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An instant classic: “Right on, Bruce Rauner”

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* The IEA’s new YouTube video is the funniest political spot of the season so far

* Script…

Woman in limo: “I’m not paying attention to all those negative ads, because I know the real Bruce Rauner will stand up for me.”

Man in upscale bar: “A tax system that favors the wealthy… for once. When are the poor and middle class gonna start paying their fair share? I’m with you, Bruce Rauner.”

Woman in tennis outfit: “I want my little princess to go to the best private schools around. And I want taxpayers to pay for it all. I know I can count on you, Bruce Rauner.”

Woman in limo: “We need a governor who knows how to create jobs… in China. Outsourcing, wage cuts, union busting. Bruce Rauner will help job creators like me boost that bottom line.”

Old man with young woman: “Pensions! Who cares about pensions? If you want to retire comfortably, marry rich. Right on, Bruce Rauner.”

Narrator: “Tax breaks for the rich. Attacks on public schools. Union busting. And more! They’re standing with Bruce Rauner because Bruce Rauner is standing with them.”

The first few times I heard “Attacks on public schools,” I thought the narrator was saying “A tax on public schools.” The video succeeds on multiple levels.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 9:31 am

Comments

  1. Seriously getting sick of the snark in politics. But I guess it works.

    Comment by Confused Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 9:32 am

  2. Everyone should enjoy the humor in this,…. even Quinn haters.

    Comment by Skeptic Cal Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 9:35 am

  3. I don’t like class warfare, but I have to admit the commercial is good. I got the biggest kick out of the young “girlfriend” standing behind the old dude. What’s everyone’s take that everyone in the commercial is white?

    Comment by Just Observing Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 9:36 am

  4. Is this only going to be a Youtube ad?

    Comment by Yipperdo Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 9:40 am

  5. Good ad! And uncomfortably close to the truth.

    Comment by Way Northsider Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 9:42 am

  6. Even honest Republicans would concede a kernel of truth here. It’s fair to say the wealthy can count on Bruce Rauner to strenuously oppose a graduated income tax.

    Comment by Anon Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 9:46 am

  7. It’s getting deep around here folks. I enjoyed the ad but it is symptomatic of everything that is wrong in Illinois politics. I DO NOT support Quinn or Rauner. I believe we will suffer utter lunacy in Springfield regardless of the victor. Have we attracted the best and brightest? …NO Is this the best we can do in Illinois? … I hope not. I refuse to withhold my vote but I will feel guilty if I vote for one of these jerks. Where is our viable third option?

    Comment by Jasper Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 9:50 am

  8. Good ad. Deftly smears B. Rauner with unpleasant stereotypes.
    My question is whether the demographic of You Tube users, where this spot is running, are sufficiently unsophisticated to fall for it or just get a good chuckle.

    Comment by Cook County Commoner Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 9:52 am

  9. Funny thing is: it’s simultaneously snarky and real. People talk like this — and truly believe this — and will likely misunderstand the ad. That’s pretty funny. And sad.

    It’s a smart ad.

    Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 9:55 am

  10. Nice Colbert level spot.

    Comment by zatoichi Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 9:58 am

  11. Imagine the thought process for this!
    We are going to mock and stereotype voters who support our political opponent. They are all rich people who ride around in ugly fat limousines, wear preppy tennis outfits, look like sleasebags at bars, and old men with young girls. We are going to have them say tacky and heartless things.

    Why are we going to do this? Because if voters see how we will see them if they don’t vote for Pat Quinn, we can shame them by presenting Rauner voters like this.

    No one wants to be seen like this, so we’ll make sure anyone thinking about not voting for Pat Quinn will know what we think of them.

    That’ll work!

    When we see how much we will need to work together to find the funding and work out the issues we face together as a state - no one wins when this kind of narrow minded “humor” taints our election.

    There are real reasons to vote for Pat Quinn. There are real reasons voters elected Pat Quinn.
    How about respecting voters enough to remind them?

