ efforts to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that he would co-host the international Governors’ Global Climate Summit to be held later this month in California.–

Let me guess. Private plane to LA. Couple of Lincoln Navigators or equivalents for the posse to roll through the hills of Beverly. Suite at the Beverly Hilton.

It’s tough, but everybody has to do their bit to use reduce their carbon footprint.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 2:50 pm
Six Degrees,

People brought up the outrageous cost of Sarah Palin’s wardrobe as it related to the spin the McCain camp was weaving about elitism, celebrities, average joes, etc.

The highest paid McCain staffer in the month after Gov. Palin was brought on the ticket was her hair and makeup person for goodness sake.

…As for the Obamas’ clothes on Election Day, some folks need to get a life. They’d be complaining if they walked out dressed in flags.

–

Caption contest…

Obama: Try not touch him. 2012’s only 4 year away. No incriminating photos.

Bush: Am I in the picture? Should I lean in more? I don’t think they’re including me in the photo.

Comment by Rob_N Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 2:55 pm
To the extent that Obama seems very scripted and a lot of meaning on everything. So the colors could have meaning–I am not saying they do only that it is a possibility.
Red can be seen as communism, red can be seen as power.

It is going to be interesting to see what kind of monetary policy Obama has and also his SOS.

Comment by Neil Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 2:55 pm
Caption: Among the youngest men ever to be elected President, Barack Obama was on his very best behavior today remembering his grandmother’s words, “don’t touch anything.”

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 2:55 pm
Caption:

Bush to Obama, “Oh look! A kitty!”

Comment by Old Shepherd Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 3:01 pm
This is not a caption but those two look about presidential as I do. And I don’t. (They both look like they got caught with a hand in the cookie jar.)

Comment by Captain Flume Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 3:10 pm
–Red can be seen as communism, red can be seen as power.–

Communism? You guys are killing me.

I remember during the Reagan Era everyone made a big deal that Nancy Reagan liked red dresses. Now it’s all becoming clear to me, the summits with Gorbachev, the trip to China…

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 3:12 pm
Captions:

What Bush is thinking: “Hey, this guy is hot! He’s on fire! Let me just scootch up to him and see if any of his luck rubs off on me, maybe make me look like a Great Emancipator or something.”

What Barack is thinking: “Ewww. Cooties!”

Comment by Carnac Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 3:15 pm
Obama to self: “…call Rahm for an update, call David to get his thoughts on the speech, return Michelle’s call, return Valerie’s call, see what the Cubans are saying now, return Carter’s call, do I have my keys, check with my senate office…”
Bush to self: “Cool, let’s have some fun with the photographers!”

Comment by Ahem Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 3:16 pm
I think Nancy did not like red dresses, she liked Red China because it went with her blue tablecloths.

Comment by Captain Flume Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 3:16 pm
===I think Nancy did not like red dresses===

Um, huh?

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 3:18 pm
President Elect Obama today visited the White House but seemed to shy away from the request from President Bush that they sing a duet.

or

President-Elect Obama responds after falling for President Bush’s ‘Pull my finger’ request.

Comment by OneMan Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 3:21 pm
Caption: “Both the president and president-elect show off their freakishly long right arms.”

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 3:26 pm
Caption: The Sears catalog shows off the new mens wear action models.

I just realized I put on red and black today. Feeling like an anti-work anarchist today and didn’t even knowing this morning. Must have gotten the secret code over the airwaves.

Comment by zatoichi Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 3:29 pm
Bush: “Heh, heh, I’m still relevant. No, really, I am.”

Obama: “Is he touching me? I know Michelle said to be nice, but this dude is actually touching me!”

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 3:36 pm
Caption:
Dumb and Dumber. Look at how bid there ears are. They have more in common than they thought.

Comment by Boscobud Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 3:38 pm
Bush: Hey, cmon, Big Bear, let’s Barack and roll: You say tomayto, I say tomahta, you say Obama, I say Osama…

Obama: Let’s take it easy on the Texas Shooters till you’re back in Crawford, Mr. President.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 3:39 pm
zatoichi -

just as long as you’re not feeling like an anti-work antichrist. that’d be bad. and deeper. and more hidden.

Comment by Rob_N Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 3:40 pm
Heads are about to explode… Michelle Obama’s wearing red again today.

It’s obvious now. So obvious we should’ve all seen it 6 days ago and voted for the other guy instead. His running mate never wore red, or did she?!?!

(Where’s Vince Price when you need him?)

Comment by Rob_N Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 3:45 pm
(Cue Odd Couple Music)

“Can 2 men share a photo-op without driving each other crazy?”

Really, I don’t think 2 accomplished, powerful men can look more uncomfortable!

