I spoke with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a man refreshingly candid about his disgust with the current administration's policies and its lack of humane leadership
Agree 110% He is a leader with a spine, a moral compass and the knowledge to call out the monster in the oval office. Thank you Governor JB Pritzker. He makes me proud to be from
America, especially now, when there is so little to be proud of.
And he has a record of success as the governor of a diverse state, which is the best recommendation for the job of head of the Executive Branch of our Federal Government I can think of. Pritzker for President?
We have a lot of talented political figures on our side, each doing right and good things in sometimes different ways. Governor Pritzker is one of many on that score. What we don't have right now isn't lack of spine, mettle, drive, anger or the willingness to fight -- it's simply votes. We don't have enough votes.
It may not be popular to defend Chuck Schumer right now, but he's as shrewd as they come, and he knew how to count. He didn't have the votes. He was delivered a dog's breakfast of a bill -- a truly hateful, contemptuous piece of trash, and told -- take it or vote to shut down government, it's your choice. That's never happened before. In this truly toxic climate, he knew just how costly, cumbersome, dangerous and unprecedented a shutdown wouid have been. Medicare, Veterans Services, Social Security -- the crazies would have gotten total power not just to shut it all down, but keep it shut. In voting to not shut government, he also gave cover to many Democrats to vote against him. He knew that, too.
It's easy for Rubin and others just to scream fight and find fault. In "normal" times, that feels right. But we are so far from that, even from where we were just 2-3 years ago. Republicans in Congress aren't going to change -- on that score, Governor Pritzker was spot on. We have to have some more votes. It's time for alchemists, not just fighters. We have to have leaders who can speak to red in order to make it blue, otherwise it's just a one-sided conversation amongst ourselves.
I hadn't really understood Schumer's position on the CR, but Corbin has clarified it somewhat. It's true enough that we didn't/don't have the vote now, but that HAS to change before the mid-terms (assuming we have mid-terms). Whatever it takes, we have to do, and sooner than later.
I don't know where you get your information, but on Wednesday night, Schumer had all the votes, but one. On Thursday, once he announced his "Yes"vote, Fetterman and Catherine Cortez Masto joined him. He spent Thursday doing media interviews, positioning himself as the only Democrat in Congress who had the strength to make the "tough choice," and it was all BS. He used scare tactic to frighten Democrats into thinking that the shutdown could last for six months or longer, when the longest Trump shutdown in 2019, lasted 35 days. Please read Norm Ornstein's article on Schumer, that ran here on March 17. https://contrarian.substack.com/p/schumers-specter-of-a-shutdown
What is being missed in the debate that Cox Richardson puts her finger on—missed also by Ornstein—is the importance of the reaction of voters. I saw this reaction on Tuesday evening at a town hall in northwest Chicago held by our Congressional district representative. When an angry constituent questioned Dick Durbin’s vote, the rest of us in the elementary school auditorium roared in sympathy. It was a loud and emphatic denunciation of Durbin’s vote. Until that moment, I didn’t realize how angry I was. The crowd only turned pitch-fork angry this once. It was otherwise a gathering of concerned and anxious citizens who want information from an elected official about what Congress is doing and guidance on what they as citizens should do.
This debate is likely to go on (we really should drop it), but voters are getting the message that they have to drive the politics. It is not only that we booed Dick Durbin. We fully embraced Representative Delia Ramirez for saying again and again she is going to fight.
Corbin, do not put the message of “gotta fight” on Jen Rubin’s shoulders as if she’s generating it. The Contrarian has a little over one-half million subscribers across the country. A single congressional district has three-quarter million voters. I doubt there were many Contrarian subscribers in the auditorium. Jen Rubin is in touch with the “fight” sentiment unlike Schumer and Durbin. Nancy Pelosi is in touch with it too:
“Democratic senators should listen to the women,” she wrote, who have called for a short-term extension and a negotiated bipartisan agreement. “America has experienced a Trump shutdown before—but this damaging legislation only makes matters worse. Democrats must not buy into this false choice. We must fight back for a better way. Listen to the women, For The People.”
Thanks Lisa. I read Heather’s piece, but I got a better sense of things from listening to some Democratic town halls. After the Schumer debacle, the mood had changed. Democratic voters were clearly angry and wanted action.
My own Senator Adam Schiff did a YouTube video, which did nothing for me because he said, it’s up to us to keep on writing emails and calling our politicians, volunteering, donating etc. The problem is that millions of did that during the election, and have continued. But, the overall sense I get is that voters are dying for leadership, and feel they are getting none.
The only truly positive and high-energy meetings I saw, was Elizabeth Warren’s, and the Bernie Sanders and AOC Fighting Oligarchy Tour, which isn’t just about Oligarchy. All three are comfortable talking to large audiences, know how to relate to people, express their positions honestly, and can galvanize crowds.
