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* The governor is still apparently looking for that elusive magic message that will make everyone go, “Oh, OK. Now I get it!”…

If re-elected, Rauner said he plans to spend more time with Illinois’ residents, and its media.

“It’s hard to communicate to 12.8 million people,” he said. “What I’ve learned is that I need to spend a lot of one-on-one time with legislators listening.

“I need to spend more time communicating with people, just getting the message out about what’s at stake,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot. I come from business and, in business, you can make a decision and implement it.”

* The Question: If you worked for Bruce Rauner, what message would you recommend he use to improve his image? This is not snark. It’s a serious question.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:01 pm

Comments

“I’m sorry.”

Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:04 pm
I honestly don’t think there is a message that can work. He’ll have to be 100% negative. At least then if he loses he will have weakened his opponent.

Comment by Just Me Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:06 pm
It would be tough to advise him on his message. If he were truthful and fully disclosed his goals, a majority of voters would reject his message. He is doing the best he can trying to cover up his real desires by spreading bologna to the masses.

It isn’t a messaging problem, it is more of a disconnect between what he demands and what the majority of voters want.

Comment by Ole' Nelson Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:08 pm
You are not always the smartest guy in the room.

Comment by Almost the weekend Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:08 pm
Personality transplant

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:08 pm
No snark. He has no chance of changing the image he alone has crafted just by being himself. It would be just another exercise in trying to bamboozle rather than persuade/convince. His image is truly what he is.

Comment by Matts Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:09 pm
I definately know what to do but I’m struggling to say how because I want him to lose bigly to both Pritzker and McCann..

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:12 pm
Without saying the word “Madigan”, what are your ideas and what steps will you take to move the state forward during your second term?

Comment by Cyprian Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:16 pm
“Past generations of Illinoisans failed us. We’re failing our children and we’re failing the generations of Illinoisans yet to come.

If you want this to be a state where you can grow old and your kids can remain with you then I stand with you against the self-interested powers that perpetuate the status quo.”

Comment by LakeviewJ Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:16 pm
Did I say “Persistent Rascal”? I meant to say “Thoughtful Conciliator”

Comment by Jocko Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:17 pm
No magic pill or dust to help this.

But to answer as serious as one can, he would need to meld his past attempts of change with his current “new found” apologetic approach. Continue to attack the low hanging fruit in property tax.

“We need to stop raising taxes at both local and state level. The local level has no choice if we fail to fund at a state level. Therefore, if we freeze local property taxes, we must fix our State imbalances by a thorough review of our expenses AND revenues to move our state forward productively together, No more us and them.”

Comment by Patchworkorange Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:18 pm
I cannot answer this question because I don’t believe there is anything he could *say* that would improve his situation. There is only *doing* and he does not have enough time left for that.

Comment by pawn Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:19 pm
The setup is tough.

They (Rauner’s Crew) have tried to remessage countless times, fighting for home, always fighting, always combative.

What made the “Diana and Bruce” comedy routine in the shirt ad work was… “look at us, we laugh, we’re fun, we love Illinois”

All that said,

They’d have to message something where Rauner can get beyond his negativity, but more importantly, stop the combative.

All these messages have this layer of combativeness. What is there to like with a person always looking for a fight?

They need to see Bruce, not solely contrite, and not one to feel sorry for, but someone we can relate to that he’s nice. You can’t be seen as nice when all your ads and every time he talks it’s fighting words.

So… maybe a Diana ad, talking about Illinois, talking softly to Bruce’s kind heart, and at the end, they walk together holding hands, looking to make a better Illinois…

Here’s the problem… they both went to college out of state, Bruce has no real business existence in Illinois, Diana works for a non-profit, but they could talk about the Rauner YMCA, or things, not measured by monies, don’t say, “I spent millions” … no… “we are involved because people give society value” or something showing empathy and an understanding.

We don’t see Rauner as a doting father or grandfather.

We don’t see Rauner with “lifelong friends” or business partners driving, not for results, but to bring to people better things in society.

They need to figure out how to make Rauner make it personal to his soul to humanity, not personal to his ego, anger or fighting.

Heavy lift.

When you decide to close your life… in public life… what are you showing people to like about you?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:21 pm
Actually, I’d say his whole tenure has been an exercise in false images to hide his true nature.

