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* Are you kidding me?…
Gov Rauner won't mention @realDonaldTrump and calls #Charlottesville "horrible" but won't call it terrrorism #twill
— Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) August 14, 2017
Just finished bill signing for HB2663 and @GovRauner REFUSED to call the acts in #Charlottesville an act of terrorism. #twill pic.twitter.com/dsvGDxchj1
— Juliana Stratton (@JulianaStratton) August 14, 2017
* ABC…
Attorney General Jeff Sessions said a driver’s ramming a car into a crowd of demonstrators in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Saturday, which killed a young woman and sent 19 other people to hospitals, “does meet the definition of domestic terrorism” under U.S. law.
Fox…
President Trump’s national security adviser said Sunday that the violence that broke out in Charlottesville, Virginia, over the weekend “meets the definition of terrorism.”
H.R. McMaster told ABC’s “This Week” that “anytime that you commit an attack against people to incite fear, it is terrorism.”
Is the governor really that afraid of his far-right flank?
*** UPDATE 1 *** Pritzker campaign…
“White supremacists are terrorizing communities and Bruce Rauner is mincing words and tiptoeing around our bigoted president,” said JB Pritzker. “The injured and dead who protested this weekend deserve better than this flagrant cowardice from Bruce Rauner and Donald Trump. If we are going to address what happened in Charlottesville then we should have the courage to call it exactly what it is: terrorism.”
…Adding… Rep. Dave McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills)…
I strongly condemn the Neo-Nazis, KKK members, white supremacists and other racists who were in Charlottesville this past weekend. These cowards are not welcome in Illinois. The act of violence in Charlottesville was definitely domestic terrorism.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Chris Kennedy…
Following in the footsteps of President Donald Trump, Governor Bruce Rauner failed to call what happened in Charlottesville terrorism. It was. Not calling it so speaks volumes about where he stands. Our country and our state are in the hands of two men who embolden the hate coming from white supremacists.
Sen. Daniel Biss…
“My grandmother was a holocaust survivor. I grew up with the weight of that legacy, and with an understanding of how evil can take root in our communities when we aren’t vigilant. The terrorism in Charlottesville follows a tradition of white supremacy, tracing back to the Nazi ideology that tore my family apart just two generations ago.
“Most importantly, I learned that all of us have an obligation to name this evil clearly and to fight it, and that those who do not give aid and comfort to our enemy.
“This morning we learned Bruce Rauner refuses to call the attacks in Charlottesville what they truly are—terrorism carried out by white supremacists. Like Donald Trump, Bruce Rauner is an incompetent billionaire unwilling to name and confront hatred because his re-election strategy relies on appealing to right wing radicals. All Illinoisans should remember this moment, when Rauner refused to stand up to white supremacists because of politics.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** From Gov. Rauner…
“The deadly violence in Charlottesville this weekend is abhorrent and absolutely an act of domestic terrorism. Racism, hatred and violence have no place in our society. The individuals responsible should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
…Adding… Heh…
Why do I feel like saying, "Clean up in aisle 3?"
— Rick Pearson (@rap30) August 14, 2017
*** UPDATE 4 *** Not good…
Earlier @GovRauner said to me when I asked why wouldn't he call Cville terrorism? "You define terrorism." 2 hrs later changed his mind.
— Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) August 14, 2017
*** UPDATE 5 *** Yeah. Believable…
#Charlottseville. @BruceRauner: I needed to ask police definition of "terrorism. " Delay not due to Feds (Trump). pic.twitter.com/98zvc5y56Q
— Edward Marshall (@edmarshallcbs2) August 14, 2017
CMS still hasn’t released the audio of the morning presser.
*** UPDATE 6 *** DGA…
“Citizens look to their governors for strength and understanding in trying times, and they need to know their governor will clearly denounce hateful and racist actions and not shy away from calling terrorism what it is. Today, Bruce Rauner failed as governor.”
“This morning, Governor Bruce Rauner refused to call the actions of white supremacists and neo-Nazis in Charlottesville terrorism. Rauner clarified his remarks hours later only after being shamed into it. This is an unacceptable failure to lead by Governor Bruce Rauner. Like many members of his party, Rauner should have forcefully denounced this horrific violence as terrorism from the start. Instead he stuck to political talking points.”
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 10:43 am
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Pathetic, but not remotely surprising. When you’re a captive of the #BestTeamInAmerica, messaging that conflict with the far right of the GOP is not acceptable.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 10:46 am
I find Rauner’s actions lately — including this bizarre refusal to call terrorism terrism — utterly deplorable.
Like Trump, Rauner’s a man with no authentic moral compass.
Comment by Mr. K. Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 10:47 am
Who is he worried about upsetting? White supremacists?
Comment by Montrose Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 10:48 am
If he can’t blame Madigan he doesn’t know what to say.#onetermgov
Comment by Flynn's mom Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 10:48 am
Bruce “I won’t Answer Because I Might Get Noticed” Rauner strikes again.
Comment by Anon221 Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 10:48 am
The inmates are running the prison.
Comment by Lt Guv Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 10:50 am
He might have called it terrorism, but the system that controls his mouth is broken. It’s a broken system.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 10:50 am
Is there a broken system of some sort that he can refer to?
Comment by Lester Holt's Mustache Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 10:52 am
Brittany Carl is working on “just the Right words” for the Governor.
Understand that Rauner fears Trump and the radical terrorist Right that include white supremacists and neo-WWII German worshippers.
Know that Rauner refused to stand up to hate.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 10:52 am
Foolish and short sighted. Which is more important, retaining the good will of the extreme right or alienating the majority of voters who are appalled by white supremacists and their cohorts?
Comment by Aldyth Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 10:54 am
The stooges from the IPI clown car are really pullin’ out all the stops Kudos to the BTIA.
Comment by Annonin' Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 10:58 am
==Who is he afraid of upsetting? White Supremacists?==
Yes.
Comment by Actual Red Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 10:58 am
cra·ven /ˈkrāvən/ adj. contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 10:58 am
I’ve seen a feral type of fear in Rauner’s eyes ever since he let the foxes into the henhouse.
Comment by Dome Gnome Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:00 am
This just blows my mind. It was an easy meatball right over the plate. For crying out loud, somebody was killed and 19 were injured. And we’re talking about the KKK, neo-Confederates and Nazis. Something has gone really wrong with this man.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:00 am
Does Rauner think so little of Illinois Republican voters that he’s afraid of calling out Nazis and other white supremacists because he thinks it offends his voters?
That’s what it looks like.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:00 am
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines terrorism as “the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.”
I prefer this definition. And it fits the acts committed in Charlottesville. As a Republican leaning American I do not understand why all American leadership are not strongly condemning a deplorable act committed by deplorable people.
We all know what this beast is. Get a handle on it. Now.
Comment by Freezeup Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:01 am
I hate Illinois Nazis
Comment by Rogue Roni Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:01 am
There is no easier political decision in America than condemning Nazis. It’s unfathomable.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:02 am
My grandma always told me bullies are cowards. Rauner is living proof she was correct.
Comment by northsider (the original) Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:03 am
==Is the governor really that afraid of his far-right flank?==
It really is odd for him to couch his response on this, and frankly it looks like he was caught off-guard. Any official worth their salt would have expected this question today, or at least had one professional on staff remark that he should expect this question. BTIA, indeed.