Lisa, that's about it. I also liked the rest of what you wrote, and I agree.
In 2019, the Senate had 3 more Democrats and a 235-seat majority in the House. That was a big part of the reason Trump lasted only 35 days then. There are no guardrails this time. And I've read both Ornstein and Rubin, but disagree with them.
There’s still a lot to be proud of. I liked this description because it reminded me of what I came to realize as a Peace Corps volunteer. “He choked up while telling the audience that America is still the greatest country on earth, and one worth defending for the freedom, security, and world leadership it offers.” I saw my country differently— more positively— when I was in another country. I understood why it was worth defending. It is for these reasons that we all are so upset now and we need to remember this.
I studied history in college. Trump is vile, but he cannot undo our history, and while that history contains a lot of ugliness, we work to understand it, overcome it, be better for it. Our history is bigger than Trump and so are we who carry on that history. I don’t believe Trump’s attempts to change the course of our history can prevail if we fight like hell right now.
Thank you to Jen Rubin for this profile. I agree with Geraldine that he a governor to be proud of. And he is my governor so I am especially proud.
I loved this, Jen. Whenever Mr. Pritzker has made an appearance on the national stage he has made a profoundly positive impression on me. Thanks for giving him a megaphone today.
Would that the national media give him the same voice. The current theme seems to be to curry favor with Trump and discount any benefit that Democrats attempt to create. If the Washington Post, in its bias, wouldn't support Kamala Harris, what chance is it that any of the 2028 Democratic candidates will receive any kind of fair treatment?
It's a problem for which I have no good answer. Continued vocal and observable protests, support for alternative media on Substack, outlets like The Contrarian and The Guardian, and of course your local NPR/PBS stations would be a beginning.
OMG, this is what I need to hear this morning. This is my governor/my state. Like JB, I know how deep this fascist crew will go. So many do not; they skip along on a wink and a prayer. I'll be 90 in 2028. My wish is to see him inaugurated as the 48th president of the USA.
I like that he’s ready to defend those who can’t defend themselves. A great quality to have in a leader. Something that’s sorely lacking in the current resident at Pennsylvania Ave. No nonsense and great business sense is a clear winner.
Perhaps this man should be a candidate for the presidency in 2028. He certainly makes sense of what is going on and how we are feeling these days. Let us hear more about him and from him. It’s beyond time to get going on this problem.
I live in Pennsylvania and I would definitely support Governor Pritzker. He is actually speaking out about what is happening in this country right now. He is a businessman of character and works hard for his state. I'm a fan. I hope he does not back down, ever.
It just shows that NOT ALL billionaires are only for themselves, the rest of us be damned. It also shows that NOT ALL billionaires are guilty of anticipatory knuckling under in hopes of avoiding angering The Emperor
Fine so far, but Mark Cuban's been mentioned here, and there are many over the past decade who were good billionaires until they suddenly... weren't (Jen herself escaped Bezos). I'm sure there are Mike Bloomberg fans around here. This New Yorker still remembers the time he paid absurd amounts to get our laws changed in order to give himself a successful shot at a third term as mayor, because it was after 9/11 and his message was, essentially, "I alone can fix it". I hope Pritzker understands that before we put faith in yet another billionaire, he ought to be ready to go above and beyond even the most restrictive anti-corruption laws and ethics guidelines.
Great column! It is apparent that there is no working with current Republicans. I can understand Schumer's reasoning, but at this time, anything less than total opposition appears cowardly. We are fighting evil bastards who must be absolutely evil at heart to do what they are doing. I said years ago that ours is as it was in the 1850s. What compromise was there between slave holders and abolitionists? What compromise do we have--not because Democrats will not negotiate, but because Republicans' unwavering ideology is nothing but evil?
That is one parallel that has come to mind. There are many other possible ones, too, some more hopeful than others. I agree, though, there's no negotiating with them (people who voted differently than we did is another matter). I am so over the debate about are they or they not, fascists. The point is, there's no negotiating with them. I, for one, won't do it. No quarter.
I'm really impressed by Pritzker. The Dems could use 100's more of him.
Those who should pay closest attention are those like Schumer, Gallego, Gillibrand, Klobuchar...and all those who think all we need is bi-partisanship.
Bi-partisonship would be great if there were sane Repugnican'ts with whom to negotiate. But if there are any sane Repugnican'ts left, they've been cowed into silence out of fear of a primary challenge or even an assassination attempt. So there's not much hope for bi-partisanship and anyone who thinks there is needs to pull their head out of the sand (or out of their butt) and move on.
Thank you Ms. Rubin for spotlighting a Democrat with convictions, a rarity for Democrats these days. Stay strong, Gov. Pritzker! Democrats, get your act together. Let Gov. Pritzker show you how it is done!
