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* Tribune columnist John Kass fesses up to willfully participating in the Illinois Policy Institute’s upcoming “documentary” on Speaker Madigan and offers an apology to his readers and his paper…
But it was bad judgment for me to participate in the documentary, since it was backed by the Illinois Policy Institute, a group that supports Gov. Bruce Rauner in his political fight with Madigan. I have no complaints with the institute, and understood from the start that the group was behind the documentary. But I should have declined the group’s request, since the Tribune is an independent newspaper, and my participation is inconsistent with that mission. For this I apologize to my readers and to my newspaper.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:07 pm
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The words “Tribune” and “independent newspaper” should never appear in the same sentence.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:09 pm
Hahahahaha
Comment by Centennial Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:09 pm
Sorry - 3:09 was from Stones
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:10 pm
So the film makers lied to people that they thought weren’t in the Governor’s back pocket.
That’s not a great admission.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:14 pm
When are we going to be able to respond with GIFs on here. Cause all I can say he gets the moutza or whatever that award is he likes to give out.
Comment by Come on man! Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:16 pm
he knew what he was getting into and did it anyway - his apology is as fake as his newspaper’s ‘independence’.
Comment by doofusguy Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:17 pm
— bad judgement —
That should definitely be in the running for understatement of the year.
Comment by illini Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:18 pm
“my newspaper”?!? i know he thinks highly of himself but surely he doesn’t think he owns the Chicago Tribune
Comment by frisbee Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:19 pm
That is bad. But what’s even worse is the quality of the editorial board’s work on state government the past couple of years.
Comment by Keyrock Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:21 pm
Because everyone else in the MSM has such clean hands. Take for example, Carol Marin, she has never been a liberal activist. It’s only those damn Repubs.
Comment by Rhino Slider Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:21 pm
I did it. I was wrong. I’m sorry.
Can’t beef about the apology.
Being IN the documentary …
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:22 pm
Looking forward to Katrina McQueary’s similar apology for shilling with Tillman, Proft et al.
Comment by Reality Check Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:22 pm
If he had any intregity…oh wait. Never mind.
Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:22 pm
Meh. The Trib’s ed board has been a much bigger asset for Rauner than anything IPI has done.
Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:22 pm
Kass: “welcome to the monthly meeting of the Hee-Man Madigan Haters Club, I’m your president.”
All: “Hi John!”
Kass: “Tonight we have a special guest for a fair and balanced analysis of the crookedest man never to be indicted for anything, John Tillman….”
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:29 pm
What a joke…
Comment by El Conquistador Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:33 pm
Not sure why Kass is so bent out of shape. He’s no journalist. The Chicago Tribune is no longer a real newspaper. The IPI is Rauner’s puppet.
It’s fiction all around. Eat some Skittles, Kass.
Comment by Bobby Catalpa Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:34 pm
If you read him in “his” newspaper, listen to him on “his” radio station or hear “his” comments on the IPI’s anti-Madigan docu-drama, Kass dislikes MAdigan and Democrats.
Thanks for the apology, but no sense splitting hairs.
He should apologize for the IPI duping others like Rich Miller and still being part of a hatchet-job.
Comment by Winnin' Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:36 pm
=It’s only those damn Repubs.=
I don’t know Carol Marin from the dog catcher. Help me understand the relevance? What Mockumentary has she appeared in?
FYI- almost no media is “Fair and Balanced” even when it claims to be.
Poor you, always the victim.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:38 pm
Intentionally humorous? I totally assume Kass was chortling with the other TRONC op-ed peeps when this reached print.
Comment by The_Equalizer Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:38 pm
Lads has been irrelevant for 10 years at least
Comment by DuPage Saint Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:40 pm
I don’t much care for Mr. Kass, but I say good on him for apologizing.
Comment by SAP Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:43 pm
One of Kassamoron’s funniest columns. Now when will we hear from StateFundedSimpson? That should a hoot
Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:45 pm
I do find it precious that Kass still sees himself in as a journalist. It’s times like this, you just wanna give Kass a big ole hug and squeeze his cheeks… It’s like he’s last to know who he is now.
But… the apology… Kass owned his… own bias?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:46 pm
It’s almost like he went feral.
Then realized he went feral.
And apologized.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:49 pm
I always get a laugh out of the acronym, MSM. I think it means Mainstream Media. Just more Elitist Propaganda from Right Wing Nut Jobs used as part of their Class War.
Comment by Jim DeLinko Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:49 pm
Still waiting for that beer can chicken apology from Kass.
http://amazingribs.com/tips_and_technique/debunking_beer_can_chicken.html
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:52 pm
Kudos to Kass for making such a public acknowledgement.
