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* You just had to know this was coming sooner or later. From the Illinois Republican Party…
Ouch.
…Adding… Press release…
“Chris Kennedy comes from a legendary American family with a history of public service, but instead of following in their footsteps, Chris Kennedy chose to serve corrupt politicians like Mike Madigan.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Steven Yaffe
Chris Kennedy has reportedly started hiring staff for a gubernatorial run. But before he did so, Kennedy made sure to ally himself with Mike Madigan.
This summer, Kennedy dodged questions about his secret meeting with Madigan.
After the meeting, Madigan endorsed Kennedy as “a very good candidate for Governor.”
Then, Kennedy gave Madigan’s political front group $50,000, helping Madigan run advertisements attacking Gov. Rauner’s plans to reform Illinois through term limits, a property tax freeze and economic growth.
Chris Kennedy has already shown his hand – he’s just another politician who kisses up to Mike Madigan.
Chris Kennedy may have the name, but he doesn’t act like it.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:10 am
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That elevator fiasco is going to be a defining element of Chris Kennedy.
As much of a Kennedy failure, it was a 100% Crew failure.
Y’all puf Kennedy in a position to look bad, didn’t prep him, didn’t protect him, and now it’s going to be in the short term how Raunerites introduce him, mock him, frame him, and to many if will define him.
Yikes.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:16 am
I don’t think this is a very effective hit. So, he’s not Jack, Bobby, or Ted. He doesn’t like being harassed in elevators. And…MADIGANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
I can’t imagine the public isn’t already getting desensitized to the “Madigan-ing” of all of this
Comment by MissingG Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:17 am
That is weak sauce and can easily be turned on the GOP.
The response is an apple “1984″ like commercial asking the republican drones “what have you become?” while big brain rattles on with his winnin’ on a big screen.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:17 am
You know all the backlash against stores putting out Christmas decorations in September? Well…
Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:21 am
Endless money, paying for endless ads.
Comment by DuPage Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:22 am
I’m afraid the arrogance in ‘I don’t have to address you’ trumps the sympathy he may have earned from bashers of the electronic media.
This is a very effective ad. Maybe even a candidacy-killer.
Comment by IRLJ Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:29 am
Solid hits… “You sunk my battleship!”
Ouch is right!
Comment by W Flag Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:34 am
Of course, does the “arrogance” of the “I don’t have to address you” approach also apply to our governor IRLJ? What’s sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander and I hope both the Dems and the press recognize that.
Comment by Galena Guy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:36 am
–That elevator fiasco is going to be a defining element of Chris Kennedy.–
Oh, please. It’s a fun and obvious hit, but I don’t think anything is “defined” two years before an election.
Rauner certainly wasn’t defined when he sweat-flopped babbling incoherently in front of the press about the budget with a couple of chickens a few months before the election.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:37 am
The point is, if Bruce Rauner could point to even one major accomplishment (or even a minor one, like a budget) he wouldn’t have to resort to this kind of Trumpesque attack on anyone who mentions running for governor.
He’s reduced to swatting at shadows, because he has nothing else.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:39 am
===Oh, please. It’s a fun and obvious hit, but I don’t think anything is “defined” two years before an election.===
- Wordslinger -
With respect,
That’s what this hit IS about…
Jack Kennedy
Bobby Kennedy
Ted Kennedy
Their defining of who they were by what they said
Then there’s Chris Kennedy.
And I realize it’s two years out, but maybe the question is why keep going back to the elevator as defining Chris Kennedy… two years out?
When you can set a table this far out financially, defining Chiris Kennedy like this isn’t going to accidental.
With Respect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:43 am
Kennedys are so 20th century.
You have to either be a history geek or over 60 years old to care about them.
So this ad is a waste of money. Chris Kennedy looks like he ought to be complaining about his grandkids hiding his Metamucil.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:44 am
I’m not sure Chris Kennedy is the guy to beat Governor Rauner.
I am sure that calling Mike Madigan corrupt won’t get us to a budget solution or any other solution for that matter any time soon.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:44 am
The IL GOP is getting better with it’s marketing. Dems should be ready for a dog fight and must have better marketing than the old standard attack ads of the past.
Comment by Rocky Rosi Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:52 am
This is weak. The reality is that if Kennedy get’s in the race this he will either communicate effectively or he won’t. If you’ve seen his speeches, they sound a lot more like his dad and uncles. The question will be if he can deal with the press.
He’ll have plenty of opportunity to put this behind him. But his margin for error decreased significantly.
I guess what I’m struck by is that Rauner hit JB for Blago, which is a real thing. Is all they have on Chris this video? If so, pretty weak.