I don’t think image is his problem. If he was honest and sincere on what he’s all about it would curl your toes. Eventually, it’s been revealed by his actions.

Birds gonna fly, fish gonna swim….

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:23 pm
Nelson pinpoints why it’s so hard for Rauner or even to offer advice.

It’s not a messaging platform, but if he were my guy, I’d tell him to lay off the belt buckles, U of I hat and the more obvious bits of fakery (he can keep the motorcycles). After dressing him like the suburban businessman he is, I guess I might try… radical candor. Just tell people you want to end unions and all the rest of it - all the things already transparent without the veneer of folksy downhome gee willikers.

As Nelson says, I think it would be a rejected agenda, but at least he’d go down being true to what he actually believes.

Honestly, some days he looks like he is intentionally trying to mock central and downstate Illinois with those outfits. It’s maddening.

Comment by lakeside Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:23 pm
Bruce, if you love me you will spend all your money on TVs ads and direct mail. Spend it all Bruce. I’m sure you will win biggly.

Comment by Spend all Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:27 pm
He must give state of the state address and lay out all of the ways Illinois has fallen behind since 2003 because of anti business policies favored by the Democrats.

He must stress that doubling down on those same policies will only make things worse and drive even more people and businesses to leave the state.

Commenters will howl about how he is talking down the state. They prefer ignoring the problems and pretending they will magically disappear.

It is a tough message to deliver to many Illinois voters who favor more deficit spending paid for by someone else who can leave the state more easily than they can

Comment by Lucky Pierre Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:27 pm
At this point I think he’s alienated so many people, there’s no saving him with messaging. He’s got to hope for an Oct surprise that reflects badly on Pritzker.

In the meantime, I’d urge him to try use the election as an opportunity to help repair his image by using honesty and avoiding criticism of others.

I’d say “Gov. Tell people in specific terms why you think your policy ideas would spark growth and cite the evidence you have. And, stop criticizing Madigan, saying negative things about the whole state of IL as well as state workers and teachers. That only makes you seem mean spirited and highlights your own failures over the last four years.”

Then I’d get fired.

Comment by Hexagon Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:28 pm
“I accept that the fiscal problems you voters recognized and elected me to try to start solving in 2014 have not been solved –and part of that is my fault. However, I also know you understand that the underlying reasons you voted for me and gave me that chance are still very much present. And, I believe most of you knew then and know now that having one party statewide governance is not, and will never be the answer or provide the solution to this decades long mess. This is why I humbly ask for your vote for four more years to work with you toward fixing our great state of Illinois.
Thank you.”

Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:28 pm
After 3.5 Rauner still seems to think that the problem isn’t his message but how we’re receiving it. And on that basis he really isn’t listening.

I happen to believe that people do know what’s a stake but they don’t have confidence in Rauner’s plan to address it. And while he’s put on a lot of different outfits and spun a lot of tales he hasn’t presented himself as particularly honest or genuine.

Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:30 pm
I don’t think he can.
If he is really sincere…
Apologize to all the social service agencies, their clients, their families, the state and university employees, the students. Every single category of resident that was harmed by his lack of governing expertise and his ‘over abundance of courage’.

Flat out apologize to everyone he called corrupt.

Have serious meetings with every legislator and lobbyist, . Find out their objections to all that stuff he was attempting to do.

Comment by thoughts matter Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:32 pm
Fighting for You

At this point, with so much failure, flailing, and needless antagonism, the only thing that could swing voters is some sense that it’s all been for a good purpose.

Comment by Quizzical Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:35 pm
Look.. you can’t teach a sociopa– empathy.
You can’t improve the image of one who stands convicted of perfidy.
There is nothing one can do in my opinion
He is who he is.
And Illinois sees him for who he is
A perfidious sociopat$

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:37 pm
We don’t believe him anymore.
We’re not listening.
He has to get us to listen to him without acknowledging that we are listening.

He does this by speaking a message of reconciliation, humility and a brighter future to someone important to us, as we listen with our folded arms and pursed lips.

Rauner needs to sit down on a small stool and surround himself with children. He needs to be seen looking up into their faces and softly tell them what he’s done and failed to do for them. He needs to tell them what he’s tried to do and why. He needs to use his office to tell them that he’s facing an election and might not win, but he wants them to know how hard he fought for them.