Comment by Lester Holt's Mustache Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:03 am
47th Ward made me LOL
Comment by itsjustme Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:04 am
Unlike Joliet Jake, Rauner must like Illinois Nazis.
Comment by Steve Rogers Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:05 am
The fact that political caclculation of self-interest keeps Trump and Rauner from calling a Nazi murderer a terrorist is despicable and cowardly.
I saw Rauner was tweeting about Veterans Day at the state fair and how we should all honor their sacrifice.
You don’t honor veterans’ sacrifices by getting weasel wordy about Nazi murderers in our midst in fear of losing some votes.
There is no honor in that at all..
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:05 am
This perplexes me. The only thing I can think of is that the radical far right plays heavily into his election strategy.
That’s the only explanation I can think of.
Comment by Honeybear Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:05 am
For me…
There is nothing Republican about neo-WWII German worshippers & white supremacists. There’s is nothing American about thesw neo-WWII German worshippers and white supremacists. These terrorists are everything that we as a country are against.
Allowing neo-WWII German worshippers and white supremacist to claim they’re the base of mainstream political and American values isn’t something done accidentally. If any elected official, including a sitting governor can’t understand the importance of rebuking and condemning, without any reservation, then that governor has let down the state and the United States.
Rauner knows what he said, or didn’t say, and exactly why he didn’t say what needed to be said.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:06 am
It WAS a meatball. It’s so easy and it would have been the right thing to do.
It makes me doubt that I understand any of this. It makes me doubt that right and wrong is what we are about as a country.
Comment by Freezeup Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:07 am
What a stupid issue. Rauner is not going after the neo Nazi vote in Illinois, which is probably about 100 people max. Terrorism, not terrorism. The best phrase is to call it a hate crime. Rauner condemned it, good enough for me.
Comment by Mr B. Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:08 am
As I suggested yesterday- Anne Coulter is on to something though perhaps politically incorrect.
Comment by Sue Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:10 am
“Something has gone really wrong with this man.”
Must have been years ago, because as governor he has displayed a remarkable moral consistency.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:10 am
That’s my Boss! Hard to respect a guy you work for when he can’t get the easy part of his job right.
Comment by New Slang Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:11 am
In all seriousness, what do people view as the reason for this relatively recent behavior?
Has the stress gotten to him?
Has he legitimately lost it? He’s a bit young, but it happens.
Does he think he’s in the running for a White House position?
Just getting bad advice?
Is this far right version simply the true Bruce Rauner?
The Rauner who ran was a pro-business moderate. The last year especially he’s governed to the extremes.
Comment by Gooner Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:11 am
==Does Rauner think so little of Illinois Republican voters that he’s afraid of calling out Nazis and other white supremacists because he thinks it offends his voters?==
Hisgirlfriday, excellent question. Does he (or the IPI staff) believe Illinois republicans are sympathetic to these cretins? Or does he think they make up a sizable portion of his base, and doesn’t want to offend them? Or is he just inept at discussing anything not related to unions, schools or hedge funds? My vote is the latter, but I do wonder what goes through this guys head sometimes.
Comment by Lester Holt's Mustache Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:11 am
I disagree with this analysis completely.
This kid is mentally ill.
I have an earlier comment that explains this more.
Comment by cdog Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:12 am
‘Loathsome’ / low th sum/ a person who is unable to speak the truth. Particularly those in high elected office
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:13 am
I’m hearing there’s a white supremacist rally being organized in Bloomington tonight, so he’d better get his act together ASAP.
Comment by Rayne of Terror Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:13 am
===This kid is mentally ill. ===
1) He’s an adult;
2) You could argue that all terrorists are mentally ill;
3) He committed a terrorist act, that makes him a terrorist.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:14 am
No Me. B. This is actually an issue that should bring people together who don’t HATE other people because of their color, race or politics. Not a stupid issue at all. SMH.
Comment by New Slang Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:14 am
Words fail me. And her name was Heather Heyer.
Comment by illini Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:14 am
Sorry, but it wasn’t terrorism.
Cold-blooded murder, yes. An atrocity, yes. A horrific act, absolutely. But not terrorism.
Terrorism is when someone with an agenda attacks, without provocation, unsuspecting people who have assembled for some purpose, or purposes, completely unrelated to the attacker’s agenda. As when office workers report to work at the World Trade Center, or the federal building in Oklahoma City. Or when people attend a concert in England, or Paris. Or gather at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Terrorism, insofar as we have grown to understand it, does not apply when someone attacks a group of people who have gathered for a specific purpose related to the attacker’s agenda, as was the case in Charlottesville. And I think that it should be OK to say so without being accused of being in bed with a murderer or agreeing with a reprehensible world view.
Words, and accuracy, are important. Without attention to accuracy, pretty soon we’ll be referring to white supremacists as white nationalists.
End of day, I find it hard to get worked up over anyone’s failure failure to label this terrorism. We should be paying more attention to what people do than what they say.
Comment by Bruce Rushton Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:15 am
- Honeybear - Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:05 am:
This perplexes me. The only thing I can think of is that the radical far right plays heavily into his election strategy.
That’s the only explanation I can think of.
Like they would vote for Pritzker if Rauner stood up to the Nazis?
Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:16 am
===Terrorism is when someone with an agenda attacks, without provocation, unsuspecting people who have assembled for some purpose, or purposes, completely unrelated to the attacker’s agenda===
Says who?
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:17 am
It’s obvious this Governor can’t go off script. It amaze me that anyone this inept at answering unscripted questions managed to campaign and get elected.
Comment by RNUG Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:17 am
The problem with Rauner is that he is pretty much an empty vessel. He doesn’t believe in anything besides himself. In that way, he is like Trump, who also does not recognize a larger duty to the country.
The beginning and end of his morality is himself (Rand’s “the virtue of selfishness”). This horrible event didn’t affect him personally and he knows, politically, that he has to avoid alienating the fringe right if he’s to have any hope of winning re-election.
Comment by Moe Berg Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:20 am
I’d encourage everyone to forego the deliberately vague phrase “alt-right.”
It makes them sound like they’re some grunge band out of Seattle. But they are in fact Nazis, KKK and other forms of white supremacist racists.
Read The Daily Stormer, they dont hide tneir light under a bushel. Breitbart tries to hide their true nature, but scratch the surface a little bit and all is revealed.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:21 am
Exactly RNUG.
The man cannot think on his feet. That’s a problem, a big one.
Comment by cdog Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:21 am
===Terrorism is when someone with an agenda attacks, without provocation, unsuspecting people who have assembled for some purpose, or purposes, completely unrelated to the attacker’s agenda===
100% wrong. There are entire academic articles devoted to defining terrorism - under the vast majority of options, including US law (as Sessions himself said), this qualifies. None of those options matches what you just rattled off, which seems to be entirely off the top of your head and conveniently selective.
Comment by PJ Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:22 am
==Something has gone really wrong with this man.==
Disagree entirely. Something has always been wrong with him for those who wanted to see. He’s just showing everyone who he really is now.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:22 am
—
Terrorism is when someone with an agenda attacks, without provocation, unsuspecting people who have assembled for some purpose, or purposes, completely unrelated to the attacker’s agenda.
