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* Possible gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy lambasted Gov. Rauner in Crain’s for staying mostly mum on Donald Trump…
In the face of this very partial accounting of Trump’s misdeeds, Rauner’s silence must be called what it is: complicity with Trump’s hate.
Does Rauner remain quiet because he’s not a woman, Latino, African American, Jewish, Muslim, LGTBQ, or a veteran? Does Rauner not understand he is the governor of a state whose citizens are numerously represented among those groups? Does he not appreciate Illinois’ diversity is its strength and a reason businesses locate here? Does he not recognize his duty as his party’s leader to take a stand on behalf of Republicans (and everyone in our state) against Trump’s ugly words? Does he agree with what Trump says?
We are left to wonder. Rauner’s haughty dismissals of questions about his Trump support, as if Illinoisans don’t deserve to know why, is especially unfortunate considering how many Republican officials have spoken out against their nominee.
* His conclusion…
Whether it’s because he is afraid of the electorate, deliberately malicious, or incompetent, Rauner’s defective moral compass is an embarrassment to the Land of Lincoln, named for our greatest president who gave his life to defend the democratic values Trump would destroy. Illinoisans will not forget Rauner chose to remain mute in the face of Trump’s demagoguery, unwilling to be counted when it mattered by saying what all decent people know is true: Donald Trump is unfit for the presidency and a danger to our republic.
I dunno. People have pretty short memories. We’ll see.
* Ron Gidwitz’s pro-Rauner piece in Crain’s also ends with a threat…
The truth is that the governor is focused on one thing: fixing Illinois. Taking his milquetoast statement supporting the future Republican presidential nominee as proof of Rauner’s true intentions is an insult to the intelligence of the electorate. People subjected to those misguided and inane ads will remember that—both on November 8th and into the future.
I think the “people” Gidwitz is talking about mostly reside in the governor’s orbit. But, maybe not.
* Which threat do you think is more credible? Or is neither threat credible?
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:37 am
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Neither matters.
Comment by Saluki Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:40 am
Kennedy’s is too over the top.
Gidwitz’ “fixing Illinois” is code for defeating the Democrats.
Comment by Sir Reel Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:42 am
Neither. Until Kennedy actually gets in the ring he’s the next Bill Daley, all talk.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:44 am
It’s in the tone. Which party is intent on fixing Illinois, and which on fixin’ Illinois? Who intends to break more people and programs before calling it quits?
Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:44 am
Depends on whether Donald Trump wins and if he does what he does as President.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:44 am
Neither are credible as they are just political hogwash on both sides. Come 2018, not enough people are going to care and Gidwitz has to know that Trump is a dumpster fire in Illinois.
Comment by Ahoy! Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:46 am
Wow - so Chris Kennedy doesn’t like and disagrees with Governor Rauner?! Color me shocked! But perhaps Gidwitz also should’ve kept his fingers off the keyboard.
I go with neither.
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:53 am
Regardless of the election results, Trump does not seem likely to 1) ‘fade away’ or 2) endear himself to Illinois voters.
So unless Trump surprises us all, I expect Rauner’s “milquetoast statement” to be revisited in the next two years.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:57 am
=Depends on whether Donald Trump wins and if he does what he does as President.=
Agreed. If Trump loses, Rauner’s silence on his candidacy will be long forgotten by 2018. If Trump wins and is a disaster, Rauner’s silence could come back to haunt him.
Comment by MSIX Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:59 am
Neither is credible and in fact both miss the larger point.
Rauner made his support of Trump clear at the ILGOP convention. The larger question is why Rauner would be willing to provide his support in that venue but subsequently ignore the question outside of it? It’s actually a very disturbing pattern and we’ve seen it with other topics as well (unions and social services in particular).
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:01 am
I think both threats are credible. The attacks are not about policy differences among people of good faith and shared values. They are personal and going to the moral values of the opponents. Some are seeking vengeance.
Moral purity does not help create pragmatic compromise. We have not yet reached the stage of “Beecher’s Bibles”, but it is ugly.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:03 am
Neither. Waste of ink on both fronts.
Comment by DownStateGrl Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:04 am
neither
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:04 am
Rich, I think you should replace the word “credible” with the word “laughable”.
Comment by Colin O'Scopey Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:04 am
To the Post,
My thought on all this, collectively is this…
If Trump tries to parlay his losing campaign into the reality of “Trump TV” and making the President Clinton midterm his payback for losing, then Trump won’t go away and both sides, again, will be faced with Breitbart-Trumpian midterm messaging that could backfire on Republicans, or energize the midterm distain for Democrats.
If Trump wins, the headwinds of midterm elections and a Trump White House Wong help Rauner one bit.
