Politics: Schock’s speech, commercial raise issue of fairness
Commenter dd says all Schock did was agree to a softball interview with a guy who ran a public access program. Ray LaHood and Judy Baar Topinka did the same.
But the difference is that when Aaron Schock went looking for folks to appear in his campaign commercial, he went looking for Coach Ron Willis:
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Seven months later, Coach Ron was indicted.
What’s the big deal? Well, it’s not a HUGE deal. Schock can’t be held responsible if a guy who endorsed him developed a drug habit after the fact, if that is what happened. But I think the whole ad speaks volumes about Schock and the different “rules” for different candidates. He created an ad with only black faces. There isn’t a Democrat who could do that and NOT get vilified on talk radio. And Schock did bring up the subject of attracting black voters last night be speaking exclusively about that subject on national television. So don’t blame me for providing additional commentary.
September 5th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
So your whole point is: Schock is a pandering little sleazeball? Remind me to buy you a drink some time.
September 5th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Pandering? Yes. Sleazy? No.
September 5th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
From thesaurus.com:
Main Entry: pander
Part of Speech: verb
Synonyms: bawd, cater, gratify, pimp, procurer
What’s that? “Bawd”; “Pimp”?!?!?! Sounds like “pander” and “sleaze” are one in the same, eh?
September 5th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Interesting numbers on Schock regarding a a request in a thread at CJ’s site, Peoria Chronicle: http://peoriachronicle.com/2008/09/04/republicans-happy-to-compare-experience-of-palin-obama/#comments
Scroll way down and you’ll see that Precinct Committeeman very kindly found the list of legislation Schock has authored/sponsored. I really appreciate this, and thank him again, and admit I’m not done checking it all out (probably will this weekend). I counted, it’s about 64 (including the disputed SBs)
But I found these numbers provided by another kind poster, over at Daily Kos:
820 and 427 and 152
820 is the number of laws Obama sponsored in the Illinois State Senate.
427 is the current count of the number of bills Obama has co-sponsored in the U.S. Senate.
And the final number, 152, is the most recent tally of the number of bills that Senator Obama has authored.
linky goodness: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/5/04916/71376/372/587456 – gotta scroll down some
I actually clicked on this link hoping to find out what it was the Code Pink protesters screamed, but instead got some impressive numbers.
Now, I realize they aren’t running against each other – it’s just interesting to put those numbers next to each other, from two candidates who’ve held similar positions (or at least one of them strives to hold positions held by the other).
Now, is that his current commercial? Or is it from a previous campaign, for 92nd? The ad doesn’t specify and I can’t figure out from what you wrote which is the case.
If it’s an old commercial, do those folks still support him for US Congress?
September 5th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Zing.
September 5th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Diane Vespa defense in 5…4…3…2…1…
September 5th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Just kidding Diane, I agree with you ideologically on most things just not when it comes to this guy.
September 5th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I noticed, Bravo
September 5th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
I still don’t get it. What is the discussion or argument. That he is courting African American voters? Or a guy in tv spot may like coke? Am I missing something Billy? I don’t know, it’s been a long week. Could be losing my touch.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Ian, the fact that you don’t get it bodes well for you.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Ian,
there is no point other than to stir the pot and to get hits on the website as some of the national collegues of yours do for sensationalism. It sells and the least common demoninator is appeased. I have not been on the blogs for months, I still go to Billys occasionally because he tends not to push his personal agenda as much on his site as do others. I have read the comments, most are simply personal attacks with no basis in reality.
Colleen Callahan’s remarks are reminiscent of the democratic strategy of attack and misdirect and create doubt vs. selling a qualified candidate that has been used with Slone and Spears. I am sitting back watching to when the 92nd race will go this way, although one of the first shots was fired in PJS this morning. Same failed strategy and I aticpate the same failed results. The money donated to Joan’s campaign was from the Republica n Party. How much is Ms. Gordon getting from the Dems and does anyone believe Madigan won’t demand absolute loyalty and worship from his party members. Great, more votes for the Chicagoan mess of Blogo, Emil until he retires and Madigan.
Ms. Callahan’s campaign has called Aaron a “chicken”, coming with a candidate with pig on the back of her parade wagon, it begs a comment I won’t give. My first thought was “is this how you would represent yourself in the House”…2nd grade name calling. What does that say about your qualifications? Another attack was on Aaron traveling to different parts of the country and perhaps the world, I don’t actually remember the full citing other than he wasn’t paying attention to the 18th district. My thought was.”how many actual congressional votes will be about the 18th directly?” Shouldn’t one be aware that the vote one casts regarding funding for aid in other countries, regarding problems in other areas, be met with some type of knowledge.”
