CapitolFax.com - Latest Comments in Question of the day

Re: Question of the day

Carl Nyberg — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 17:36:39 -0000

How many of JBT's supporters calling for "clean government" in Illinois are calling for "clean government" in Washington, DC.

Blagojevich's scams are pretty minor compared to Bush and the GOP Congress.

If JBT and her supporters can't bring themselves to criticize Bush and the DC GOP, they seem kinda opportunistic to rail against Blagojevich.

If JBT isn't sincere about changing the political culture, why should voters elect her? And if she's sincere about her opposition to corruption, why isn't she opposed to Republican corruption?

JBT has a credibility problem on the anti-corruption themes. She could make the debate about policy. But on policy, would she really be much different than Blagojevich?

Re: Question of the day

Not So Fast — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 14:32:11 -0000

I agree that once voters observe the demeanor of JBT and her lack of substance, they become alienated. She lacks the gravitas to be governor; she is a cross between Phyllis Diller, Judy Tenuta, and an oversized Troll doll. She screeches and nags, and her one-liners are painful. People may not love Blago, but compared to her, they'll settle for him.

Re: Question of the day

Dem Voting R — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 14:19:04 -0000

Read the Tribune these days. There is no news. They have nothing to write about, and readers are already checking out the food section and tossing the rest into the recycling blue bag. This is no time to roll out major policy initiatives just cause Rodo has the bucks to sling some mud at the accordian. Got a long way to go folks. Yes, I agree that Judy needs to be clear, concise and present a vision for the future. She can't simply rely upon 'I'm not him' as an election strategy. But we have the summer to get ready, raise some money, start building foundations and, above all, listening to the voters and what they care about, then giving it to them. So, the negative ads drove down her numbers. Who didn't think they wouldn't? But announcing a major educational policy 10 days before the 4th of July? Who would do that other than Al Gore? (love em, but he never knew timing). So - we're in this for the long haul. Stay tuned. Or, better yet, go on vacation!

Re: Question of the day

Papa Legba — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 19:40:42 -0000

You know what ReddByrd? If your comments weren't so idiotic you would just be an annoying noise. Your support and worship of Governor Blagojevich only shows why your comments are so completly ridiculous.

Re: Question of the day

Mad as hell — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 12:44:20 -0000

Stay away from Radagno, who is trying to undermine her campaign for Governor along with Radagno's supporters, such as Eddie Vrdolak,Lipinski,Madigan,Durkin and Maureen Murphy.
Also show us a vision about where she wants to take the state.
Also stay away from Rich Miller!

Re: Question of the day

bored now — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 10:57:50 -0000

If people donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t know by now who Public Official A is, they should not be voting.

all the air went out of the Public Official A argument when fitzpatrick sent his letter to karl rove. a *large* part of the Public Official A argument was that fitzpatrick had never NOT indicted someone he named as Public Official A. that's no longer true. the rest amounts to speculation.

i agree with ashur that it's too early for the voters to care about the issues. but i disagree about how effective the govÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s strategy is; i can't think of a campaign that employed it and failed. can you? in fact, insider suggests that it is working, although i think i'll wait for the reports to be filed...

Re: Question of the day

Lovie's Leather — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 09:59:25 -0000

All this is a vast centrist conspiracy!

Re: Question of the day

Reddbyrd — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 09:16:39 -0000

After totaling the votes it looks like "More Brickhead the Executioner" it the big winner. Congrats contributors.
Maybe Judy Bore can roll him out to try to save apparently doomed Gay Marriage/Revive Witch Burning petitions.
After that tanks the AccordianGal can announce The Brick will head a special thought police squad at the ISP.
The coup de grace will be sending the LoserCorp (Brickhead, Brady, Edgar, Whinenburger and RonnieG) on a statewide buscapade using a slightly modified Oscar Mayer Wiener Mobile --- just make one of the ends bend 90 degrees rather than 45ish to form the reclining L)
The results --- AccordiOnGal get the whole GOP (as in MOPE) base and loses 60-40 tee hee.