Comment by Lil Lewbowski Urban Achiever Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:52 am
eh, complaining to the media about being hounded by the media isn’t going to lose him many votes.
Comment by chi Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:52 am
Here is the Chris Kennedy reality…
Unless Kennedy actually shows a knack to raise monies at a significant clip, like $8-9 million in hand, raised, not self-funded, by the time petitions are circulated, it might not matter in the end.
Rauner can and maybe will go $80-90 million by the time this is all said and done.
Rauner won’t face a Primary so monies like $10, 11, 12 million will be aimed at Democratic candidates during their own Primary.
Can Kennedy fight on two fronts, and be financially viable to do it.
No one knows that yet.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:58 am
This is sleazy and weak. The only thing that the public has bugger trust issues with than Madigan is the press. Also, MJM’s numbers are bad but a large swath of voters can’t pick him out of a crowd where as the large number of voters loathe the media.
So the hit is weak, unless of course they are going to try and frame him as political royalty and bring up Marilyn Monroe like the GOP did with the Clinton’s/s
Comment by Come on Man! Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 9:58 am
Agree w/JS Mill–it’s “weak sauce.”
How I long to see the Dems band together as a statewide organization, pool their huge collective resources (e.g., $$ from Kennedy & JBP), and begin coordinated messaging on the effects of the “Raunerization” of Illinois. Even with all the Ooda-Loopery, black ops, dirty tricks & “Boss Madigan,” BVR & co. would have a hard time countering a relentless drum beat tying the failures and destruction of the last two years to the governor and his “Turnaround” campaign.
There are so many possibilities: How about “Bruce’s Greatest Hits,” starting with his recorded statements endorsing “squeeze the beast,” to the detriment of the elderly, disabled, etc.? Or maybe some highlights of his biggest whoppers (delivered forcefully, w/dropped g’s), compared to what he’s actually done?
If the Democratic Party would give it a think, coordinate, and emerge from the daisy-wheel printer era of technology, there’s no end to the damage they could do to the Rauner brand. Heck, they could even hire some folks known as “strategists” to help them create more effective messaging!/s
Comment by Crispy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 10:02 am
OW, I think you make a valid argument on the money front, and that is a much bigger question for Kennedy’s viability.
But I disagree with you on the video. They want to define Kennedy based on the video. Fine. But what happens when he jumps in and is able to exceed the bar from the point where they are trying to define him?
Comment by Juice Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 10:07 am
A politician has never before in history come back from a mistake (especially one as trivial as this). Bill Clinton lost the presidency because of the extramarital affairs. Obama lost the presidency because of the “guns and religion” comment. Right? Isn’t that what happened?
And, the public loves the media right? They won’t have any sympathy for a guy who’s done nothing wrong, not been accused of a crime or even holds office, being chased into an elevator. 32% of Americans say they have a great deal or fair amount of trust in the media according to Gallup. If anything, this probably helps Kennedy.
The GOP isn’t displaying strength here, it’s displaying fear. Two years in and their guy’s signature accomplishment is handing hundreds of millions of utility ratepayer dollars to profitable corporations. Exactly the “shake up” Illinoisans had in mind in 2014, right?
Comment by Moe Berg Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 10:11 am
I’ve seen this movie before with the Raunerites…
“Careerfellas” and the long term branding by Raunerites has worked.
Even Flannery “helped” with his comment.
Dismissing the framing of Chris Kennedy will be a big mistake.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 10:14 am
An eighteen year-old voter in 2018 will have been born in 2000, a thirty year-old in 1988 (perhaps becoming politically aware about 2005). For that segment of the electorate, the “Kennedy name” will not mean much. More important will be Chris K’s own public persona (effectively trashed in the ILGOP ad) and his own political resources (as in access to lots and lots of money).
Comment by Flapdoodle Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 10:17 am
OW alludes to Rauner’s ability to hit Democrats during their primary with big money. The money is not a lift for him.
Made me think about the primary and how little the ILDP can afford a hotly contested primary with a crowded field. If they want a real chance to win it has to be a limited field of candidates with a legit shot at raising big money.
A competent message and the will to not only fight back but also strike first would be a benefit as well.
I am not sure any of that will happen. They seem to be their own worst enemy at times.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 10:20 am
Weak Sauce??? Hardly. It’s a gut punch that will have plenty of hang time.
Chris is a wonderfully nice guy. He is. But if you’ve spent any time around him at all, you’d know he’s prone to these kinds of things. He has not dealt with the Kennedy glare the east coast family has. He’ll keep acting up and responding poorly. He’s way more approachable and sincere than the rest of the Kennedy’s seem to be. And, it’s left his skin a little thin.