Additionally I am usure how many times Aaron has lapped the district, it has been many and Ian as you well know, as the other’s don’t. I have the pictures to prove it. I personally have spoken with some of the mayors throughout the district as well as residents in my travels to find out Aaron had been there, other candidates hadn’t. These are first hand facts for me, not speculation or rumors. I have walked with Aaron into businesses where some were supportive, some supported his opponent. He was gracious and listened to each small business owner equally. Again, saw it, heard it. not second hand knowledge. I have seen constituent services in the 92nd go to members of the community regardless of their voting record or background.
Aaron was ripped for having a presidential fundraiser. The white house chose Aaron. Whether you like the man or not, it is still the President of the U.S. How about some respect for the office. (ah the wheels are turning, Bush doesn’t respect the office…etc….) Guess what you control the presidency through your vote, or through direct communication to your representatives. The amount of outright disrespect amazed me and then the same people question why our children openly disrespect authority around us, teachers, neighbors, etc. They do as you do. It’s that simple. Because you feel you have the right to say something, doesn’t mean that you should. With freedom comes much responsibility and America suffers greatly from several generations forgetting that fact. Disagreeing with politics, with decisions, etc and generating good discussion with potential solutions is excellent. A consistent gripe fest is worthless and tiring.
Regarding the legislative commericials. I was in one of them. I didn’t take a piss test to be in the commerical, although for the record I would pass at anytime given my profession. Regarding do the african americans in the these commercials still support Aaron. The ones I know personally do and I know most of them, the others, I don’t interact with them directly so I don’t know, perhaps if you have the question you should ask. I think it is important that Aaron has reached out to the african american community. It’s a strength to be able to represent a district as diverse as the 92nd. There are comments about Aaron’s working or not working or holding a job. I have spent enough time with politicians that it is a full time plus job, long hours, and little thanks, especially from this bunch. Aaron’s schedule is unbelievable busy. It is going to be further compounded with Blago calling them back into session. I know personally that he researches many things before voting.
I hear comments about career politicians. This is the only job where experience and effort are criticized. Do you want your doctor to have just been a sales clerk last week? A sales clerk is a fine job, but I don’t want one taking out my appendix. I do want their advice on my purchase, not my doctors. I hear complaints from both sides of the isle on this one. Aaron is not experienced…yet he’s applying to a legislative job as a current legislator. He’s a career politician….well to be have a career it is implied that one has experience. He doesn’t have life experience, based on what? His age. He’s accomplished much more in his young years than many on this blog will achieve in a dozen lifetimes.
Quite frankly is the continued attacks from these armchair quarterbacks that stiffle more good candidates from coming forward. You will be attacked, your family will be attacked, each decsion angers one group or another. Why the hell do people put up with the nonsense from those who do so little to make their own community better. Complaints without solutions are worththeless. If nothing else, the challenges in McCain’s speech are valid. get up and make change happen or run for office yourself.
The point Ian, my friend, to answer your question, to wrap up (and you are not the target of this, just the most recent one to ask a question) , is to gripe about something. anything, as long as it’s griping, degrading, ripping appart, etc.
Nothing I have read or yet heard has given me any reason to vote for Ms. Callahan, if I were undecided. How about instead of wasting everyones, (Ms. Callanhan, and other candidates,) time bashing your opponent how about we actually hear why you’re qualified, why we should consider casting a vote for you.
Diane, I have pulled the heat off you. bask in the glow of ensuring verbal bashings no longer directed at you.
Paul
September 6th, 2008 at 1:00 am
Mr. Wilkinson ~
Good god, man – where did you attend school?? In the Ukraine or some other former Soviet state??
I don’t know whether to applaud or laud your rambling, incoherent, grammatically error-flawed entry.
Based on what little I can derive from your blather, you seem to be intelligent (although misguided), but you have GOT to get your writing, spelling and vocabulary skills improved, or you will become another victim of over-inflated ego syndrome. You simply cannot be successful until you learn to express yourself using correct grammar, the English vocabulary, and a good dose of SpellCheck.
Oh wait. I just figured-out where you may have got your education… from District 150, during the years of the Schock-Royster fiasco!!
Thanks – that explains it.
September 6th, 2008 at 7:24 am
If you can’t attack the argument, attack the person and their grammar. Thank you, Sarah… it is people such as yourself and your fellow pack of rabid commenters that will help Schock win in November. People don’t like this stuff, and all of your efforts to harm this young man will backfire.
September 6th, 2008 at 7:38 am
If he wins, that’ll be the only reason. I can’t imagine anyone choosing him over his positions or experience.
September 6th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Paul,
I don’t think anyone challenges how hard he works to campaign for the various offices he runs for. Its what he does once he’s there. As to being a career politician… There is a difference between being a career politician and being a career public servant. One of those Schock is, the other he has never been.
September 6th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Sarah W: Please refrain from personal attacks on individuals. If you disagree with someone’s opinions, fine. There’s no need to attack the person making the comment. That goes for everyone else, too. please.