    This stuff is terrible.

    Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 10:04 am

  12. Good ad. Unfortunately this will be lost on most of those voting.

    It would be great if we had a tough choice between two great candidates. Still, I favor Rauner as Quinn continues to prove he simply cannot lead. But then he just might be leading in patronage jobs?

    Comment by Sunshine Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 10:09 am

  13. ===When we see how much we will need to work together to find the funding and work out the issues we face together as a state - no one wins when this kind of narrow minded “humor” taints our election.

    There are real reasons to vote for Pat Quinn. There are real reasons voters elected Pat Quinn.
    How about respecting voters enough to remind them?===

    lol.

    This is a YouTube Ad geared toward teachers.

    This is not a mainstream TV Ad designed to sway Independents/Undecideds.

    You may need to pay attention more to what is going on with these Ads and “stuff” because the “respect the voters” knee jerk reaction to just about every negative Ad is like calling this Governor’s race a referendum. It ain’t. Every Ad isn’t about selling the good, but reinforcing to a specific group what the bad might be.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 10:10 am

  14. We get it. Bruce Rauner is rich and tall. He often appears stiff and aloof. Pat Quinn is bald and approachable. He often looks like a deer in the headlights and governs day-to-day.

    Please tell us something we don’t know.

    Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 10:11 am

  15. I love this video. It’s my favorite so far. Too bad it’s just a YouTube video (no offense, I love YouTube).

    I hope something like this comes out on TV.

    Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 10:13 am

  16. The best video of the season!

    Comment by NewWestSuburbanGOP'er Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 10:16 am

  17. Yeah, its all those darn rich people are ruining Illinois……I have to assume the women in the limo is heading for the state line and taking her business with her.

    Comment by John A Logan Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 10:19 am

  18. good ad, over the top a little, but a lot of truth in it- just reinforces my decision to hold my nose and vote for Quinn…

    Comment by downstate commissioner Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 10:21 am

  19. Classic. If that Ad ran on TV and Quinn REALLY pushed raising the minimum wage he could manage to pull out a victory in November. Not to worry though - the Quinn Team is way to myopic to do such a thing thusly it is 100% assured that Rauner wins. As I called it 3 months ago : Rauner is the next Governor of Illinois. Great Ad though - but You Tube just don’t cut it.

    Comment by Mcleanic Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 10:35 am

  20. Runs circles around anything the Quinn campaign political consultants or its in-house messaging team has done.

    Comment by Willie Stark Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 10:39 am

  21. It’s ok, but in the big picture I think it’s subject to jujitsu. Rauner: “You’ve seen a lot of my opponent’s ads attacking me - how many have you seen where he appears and defends his record? Because he can’t.” I don’t think Quinn can negative-ad himself to victory.

    Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 10:40 am

  22. I liked most of the ad.

    The thing about public/private schools was the one part that I thought did not work.

    I think most parents would like their kids to go to the best schools and have the state pick up the tab. I don’t think a desire for vouchers is unique to the rich or is any sort of sign that Rauner is out of touch.

    Overall though, I liked the message and the way it was delivered. I give it an A-.

    Comment by Gooner Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 10:43 am

  23. Oh wait, before somebody beats me to it, this ad is also a sign that Quinn is desperate. This ad, while being well made and with a message that connects to most voters, will not make a difference.

    OK, those points were covered. Now hopefully the usual suspects will drop those two points and actually discuss the ad.

    Comment by Gooner Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 10:45 am

  24. **this ad is also a sign that Quinn is desperate. **

    Huh?

    And Rauner’s ad with his trashcan van said… what?

    Comment by AlabamaShake Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 10:53 am

  25. I thought Rauner’s daughter attended one of the Chicago Public Schools for high school. So after making clout calls to get his daughter into the CPS, he now opposes public education?

    Funny commercial tho.

    I think the IEA will be hard pressed to produce a positive commercial promoting Quinn’s successes.