Though, I guess I would like to hear his definition of “independent” newspaper.
It is inarguable that a Rauner-IPI-Tribune Editorial Board troika has been in operation for over two years now, right down to the synced talking points.
Comment by Teddy K Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 3:53 pm
We don’t really expect op ed writers to be unbiased. They’re job is to give opinions and entertain us. He’s not a reporter.
Comment by NoGifts Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 4:03 pm
So Rauner’s shills used sneaky corrupt tactics to portray Madigan as being sneaky and corrupt. No surprise here.
Comment by IllinoisBoi Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 4:06 pm
Michael Madigan and the John Kass’s he controls…
Comment by steward Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 4:09 pm
It’s all good, John. Colonel McCormick would be proud of you.
Comment by CEA Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 4:20 pm
Kass may be acumen its and an opinion writer, but even he knows that his work can sway elections. That’s why it is laughable that he would apologize for the IPI docu-drama but think everything else is just hunky dory.
A hand should go in his face.
Comment by Winnin' Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 4:26 pm
Kass is a columnist paid to give his opinion and not a journalist OW
The Tribune also has Eric Zorn and other columnists who are liberal.
That is the definition of independent - something for everyone to agree or disagree with.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 4:30 pm
- Lucky Pierre -,
You should ask Kass if he sees himself as a journalist.
While Kass writes a column, and as a columnist, he writes an opinion piece.
If you want to dismiss Kass’ journalist credentials, that’s on you I guess, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 4:40 pm
He is sorry he got caught.
Comment by DuPage Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 4:40 pm
–Kudos to Kass for making such a public acknowledgement.–
Kudos for getting caught? If Rich hadn’t busted open the grift, you never would have heard from him.
Kass and Katrina are in a never-ending audition to be the next Sean or Laura gasbags on the radio box. That kind of gig pays real money, and you can “brand” yourself into “books” that illiterate people buy at the Kwiky-Mart — say like “Killing Jesus” by noted theologian Bill O’Reilly.
They’re journalistic sellouts (that’s the nice word), hoping Count Troncula, Griff or the Bubble Wrap King of Kenosha will bankroll their bobble-head-yapping showbiz careers.
It’s like the punchline to the old joke: we’ve established what you are, honey, now we’re just talking price.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 4:41 pm
Kass knew what he was doing so why bother to apologize? The Tribune must be bleeding subscribers for him to step up and pretend they’re an independent publication. Why didn’t he say they’re fair and balanced while he was at it?
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 4:43 pm
–Kass may be acumen its and an opinion writer, but even he knows that his work can sway elections.–
Sway elections? To what? Grand Poobah of the Loyal Order of Raccoons.
Not even.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 4:44 pm
Kass did it cuz Rich and Stanis spoke out. But, he admitted he knew who was involved. So, as far as I am concerned his apology doesn’t mean much.
Comment by HRC2016 Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 4:47 pm
The outrage here!! If it was a left leaner, most posters would applaud the outstanding journalism.
I know, I know, Demo will tell me to quit being a “victim” and Willy may tell me I “own” it. I’m okay with that, I’ve got broad shoulders!!!
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 4:48 pm
But he’s so clearly not independent or un-biased. Surprised he apologized, very un-kass of him.
Comment by Boone's is Back Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 4:53 pm
–Kass….is not a journalist..–
Lucky Pierre, you finally got one right. Congratulations.
I’m sure Kass appreciates your insight.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 5:13 pm
You question your integrity for being in cahoots?
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 5:19 pm
I suspect this isn’t Kass apologizing. This is the Chicago Tribune — a purported “newspaper” — telling Kass to apologize — or it’s his job.
Good grief. Can you imagine Royko even *agreeing* to appear in some mockumentary — much less *apologizing* in print?
I miss ya Mike.
Comment by Macbeth Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 5:24 pm
Kass…Welcome to the combine.
Comment by Johnnie F. Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 5:36 pm
Cass usually = bad judgment or at the very least bad taste.
Where’s the ‘news’ here?
Comment by sal-says Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 5:37 pm
And how many ‘mea culpas’ are we going to see over this ‘fake’umentary?
Lesson learned?: Look before your ego leaps?
Comment by sal-says Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 5:46 pm
Thank you Wordslinger. This world is back on its access.
Kass, or someone close to him, was embarrassed watching Rich act like a journalist.