—
Isn’t that exactly what happened?
Besides, anyone who plows a car into a crowd of people has an “agenda” — whatever that means these days.
Comment by Mr. K. Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:24 am
Today… Here is today…
The next person that says I’m not a Republican and Rauner and his Raunerite members are Republicans…
Keep in mind Rauner today…
Rauner who refused to condem white supremacists, neo-Nazis, the far Right terrorists.
How does that feel? How does that… go one with you.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:24 am
Hey- cut him some slack at least he didn’t say it is broken
Comment by Sue Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:25 am
“What a stupid issue.”
The character of any Governor of Illinois is and always will be a legitimate issue.
“Rauner is not going after the neo Nazi vote in Illinois, which is probably about 100 people max.”
Then, as Rich asks, why not call out this neo-Nazi violence for what it is? You’ve very confidently told us what the reason isn’t, but you didn’t tell us what the reason is.
But I can help you out with that because I agree with you — he’s not going after the Illinois Nazi vote. We can dispose of that because that would make no sense. So what is the reason?
As is so often the case, the simplest answer is the best answer:
“Terrorism, not terrorism. The best phrase is to call it a hate crime.”
Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Trump’s national security adviser H.R. McMaster disagree with you. As does every other person of any significance other than Donald J. Trump and Bruce Rauner.
“Rauner condemned it, good enough for me.”
Okay, but with regard to Nazi terrorism, most of us hold the governor to a higher standard.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:27 am
===Terrorism is when someone with an agenda attacks, without provocation, unsuspecting people who have assembled for some purpose, or purposes, completely unrelated to the attacker’s agenda===
Even if this is your definition: It is my understanding that Heather Heyer was not there for a cause in which you seem to believe makes it not terrorism…?
Comment by Dublin Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:28 am
“Is the governor really that afraid of his far right flank?”
Res ipsa loquitur.
Comment by igotgotgotgotnotime Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:29 am
It’s really disappointing that this Governor fails to address this issue in a straightforward fashion. An alarming lack of moral compass.
Comment by Stones Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:31 am
Oswego Willy,
If there’s “nothing Republican” about white supremacists, why is there a nationwide effort by Republicans to remove minorities from the voter rolls?
If there’s “nothing Republican” about white supremacists, why do the vast majority of Republicans support a Republican administration that includes white supremacists like Bannon and Miller?
If there’s “nothing Republican” about white supremacists, what was the Southern Strategy?
If there’s “nothing Republican” about white supremacists, why have so many of the Charlottesville torch-marchers been identified as members of mainstream GOP groups like the College Republicans?
Comment by YSW Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:31 am
The face of hate is the face of those who lack the moral courage to say or do something. Their silence allows hate to grow, their cowardice fuels hate
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:31 am
Far right no longer - Trump, and people like Rauner who have refused to disavow his tactics, have mainstreamed this behavior.
Comment by WSJ Paywall Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:33 am
Cowardice, thy name is Bruce Rauner.
Comment by Tommydanger Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:34 am
State Representative McSweeney just schooled the BTIA in how to respond.
Comment by GA Watcher Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:34 am
Dear Gov. Rauner and the Raunerites he controls…
Here’s what a Republican sounds like;
===I strongly condemn the Neo-Nazis, KKK members, white supremacists and other racists who were in Charlottesville this past weekend. These cowards are not welcome in Illinois. The act of violence in Charlottesville was definitely domestic terrorism===
Rep. McSweeney stands up for Republicans where Gov. Rauner refused to do so.
I personally thank Rep. McSeeeney.
The sharp, and clear difference between Rep. McSweeney and Gov. Rauner should be easy to see.
I stand with Rep. McSweeney.
Oswego Willy
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:36 am
From his Twitter: My thoughts are with #Charlottesville & VA today. There is no excuse for violence and bigotry. We must stand together against hate.
I wish Republicans at large would stop responding to every demand for a statement when something occurs. It will never be enough.
Rauner should have simply referenced his Tweet, said he despises racism and bigotry and moved on. Because these attacks won’t stop anytime and he will be forced to individual condemn them and eventually speak out again Trump, which will kill support in Downstate Illinois. It’s a lose-lose position and the narrower the language, the better.
Comment by DownstateKid Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:36 am
Dance band. No the nazi/bigots wouldn’t vote for Rauner at all.
A lot of folks didn’t vote for HRC. That hurt her bad in several states. There most be some internal data/polling that shows you can’t cross these folks. It’s the only thing I can think of.
Comment by Honeybear Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:37 am
What surprises me is the governor would willingly tie himself to this Trump communication disaster. Does he really believe this helps him politically?
He’s become nothing more than an IPI programmed robot.
Comment by Wensicia Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:37 am
The Rauner haters on this blog have gone nuts. OW, it seems as though you reside in Rauners head, and know exactly what he is thinking, feeling, ect. That is a great talent sir.
There is plenty of bad government material on Rauner without creating a false tempest on his attitude towards hate crimes/terrorism.
Get a grip.
Comment by allknowingmasterofracoondom Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:37 am
Remember, as Diana Rauner insisted, Bruce Rauner has no social agenda.
That, of course, makes him incapable of being a humane governor.
Comment by Winnin' Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:38 am
I think you can find the answer to Rauner’s silence by the appearance here of those peddling false rationalizations and moral equivalencies.
Rauner doesn’t want to offend them. They are part of his base.
I’m guessing their ears perk up when Rauner is dog-whistling about CPS with its “illiterate teachers” and “crumbling prisons for schools. “
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:38 am
===a false tempest===
A governor who just lurched to the far right and now won’t call terrorism what it is would not be a false tempest. Bite me.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:39 am
Yesterday the Senate approved a resolution condemning what happened in Charlottesville and the people who did it, saying they should be considered terrorists. And while it was approved by a unanimous voice vote, not a single Republican stood to say anything in support and not a single Republican signed on as a co-sponsor.
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?GA=100&DocTypeID=SR&DocNum=794&GAID=14&SessionID=91&LegID=107638
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:39 am
Trump. Rauner. Everybody. Should go after the criminal elements of these hate groups with passion.as much passion as MS13. TERRORISTS,criminals whatever you wanna call em.
Comment by Blue dog dem Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:40 am
- YSW
Go back to LBJ and the devolution of the “Southern Strategy” Nixon pounced on and later devolved further with Gov. Wallace.
Trump, not Republicans, are allowing this bubbling from the ooze that began when LBJ said after signing civil rights legislation. To paraphrase, “my party has lost the south for a generation, maybe longer”
If you think it’s about Party or believing in political apparatus, or the GOP, wholesale-ly, embracing these terrorists… It’s those who think that Trump will allow the mainstreaming these beliefs.
It took Trump to allow it again to resurface as it has specifically.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:41 am
Too many hyperbolic generalizations about white people and republicans in this country in the last few years. Very sad and the broad brush of hate is unearned.
I would say that 99% of Americans are color-blind and just want people to have respect for laws, property, and person. Quit spreading hate.
I suggest do a little research on Zimbabwe and South Africa to see what happens when this stuff ramps up too far and real innocent law abiding folks start being hurt.
