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Daily Public Schedule: Wednesday, May 23, 2018

What: Gov. Rauner joins public safety and transportation leaders at a ‘Give Them Distance’ awareness event
Where: Illinois State Capitol Building-Press Room, Springfield
Date: Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Note: No additional media availability

So… the governor is going to the Statehouse press room and not taking reporters’ questions? That’s so odd. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before.

*** UPDATE *** Here’s how the governor’s unusual press conference ended. Some folks were not pleased. The old rule was if you came to the Blue Room you couldn’t leave until the reporters said they were finished. Hey, it’s our room, so you abide by our rules. It’s why some people don’t hold these things in the press room…

Many thanks to the fine folks at BlueRoomStream.com for the video clip. If you don’t already subscribe to that service, you should.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 9:31 am

Comments

We’ve never had Skeletor as Governor before…

Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 9:35 am
Skeletor is the primary antagonist in the Masters of the Universe franchise. He is known for his complete disdain towards his subordinates, as well as his repeated failures at the hands of He-Man

Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 9:36 am
Can’t sojourn to the IDOT campus?

At least not taking questions there isn’t as odd.

Maybe his “construction worker” costume got lost in the move back into the mansion and his phony vest and cowboy Woody shirt wouldn’t work at IDOT?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 9:37 am
Rauner: Questions from reporters interfere with my effort to obfuscate, lie and deflect.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 9:39 am
–So… the governor is going to the Statehouse press room and not taking reporters’ questions?–

It must be a crushing personal defeat for him, the self-awareness that he’s hopelessly incapable of answering simple, basic questions about his job after all this time.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 9:40 am
It’s odd enough that I wonder if somebody bungled the content of that ‘note’ field.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 9:41 am
If he’s not going to answer any questions, why would any reporters bother attending this?

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 9:41 am
It’s hard to put your foot in your mouth if it’s shut.

Comment by Gruntled University Employee Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 9:42 am
Rauner: “Stupid reporters - always askin’ questions n everything…. “

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 9:43 am
Well we’ve got a President who’s held one press conference since taking office so nothing surprises me at this point. The questions that Rauner’s unwilling to answer at this point seem to be piling up so we may have more of this to look forward to.

Comment by Pundent Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 9:47 am
Rauner sits at 26% approval.

You’d think talking about things that show he’s capable in governing would be something Rauner would be itching to do…

… but Rauner is indeed incapable of speaking knowledgably and thoughtfully to his job, and his own accomplishments… let alone sound knowledgeable about anything “governing”

Yep. Sad and quite pathetic.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 9:49 am
More evidence of Rauner’s pharaonic predilection. Bow down before me, lowly scribes.

Comment by Moe Berg Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 9:53 am
–The questions that Rauner’s unwilling to answer at this point seem to be piling up so we may have more of this to look forward to.–

I don’t think “unwilling” is the word. Rauner has proven to be unable to give informed, intelligent and honest answers on the basics, and beat reporters have increasingly been calling him on it.

When Rauner has a one-on-one with some creampuff radio interviewer, he’ll babble on-and-on with a bunch of nonsensical lies.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 9:56 am
When has he last time he put $ into his campaign? At what point does he realize “No Ma$”, keep his money, and triple down on Blame Everyone Else.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 9:59 am
Cool. Does he have a Skeletor costume?

Comment by Keyrock Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 10:02 am
He clearly needs them to give him some distance.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 10:04 am
In the old days if this happened you’d cue up Ray Long to start screaming “What about the subpoenas?”

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 10:04 am
We all must understand that the governor has reached a plane of enlightenment in which answering questions is simply impossible. It’s not that he doesn’t know the answers, that his superstar staff hasn’t prepped him, or that he lacks a basic understanding of his job, it’s because no matter what he says or how he says it, mere mortals cannot comprehend that lies and Madigan talking points are actually the only truth.

Comment by SinkingShip Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 10:20 am
Why even do this event then? He already has the biker vote locked up. And with spring finally springing, if he needs to pander more to that group he can simply put on the flair, hop on his hog, and ride. No reporters can ask him pesky questions then.