    Comment by Under Further Review Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 10:54 am

  26. Alabama Shakes,

    It was a joke.

    In response to any pro-Quinn or anti-Rauner ad, people like Vanilla Man will offer the opinion that Quinn must be desperate and further, no matter what the ad says, that the ad will make no difference

    You could have Jesus Christ come down merely to do an ad for Quinn, and Vanilla Man would offer the opinion “Summoning Christ for this? They need the help of The One? They must be desperate. But voters don’t care about Christ. This will not make a difference.”

    I find those comments amusing, so I’ve joined their chorus.

    Comment by Gooner Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 10:58 am

  27. ===how many have you seen where he appears and defends his record? Because he can’t===

    Um, he’s had two in the past few weeks. The one-minute re-intro ad and the lawn-mower ad (talked about cutting the budget).

    Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 11:01 am

  28. === Yeah, its all those darn rich people are ruining Illinois===

    Yes the economic collapse that has caused much of the damage to IL was the result of greed by a number of wealthy bankers/investment firms etc.

    I am glad you understand the actual root of much of our problems. unregulated greed.

    people making minimium wage did not crash the job market or the economy. Uninsured people needing medical treatment did not send companies into financial death spirals when the bond market collpased under inflated and junk investments deigned to make the wealthy wealthier.

    Comment by Ghost Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 11:02 am

  29. C’mon people, it couldn’t be worse than Quinnocchio

    Comment by Skeptic Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 11:07 am

  30. The old guy with the Lexus and trophy third wife was classic…

    Comment by sangamon gop Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 11:28 am

  31. It’s cute and well produced. It may be effective, we’ll have to see. It could also come across too smart-allecky. If this race is where I think it is, this might be something those “middlings” don’t like. But cute? You betcha.

    Comment by A guy... Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 11:39 am

  32. AWESOME

    Comment by Jimmy Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 11:44 am

  33. Imagine an ad mocking Quinn supporters now.

    How effective would it be to see actors portraying a union stooge, a IDOT patronage manager, or a recipient of some of that $54,500,000 grant money - touting the praises of Governor Quinn?

    What would be the point?

    These ads aren’t making fun of a candidate - they are mocking and insulting your neighbors who are considering that candidate. It is a shaming ad. It is designed to insult.

    The last thing a candidate should do is insult the voters they need to have in order to get elected.

    This is just plain foolish.

    Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 12:02 pm

  34. ===The last thing a candidate should do===

    It’s not a Quinn ad. It’s clearly labeled at the top as an IEA ad.

    Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 12:04 pm

  35. ===These ads aren’t making fun of a candidate - they are mocking and insulting your neighbors who are considering that candidate. It is a shaming ad. It is designed to insult.===

    This Ad might be too sophisticated for you since the idea that Bruce calls HIMSELF a “.01%er”, is what this Ad us about; Bruce looking out for the “.01%ers” like himself.

    If Quinn had people like him in an Ad, it wouldn’t be as snarky of a stereotype, except to the Career Politicians…

    Bruce calling himself “one of the ‘.01%’ is genius.

    ===The last thing a candidate should do is insult the voters they need to have in order to get elected.===

    Mocking the “.01%ers”? Worked for Obama…just saying, lol

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 12:08 pm

  36. Good argument, Vanilla.

    The whole “he’s out of touch” line has never worked. Gosh, I don’t know who would try that sort of failed argument.

    Thanks for that great analysis!

    Comment by Gooner Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 12:09 pm

  37. people like Vanilla Man will offer the opinion that Quinn must be desperate

    I don’t consider Quinn desperate, and I’ve never suggested such.

    Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 12:20 pm

  38. not too much of a stretch…I have heard rich republican friends basically say similar things…yeah its class warfare, but fewer people hold more of the wealth than four years ago…it has consequences for many, and they’re not pleasant…

    Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 12:27 pm

  39. It’s an A for the audience it is intended for - teachers. It’s an IEA production directed at teachers, an educated crowd. And right now, they are educated in general but also politically. They will love the sarcasm. It is not over the top for them! Not after the way they’ve been treated!