I agree this is not terrorism, and the police inactions of allowing hhesentwo groups to mix is very odd. And btw, who paid for the buses?
Comment by cdog Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:42 am
Raccoon, nah this one is cut and dried. Words at his level are chosen.
He’s choosing not to say what needs to be said
Judging by your response
He made the right call
Comment by Honeybear Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:42 am
People on this blog reference how Trump lost to Clinton by 17 points. But why did Rauner purposefully narrow his language, ignore Trump throughout the election and continue to not mention him? Because as soon as he does, his words get repurposed in attack ads for years. The election taught us (once again) that the electorate prioritizes economics over morality/character. People care about jobs and a sense that their community is improving.
Rauner has one major window to re-election: Run against the Madigan machine and stage a revolution in Illinois on PURE economic grounds. Why did he just hire Ron Johnson’s strategist? Because he knows he has one lane to run. It isn’t about Trump, it isn’t about terrorism, it isn’t about anything else except tying the Dem nominee to Madigan. Hence, why Bliss would likely beat him by double-digits.
Comment by DownstateKid Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:43 am
Crap that came out wrong Racoon. I’m not indicating that you are a Racist or bigot.
Comment by Honeybear Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:43 am
I stand with YSW.
Republicans made their deal with the devil to get the presidency and control of Congress. Anyone paying attention knew that these hate groups supported POTUS and those who still voted for him did so knowing that the KKK and white supremacists were joining them. According to Gallup, POTUS enjoys an 80% approval rating among Republicans and Republican leaners. This is your party, Republicans, this is the deal you made to be in power.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:43 am
Rauner usually doesn’t balk at jumping into a pile up. Why let facts get in the way? Rauner blew it.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:45 am
Ah but you put me on it. Some on the right are allergic to anything that smacks of political correctness
Comment by Honeybear Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:45 am
McSweeney certainly made it look easy to speak clearly and in a straight forward manner.
It takes much more effort to be weasel wordy like Rauner. That effort implies a calculation of self-interest.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:46 am
The Governor is incapable of having any sort of definitive opinion on anything these days. He’s scared of his shadow. He manages to talk a lot while saying absolutely nothing. This was set on the tee for him and he swung and missed.
Q: Governor, was it terrorism?
A: Yes
End of story.
Instead, the Governor has now made it one more negative story about him by his failure to have a substantive opinion.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:46 am
===I suggest do a little research on Zimbabwe and South Africa to see what happens when this stuff ramps up too far and real innocent law abiding folks start being hurt.===
Sounds exactly like what the Nazis have been saying here. Unless you clarify, you’re gone.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:48 am
I think in Rauner’s mind the end justifies the means. He can trot out Diana to say that he doesn’t have a social agenda when he clearly does. He can claim that he has no issue with unions when his actions dictate otherwise. He can demonize Chicago with racial undertones as he courts the downstate vote. This is more of the same. Ultimately it’s about controlling the message and ensuring there’s enough support for his politics that governing somehow gets ignored or becomes irrelevant. In the minds of Rauner and the Raunerites blatant racism is justified if you can couch it in terms of “I’m focused on Illinois”.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:49 am
==I disagree with this analysis completely. This kid is mentally ill.==
Would you say that if the “kid” was Muslim?
Comment by IllinoisBoi Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:49 am
Plenty of haters like and support the IPI and Rauner. He maybe fears angering and alienating them. He apparently fired his staff and had the resignations because he feared the wrath of his right flank, who was angry that he refused to stop the income tax increase.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:51 am
–It’s obvious this Governor can’t go off script–
He needs a friggin’ script? He needs humanity.
Comment by King Louis XVI Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:53 am
===Trump, not Republicans, are allowing this bubbling from the ooze==
Again, as of August 5th according to Gallup, Trump enjoys the approval of 80% of Republicans and leaners. Seems like the vast majority of Republicans are ok with the ooze
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:53 am
== In the minds of Rauner and the Raunerites blatant racism is justified if you can couch it in terms of “I’m focused on Illinois ==
Nice catch-all. I support the Gov. but I do admit that his tactics have been lacking lately. The staff shake-up and Veto override clearly has him in an introspective phase. I think that’s why he won’t make strong remarks in public or on national television.
My guess - just a guess- he is attempting to settle himself, his team, the ILGOP and see where things move over the next six months. The only positive is he has time to right the ship, get back to his 2014-2015 self and use his incumbency as an advantage.
Comment by DownstateKid Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:54 am
it almost seems like Rauner is auditioning for a job in the Trump Administration.
Comment by Cheswick Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:55 am
Is it only me? Nothing aggravated me more than Repubs attempt to make issue with BO and the term ‘radical islam’. This reminds me of that in some respects.
Comment by Blue dog dem Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:56 am
===…as of August 5th according to Gallup… ===
August 12th, 13th, and 14th are after August 5th.
Trump’s overall approval is hovering around 35ish%
The more Rauner loses the moderates, and those who know terrorists include white supremacist and all of that ilk, that’s where Republicans will walk. Republicans are walking now.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:57 am
I’m driving, need time. My intentions are good.
Comment by cdog Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:58 am
What Blue Dog Dem said…
Comment by Saluki Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:58 am
One honest, heart-felt statement from Rauner about anything, particularly this incident, would go a long way. Everything that comes out of his mouth is calculated.
Comment by Montrose Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 11:59 am
The more Rauner loses the moderates, and those who know terrorists include white supremacist and all of that ilk, that’s where Republicans will walk. Republicans are walking now.
If he condemns Trump he loses a large majority of his base. For all the #NeverTrumpers, 90 percent of Republicans voted for Trump. Look what happened to Ted Cruz after his RNC remarks. Rauner has a tight-rope to walk.
Comment by DownstateKid Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:00 pm
Rauner, in his own mind, has transitioned to the national stage. Whatever Trump’s political calculus, Rauner shares it.
Comment by walker Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:01 pm
To Rauner’s “clarification”
Which has a better grasp?
Rep. McSweeney?
Gov. Rauner’s second attempt?
See what I mean? It’s not even close.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:01 pm
The legalistic rationalizations for Rauner’s moral cowardice are laughable.
The very idea that a governor who couldn’t be bothered to educate himself about the number of votes necessary to uphold his amendatory veto would conduct an exegesis on the legal definition of ‘terrorism’ is beyond absurd.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:03 pm
You’d think that Jeff Sessions calling the Charlottesville attack an act of terrorism would provide enough cover for Bruce Rauner to call the attack terrorism without fear of losing his right flank.
Comment by SAP Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:03 pm
=McSweeney certainly made it look easy to speak clearly and in a straight forward manner.=
Yes. But to be fair McSweeney issued a statement. Rauner was asked to respond off the cuff. It’s very difficult to answer this question and tie it to the “broken system, Madigan, or reforms”. Believe me I’ve tried. /s
Comment by Pundent Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:03 pm
Sorry, Gov Rauner ( at the update ) - far, far too little and far, far too late.
Comment by illini Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:04 pm
===If he condemns Trump he loses a large majority of his base. For all the #NeverTrumpers, 90 percent of Republicans voted for Trump. Look what happened to Ted Cruz after his RNC remarks. Rauner has a tight-rope to walk.===
Again, Trump lost Illinois by 17 points.