Comment by Lefty Lefty Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 4:06 pm
BHO: Did he really not hear all those bad things I said about him, or is he just trying to be nice?

Comment by Vote Quimby! Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 4:12 pm
(Cue Perfect Strangers theme music)

Sometimes the world looks perfect
Nothin’ to rearrange
Sometimes you just
Get a feelin’ like you need some kind of change
Standin’ tall
On the wings of my dream
Rise and fall
On the wings of my dream
Rain and thunder, the wind and haze
I’m bound for better days
It’s my life
It’s my dream
Nothin’s gonna stop me now

Comment by Anon from BB Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 4:31 pm
Barack: “What, are all those people doing in line over there? One of those people looks like Donnie Trott…”

Bush: “Oh, those people! Those are all people from Illinois, they said they knew you, they said something about “bringing home the federal bacon.”

Comment by Speaking At Will Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 4:36 pm
Bush: Don’t worry the dog already bit someone this week!

Comment by sinedie Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 4:40 pm
They both got some big ears!!!

Comment by Levois Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 5:15 pm
With a nudge from President Bush, the new Obama administration completed its move to the right.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 5:33 pm
Bush elbows Obama and with a wicked grin tells him out of the corner of his mouth, “Okay Barack, here’s what you’ve been waiting for: when POTUS wants to have some special time with FLOTUS, you tell them this secret code word….”

Comment by Ahem Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 6:12 pm
Has there ever been a more uncomfortable looking photo-op?

Maybe Obama told George that he’s moving Gitmo to Crawford.

Comment by jerry 101 Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 6:44 pm
There was a show of Jackie’s clothes somewhere a couple of years ago - maybe at the Field. Anyway, it was amazing the way it showed her communication and political savvy, and the way the clothes were such a prominent part of it. That lady did not wear a particular dress just to look nice, although, well, wow. She did it to very consciously create a certain impression on millions of people who were seeing her on TV. I suspected before, and thought more so after, that she was the brains of the couple. We probably won’t be saying that about Michelle, but she has plenty of brains of her own, looks good in fashion, and even though she seemed to initially have very mixed feelings about being a political spouse (what sane person wouldn’t?), she seems to be getting into it fast. She may really wow us, and the world.

Comment by Excessively rabid Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 7:02 pm
OMG! I really thought I might be too late for the photo caption, but it looks as if the rest of you missed it or are in denial.

Bush (singing…joyfully!): Yippie-I-O, Yippie-I-Yay! A few more weeks and I’m on my way! Hey, Barack, here are the keys to the Palace, Guy!!! Have fun!!!

Obama: Uh oh. This Guy looks WAY to happy to be out of here. Axelrod!!! Axelrod!!! What are you not tellin’ me about this new job???!!!! Axelrod???!!!

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 7:26 pm
Companion press release to the over-important-sounding Arnold one:

“Governor strikes historic, major, exclusive deal with Columbia.”
(record club)

“The governor is ecstatic that he and all Illinois citizens will get their first ten albums for just a penny, which, you know, has Lincoln on it.”

“Blagojevich said the payment details to follow the first ten were a detail to be handled by the legislature”.

Comment by Gregor Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 7:35 pm
Obama: So…this is going to be pretty tough, huh?

Bush: Yup. Smile for the camera!

Obama: Any advice on how to handle the stress?

Bush: Well…I always enjoyed the attention I got when I made up words like…strategery, for example. Or stumped folks with statements like “I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully”.

Obama: OK. Thanks.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 7:39 pm
Obama: Didn’t they tell you not to wear the gray suit with the light blue tie?

Bush: Nope.

Obama: Yes they did. I heard them on the phone, telling you not to wear the gray suit with the light blue tie.

Bush: Nope.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 7:50 pm
Obama: Hey, Bush, we’re in trouble here!

Bush: Huh??

Obama: Someone told me the other day that your ears grow all your life.

Bush: Huh? What ears grow on my wife?

Comment by Disgusted Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 9:57 pm
Watch and learn from me Barack. This could be your first time on Letterman’s Great Moments in Presidential History.

Comment by Been There Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 9:58 pm
President George Bush stands next to a cardboard cutout of President Elect Barack Obama.

(notice there is no space between Obama’s arms or legs as far as we can see)

Comment by archpundit Monday, Nov 10, 08 @ 10:40 pm
Bush: I can’t wait to get out of this place and go back to Texas. Obama: Oh look, a kitty…

Comment by Holdingontomywallet Tuesday, Nov 11, 08 @ 6:22 am
I can see the mailers in future campaigns now!

“Obama! Just a another Bush Supporter!”

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Tuesday, Nov 11, 08 @ 7:54 am