He’ll provide more fodder. It’s not weak sauce in the least. Show it to others and watch their reaction. It’ll stick.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 10:37 am
===He’ll keep acting up and responding poorly. He’s way more approachable and sincere than the rest of the Kennedy’s seem to be. And, it’s left his skin a little thin.===
You have zero to base this on…
It’s more wishful thinking, nothing more.
No one knows how people will react. We can look at past tactics and see them used again, but no one knows how someone will actually react.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 10:44 am
Right. Like the GOP idolized any of the Kennedys. They tried to destroy each one as they came along. Now, the GOP wants everyone to believe that they really, really, really wish Chris was more like them? Please.
Comment by Michael Westen Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 10:45 am
“He doesn’t like being harassed in elevators.”
Harassed? You show up at the Democratic Convention, have been hitting up everyone in town about running for Governor and then are surprised when someone from the media has the audacity to ask you a question???? Umm, that’s not harassment. He should have been prepared. And when he wasn’t prepared, he should have been able to fend off the question with a bit more dignity.
Here, try this: “I am seriously looking at a run because of the damage inflicted on our state by Governor Rauner, but it’s way too early to make that decision. Thanks for asking.”
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 10:52 am
While they were asking legitimate questions, he can just blame the media for being too pushy and rude, and many will unfortunately agree with him.
But I wonder if Rauner has a tracker on him. Methinks this won’t be his last gaffe. Not sure he’s ready for prime time.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 10:57 am
When Mike Flannery corners you, make fun of his shirt.
Comment by LizPhairTax Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 11:11 am
Since all Rauner’s got it Madigan to run on, Kennedy and the dems should agree that Madigan is part of the problem and needs to go. Seriously, it is time, and anybody who thinks that the Speaker isn’t the biggest part of the problem is ignoring history. Steal Rauner’s issue, then expose Rauner as the miserably failed leader that he is. Eventually he will have to answer questions. The MSM won’t let him hide forever. Once Kennedy removes Madigan from the equation, his natural talents will come through. This guy has the Kennedy thing. He is not to be underestimated.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 11:17 am
Hey Willy, I saw that and this came to mind:
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=bill+engvall+dork+fish&view=detail&mid=78A72456470B01B843E278A72456470B01B843E2&FORM=VIRE
Comment by Todd Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 11:24 am
Headline here? Illinois GOP believes that Ted Kennedy was a “legendary senator”.
Comment by Snucka Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 11:31 am
Agreed that this also reflects on the Kennedy “crew”. Rowell, Kamis, etc. are starstruck by the Kennedy mystique. I doubt whether Illinois voters will be.
Comment by Snucka Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 11:35 am
- Todd -
It’s images like the ones the ILGOP keeps rolling out that will allow Kennedy to be seen in ways they want and not how Kennedy’s Crew would want.
That’s a funny bit, BTW, it made me laugh, good stuff there.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 11:41 am
He does sound a little too petulant.
Comment by NoGifts Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 11:43 am
Don’t underestimate the importance of likability in an election. When someone is unknown to the public, likability will go a long way to getting your foot in the door for a first chance. They may have money, but I don’t know that pritzker or kennedy score that high likability quotient.
Comment by NoGifts Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 11:46 am
Okay. Just so I understand. The ILGOP hit on Kennedy is that he is not part of the tradition of great, inspiring Democrats who beat Republicans like they were government mules?
Smart.
Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 11:46 am
To the IL GOP - thanks for reminding everyone about the Kennedy family’s popular legacy of leadership with video clips of Chris’ father and two uncles. You’ve done Illinois Democrats a huge service with this video.
Comment by Downstate Dem Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 11:46 am
It’s a hit on Chris. Permanent damage, meh?
However it does make the Kennedy family look like they’re the most impressive politicians of all time. The Kennedy family in this ad may make people really take a hard look at Bruce and realize he is no where nearly as skilled or impressive as any one them.
Comment by DuPage Bard Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 11:50 am
===thanks for reminding everyone about the Kennedy family’s popular legacy of leadership with video clips of Chris’ father and two uncles. You’ve done Illinois Democrats a huge service with this video.===
… for Chris Kennedy, it highlights his not ready for prime-time… ness…
So it’s still at hit on a possible candidate… but look over “here”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 11:51 am
Again, thanks to the IL GOP for reminding us all about the Kennedy family legacy of leadership. Chris Kennedy has given powerful speeches of substance in places like Southern Illinois, the Quad Cities and elsewhere. He has been effective at working the crowds. His media availability in Springfield after the luncheon with Jim Edgar was effective. I know some may want to go up and down in an elevator from July 2016, but others may want to update their narrative.