He is not to blame others for his struggles, or the magic would be broken. Any tripe of rehashed baloney will wreck this. If Rauner wants us to hear him again, he must be gubernatorial and not sound like a flake.

Watching him speak to our children forces us to listen to what he has to say. He does this at every stop. This would reimage him to voters.

I hope he ignores this plan.

I wanted him gone back in 2015.

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:38 pm
It’s too late to change his “image” and the real Rauner will never change.

He should declare he’s unfit, resign and move to Italy.

Comment by El Conquistador Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:39 pm
“because of anti business policies favored by the Democrats.” So LP believes in the status quo as well. Good to know.

No, what he needs to do is show how crushing unions will actually benefit everybody, with facts and figures and not just with hand waving “pro-business” and “Madigan, taxes and toilets” mumbo jumbo.

Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:42 pm
These ads… these ads with the dispatcher and “we’re moving” as taglines…

Rauner fighting… has kept you at 30% or less…

You need people to like Bruce.

You don’t need angry people in ads just yapping about moving.

The numbers won’t move like this.

Nope.

You’re doing this all wrong, making an unlikable candidate be the angry candidate too.

I’d call it gross overexpanding malpractice… but y’all only think fighting is winning.

You lost the battles, you’re losing the fights, your polling has you losing the war.

I’d “last” as long as I could at the Rauner Camp… a whole afternoon.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:44 pm
The most convincing thing he could try would be complete honesty. I’m not sure he could pull it off, but his words have not been consistent, and they’ve definitely not matched his actions.

In terms of reaching a large number of people, he could try using Facebook Live or posting videos there. https://capitolfax.com/2016/12/01/rauner-explains-his-stopgap-demands-with-facebook-video/

Comment by Earnest Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:53 pm
If he sticks with his unpopular plan, the only messaging advice that makes sense is:

More obfuscation.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:56 pm
If I worked for Bruce Rauner, I would recommend losing the costumes, bring back the g’s when he talks, and stop trying to be things he clearly is not. Example: the reality of his situation is that, even though he may be an avid motorcyclist, his vest became another costume because of the absence of any realness in his political persona.

Whether he was trying to fool us, convince us that his approach was sound, or overcome his possible weaknesses on these points, it failed at the outset and continues to fail him.

Comment by Lefty Lefty Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:56 pm
Sorry, 2:56 was me.

Comment by Ole' Nelson Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 2:57 pm
Pick up the phone, call Christine Radogno, apologize and say, “Now what was it you were trying to get me to support?”

Then listen.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:00 pm
“I apologize. I apologize for not being able to defeat the architects of Illinois’ failure during my first term, the entrenched politicians who have created the state’s problems over the past thirty years, and especially the twelve years prior to my being elected, when they held majorities in the Legislature, Senate, and the Governor’s mansion. I truly had the best interests of the state at heart, but was wrong to think I could pressure the status quo enough to change. Not to be overly dramatic, but I picked a fight with the Devil, and the Devil won.

My opponents claim I was responsible for a six billion debt increase during the impasse, but that is not truthful - the debt was created, but only because the money remained in the pockets of the taxpayers of Illinois, due to the income tax rate increase having sunsetted prior to my taking office. Instead of allowing cuts to be made in spending to balance the budget, the Legislature allowed the impasse to occur. And they finally over-rode my veto and raised your taxes 32%. I’m sorry for not being able to stop this.

I mostly apologize for not having told the voters of Illinois who elected me four years ago, that in order for me to be successful, they would also need to elect a majority of Republican legislators, or at least pressure their Democratic legislators to make the necessary reforms. That did not happen. The voters of Illinois need to make a very big decision this November - and re-electing me as Governor is only part of the equation - they must also oust the controlling interest in the Legislature and Senate as well. Otherwise, their taxes will continue to go up, the grifters will continue to skim the till, and the state will continue to decline; JB will simply be a puppet of the folks who got us where we are today”.

Now, I don’t think for a minute that this will get BR re-elected, minus some huge scandal concerning JB. But it will at least give him a narrative he can control and hurt his opponent.

Comment by Stuntman Bob's Brother Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:04 pm
Rauner needs real accomplishments. It’s probably too late, but this is what I think most citizens could get behind. And let’s be honest, nothing short of these kind of Hail Mary’s will make a difference.