Agree 110% He is a leader with a spine, a moral compass and the knowledge to call out the monster in the oval office. Thank you Governor JB Pritzker. He makes me proud to be from
America, especially now, when there is so little to be proud of.
And he has a record of success as the governor of a diverse state, which is the best recommendation for the job of head of the Executive Branch of our Federal Government I can think of. Pritzker for President?
We have a lot of talented political figures on our side, each doing right and good things in sometimes different ways. Governor Pritzker is one of many on that score. What we don't have right now isn't lack of spine, mettle, drive, anger or the willingness to fight -- it's simply votes. We don't have enough votes.
It may not be popular to defend Chuck Schumer right now, but he's as shrewd as they come, and he knew how to count. He didn't have the votes. He was delivered a dog's breakfast of a bill -- a truly hateful, contemptuous piece of trash, and told -- take it or vote to shut down government, it's your choice. That's never happened before. In this truly toxic climate, he knew just how costly, cumbersome, dangerous and unprecedented a shutdown wouid have been. Medicare, Veterans Services, Social Security -- the crazies would have gotten total power not just to shut it all down, but keep it shut. In voting to not shut government, he also gave cover to many Democrats to vote against him. He knew that, too.
It's easy for Rubin and others just to scream fight and find fault. In "normal" times, that feels right. But we are so far from that, even from where we were just 2-3 years ago. Republicans in Congress aren't going to change -- on that score, Governor Pritzker was spot on. We have to have some more votes. It's time for alchemists, not just fighters. We have to have leaders who can speak to red in order to make it blue, otherwise it's just a one-sided conversation amongst ourselves.
I hadn't really understood Schumer's position on the CR, but Corbin has clarified it somewhat. It's true enough that we didn't/don't have the vote now, but that HAS to change before the mid-terms (assuming we have mid-terms). Whatever it takes, we have to do, and sooner than later.
I don't know where you get your information, but on Wednesday night, Schumer had all the votes, but one. On Thursday, once he announced his "Yes"vote, Fetterman and Catherine Cortez Masto joined him. He spent Thursday doing media interviews, positioning himself as the only Democrat in Congress who had the strength to make the "tough choice," and it was all BS. He used scare tactic to frighten Democrats into thinking that the shutdown could last for six months or longer, when the longest Trump shutdown in 2019, lasted 35 days. Please read Norm Ornstein's article on Schumer, that ran here on March 17. https://contrarian.substack.com/p/schumers-specter-of-a-shutdown
Thank you for calling it BS. Another good source for understanding the vote. https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/march-14-2025
What is being missed in the debate that Cox Richardson puts her finger on—missed also by Ornstein—is the importance of the reaction of voters. I saw this reaction on Tuesday evening at a town hall in northwest Chicago held by our Congressional district representative. When an angry constituent questioned Dick Durbin’s vote, the rest of us in the elementary school auditorium roared in sympathy. It was a loud and emphatic denunciation of Durbin’s vote. Until that moment, I didn’t realize how angry I was. The crowd only turned pitch-fork angry this once. It was otherwise a gathering of concerned and anxious citizens who want information from an elected official about what Congress is doing and guidance on what they as citizens should do.
This debate is likely to go on (we really should drop it), but voters are getting the message that they have to drive the politics. It is not only that we booed Dick Durbin. We fully embraced Representative Delia Ramirez for saying again and again she is going to fight.
Corbin, do not put the message of “gotta fight” on Jen Rubin’s shoulders as if she’s generating it. The Contrarian has a little over one-half million subscribers across the country. A single congressional district has three-quarter million voters. I doubt there were many Contrarian subscribers in the auditorium. Jen Rubin is in touch with the “fight” sentiment unlike Schumer and Durbin. Nancy Pelosi is in touch with it too:
“Democratic senators should listen to the women,” she wrote, who have called for a short-term extension and a negotiated bipartisan agreement. “America has experienced a Trump shutdown before—but this damaging legislation only makes matters worse. Democrats must not buy into this false choice. We must fight back for a better way. Listen to the women, For The People.”
Thanks Lisa. I read Heather’s piece, but I got a better sense of things from listening to some Democratic town halls. After the Schumer debacle, the mood had changed. Democratic voters were clearly angry and wanted action.
My own Senator Adam Schiff did a YouTube video, which did nothing for me because he said, it’s up to us to keep on writing emails and calling our politicians, volunteering, donating etc. The problem is that millions of did that during the election, and have continued. But, the overall sense I get is that voters are dying for leadership, and feel they are getting none.
The only truly positive and high-energy meetings I saw, was Elizabeth Warren’s, and the Bernie Sanders and AOC Fighting Oligarchy Tour, which isn’t just about Oligarchy. All three are comfortable talking to large audiences, know how to relate to people, express their positions honestly, and can galvanize crowds.