    Personally, I think this is more impactful than anything I’ve seen from PQ’s team. BR is working hard to hide what he really thinks - if he won’t stand up for his own true beliefs, what is wrong with someone pointing them out? If they aren’t what he believes, maybe he’ll finally come forward with some policy statements that will tell the voters his plans for governance.

    If these are lies, Brucie, tell us what you’ll do about the big issues facing our state.

    (P.S. Brucie, every time I hear you want to shake up Springfield, I think of that popular song and all I see is you dancing your days away, giddy that you got your prize…)

    Comment by PolPal56 Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 12:27 pm

  40. This Ad might be too sophisticated for you since the idea that Bruce calls HIMSELF a “.01%er”, is what this Ad us about; Bruce looking out for the “.01%ers” like himself.

    So how could that be? How could anyone be too sophisticated for this bad parody of an bad SNL script? No one is that unsophisticated.

    Where do you get your knowledge about the .01%? From a “Richy Rich” comic book? From the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?” From the “Beverly Hillbillies”? These embarrassing stereotypes are so badly done, it is cringeworthy for viewers.

    It is as bad as the work done a few months ago that showed Mr. Burns from “The Simpsons” as the only kind of person who truly understands and supports Rauner.

    Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 12:32 pm

  41. ===Where do you get your knowledge about the .01%? From a “Richy Rich” comic book? From the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?” From the “Beverly Hillbillies”? These embarrassing stereotypes are so badly done, it is cringeworthy for viewers.===

    You have heard of parody, right? No one is believing these caricatures are saying it, it’s selling the premise, the overall message. That might be too sophisticated, since you are hung up on each individual parody, instead of the mosaic.

    ===It is as bad as the work done a few months ago that showed Mr. Burns from “The Simpsons” as the only kind of person who truly understands and supports Rauner.===

    No, that was trying to equate Mr. Burbs in actual to Bruce in actual, a cartoon caricature. This is a big picture mocking of “.01%ers”.

    It’s genius on many levels, including the line Rich points out.

    When you do farce or parody, it’s not actual…playing and poking fun at the stereotypes is the joke you’re missing.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 12:43 pm

  42. I do think there is such a thing of over playing the “rich person” card.

    Comment by Yipperdo Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 12:50 pm

  43. OW: “It’s genius on many levels, including the line Rich points out.”

    Actually, Willie, it’s not genius on any level, including the one Rich pointed out.

    It’s connecting with his supporters. This whole coordinated effort with all the groups supporting him still feel a strong need to “convince” the people who are already supposed to be convinced.

    It’s clever, it’s cute, it’s not even in the same zip code as “genius”.

    Comment by A guy... Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 12:52 pm

  44. ===It’s connecting with his supporters.===

    It’s not a Quinn Ad.

    Not.

    It’s a YouTube Ad for Union membership, by its Union.

    It’s the Union making the case against Rauner, and the Union educating the educators what is at stake in a parody.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 12:56 pm

  45. Great ad. I especially like use of puffy old white guy advising to marry rich. Brilliantly avoids use of some bimbo saying it which might come across as sexist. But the trophy wife or whatever can be seen standing in the background. Brilliantly gets the point across in a way that I think a lot of women especially will love.

    Comment by too obvious Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 1:02 pm

  46. I took it for what it was, a Saturday Night live type of parody ad that was well produced. Should have used a little more humor to drill the point in, like a yapping ankle biter harassing the tennis player, champaign for the limo lady, a big bored yawn from the trophy wife while Mr. Anti-Pension spoke.

    Which highlights the class warfare stuff out there now, spreading the seeds of jealousy and anger for a short term win. Might as well blunt that angry stuff with a few laughs at the expense of those they were ridiculing?