You think Trump’s numbers in Illinois have improved?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:05 pm
It’s like the Gov’s office has a replay official.
Upon further review, yes, it was terrorism, and we denounce it.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:07 pm
===Terrorism is when someone with an agenda attacks, without provocation, unsuspecting people who have assembled for some purpose, or purposes, completely unrelated to the attacker’s agenda
There are debates over how to define terrorism and it can get granular, but this is just wrong. Most basically terrorism is the use of violence for political purposes against civilians.
A Neo-Nazi Confederate sympathizer running down a protester in a counter demonstration is exactly terrorism.
Where the lines get tough are areas like when a police officer is attacked. Is that a civilian or an agent of the state. Is it terrorism or an act of war even if a guerrilla action. Neither is justified in the United States, but there is a legit debate about what the act is. There is no ambiguity here.
Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:08 pm
*** UPDATED x3 - Rauner now admits it was “domestic terrorism”
And the legalistic justifications all fall away…
It was always “domestic terrorism” — Rauner just lacked the character to call it by its name.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:09 pm
To clarify my earlier comment, from what I have read about South Africa and Zimbabwe, the oppressors and the oppressed have been switched. Oppression in any shape or form is wrong and just because one race has been oppressed in the past, it should never be ok to become the oppressor of another race. I hope that all of this race talk that has recently been ignited in the US, can begin to calm down because continuing down this path will cause cause nothing good.
I hope that helps.
Comment by cdog Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:10 pm
“I hope that all of this race talk that has recently been ignited in the US…”
Recently?
Buy and read an American history text.
Any American history text.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:12 pm
Again, Trump lost Illinois by 17 points.
You think Trump’s numbers in Illinois have improved?
Why are purposefully obtuse on this blog? You ask questions simply to deflect, rather than progress conversations. Illinois leans blue, we know. Trump was a terrible candidate, especially for Illinois. We know. Trump lost by 17 points, similar to McCain and Romney. We know.
The electorate is smarter than you claim it is. Here’s a perfect example that you present when it comes to Rauner vs. Madigan. Rauner tied Mendoza to Madigan and yet Mendoza still beat Munger, which using some sort of post-hoc fallacy and confirmation bias leads you to believe that the strategy Rauner employed won’t work in 2018.
Yet, when I look at the data, I see Clinton won the state by 17, yet Mendoza won 49.45% to 44.43%. Therefore, Rauner/Munger’s attacks had Mendoza 12 points underwater to Clinton. That’s substantial and you know it. Yet, you will reply with some more obfuscation touting Raunerites and approval ratings 15 months before an election. But hey man, you got a red-highlighted name, so rock on.
Comment by DownstateKid Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:14 pm
===Is it only me? Nothing aggravated me more than Repubs attempt to make issue with BO and the term ‘radical islam’. This reminds me of that in some respects.
It’s very different. No one disputes that terrorists who claim to be Islamic are terrorists first. There are several issues with labeling them Radical Islamic terrorists. First, most Muslims view them as heretics so it’s an insult. Second, it confuses allies and those we want to convince to support the eradication of the particular death cults involved. Are we waging war on Islam or who exactly are radical Muslims? It opens up too many questions. Third, it assumes all terrorism by so called Muslims are the same thing.. They aren’t. Hezbollah and ISIS are mortal enemies, but both claim Islam as their motivation.
Whether something is terrorism is a different question and an important one. Are we facing a one off based on a personal grudge or is this motivated by a political ideology that affects others as well. We have seen an uptick in white supremacist terrorism in the United States in recent years. We have a long history of white supremacist terrorism in the United States. Being clear about what we are facing is part of addressing that problem.
Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:15 pm
===Any American history text.
Unfortunately, not many of them in the south.
Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:16 pm
This is a very emotional issue but frankly I doubt this will legally meet the definition of domestic terrorism. Was it premeditated or an angry unhinged and hateful reaction to the protest? As I understand it, the police stood down and let this situation get violent.
Comment by emotional Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:17 pm
The problem with people like Rauner is that they alienate a lot of people, so now he’s left with a smaller group of supporters. Now he can less-afford to lose some of these people.
I see now that Trump mentioned white supremacists in his condemnation, though he didn’t single them out but rather included them with other hate groups (in a short video clip I saw). So even Trump mentioned them, but not Rauner.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:18 pm
“Gosh dang it, if everybody is jumpin’ on this terrorism bandwagon, then count me in too”. What a loser
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:18 pm
I wonder who authored the governor’s follow up statement regarding domestic terrorism and gave him permission to use it?
Comment by Wensicia Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:19 pm
To little to late BVR. You’re true colors are showing loud and clear.
Comment by Flynn's mom Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:19 pm
Is there any video or audio from this out there?
Comment by ste_with_a_v_en Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:20 pm
Darn auto correct your true colors are showing..
Comment by Flynn's mom Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:21 pm
Liberals lose credibility when they only selectively condemn hate and fail to condemn hate and murder when it skews left. They also lose credibility when they try to create new legal definitions for existing words. It might be cathartic but it doesn’t help you win elections. 2016 was a case in point.
Comment by emotional Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:21 pm
Honeybear, no offense taken at all. For the record, I do denounce all hate groups, and the KKK specifically makes me sick to my stomach. I can’t believe these groups still exist.
My point is that Julia Stratton saying Rauner REFUSED, her emphasis not mine, to say something the way she likes it phrased does not make me think all these horrible things about Rauner and his attitude towards hate and bigotry.
So many hairs to split, so little time.
Comment by allknowingmasterofracoondom Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:22 pm
== I would say that 99% of Americans are color-blind and just want people to have respect for laws, property, and person. Quit spreading hate. ==
I agree with -cdog- and would add that both national parties are overly influenced by their highly vocal far reaching factions (left and right). Both parties have somewhat alienated mainstream citizens.
There are very few political moderates today. Every election most of us are forced to choose the lesser of two evils. And I don’t see it improving any time soon. There is going to keep being a backlash. I expect the nation will lurch back and forth between far left and far right for the next couple of decades. The only alternative I see is a third party formed by moderates of the two current major parties.
/Apologies for grabbing the soapbox and wandering partially off topic.
Comment by RNUG Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:22 pm
===Here’s a perfect example that you present when it comes to Rauner vs. Madigan. Rauner tied Mendoza to Madigan and yet Mendoza still beat Munger, which using some sort of post-hoc fallacy and confirmation bias leads you to believe that the strategy Rauner employed won’t work in 2018.===
We call Susana Comptroller Mendoza, we call Munger the former comptroller.
Rauner ran it as a proxy. It lost.
===Yet, when I look at the data, I see Clinton won the state by 17, yet Mendoza won 49.45% to 44.43%. Therefore, Rauner/Munger’s attacks had Mendoza 12 points underwater to Clinton.===
Yeah, I’ve rehashed this over and over and over.
It was Dems and Labor understanding that they needed to “stay home” and use the POTUS election universe to defeat Rauner, not Munger.
You are saying a “loss is a win”?
That’s fun, you sound like Lee A. Daniels and Tom Cross.