Comment by walker Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 6:00 pm
== Colonel McCormick would be proud of you. ==
Yeah. As tronic has ‘portrayed’ the Col. with a folded newspaper dunce cap for years. Outstanding respect.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 6:02 pm
“back on its axis” of course
Comment by Walker Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 6:03 pm
so, what, we’re supposed to give him a cookie because he said sorry? after all the over the top ridiculous right wing nonsense he spouts? sorry, no cookies…or baklava…for you, John.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 6:45 pm
So are we to assume that the biases of the producers of the film are so extreme that Madigan is simon pure and above any criticism whatsoever?
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 6:49 pm
===So are we to assume that the biases of the producers of the film are so extreme that Madigan is simon pure and above any criticism whatsoever?===
Hmm. Maybe the question you need to ask is…
Why would the producers need to dupe anyone? Why the need to trade off the credibility of others if they’re already credible themselves? Why not be honest without being asked to BE honest?
Those are questions.
- Wordslinger -
Great seeing you around.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 6:53 pm
–So are we to assume that the biases of the producers of the film are so extreme that Madigan is simon pure and above any criticism whatsoever?–
The “producers” of films are the financial backers. In this case, that is Gov. Rauner.
He and his funder network bankroll IPI, which hired the advertising agency making the film.
It’s safe to assume that a film on Madigan bankrolled by Gov. Rauner will reflect his point of view, don’t you think?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 6:55 pm
Kass should nominate himself for “Moutza of the Month”.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 6:58 pm
The tribune is nothing but an extension of Rahms political machine. It is neither independent nor fair. There is no question as to the friendship and closeness of Dold and Rahm. The recent anti cop, pro BLM stories by the so called tribune’s political and investigative reporters may have just come directly from Rahms multi million dollar taxpayer financed spin machine. They are not independent and the only one at that paper who tells the truth is Kass. All the rest are Rahm sycophants who are blaming the cops to get Rahm reelected.
Comment by South loop activist Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 7:07 pm
===The tribune is nothing but an extension of Rahms political machine===
Hey… HEY!
Rauner bought the Editorial Board… fair and square…
===…the only one at that paper who tells the truth is Kass.===
Is that after failing to disclose his intent with this documentary… or…
Hmm.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 7:14 pm
I wish we could get the politicians to apologize to the people of Illinois.
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 7:38 pm
Did Kass get paid for his “participation?” Was he scripted, or take “direction” from the makers and alter his comments?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 8:07 pm
Why would Kass apologize for being Kass?
Comment by JackD Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 9:23 pm
sorry, admit = argue
Comment by Just Me Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 9:41 pm
===”Moutza of the Month”===
The only election John Kass will ever sway.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 9:42 pm
Kass shouldn’t apologize. By apologizing you look like a fraud. Either you said it and mean it or you didn’t. Saying your sorry because your boss told you to do it is what politicians do after they say something that they really mean but find out afterward it polls badly.
Comment by DuPage Bard Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 10:59 pm
===Madigan is simon pure and above any criticism whatsoever? ===
Don’t argue like a child who feels victimized. Nobody ever said that.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Sep 20, 16 @ 11:20 pm
The Tribune subscribes to the ASNE Code of Ethics. It reads, in part:
–Staff members may not serve on government bodies or become involved with partisan political organizations.–
That’s basic and a not mystery to anyone in journalism. That’s why IPI had to dupe the likes of Rich and Stantis.
But Kass admittedly knew what he was doing from the start. It’s not possible that a long-time journalist did not know that he was crossing the line into overt partisan activity, did it anyway, and did not reveal his partisanship until the “duping” story broke months later.
Whatever credibility he may have had is gone. He’s on the Rauner/IPI team.
http://asne.org/content.asp?contentid=296
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 21, 16 @ 6:54 am
Different grifters, same story: Fox News shuts down Sean Hannity from appearing in more Trump promotional materials.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/on-media/2016/09/fox-sean-hannity-wont-do-any-more-trump-ads-228437
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Sep 21, 16 @ 7:30 am
@macbeth:
Great post, thank you. At least I laughed when done reading his column. And he was a True Republican….socially liberal and fiscally conservative. 180 degrees from today’s party.
And if anybody is still unclear read his book *Boss*.
Comment by Brian Del Ricco Wednesday, Sep 21, 16 @ 8:37 am
There are attitudes and behaviors. Thank you Kass for the change in attitude and apologizing is a first small step towards behaviors. But frankly you’ve got a lot behaviors to correct before trust can be regained.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Sep 21, 16 @ 9:04 am
The Tribune has not been a credible, unbiased and ethical news source for years. No surprise that this happened, no surprise that Kass is desperate to create some interest in his own “brand.”
Comment by Trapped in the 'burbs Wednesday, Sep 21, 16 @ 9:23 am