1) Sit down and work out a long term labor contract, maybe even a much as 10 years. He can try to bargain hard but he doesn’t have any leverage; Rauner needs this deal *now* before he can move to the next step.

2a) Once he has the labor costs locked in, he can lay out a plan going forward. Give a serious, detailed, fact based plan to get the State out of debt. Something like the Edgar Pension Ramp but without the back-end loading. Honestly detail the costs and the pain.

2b) Cut a deal with Madigan to support his plan, including the revenue it will require and the cuts / spending limits it will require. Rauner probably can’t get the deal, but he can call legislative sessions to try to consider it.

Radical? Yes, but at this point Rauner has absolutely nothing to lose.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:13 pm
If Bruce loved Illinois, he would find a way to take himself and Evelyn off the ticket and put in Radogno/Dillard. That combo could beat Pritzker.

Since he won’t do that, he needs a road to Damascus reversal. I would make three points.
1. I have learned the hard way it is different to cut State spending. Consent decrees and federal matching fund requirements really tie our hands.
But Governors can expand spending. I will limit expansion to what is really need.
2. Past decisions by Governors and the GA have left us with a huge unfunded pension liability. I this has to be paid and the uncertainty about who will pay it is scaring businesses away. I propose a 1% increase in the flat rate income tax to fund this debt. Two caveats, the tax will stop if the GA fails to make pension payments under the current ramp. Total payments must be the Edgar ramp PLUS the extra 1%.
3. We need to change how we fund K-12 education. I propose a 2% surcharge on all incomes above $150,000 per year. This money will be distributed to Illinois students on a per capita basis in the form of a voucher that can be used in any accredited school, public or private. The GA will be required to continue funding K-12 schools at the current level. No bait and switch is allowed.
This will require a constitutional amendment,which I will support. For some schools, this will add critical funding. Some school districts will use this money to reduce property taxes. That will be a local decision.

We will grow the State through constraining spending, reducing uncertainty about how to pay the pension debt, and by improving education.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:19 pm
==”“It’s hard to communicate to 12.8 million people…” == I’ve heard Rauner speak a couple times on WBEZ’s call-in shows. On the one hand, he has an impressive discipline of message. He sounds convincing. On the other hand, he never answers questions other than with carefully-honed canned responses. It’s a one-way conversation.

Comment by Ed Higher Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:19 pm
Turn on his crowd the way FDR did - don’t see that happening, however.

Comment by Ares Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:20 pm
The only way to improve his image is for him to go away. Go far, far away Bruce and maybe someday people will mock you like Millard Fillmore or Franklin Pierce, not realizing how terrible you actually were.

Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:22 pm
No snark and with some kernels of truth too, and something I think he could do (I don’t think, for example, he is capable of listening). So I’d try to position him as a fighter against the extremes of both parties…a champion for moderates and independents.

“No social agenda” was a great line from the initial campaign. Push this further by pointing out loudly that he signed HB 40. Disagree with the Trump administration whenever he hears another republican governor doing so - Rauner has played things too safe here so far. He’s theoretically in trouble because of McCann with this tactic of moving left, but I think it’s his best shot.

“Blame Madigan” - Madigan isn’t popular statewide, so keep this up to the chagrin of most commenters here - just don’t admit to powerlessness again…use the Daley comments on looking for a deal with Pritzker to bail out Chicago. Make the argument that power shouldn’t be so concentrated among one party; he can be a check on abuses of the left.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:28 pm
I wouldn’t want the job to repair his sorry image. We now know the real Bruce Rauner and we are tired of him constantly trying to fool us with his phony costumes and accents. He has said he has learned his lesson, but so have we. No amount of pleading for a second chance will work for a man that has no compassion, no leadership or governing skills, no understanding of doing something for the greater good.

Comment by Way South of I-80 Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:29 pm
Governor, you are used to having a ‘my way or the highway’ operating style because you had the money that people wanted. So far you offer nothing but demands, insults, and declarations of failures because you are used to that style. You now now have to work with people who do not need your money and do not see how your actions help them. You need them to work with you and you have no idea how to play with others. Your job requires cooperation, coordination, and planning. You cannot or will not do it. Your choice.

Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:32 pm
Most of my comebts are usually snarky. But I made a sincere attempt to think of some advice for the Governor. Like most on here, I think it’s way to late for Rauner. He is toast. I guess I would tell him to go back to what he knows. Venture capitolism.