===That’s substantial and you know it. Yet, you will reply with some more obfuscation touting Raunerites and approval ratings 15 months before an election. But hey man, you got a red-highlighted name, so rock on.===
LOL… yeah, that 63% Rauner disapproval, for a guy who will be on the ballot himself… he’s “fine”
“Rock on”… hysterical, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:23 pm
“you will reply with some more obfuscation touting Raunerites and approval ratings 15 months before an election.”
Serious question: What win do you forecast for Bruce Rauner in the next 15 months? What political or policy victories between now and election day will Rauner be able tout in his reelection campaign?
I can’t foresee any, but I’m willing to be educated.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:25 pm
– “You define terrorism.” 2 hrs later changed his mind. –
Did it take BTIA (sic) 2 hours to Google?
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:34 pm
I suggested yesterday that Goldberg may have introduced malware into the software coding for Rauner’s robotic brain. I was joking.
But Rauner wasn’t this bad on his feet two years ago. What happened?
Comment by Keyrock Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:36 pm
– You define terrorism.–
A self-identified Nazi ramming his car into a crowd of anti-Nazi protesters?
Real brain-teaser, governor.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:37 pm
Second attempt to comment -
The SPLC has identified close to 1000 organizations that they classify as “hate groups”.
These numbers are staggering and should be cause for everyone to reflect. And, dare I say, some of our neighbors may be members of or sympathetic to these citizens militias. Frightening, to say the least.
Comment by illini Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:37 pm
“What would you like to ask the governor?” WTTW is taking questions for tonight’s “Chicago Tonight”.
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2017/08/11/gov-bruce-rauner-appear-monday-chicago-tonight
Comment by Anon221 Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:39 pm
Serious question: What win do you forecast for Bruce Rauner in the next 15 months? What political or policy victories between now and election day will Rauner be able tout in his reelection campaign?
I can’t foresee any, but I’m willing to be educated.
The collective tax increases (READ not just the 32%) are all arrows in the quiver that Dems are Tax and Spend. That strategy allowed the Tea Party to take hold of the House and eventually the Senate.
In terms of policies he can enact personally? Likely none because he doesn’t have executive powers to supersede the Dem stronghold. So in my opinion, he should run like Obama did in 2012. Obama from 2008 to 2012 dropped the whole blue states, red states, purple states, and went straight partisan and ran against an obstructionist Republican party.
From his recent hires and Hoover conversation, Rauner likely is going to lead a revolution-type campaign. It’s almost exactly like Scott Walker positioned himself and won 3x in a traditionally blue state. Here’s my interpretation of his message: I tried Shakin up Springfield, ran into Madigan and the entrenched Chicago machine. The same machine that is losing people, that is going bankrupt, that has a 20-year high in murders/violent crime and is now taxing soda for Goodness sakes (gotta drop those g’s haha).
Basically, I think Rauner double-downs on his Chicago rhetoric, Madigan control, taxing people to death etc.
Again, this is totally dependent on if he faces Biss or Prtizker. If it’s Biss, I think Rauner loses pretty solidly because he cannot tie Madigan to Biss. But if it’s Pritzker, you run the above strategy and hope it wins. If you lose, okay, but you have a simple and straight forward message. According to OW, if you’re explaining, then you’re losing.
After watching Clinton’s campaign, though, I think Rauner or Biss or Pritzker better not go too negative. Either side needs a clear and concise hopeful message about the future of Illinois.
So that’s my 2 cents. If I’m wrong, I’ll gladly eat crow the day after the election.
Comment by DownstateKid Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:42 pm
The tweet by Ahern, in which his response to her question is, “You define terrorism.” Really, Bruce, you don’t think the car attack is terrorism? Speechless.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:44 pm
===The collective tax increases (READ not just the 32%) are all arrows in the quiver that Dems are Tax and Spend. That strategy allowed the Tea Party to take hold of the House and eventually the Senate===
Rauner vetoed the budget.
Prisons? - Rauner vetoed the funding, to keep Illinois safe
Roads? - Rauner vetoed the funding, to keep travel safe for Illinois.
Higher Ed? - Rauner vetoed the funding, causing universities to to worry if they’d exist.
Rauner vetoed the funding of state agencies, schools, public health, state parks…
Rauner vetoed that. Rauner wanted to hurt Illinois by vetoing the state budget… and Democrats, in a bipartisan way, saved Illinois from the purposeful damage Rauner wanted with his vetoes.
So… there’s that in the vetoes…
===It’s almost exactly like Scott Walker positioned himself and won 3x in a traditionally blue state===
LOL… the Wisconsin GA is GOP controlled. Pay attention please.
===If you lose, okay, but you have a simple and straight forward message. According to OW, if you’re explaining, then you’re losing.===
Not my rule, the rule of politics.
“Governor Rauner, why did you veto funding to prisons, don’t you want Illinois safe? Governor, you vetoed higher education, do you want state universities closed?”
Lots for Rauner to explain.
“Rauner vetoed that”… with a 63% disapproval… and we ain’t Wisconsin.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:50 pm
- DownstateKid -
My favorite will be in Ads… Bret Baier…
“What’s going to be different in a second term?”
“Bruce Rauner failed. We don’t need Bruve Rauner back”
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:52 pm
===This is a very emotional issue but frankly I doubt this will legally meet the definition of domestic terrorism.
“Under current United States law, set forth in the USA PATRIOT Act, acts of domestic terrorism are those which: “(A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State; (B) appear to be intended – (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and (C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.”[2] [3]”
How does it not meet that definition?
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:52 pm
Uh, that’s me.
Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:53 pm
Rauner needed police cover to use the word ‘terrorism’?
The guy’s making my moral cowardice argument for me.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:53 pm
Not even close to a terrorist act.
Comment by Anon Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:56 pm
If it doesn’t directly affect him, he doesn’t care and can’t be bothered to care. Now, after the firestorm, he cares because it directly affects him.
Comment by Moe Berg Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:56 pm
Rauner’s name is on this page. Maybe he needs to take a few classes to get up to speed on what terrorism actually is, then he wouldn’t have to ask.
https://www.illinois.gov/ready/hazards/Pages/Terrorism.aspx
Comment by Anon221 Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:59 pm
–I needed to ask police…–
Brought to you by BTIA and Better Messaging.
The Marx Brothers would have run a tighter shop than this crew.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 12:59 pm
OW, Rauner will simply and truthfully say the budget kicked the can down the road. That’s why he Veto’d it.
But you’re confident in your proclamation. So how about we have a wager on the election?
Comment by DownstateKid Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:03 pm
Diana Rauner wanted Goldberg gone, Goldberg’s secretary gone and escorted out of the building, Diana Rauner wanted a purge so deep and so complete to force resignations and the envelopment of the IPI to take over and a hire like Brittany Carl becoming a Rauner spokesperson… so Diana Rauner could feel comfortable that the message of Bruce’s destruction will make Winnetka cocktail parties better for Diana…
…
=== @BruceRauner: I needed to ask police definition of “terrorism. ” Delay not due to Feds (Trump).===
How’s those cocktail parties going Diana Rauner? How do you think it’s going, Governor Rauner?… “Pineapple”?
#BTIA(tm)
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:05 pm
According to SCOTUS, the bigots had a constitutional right to assemble and a permit was issued for the demonstration or rally. The media seems focused on only one part of the complete picture.