    Comment by Louis G Atsaves Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 1:08 pm

  47. OW: “It’s not a Quinn Ad.

    Not.”

    It’s not an ad paid for by Quinn. It’s most definitely a Quinn Ad. Is.

    I’m not alleging anything illegal. I’m alleging these communications are coordinated as part of a long ago agreed to strategy with input from groups with similar interests. No talking. No direct communication. Just enough winks and nods to make sure the trains run on time.

    Call it anything you wish my friend. But to the people who see this; it’s a Quinn ad.

    Comment by A guy... Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 1:08 pm

  48. - A Guy… -,

    === ===- Rich Miller - Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 12:04 pm:

    ===The last thing a candidate should do===

    It’s not a Quinn ad. It’s clearly labeled at the top as an IEA ad.===

    Saying it doesn’t make it so. Read.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 1:12 pm

  49. I like the ad and it could be effective if they follow it up with solid and specific ads touching on each of the hot button items covered in this initial piece. Assuming of course, that polling on those specific issues moves independent and soft “D” voters If not…then it’s just a funny ad with little consequence.

    Comment by Interesting... Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 1:17 pm

  50. Great ad! Hope they put some serious points behind it. Doubt it will move the needle much, but it’s fun.

    Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 1:40 pm

  51. “it is cringeworthy for viewers” and carrying around a box of chickens to a press conference is…?

    Comment by Skeptic Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 1:43 pm

  52. O Willy, I saw what the master said. I read it. He was answering a question or pointing out that Q didn’t pay for it, didn’t produce it, buy the air time, etc. blah, etc. yadda, etc.

    My point was otherwise. The swift boats weren’t McCain either.

    Sometimes these third parties help, other times not so much. Jury’s out on this one. Rich likes it. The big question is: who’s this race hang on right now and what do they think? I don’t know. But I’ll keep my ears peeled to see if people have seen this, and if they have, what’s their thought. I will diligently report back to you.

    Comment by A guy... Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 2:55 pm

  53. ==What’s everyone’s take that everyone in the commercial is white?==

    It’s representative. The overwhelming majority of wealthy people in the United States are white. Could also be based on Rauner’s GTCR hiring practices.

    Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 3:02 pm

  54. ==- VanillaMan - Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 12:20 pm:==

    A provably false lie.

    https://capitolfax.com/2014/08/05/question-of-the-day-1876/
    https://capitolfax.com/2014/08/28/rate-gov-quinns-new-tv-ad-2/

    Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 3:02 pm

  55. PC, only not too PC, perhaps we could invite you into the very wealthy sections of Naperville and Oak Brook, Burr Ridge, and other places in DuPage Co. and introduce you to a lot of wealthy people who don’t meet your description.

    Comment by A guy... Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 3:29 pm

  56. Rich - he may have them, but I don’t know how often he’s running them (and his supporters sure aren’t running those kinds of ads). Rauner’s are about 50-50 pro/neg, nearly everything I’ve heard on the Quinn side is “evil millionaire.”

    Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 3:47 pm

  57. === I don’t know how often he’s running them===

    Oh, for crying out loud. The lawnmower ad is ubiquitous. And the Tribune reported that he spent a small fortune on that intro ad.

    Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 3:52 pm

  58. –The overwhelming majority of wealthy people in the United States are white. –

    A Guy,you take issue with that statement? How?

    By any definition of “wealthy,” from millionaire (77%) to the 1% (82%), the overwhelming majority in the United States are white.

    That offends or upsets you somehow?

    You know that the majority of people in the United States are white, don’t you?

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 4:04 pm

  59. A guy: Are you going to be like this for the rest of the campaign season? You used to be a lot more fun.

    Comment by Cheswick Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 4:12 pm

  60. Gooner:

    Most people do not believe we should shift tax dollars from public education to private school vouchers.

    The poll numbers are through the roof.

    Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Sep 8, 14 @ 5:20 pm

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