Comment by Generic Drone Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:36 pm
Stop calling other people corrupt. Lead by example. Clean your own porch before criticizing others.

Comment by Chunga Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:41 pm
There is no message because this election isn’t about messaging. It’s about Rauner’s record.

No amount of spin can erase the deficit going UP under his administration. It can’t erase fewer jobs being created under him than Quinn. It can’t erase the political and callous decisions about the legionnaires crisis at Quincy. He has spent 3.5 years saying he’s not accountable. Illinoisans elect leaders; not finger pointers.

The only message he can give is the one no candidate can give to win an election: “I was wrong.” In politics, you are only as valuable as your credibility. Can enough of your constituency count on you as an incumbent? For Rauner, that may be less than 40% of the electorate. That is, in all certain terms, a schlacking.

Comment by MG85 Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:44 pm
Well, I suspect my time on staff would be about the same as OW’s, but were I there, I would tell him;

-No more costumes. Suit and tie, or khakis and a dress shirt when the event is casual. Keep the Harley if you must, but lose the vest. You can afford good leather, wear it.

-Ban the word “Madigan” from your vocabulary. His unpopularity is a given, and it ain’t gonna get you any more votes by beating that dead horse. Give up on trying to tie him around JBs neck when the links are tenuous.

-Get a few people that are respected in the business community to cut some ads. Baise types. Have them speak to your work ethic and willingness to admit when you’re wrong (even if that’s a stretch.)

-Don’t go around touting the U of I (and suggesting more campuses) while their Chancellor is sticking it to you. Use your trustees to speak on your behalf at the UI and at the other schools. We never see people standing up for you except in contrived campaign ads. Call in some chits and let those people stand up for you.

-Stick to the theme in the first half of last week’s speech. Tear up the second half.

-Tell your people to settle the AFScME contract or be fired.

This is just a start, but I would be cleaning out my desk by now anyway.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:44 pm
Seriously at this point in the game, he can’t pull it off with a new message. He should have lead from the beginning taking the responsibility of things that went wrong. Then a message could be effective.

Comment by FormerParatrooper Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:46 pm
LP says: “He must give state of the state address and lay out all of the ways Illinois has fallen behind since 2003 because of anti business policies favored by the Democrats.”

Not sure he will have that chance since the next SoS speech in in February 2019.

Comment by don the legend Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:48 pm
No one’s going to buy it at this late stage. That said…

1. For all public appearances, put a tie on and keep it on. If you must remove your jacket in hot weather, fine, but the tie stays on. Proper business attire is your only attire from now until election day.

2. Not a single dropped G from here on out. Not one. No more fake folksiness. You’re still a rapacious vulture capitalist but no longer patronizing the voters while doing that may win you some votes.

3. Do not, even once, mention Mike Madigan. You never heard of him. Madigan who? Forget him.

No, you know what? Everything I just said? Do the opposite. Stay the course. And I won’t be available next week because I’ve got job interviews. TTFN.

Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:54 pm
“Democrats have gone too far to the left.”

“A vote for Pritzker, or any Democrat, is a vote against individual freedoms, and against a doctrine of personal responsibility.”

“A vote for Pritzker, or any Democrat, is a vote for an ever-bigger government, which feels entitled to be involved ever-more minutia of your life.”

“Trump is right, America First.”

Comment by cdog Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:54 pm
Stop being fake

Comment by Jack Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 3:55 pm
More communicatin’ ? Yikes it seems all he has done is wander the state bangin his gums for 4 years.
How about sit in your office learn a little about the services and tasks IL law requires you to deliver. Try not to insult the work force.

Fortunately he won’t need to worry about that in 49 days. Pretend it that subprime bank in GA you busted before the ‘08 crash. Get the bonus check for ? (How about Patty) and the gift cards for the others.

Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 4:09 pm
Too much water under the bridge at this point. How can you craft an attractive message with the budget crisis, hb40, etc. in people’s minds.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 4:09 pm
==“Democrats have gone too far to the left.” ==

You mean like signing HB40, running up 12 billion in debt, outrageous leasing contracts, giving Munger and Dunkin jobs. That too far to the left?