As for the Antifa or BLM counter-demonstrations, there were acts of provocation. We ought not to forget the a Trump event as the UIC Pavilion was shutdown by similar protests.
I pity the police having to perform crowd control at this function.
Comment by A Pox on Both Their Houses Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:08 pm
Well, at least he didn’t form a task force to examine if, in fact it was a terrorist act before commenting…so there’s that.
Comment by How Ironic Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:08 pm
===Rauner will simply and truthfully say the budget kicked the can down the road. That’s why he Veto’d it.===
Rauner vetoed anything good for Illinois.
Rauner vetoed anything that gets a single dollar that might be considered a Rauner “win”
Rauner vetoed things that help Seniors, disadvantage children, high school repairs, funding for programs Diana Rauner’s Ounce thinks are critical in babies and children…
Rauner vetoed it all. Everything. Nothing for Rauner, he vetoed it.
There’s no reason to bet, my words are all here to see. You go and bet yourself something or another if it makes you feel better, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:09 pm
Obama would never use the word terrorism when a Muslim man was involved, where was the outrage on this page then?
Comment by Watson Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:09 pm
===The media seems focused on only one part===
Yeah. The terrorism part. It’s like you think we should’ve immediately focused on the damage to NYC sidewalks caused by the 9-11 attacks.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:10 pm
== Anonymous ==
===This is a very emotional issue but frankly I doubt this will legally meet the definition of domestic terrorism.
“Under current United States law, set forth in the USA PATRIOT Act, acts of domestic terrorism are those which: “(A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State; (B) appear to be intended – (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and (C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.”[2] [3]” How does it not meet that definition?
I understand you are not a lawyer. The intention is the issue here. Nice, France was an act of terrorism. It was planned, premeditated to cause fear and terror. In order to prove terrorism, they will need to prove the same was true of the defendant in this case. I’m not sure they will be able to do that - at least on the facts as they are known.
Comment by emotional Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:10 pm
===where was the outrage on this page then?===
He wasn’t the governor of Illinois. This is a state blog. Get over yourself.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:11 pm
BTIA is on it again.
As John Oliver pointed out, this is tee ball level stuff. If you have a chance to denounce White Supremacist terrorism and WWII-era German ideology, you knock that one out of the park.
If the BTIA need help, maybe call the press shop for Virginia Governor McAuliffe or Charlottesville Mayor Signer. That is, unless you actually support this kind of thing.
Comment by illini97 Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:11 pm
===Obama would never use the word terrorism when a Muslim man was involved, where was the outrage on this page then?===
Obama: “Get the transcript”
Candy Crowley: “He did call it an act of terror”
Obama….Rauner is not…
Comment by Dublin Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:14 pm
===Obama would never use the word terrorism when a Muslim man was involved,===
That is so easily disprovable that I can’t believe it is what you meant. Perhaps you meant Obama was reluctant to use the term “radical Islamic terror” because he didn’t believe Islam was the defining characteristic of these terrorists. It is a common denominator, but so too is Christianity for Neo-confederates and Nazis. We wouldn’t call this recent attack an act of “radical Christian terror,” would we?
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:16 pm
# This is a state blog.#
Indeed, except when it isn’t.
Comment by Watson Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:19 pm
The DGA just flat out embarrassed Bruce Rauner.
When the national organizational PACs own you, you are losing who you are and the defining of you. That is Rauner here.
===. This is an unacceptable failure to lead by Governor Bruce Rauner.===
BTIA ™
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:20 pm
Scott and the phony Elitist Oligarchs in Wisconsin broke up the teachers union. They are still too chicken to take on Police and Firefighters. Just like his friend Bruce here in Illinois.
But to the point of the post. This was and still is Nixon’s Southern Strategy. The Republican Party needs to decide what it is going to be.
Comment by Mike Cirrincione Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:20 pm
Just in case any of the apologist are c=still confused, here is the Google Dictionary definition for terrorism:
ter·ror·ism
ˈterəˌrizəm/
noun
the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.
Comment by Roadiepig Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:23 pm
They are still too chicken to take on Police and Firefighters. Just like his friend Bruce here in Illinois.—
Majority of police and firefighters are white men. Also the republican base strongly supports police and firefighters. This is why Rauner won’t go after there Unions.
Comment by Real Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:25 pm
===Majority of police and firefighters are white men. Also the republican base strongly supports police and firefighters. This is why Rauner won’t go after there Unions.===
You must’ve missed the Decaur PowerPoint and the ills of collective bargaining and prevailing wage, be it trades or public sector unions.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:28 pm
You must’ve missed the Decaur PowerPoint and the ills of collective bargaining and prevailing wage, be it trades or public sector unions.====
OW
Words and actions is key here. We know that Rauner went after many Unions after that powerpoint, but most of the ones he went after were not police and firefighter Unions. Even Rep Welch and Ald Pawar made note of this fact.
Keep up
Comment by Real Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:37 pm
– The media seems focused of only one part–
Yeah, that minor point about the Nazi running his car into the crowd and killing the woman.
Talk about poor news judgment.
I see you describe protesters as “Antifa.”
That’s short for “anti-fascist,” is it not?
That’s a bad thing in your world, being anti-fascist?
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:39 pm
OW
While I find the more comments by Rep Welch and other elected leaders please take note:
“The governor has come to agreement with trade unions that are predominately made up of white men,” said Illinois Rep. Emanuel Welch (D-7th). “He has refused to even come to the table with the largest state employee unions that are largely made up of African Americans and Latinos.”
Comment by Real Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:41 pm
===Words and actions is key here. We know that Rauner went after many Unions after that powerpoint, but most of the ones he went after were not police and firefighter Unions. Even Rep Welch and Ald Pawar made note of this fact.===
What you’re failing to see… Rauner wants all public unions to lose collective bargaining and prevailing wage.
What Decatur did was make clear… I can’t piece meal this and get 60 and 30.
Turns out, Rauner couldn’t get 60 and 30 for any of it.
Lemme guess, you think Rauner is a fan of Labor, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:41 pm
@Real
Wrongola my friend. Rauner has quite actively gone after the police unions, “white men” or not. Sheesh where does this stuff come from.
All while pandering and gladhanding at every opportunity to tell police officers in person how he “supports” them.
Comment by Freezeup Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:41 pm
Has our Governor tripped over one of life’s O.O.P.A. Loops?
Comment by Springfieldish Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:41 pm
===“The governor has come to agreement with trade unions that are predominately made up of white men,” said Illinois Rep. Emanuel Welch (D-7th). “He has refused to even come to the table with the largest state employee unions that are largely made up of African Americans and Latinos.”===
If you like to make this a racial thing with Rauner, it’s up to you.
In a policy reality, one of the major sticking points was medical coverage that others were able to agree to with Rauner and AFSCME saw with their offer as something within the comerage as unacceptable.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:44 pm
Get off the union topic. Now.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:44 pm
Rauner is a disaster and he never knows what to say. This is why it takes him hours to come up with a response after public pressure. This is the same reason why he veto’s certain bills very quick. He can’t handle intense public pressure and he always needs to have someone else to blame.
Comment by Real Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:50 pm
@ Rich, My bad, shouldn’t have gone there. If I could delete it I would.
Comment by Freezeup Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:51 pm
Sorry, Rich.