September 6th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Thank you for your polite admonishment Billy. I can take criticism, as well as dishing it out, so I appreciate your straight-forward feedback.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Paul says: “there is no point other than to stir the pot and to get hits on the website as some of the national collegues of yours do for sensationalism.” this sounds to me like an attack on Billy’s intentions and character
Then compliments Billy: “I still go to Billys occasionally because he tends not to push his personal agenda as much on his site as do others.” I don’t actually agree, but it’s Billy’s blog and he can push whatever agenda he likes. I like to read Billy’s opinions frankly, and Diane’s, and Bravo’s. I learn a lot here. Does any of it make me want to vote for Schock – no, I’m what y’all would refer to as a “bleeding heart liberal” and something I read on a blog is not going to change that.
“strategy of attack and misdirect and create doubt vs. selling a qualified candidate that has been used with Slone and Spears.” I’ve seen this strategy used by both Dems and Reps – Karl Rove pretty much perfected it, though, in Bush’s efforts – I think most here would admit to that.
Paul says: “Great, more votes for the Chicagoan mess of Blogo, Emil until he retires and Madigan. ” I agree, wholeheartedly – but no one, either side of the aisle (although I have hope with Dave Koehler) is doing much to fix this situation. Some grass roots folks are arguing for the constitutional convention – I think that might be a good idea that could actually break the gridlock we suffer in IL.
“Disagreeing with politics, with decisions, etc and generating good discussion with potential solutions is excellent. A consistent gripe fest is worthless and tiring.” I think that at least 60% of the comments made on this blog are useful and I enjoy reading them. Sure, plenty of folks get to personal attacks – it comes with the territory, even you yourself have done so, I’ll provide more examples in a sec. Just skip over those and try to get to the meat of the debate.
“Quite frankly is the continued attacks from these armchair quarterbacks that stiffle more good candidates from coming forward.” armchair quarterbacks sound a lot like a personal attack to me.
“You will be attacked, your family will be attacked, each decsion angers one group or another. Why the hell do people put up with the nonsense from those who do so little to make their own community better. ” Well, running for office comes with public scrutiny. It’s a hell of a hot kitchen, and if you can’t take the heat, don’t run. I would survive a minute, based on rather a number of indiscretions in my background, so I won’t. But don’t you dare accuse me of not getting involved. I am a member of Peoria Families Against Toxic Waste, the board of the local ACLU (which is sponsoring a debate in late Sept), and the board of the UU church. I teach religious education classes at the UU Church. I have volunteered in Callahan’s office and marched with her in parades. I help organize for my son’s cub scout den and pack. I take as much offense to your “armchair quarterback” comment as I did when Sarah Palin totally dissed “community organizers” around the country. No, they have no legal responsibility, but it was community organizers that got women and black people the vote, that desegregated schools, that strive for equal pay for women. I hope you volunteer for things yourself, Paul. I’m proud of all my efforts, for sure.
“Complaints without solutions are worththeless. If nothing else, the challenges in McCain’s speech are valid. get up and make change happen or run for office yourself.” as I just stated, I am. Big time. And I have every right in the world to complain if I disagree on theory and principle. That is the beauty of what our founding fathers created and the awesomeness of blogs. If you don’t want to read it – instead of calling us all “whiners” – just don’t read this stuff. I think I have yet to tell anyone around here to stop whining. I have disagreed with their arguments and disputes their facts. But I enjoy it all quite a bit.
If you want to learn about Callahan, the best way is to visit her website or go meet her at an event. There’s quite a bit about her on her website. Or look for newspaper articles about her. Watch the news. I can tell you that I’m voting for her because I think she understands what the big issues are – that, as I believe, we need to get out of Iraq and allow Iraqis to build their own democracy. That global warming is serious, and cellulosic ethanol and clean coal are two of her big goals (though I have my doubts abuot clean coal). She has listened to our concerns about the amount of pollution in the Peoria area (we are only slightly better off that the Joliet/South CHicago industrial areas), and I have hope that she will do something about it. I think she knows and understands the entire district, from South Peoria to rural Manito, both urban and rural concerns.
And Aaron Schock has modeled himself very, very much in the neo-Republican mold. Trying to tell me what my morals should be (that gay marriage is wrong, very specifically. I’ve actually met with Aaron personally on this issue, and was not impressed at all. Same meeting, Dave Leitch was extremely open and honest and surprisingly supported our efforts. Thanks Dave!). I also met Aaron at the most recent March of Dimes Walk for Babies, and he was very distant and aloof, not social, not chatting with the moms and kids at all. I was pissed off by that frankly. He is anti-abortion – something I believe must remain as a medical option for women. Legislation a woman’s womb is no one’s right – it’s a personal, and usually grueling and awful, family decision. Just like Terri Schiavo, another point of contention I have with neo-republicans. Get out of my bedroom and hospital room, thank you.