Re: Question of the day

insider — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 09:07:49 -0000

I attended a JBT fundraiser earlier this week and was shocked by the low attendance. I have been around the capitol for twenty years and could not believe the low numbers for a party standard bearer. Worse, was that JBT's speech to the crowd was barely longer than the introduction and consisted of one liners about "pay to play" and putting "an adult in the mansion." No vision. Basically, it was remember to vote and I am not the other candidate. In side discusions with some business folks she did not really deliver a business friendly message and left some of the Republicans walking away saying "is this the best we can do." I like JBT and this she would be a better manager of state Gov than RB but she needs to have a better message and some talking points down. She is very friendly, personable, and has a good sense of humor. Nonetheless, her event was not impressive. I heard this from several others that attended the event as well and they were still talking about it yesterday.

Re: Question of the day

The Conservative — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 07:32:47 -0000

There is one issue that just might bring the conservative base back for Judy. She would have to take a hardline on immigration.

Re: Question of the day

El Conquistador — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 04:21:42 -0000

Frankly, very few voters care what is said here. Everyone of you needs to chill until mid to late August. Take a vacation, please... If you're over 35, you know the election season starts after Labor Day. No (voters of any significant number) one cares about any of this until it is relevant.

BTW, a potential or actual indictment is relevant. Poorly planned and funded programs tend to explode or conveniently disappear. As always, time will tell. Squeeze, pinch , grunt, struggle, mask, defend, or counter. It simply does not matter (unless really significant) until after Labor Day.

Re: Question of the day

Josh — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 00:40:08 -0000

Oh, yes, how I love the conspiracy theorizing that comes out late at night!

Re: Question of the day

Anonymous — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 00:24:59 -0000

You mean Tony Rezko, the former lobbying partner of Bob Kjellander - Topinka's chief puppetmaster?

Re: Question of the day

cynically anonymous — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 00:02:23 -0000

I agree - right now all JBT needs to do is sit back and let the media shine some light on Rod's playmates and sycophants. Did anyone see the article in the Kanakee paper about Team Illinois and how it is - or isn't - operating? Between that and Rezko and Ceja and Public Official A, one would hope the voters of Illinois might begin to see that you are indeed known by the company you keep.

Re: Question of the day

Disgusted — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 23:17:51 -0000

Cook Dem: If people don't know by now who Public Official A is, they should not be voting. You have a very sanctimonious attitude about voters and a very casual approach to the Governor's problems. So I guess it's OK to have a governor like the last one, who puts his pals in top spots whether they know how to run the show or not, who takes big contributions from unsavory characters and gives their pals jobs during a supposed job freeze in the state and who is caught in lie after lie after lie. Shame on you. I would have thought from the tone of your comments that you knew better than that.

Re: Question of the day

Ignatius J. Reily — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 22:42:40 -0000

Since the televised Kennedy/Nixon debates, American political science has steadfastly maintained that the average voter is irrational on issues and ultimately votes according to personal factors such as likeability.

The trend in lower voter turnout over the same period is not surprising as the handlers focus everyone's attention to the other candidate's most unattractive personal attributes---excepting of course those special sympathy cases where unintended backlash could result--- leaving the voters confused, conflicted and repulsed. Apathy-- a real bum steer-- has served as a convenient device for blaming the voters.

As a result, both the formal and informal schools of the modern political craft have churned out decades of cynical practitioners and a uniquely American political culture that maintains a very low opinion of the voting public. Aspirants get the total political mold-over and the refashioned universal candidates replete in their game-show personas and hairstyles dance the Waltz of the Eliminators. Least negatives takes it.

Ironically, the same medium that gave rise to the personal attractiveness factor in politics is now indicating signs of a counter wave. The reality elimination shows are increasingly presenting pretty people that also happen to be mean, shallow and incompetent.

JBT needs to be herself-- which is the way that Blago's ads are already portraying her. Embrace the image and capitalize on it. She will not have the $30 million entry fee and it would take at least twice as much to make her into someone she isn't. Ignore the handlers and cut against the grain. The voters will be receptive to the real Aunt Judy if she shows up with an apron, a mop and an attitude that belies the foul mess that the administration has created.

First, declare him to be fearfully irresponsible. Next, denounce him as a liar and a phony and then let the voters banish him to the corner-- with the rest of the dunces.

Re: Question of the day

Ashur Odishoo — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 19:03:24 -0000

It is too early for the voters to care about the substance of the issues. The poll reflects the negative ads running unopposed, but they will certainly drift back to where they were before election season gets hot.

Blago's strategy is like trying to hold a beach ball underwater. It works but takes a lot to keep it down. And usually doesn't work for long.