The idea of Rauner refusing to denounce terrorism, then needing clarifying, and Rauner still unclear and asking what the definition is… it’s important to go be distracted by “a kitty”.
Apologies.
These deflections to Rauner’s failing here speaks to why people are so angered by Rauner’s mincing of words, including me. Now I’m upset I got sucked into the deflection.
When the deflections are used, then the real failure of Rauner is hidden.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:53 pm
–cdog @1210 “To clarify my earlier comment, from what I have read about South Africa and Zimbabwe, the oppressors and the oppressed have been switched..…”
Afrikaners oppressed? Really? Have you actually been there? Oscar Pistorius’ trial wasn’t a political persecution.
Maybe you /should/ read more about South Africa before: 1) speaking it up in a discussion about the Illinois’ Governor’s response to a terrorist incident; 2) comparing it to Zimbabwe’s circumstance.
Comment by Abu Iskandr Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 1:59 pm
“but most of the ones he went after were not police and firefighter Unions”
He’s going after all public employee unions, not just in Illinois, but in the entire country. He filed suit to end fair share fees for all public employee unions. That’s cops and firefighters everywhere.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 2:01 pm
Sorry Rich, I didn’t see your warning until after I posted.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 2:02 pm
Probably a couple days late. Whoever wrote Trumps speech earlier today did a masterful job.
Comment by blue dog dem Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 2:07 pm
@Mike Cirrincione: reinforced by Reagan announcing his candidacy in Philadelphia, Mississippi. The beat goes on.
Comment by JackD Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 2:07 pm
Dan Proft must’ve finally told the Governor it was ok to refer to this as a terrorist act.
Comment by Magic Dragon Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 2:09 pm
“You define it.”
Really? As it was famously said about another topic many years ago: You know it when you see it.
Comment by KeepSmilin' Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 2:13 pm
Looks like the BTIA has taken the Looch’s anti-censorship stance to heart, the comments on Rauner’s facebook post of his statement represent the absolute worst of the worst, and unfortunately Illinois residents. Shameful they are letting these comments remain on the post.
Comment by Swift Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 2:22 pm
“He has been charged with second degree murder, three counts of malicious wounding and failing to stop at an accident that resulted in a death.”
It may well be terrorism, but he hasn’t been charged as a terrorist yet.
Comment by ste_with_a_v_en Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 2:32 pm
The original question wasn’t a meatball over the plate. It was set up on a tee and he still struck out. A prepared governor should have had a ready answer.
Comment by Huh? Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 2:32 pm
OW- with respect… Republicans slashed funding for any future studies of non-Muslim Domestic Extremism after Daryl Johnson’s 2009 report on the increased threat of right-Wing domestic terrorism was leaked… why do you think the GOP Congress folk did that?
Comment by Triple fat Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 2:42 pm
When Madigan came up with the messaging intended to tie Rauner to Trump, he had no idea how easy Rauner was going to make it for him. #winning #everysingleday
Comment by itsmyopinion Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 2:44 pm
It was suggested that Rauner may be overly cautious about getting on Trump’s bad side for some “reason”. Until the announcement of his campaign office shake-up, I had the passing thought about what a “golden parachute” escape from this job would look like for Rauner.
If he just doesn’t run again, he looks like a failure walking away from the dumpster fire he lit. If, OTOH, he had the offer of an appointment with the Trump administration, he could use that as cover to escape the Governorship and make it look like an upgrade. This was something alluded to by Blago in his recorded phone conversations, he wanted to escape the Governor’s office and take a cabinet-level position or ambassadorship or some no-work job that had a nice title and benefits. I’m not sure that’s Rauner’s mindset, though. I think he’s just incredibly stubborn and is going to keep throwing bales of money into the fire until he “wins”. However he’s going to define a “win”, with the record he’s built so far. He’d probably be more effective playing it Richard Ulien’s (sic) way, as a funder and string-puller on the sidelines. Rauner is Ahab, and Madigan, his White Wale, and I think Rauner is going to just keep at it, until he runs out of money. It’s beyond logic or reason. It’s just a drive now, a tropism.
Comment by Newsclown Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 2:45 pm
- Triple fat -
With respect, was that also coinciding with the beginning of the newly sworn-in president and this idea that he wasn’t born in this country?
Who was a chief tweeter about birth certificates and such?
Again, with respect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 2:47 pm
=Dan Proft must’ve finally told the Governor it was ok to refer to this as a terrorist act.=
My take on this was that Rauner wasn’t entirely certain how calling this a terrorist act would poll. It appears that two hours later he had his answer.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 2:58 pm
14:25 mark is where Mary Ann asks Rauner about Charllotesville. 16:00 mark is where Rauner states, “What doesn’t matter is definitions.”
https://www.illinois.gov/cms/agency/media/radio/SitePages/Radio.aspx
Comment by Anon221 Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 3:00 pm
Wild eyed creep with horrifying intentions acts on them using a car as a weapon??
That’s absolutely terrorism. As bad as any other kind of terrorism. I believe his intent was to take as many lives as he could.
Because he’s a terrorist.
Comment by A guy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 3:16 pm
OW - I agree with you that Trump openly supports these hate groups. I was just saying that the Republican Congress is not without sin. They appear to squash reports involving inconvenient truths. White supremacist organizations, gun deaths, global warming…
Comment by Triple fat Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 3:25 pm
==They appear to squash reports involving inconvenient truths. White supremacist organizations, gun deaths, global warming…==
On gun deaths I have to strongly disagree. I’m not a gun owner but look at what happened in Virginia (an open carry state). All of that violence yet not one shot was fired. How do you reconcile that if the argument is that access to firearms is the leading driver of Chicago’s murder rate?
Comment by CrazyHorse Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 3:50 pm
Sounds like alt left.
Comment by blue dog dem Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 3:53 pm
The CDC has been blocked from conducting gun-related public health research since 1996. Please define alt left. I am a liberal.
Comment by Triple fat Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 4:46 pm
3fat. Yup. You are right on that CDC/gun report. But I have read that CDC report on marijuana. What’s your take on that one?
Comment by blue dog dem Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 5:01 pm
The term terrorist is used by Trump and Rauner with a very specific undertone. It’s not meant to apply to white guys from Ohio.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 5:28 pm
Blue dog - haven’t read it. I’ll have to google it.
Comment by Triple fat Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 5:41 pm
Wild eyed creep with horrifying intentions acts on them using a car as a weapon??
This is criminal act and a motor vehicle can be used in weapon. Except in Chicago, where some police officers have been criticized for firing upon motorists who were attempting to run police officers down. Complaints are made that the police fired at drivers were unarmed while ramming people or vehicles.
Comment by Say What? Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 6:03 pm
- Triple fat -
Climate change is a “business” issue for fossil fuels and such. That’s a GOP thing back to the earliest 20th century and workers.
The NRA can speak for themselves, and again I point to LBJ, Nixon’s southern strategy and the morphing now that Trump himself embraces
I hadn’t forgotten you, - Triple fat -… the day got away from me.
Again, with respect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 9:01 pm
there should be a bounty for a video of Rauner saying Donald Trump. Does his security wear body cameras
Comment by Rabid Monday, Aug 14, 17 @ 10:58 pm