All he does by having this event but not taking any questions is show how weak he is.

Comment by Henry Francis Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 10:27 am
I’ll be doing the talking around here, any questions refer to my first statement

Comment by Rabid Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 10:34 am
Rauner gags reporters at a press room

Comment by Rabid Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 10:38 am
This is taken directly from the Trump playbook.

Comment by Dome Gnome Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 10:38 am
In 2014, Rauner didn’t go beyond repetative shallow talking points. This year, since he has no real accomplishments, he is reduced to saying nothing.

Put up or shut up, we have our final answer to that question, don’t we?

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 10:39 am
I don’t understand why people think Rauner owes the media answers. The media make money off of attacking Rauner and getting views for it; the goals are exactly contradictory. The election is the people’s voice; the media express their own voice.

Comment by Chris Widger Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 10:39 am
Well, when you’re not in charge, why take questions about nonfeasance?

Comment by Steve Rogers Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 10:43 am
===the media express their own voice. ===

You think the media is one big entity? You’re nuts.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 10:43 am
===I don’t understand why people think Rauner owes the media answers.===

I hope you hold all electeds to this same thought.

I’ll hold this somewhere. I’m sure you’ll be outraged soon that someone isn’t answering a press question about something.

===The media make money off of attacking Rauner and getting views for it; the goals are exactly contradictory.===

Example?

Also, what coverage hasn’t been fair? The Quincy Veterans Home, for example?

===The election is the people’s voice; the media express their own voice.===

Electeds not held accountable to the press is patently un-American and contradictory to the American Experiment.

So you are siding against…

Ben Franklin, Thomas Paine, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson… the Constitution of the United States…

Good to know..

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 10:48 am
===I don’t understand why people think Rauner owes the media answers.===

Yeah, an independent free press, who needs it?

If you have questions about the administration’s handling of the Quincy home, for example, I’m sure Rauner’s taxpayer funded flack army can provide answers that will ease all your concerns.

Rauner doesn’t duck the press over negative coverage, but due to the fact that he can’t think on his feet or speak off-script. It must be embarrassing for someone in his position.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 10:58 am
New twist on old saying: “If you can’t say anything honest, don’t say anything”

Comment by d.p.gumby Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 11:06 am
Rauner (to press): “It’s not you. It’s me.”

Comment by Don Gerard Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 11:17 am
I guess Bruce forgot that he already held this press release six months ago. Maybe it’s a do-over.

https://tinyurl.com/y779ks4o

Comment by Jocko Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 11:25 am
Dunkin out of tough questions …

Comment by The Way I See It Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 11:53 am
==I don’t understand why people think Rauner owes the media answers.==

Because he won.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 12:06 pm
I don’t disagree that media outlets can do good work, in the same way that Nabisco can happen to make a delicious Triscuit. They’re selling a product, and it’s at times a product worth buying. I just don’t think we should default to a position of pretending that the work is noble or sacred or anything other than self-interested. Certainly, the American people have the power to demand that politicians are beholden to the press, by use of the ballot box to elect politicians who do what the public want them to do. It’s just odd to me that media types feel like they are owed access.

Comment by Chris Widger Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 12:09 pm
It was like, if he walks really slowly from the room, maybe no one will notice he’s leaving?

Very statesman like. Keep an eye on this guy. He’s going to get elected to something sometime.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 12:12 pm
====I don’t understand why people think Rauner owes the media answers.==

Because he won.==

Am I to presume that winning an election absolves one from accountability? Isn’t that the basic premise of a free press?

Comment by Cable Line Beer Gardener Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 12:17 pm
===that Nabisco can happen to make===

Cookies ain’t in the US Constitution, bub. Don’t be a simpleton.

===pretending that the work is noble or sacred===

Again, that work is protected by and enshrined in the Constitution, a document that I find to be quite noble. Perhaps you don’t. If so, perhaps you are on the wrong website.