Comment by Downstate Dem Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 12:00 pm
This doesn’t have to be anything more than a glancing blow, but Kennedy has to actively work to make that happen. We really have no way of knowing whether he will or he won’t.
But he’d rather not have to.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 12:27 pm
=== I know some may want to go up and down in an elevator from July 2016, but others may want to update their narrative===
… and yet… that image of Chris Kennedy in the elevator will STILL be relevant as long as the ILGOP make it so.
Can’t wish it away, talk it away, pretend it’s not being brought up, and pushed as what the ILGOP want Kennedy to be remembered.
Your continued cheerleading and ignoring what is going on, dismissing it, will come back to haunt.
Rauner has littered the landscape with less than a ridiculous video.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 12:27 pm
===You have zero to base this on…===
Sorry bub, you’re incorrect. I’ve been around Chris a lot. He’s an incredibly nice guy with some serious social awkwardness. I’ve seen it plenty. I have a lot to base it on. Save the remark and we’ll see going forward.
I think I suggested as much “before” the elevator interview. There will be more. Book it. And…he won’t run.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 12:28 pm
==This guy has the Kennedy thing. He is not to be underestimated.===
Except he doesn’t have that. You’re overestimating him in this regard. A lot.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 12:31 pm
===Sorry bub, you’re incorrect. I’ve been around Chris a lot. He’s an incredibly nice guy with some serious social awkwardness. I’ve seen it plenty. I have a lot to base it on. Save the remark and we’ll see going forward.
I think I suggested as much “before” the elevator interview. There will be more. Book it. And…he won’t run.===
When did he run for governor before?
Did I miss it?
When did he run against Rauner?
Did I miss that too.
You know zero about how he WILL react in these parameters and with these challenges.
Zero.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 12:32 pm
==Sorry bub, you’re incorrect. I’ve been around Chris a lot. He’s an incredibly nice guy with some serious social awkwardness. I’ve seen it plenty. I have a lot to base it on. Save the remark and we’ll see going forward.
I think I suggested as much “before” the elevator interview. There will be more. Book it. And…he won’t run.==
The problem here is we have other commentators who also claim significant exposure to Kennedy and they’re coming to the exact opposite conclusion. So neither camp is going to get away with “Trust me.”
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 12:49 pm
“You’re no Jack Kennedy”
Comment by Ahoy! Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 12:55 pm
The Snarkmeisters missed a rhetorical slam against “Chris Kennedy — Profile in Courage?”
Comment by W Flag Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 1:17 pm
I got to know Chris a bit when he was Chairman of the U of I Board of Trustees. I liked him enough and he was very cordial. How does that translate to running statewide? I have no clue.
I am more interested in how Kennedy’s family ties would play here. Nationally it looked as though both the primary and general electorate rebuffed “dynasty” candidates. Jeb Bush was the fundraising and frontrunner and got muscled out pretty early. HRC obviously just lost the electoral college. But how would that translate to a Dem primary in a non-presidential year? I am curious.
Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 1:20 pm
===The Snarkmeisters missed a rhetorical slam against “Chris Kennedy — Profile in Courage?”===
No, parsing this out beyond the ridiculousness isn’t adding anything.
I think Rich’s “ouch” covered quite a bit, thanks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 1:21 pm
this will have no impact seems to be the mantra around here these days.
Comment by A-Aron Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 1:27 pm
I don’t have to address you. Was that fake news,or tracker journalism?
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 1:31 pm
Man. all you guys are soooooo Pre-Trump!
Insulting the media right to their faces is the path to victory.
Comment by Roman Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 1:57 pm
This goes without saying, but this is yet another example of how our petty politics doesn’t match our enormous problems in the state … some would rather obsess over a five-second elevator remark than deal with the declining State of Illinois …
Comment by Downstate Dem Tuesday, Dec 20, 16 @ 3:34 pm
So much for the Governin’
I guess he does have time for this nonsense after all.
Comment by Rauners Trump Problem Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 12:55 am
It’s nice to see gov. Rauner worry about someone else besides himself for the first time in two years (chris kennedy)
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 6:26 am
I wasn’t all that thrilled with Chris Kennedy’s performance as Chairman of the U of I Board of Trustees. The elevator incident is unimportant, except in that it might indicate some significant weakness in the political skills department. I hope the Dems. can find a better candidate.
Comment by X-prof Wednesday, Dec 21, 16 @ 1:04 pm