So, how Trump responds in his loss, if Trump loses will dictate the playing field where Trump as something in a arsenal could again come to pass.
To the Kennedy and Gidwitz…
They’re speaking to the 7 days left, even if they think they’re not (wink-wink). Their remarks will be magnified only by the profile of Trump after November 8th; President, media mogul, historical footnote.
We will know quickly, as Trump can’t stand not having a spotlight(?)
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:07 am
If Trump wins, Kennedy is much more credible. If he loses, Kennedy is slightly more credible.
Comment by Daniel Plainview Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:13 am
So Gidwitz is reassuring us about Rauner by telling us he’s just being a phony politician?
If so, what is Rauner’s brand in 2018. He’s obviously failed at shaking up Springfield in a positive way and he can’t claim to be some independent outsider if he stands by Trump for partisan reasons.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:15 am
LETTTT’SSSSS GET READY TO RUMBLEEEEEE. Dang, two years out and more of this….. Really?
Comment by Silent Majority Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:23 am
And we care about Chris Kennedy??
Comment by Sue Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:26 am
In a similar vein, I look forward to Mr. Kennedy’s repudiation of his ancestors’ prior misdeeds. /s (kinda)
Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:28 am
I’m with MrJM - after he loses, Trump isn’t going quietly into the night. That’s really not his style. Whether it’s a Trump News Network or his most strident supporters fomenting some unrest, this cat is going to be relevant in ‘18. I could see the LIFT ads and more being repackaged for that election too
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:40 am
===* Which threat do you think is more credible? Or is neither threat credible?====
The only things less credible than the threats are the two featherweights doing the threatening. Not even B Actors.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:47 am
Take it from old Blue. A former Kennedy Democrat turned independent. When the dust sertles, supporring HRC will be a anchor than Trump ever was.
Comment by Blue dog dem Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:49 am
…something like that.
Comment by Blue dog dem Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:50 am
People are judged by their words and actions.
Public relation machines and unlimited money can distort realities until the cumulative weight overcomes the unlimited spending.
Kennedy is correct, there will be a judgement day.
Comment by Chicago 20 Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:53 am
Yes of course, Mr. Gidwitz has a long history of selfless public service advocating that government run for the benefit of the majority….
Comment by Union Man Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 11:53 am
A rich guy who inherited his money is beefing about a guy who made his own money while considering running for governor. While Kennedy appears on social media occasionally, Dan Biss is working with Democrats around the state and spearheading a multimillion dollar push back against the GOP. I wonder who’s going get more traction in the democratic primary?
Comment by Trapped in the 'burbs Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 12:02 pm
Both are feckless. But I’d like to point out those inane ads seem to be getting traction with the common folk. The anti Rauner ad where they are taking food off the table is universally adored by folks around here
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 12:12 pm
There are lots of serious and legitimate reasons the Governor, and his policies could be criticized.
If the best Chris Kennedy can come up with is Rauner’s opinion of Trump that says to me that Kennedy has no grasp of the issues.
Want me to take you seriously? Point out what has happened to our State under this Governor and what you would do differently.
Comment by Bleugrass Boy Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 12:20 pm
I voted for Rauner in the last Gov. election - I will not make that mistake next time !
Comment by Faustian Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:02 pm
Hey Chris, how did you do running the University of Illinois Board of Trustees?
Comment by Piece of Work Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:12 pm
I know Chris Kennedy is starting to get his potential campaign in place for a run in 2018. If he is willing to spend a lot of money, I think he would have a better shot at beating Rauner than whoever the state dems decide to get behind.
Comment by Chicagonk Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:13 pm
==I know Chris Kennedy is starting to get his potential campaign in place for a run in 2018.==
In that case…tell him.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:23 pm
I thought that only Michael Sneed was swooning at the prospect of a possible gubernatorial bid by Chris Kennedy.
Strong words from a man who ran away from the media at one public gathering rather than answer questions.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 1:43 pm
I don’t believe the majority of IL voters personally remember the days of Bobby or JFK… The name recognition is not what it would have been 20 years ago.
Comment by Union Man Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 3:39 pm
So, Kennedy thinks Rauner should blast Trump? Has he blasted Hillary? If he truly means everything he has said about Rauner, then if he is truly sincere, he should blast Hillary. In different ways, she has been offensive and has lied to and deceived the American people while Secretary of State. You have to wonder about Kennedy’s moral compass.
Comment by Say no to big government Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 3:41 pm
** Rauner’s silence must be called what it is: complicity with Trump’s hate. **
Hyperbole much ?
Comment by DGD Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 4:20 pm
All we need is love… I can tell by how much the left loves the right.
Comment by Liberty Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:38 pm