===odd to me that media types feel like they are owed access===

You come to the Blue Room, you answer questions.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 12:23 pm
GovJunk demonstrates how to look like a mope. DeGroot should be proud. Thought Q1 would be for him to compare and contrast his “fighting corruption every day” and giving an ex-Rep a six figure job as a “good behavior” award

Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 12:27 pm
CW, if Rauner had the goods to answer questions from beat reporters without making a fool of himself, he’d do it all day long.

He’s not any good at it, so he avoids it like the plague. Mystery solved.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 12:29 pm
UPDATE: Geez, the guy looked like he just got indicted. Why put yourself out there like that to reveal you’re chicken of a few reporters? How embarrassing.

Must be quite the spectacle to see him attempt the ole walk and chew gum at the same time daredevil stunt.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 12:39 pm
Uncle Hulka has a message for the Guv

https://youtu.be/hIeHgv7qfHQ?t=118

Comment by Henry Francis Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 12:45 pm
Thin-skinned, Rauner.

BTW — has he blocked anyone from his (lame) Twitter account?

Today’s (very weird) decision says, hey, if you’re thin-skinned and government official and block people from Twitter?

Well, you can’t:

https://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/federal-judge-rules-trumps-blocked-twitter-accounts-unconstitutional

Comment by Macbeth Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 12:58 pm
If that isn’t the actions of a man that knows he’s defeated I don’t know what is.

Comment by BlueDogDem Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 1:14 pm
Rauner hadn’t built his fortune with his hands. He got it by flipping what others built, stripping it for parts, then casting away the bones. He doesn’t fight beyond name calling, threats and back stabbing. He was coddled during his only run for political office. He spent a fortune on a campaign to shake up Springfield. He deliberately didn’t tell us how knowing if he told us - he’d lose the election.

Since 2015, Rauner has had to work, meet deadlines, be accountable, be responsible and measure up to expectations.

He can’t do the job. He can’t answer any questions beyond his prepared and memorized spiel.

Rauner can’t win this year unless Pritzker makes a mistake that Rauner can use to make his reelection look better to a state tired of his uselessness.

So he’s going to say nothing. He has nothing to say. He can’t brag about his accomplishments. He can only tell us that the world will end if he isn’t reelected.

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 1:18 pm
In the old days, it wasn’t so easy to get out of the Blue Room. Rauner proabably would’ve got stuck in the curtain.

Comment by MasseysTV Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 1:26 pm
What’s the big deal? Mr. do nothing is now Mr say nothing. It’s a shame.

Comment by Iron Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 1:53 pm
==Am I to presume that winning an election absolves one from accountability?==

Presume whatever you want, but I said just the opposite- that he owes the media answers because he won an election.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 1:54 pm
Chris Widger, if you can’t comprehend why Rauner owes it to the press to take and answer question, then you probably shouldn’t be commenting at all.

The free press is able to ask the questions, us simple, who do not have access to the Governor can’t ask.

Comment by Honeybadger Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 1:57 pm
O.M.G. Isn’t that Liz Gorman in the event. I guess the corrupt find each other.

Comment by Honey Bear Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 2:21 pm
Governor Nonfeasance’s slow-motion walk out reminded me of the Avengers Infinity War scene when Drax tried to stay as still as possible so as to become invisible. It didn’t work for Drax, guv.

Comment by Steve Rogers Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 2:24 pm
WHAT? You don’t go to the Blue Room and not take questions. If you want to dodge reporter questions just do a presser outside your damn office. Geesh.

Comment by Shytown Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 4:13 pm
MAsterful on the part of his handlers…he could have stood up there and spoke for for 10-15 mins like Daley used to do and say nothing. He is learning like professor Falcons contraption.

Comment by NorthsideNoMore Wednesday, May 23, 18 @ 11:42 pm
Just can’t get his message out, a failure to communicate

Comment by Rabid Thursday, May 24, 18 @ 8:41 am
“the election is the people’s voice” ” by use of the ballot box” I’m with you chris on how term limits work

Comment by Rabid Thursday, May 24, 18 @ 8:51 am