Comment by don the legend Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 4:11 pm
===You mean like signing HB40, running up 12 billion in debt, outrageous leasing contracts, giving Munger and Dunkin jobs. That too far to the left?===

The problem now with going Full Trump or full far Right… is the uber-left, costal, limousine liberal social agenda that IS Raunerism.

Best to try to seem more likable now, Rauner’s policies and record are not things, thus far, that have found Rauner a constituency.

It won’t in 49 days either.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 4:14 pm
There’s not one single thing he can do to change my mind about just how awful he’s been for this state. He’s part of the reason I will never even think of voting for anyone from the GOP ever again.

Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 4:17 pm
If I knew, I wouldn’t post it here or tell anyone on the off chance it might get back to him.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 4:18 pm
I think we already know what is at stake. The problem is that Rauner’s solutions are not what is needed to fix the state’s problems.

If Rauner has a plan that doesn’t involve trying to destroy unions, now is the time to bring it out into the open.

The question is, will anyone believe Rauner no matter what he says?

Comment by A Jack Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 4:21 pm
“If you worked for Bruce Rauner, what message would you recommend he use to improve his image?”

Can’t be done. It’s too late in the campaign and Rauner has nothing to show for his first term. The best he can do is improve his image relative to his opponent.

And he can only do that by attacking, attacking and then attacking Pritzker some more. Rauner needs to put everything he has behind dragging JB down — and then he needs to that the Pritzker campaign has a very long string of very badly-timed very bad days.

I don’t think ‘100% negative, 100% of the time’ will work, but I do think it’s the only thing that might.

God help us all.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 4:23 pm
Hat tip to lakeside @ 2:23.

Comment by Ole' Nelson Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 4:40 pm
I’d say stop fighting what you can’t change. And focus on championing Illinois companies and creating a positive attitude for Illinois. Negativity is contagious.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 5:24 pm
Dale Carnegie called, Governor; he said he wants to know where to send you your refund.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 5:42 pm
If Rauner has a plan that doesn’t involve trying to destroy unions, now is the time to bring it out into the open.

Are unions in Wisconsin destroyed?

Of course not, they are creating union jobs faster (5 %) increase from 2016 to 2017 than we are here in Labor Nirvana (1.8%)

https://www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/data/unionmembership_midweststates_table.htm

Amazing how a growing economy creates all kinds of opportunity for everyone

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 5:54 pm
“Arrivederci.”

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 6:10 pm
Lucky

The advice you just gave the Governor is to keep doing what he has been doing for 4 years. That’s about the worst advice you can give to someone who has s 30% approval rating. That message isn’t working. Try something else. You don’t get it

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 6:40 pm
Whatever he says to look good, will make absolutley no difference if he doesn’t plan on really doing it after he’s elected. And that is the problem….trust.

Comment by stlboy Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 6:44 pm
It’s too late. There is no image reboot that can be done with 49 days left.
Just have to keep pounding away on the negative message for the next 49 days and hope the voters believe you.

Comment by DuPage Bard Tuesday, Sep 18, 18 @ 11:06 pm
There is no Hail Mary that can transform Rauner into a likeable guy in the time remaining. Not sure he has any credibility left. Who will support him? The election results will be brutal.

Comment by Barrington Wednesday, Sep 19, 18 @ 7:35 am
In answer to my own question, I see in the next posting that some business groups support Rauner. So maybe Rauner can expand on that. Just don’t see that doing enough.

Comment by Barrington Wednesday, Sep 19, 18 @ 7:41 am
Lose the Carhartt jackets and leather motorcycle vests. Wear a nice tailored suit and look like the private equity dude you are. The inauthenticy just oozes out of his pores and it’s nauseating.

Comment by SIUEalum Wednesday, Sep 19, 18 @ 9:12 am
to paraphrase Dennis Green - “He is who I thought he was”. His only shot now is to look us in the eye and apologize, and if he can’t do it without laughing then don’t bother

Comment by repete Wednesday, Sep 19, 18 @ 9:17 am
As someone who worked in Rauner’s office from 2015-2016, I think all he can say at this point is “Blame Madigan.” He started off genuinely eager to negotiate but with Madigan it’s like talking to a wall. All the goodwill that was there in 2015 and even 2016 has vanished. It’s Rauner vs. Madigan.

Comment by IllinoisInsider Wednesday, Sep 19, 18 @ 9:28 pm