SO there you go. I think those are some pretty good reasons why I won’t be voting for Schock and will be voting for Callahan.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I had to come back and post this too, from Joe Klein in Time Magazine:
http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2008/09/what_a_community_organizer_doe.html
a snipet: Klein’s reaction to Rudy Giuliani and Sarah Palin’s attacks on Obama’s work on the South Side of CHicago. “So here is what Giuliani and Palin didn’t know: Obama was working for a group of churches that were concerned about their parishioners, many of whom had been laid off when the steel mills closed on the south side of Chicago. They hired Obama to help those stunned people recover and get the services they needed–job training, help with housing and so forth–from the local government. It was, dare I say it, the Lord’s work–the sort of mission Jesus preached (as opposed to the war in Iraq, which Palin described as a “task from God.”)
Giuliani and Palin, it would seem, are going in for those personal attacks you so despise, Paul. I don’t much like Callahan’s personal attacks either, but I’ll put up with them to get someone in office whose views I agree with.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Good lord…I need more time to read some of these posts! haha. Nothing like a healthy debate though.
September 6th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
I also am wondering if this is a recent ad or an old one. Arthur Perkins is no longer a principal. In fact, she never came into her old school once last year to visit after claiming she loved the children there SO much (she did ask certain employees to come out to the parking lot and see her). Also, I would like to point out that she is not only getting her retirement, but is also working for District 150 as a “consultant” making probably close to $500 a day like the other administrative “consultants” are doing. For Aaron to claim anything good happened while he was on the school board that has left District 150 in a horrible financial situation and continues to make insane decisions turns my stomach.
September 6th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
This ad was was before the election in 2006.
September 7th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Good job Paul, i like it when you do write in . You make so much sense ..I also support Aaron Schock . I support because i have needed his officeon some issues. He always comes thru and HE REALLY CARES . THAT WHAT PEOPLE WANT , A PERSON IN OFFICE THAT HAS LISTENS TO THE PEOPLE … Go, Aaron!!!!!!!
September 10th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Mamma Hen;
In theory, you may be correct, but the PROBLEM with Aaron is that he can’t listen to his constituents if he doesn’t respond to their calls & inquiries (such as those for legitimate state questions).
And he can’t listen to the people he represents, when he is invisible within his district. And he can’t do it when he’s on some whirl-wind money-raising tour of the East Coast, to LA & San Diego, back to DC, etc.
I can’t get a return call or reply to my letters to him, so I finally had to turn to Sen. Dave Koehler.
Aaron is like a child on the side of a milk carton… sure, he showed up for an open-form this AM in Peoria (NOT a debate, as Shearer claims), so why does he snub the PAWAC debate tonight??
I was looking forward to going to this debate with an open-mind, but it’s difficult to make an informed choice if the candidate continues to dodge & duck public appearances.
SW
September 10th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Actually Ms. W., Aaron’s constituent services are very strong across the district, regardless of political belief and other factors. Aaron is not “invisible” in the the district and I assume you mean the current 92nd as quite frankly he takes interest in areas including my own more than some of our councilmembers do at times. Again the proof is in the pictures. I don’t have any pictures of Ms. Callahan in our area, nor have I yet heard any of the other neighborhood leaders having contact. Peoria is a highly populated area to not be campaigning in. Quite franky, I have a number of candidates for various offices knocking on my door looking for my support, some wouldn’t even be eligible to represent my area.
Aaron has sponsored legislation specific to his constintuents in his district and quite frankly the good Senator refused to sponser an excellent piece of legislation even when requested by the neighborhoods. It was blocked specifically by democrats and Chicago lobbiests. I don’t believe Aaron committed to the PAWAC debate, despite the opponent’s taunts and I also believe that Blago has called special sessions of the state legislators to deal with the capital budget, so that would put him in Springfield, doing the current job he’s elected to do. So it appears that the problem you’ve mentioned is your issue rather than a valid generalization.
Additionlly as grammar lessions were noted in an earlier post, Aaron was accused of implying, when the correct phrasing should have been that the writer “inferred” and that technicality shifts the resposibility from the subject to the author, of whose sole opinion is being expressed. How’s that for a private school education.
Again, knowing many politicians, I understand that they can’t be at everything, everywhere, everytime. As the area represented grows in size, it becomes even more difficult. Aaron’s schedule is very tight and he works long hard hours. I know this as a fact, not suppostions, as does our Mayor and many of our city councilmembers. multiple events are covered daily, some events may only get brief visits and there are often unexpected things along the way, such as answering questions, etc. I can’t imagine someone more visible and accessible currently in the 92nd and in the 18th as well as Aaron.