Re: Question of the day

Carl Nyberg — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 17:32:29 -0000

Independents loathe Bush at this point. So, I think JBT will trouble winning independents by a dominant margin.

I think she's got a better chance making inroads with Dems that have grievances against Blagojevich.

Topinka could invite the Green candidate to be part of the debate process.

Re: Question of the day

Carl Nyberg — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 17:29:14 -0000

Blagojevich's ads have been very successful because they will hurt JBT with potential donors.

Potential donors will worry about a couple things. First, Blagojevich seems to have an infinite supply of money, so there isn't much point in giving to JBT. Second, JBT's negatives are up and she has to win Dem votes to win the race.

I predict it will be hard for JBT to raise money.

Of course, if the national GOP fails to get her money, JBT might come out criticizing Bush. It would make her look independent and hard-nosed to slam Bush herself.

I talked to someone yesterday who has ties to many parts Illinois who thought Blagojevich hasn't got a chance--too many people dislike him.

But I kinda think JBT is vulnerable to having her negatives driven up and getting voters to vote partyline. November is going to be a tough cycle for Republicans. JBT may be a victim of being in the wrong election at the wrong time.

Re: Question of the day

SilverBackDemocrat — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 16:58:20 -0000

47% of Americans polled say they would definately be less likely to vote for a Republican who was campaigning with good ole' "W" in congressional, while an additional 20% say it would be a factor in their decision in whom to vote for. Go ahead "Nopinka" and right wingers, bring "dubya" in to help yall'. You all will figure it out. One last thing, what does the new Rasmussen poll numbers indicate? If anyone has seen them, please post them. They are in but not posted on Rasmussens site yet.... If I were a gambler, which I am, I would say that even Rasmussens poll shows Blagojevich with a "sturdy" lead at this point. In modern day elections, except total blow-outs, like in Wyoming (where there are no Democrats) 40 some % is actually pretty good at this point in the campaign. Trends, Trends, Trends. Numbers are a-a-a moving, even though all, and I mean all of the "propoganda" that is being spewed by disgruntled ex-workers and those who are using the media as a "stealth" propoganda machine. Talk about "Biased Media" in Illinois. Where are the "stories" in the media about Topinka's "ethical" dilemna's? Topinka is getting nothing but "free" media from the Illinois newspapers.

Re: Question of the day

ron — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 15:41:18 -0000

no matter how you interpet this poll or other polls blago can't seem to get above the low 40's in support. not a good sign for a democrat in a SOLIDLY blue state. most political analyst from either party will confirm this.

Re: Question of the day

doubtful — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 15:06:32 -0000

Topinka's visibility seems to have hurt her. As she makes more public appearances, she slides more in the polls.

I think the independents are key to the race, and courting them requires a plan. They aren't going to listen to her until she tells them what she wants to do.

I know this is unpopular with the right leaning commentors, but I think it is one way to raise poll numbers.

As far a Blagojevich's numbers, stable is not a bad thing for a sitting Governor, but I'm sure he'd like to pick up some of the slack Judy is dropping.

Obviously, a significant number of people are missing something from both of these candidates. It was said earlier, and I would agree, a significant third party could shape the outcome of this race.

Re: Question of the day

bored now — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 14:59:00 -0000

i can't remember, but has chris cillizza ever put the illinois governor's race in his ranking of gubernatorial races?

http://blog.washingtonpost....

i suppose it's possible that illinois is the 13th or 14th most competitive race out there...

Re: Question of the day

Lovie's Leather — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 14:52:41 -0000

just wait... get your platform together... and then when something terrible about Blago's administration comes out (something always does... and I mean something big... like maybe an indictment or another serious investigation)... then you come out with almost everything all at once. He wouldn't know what hit him.... He won't know what hit him.... He will just be dead and buried by the end of October. People will be saying, "Governor Bla-who?-avich...."

Re: Question of the day

SilverBackDemocrat — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 14:42:32 -0000

It is hillarious to read comments from people who didn't even support President Clinton during his time in the White House. Like you right-wingers have any more credibility with regards to "integrity." You folks are the ones that were trying to kick President Clinton out of the White House through "impeachment." Believe you me, Bill Clinton will always "be there" for his "loyal Democratic and independent minded brothers and sisters." He was in the trenches of hell and his brothers and sisters were there for him, not like the right wing "Hypocrites!" Put that on somethin'.