Lisa, that's about it. I also liked the rest of what you wrote, and I agree.
In 2019, the Senate had 3 more Democrats and a 235-seat majority in the House. That was a big part of the reason Trump lasted only 35 days then. There are no guardrails this time. And I've read both Ornstein and Rubin, but disagree with them.
There’s still a lot to be proud of. I liked this description because it reminded me of what I came to realize as a Peace Corps volunteer. “He choked up while telling the audience that America is still the greatest country on earth, and one worth defending for the freedom, security, and world leadership it offers.” I saw my country differently— more positively— when I was in another country. I understood why it was worth defending. It is for these reasons that we all are so upset now and we need to remember this.
I studied history in college. Trump is vile, but he cannot undo our history, and while that history contains a lot of ugliness, we work to understand it, overcome it, be better for it. Our history is bigger than Trump and so are we who carry on that history. I don’t believe Trump’s attempts to change the course of our history can prevail if we fight like hell right now.
Thank you to Jen Rubin for this profile. I agree with Geraldine that he a governor to be proud of. And he is my governor so I am especially proud.
Well said Geraldine! Couldn’t age with you more!
This is how you fight a bully. You go, Gov. Pritzker. We're behind you all the way.
I loved this, Jen. Whenever Mr. Pritzker has made an appearance on the national stage he has made a profoundly positive impression on me. Thanks for giving him a megaphone today.
Would that the national media give him the same voice. The current theme seems to be to curry favor with Trump and discount any benefit that Democrats attempt to create. If the Washington Post, in its bias, wouldn't support Kamala Harris, what chance is it that any of the 2028 Democratic candidates will receive any kind of fair treatment?
That's a genuine and deep concern right now, Steve. How do we overcome the influence of the billionaire boys' club, which Bezos and others lead?
It's a problem for which I have no good answer. Continued vocal and observable protests, support for alternative media on Substack, outlets like The Contrarian and The Guardian, and of course your local NPR/PBS stations would be a beginning.
These MEN are not boys anymore and they are so irresponsible for their cruel actions and statements — it hurts all Americans Do not obey in advance.
OMG, this is what I need to hear this morning. This is my governor/my state. Like JB, I know how deep this fascist crew will go. So many do not; they skip along on a wink and a prayer. I'll be 90 in 2028. My wish is to see him inaugurated as the 48th president of the USA.
Naomi, I hope you get see it.
I like that he’s ready to defend those who can’t defend themselves. A great quality to have in a leader. Something that’s sorely lacking in the current resident at Pennsylvania Ave. No nonsense and great business sense is a clear winner.
It is called 'Empathy' - something utterly and totally lacking among the rethugs.
He is very impressive and a truly humble leader. For anyone that wishes to hear it he was on Jen Psaki's 'Blueprint' podcast. Well worth the listen.
Perhaps this man should be a candidate for the presidency in 2028. He certainly makes sense of what is going on and how we are feeling these days. Let us hear more about him and from him. It’s beyond time to get going on this problem.
Could he be the face and voice of the resistance we've all been hoping for? I certainly hope so and will watch for more from him.
I live in Pennsylvania and I would definitely support Governor Pritzker. He is actually speaking out about what is happening in this country right now. He is a businessman of character and works hard for his state. I'm a fan. I hope he does not back down, ever.
That's my governor!!
Mine too! He represents more of the state than the Chicago faction. He treats downstate people well too, and we like him.
(speaking from 45 miles south of Springfield, Illinois)
Isn’t this man a billionaire? I’m proud of him for standing up for his state and all Americans.
It just shows that NOT ALL billionaires are only for themselves, the rest of us be damned. It also shows that NOT ALL billionaires are guilty of anticipatory knuckling under in hopes of avoiding angering The Emperor
True. Cuban is the same except he didn’t want Lina Khan (?) in Biden’s anti-trust unit to contain rich people’s runaway profits.
Yeah I am not a fan of Mark Cuban. You can tell he thinks wealthy people are superior. I am wary of him.
Fine so far, but Mark Cuban's been mentioned here, and there are many over the past decade who were good billionaires until they suddenly... weren't (Jen herself escaped Bezos). I'm sure there are Mike Bloomberg fans around here. This New Yorker still remembers the time he paid absurd amounts to get our laws changed in order to give himself a successful shot at a third term as mayor, because it was after 9/11 and his message was, essentially, "I alone can fix it". I hope Pritzker understands that before we put faith in yet another billionaire, he ought to be ready to go above and beyond even the most restrictive anti-corruption laws and ethics guidelines.
Good reminder of our gullibility.
Graduation speech at Northwestern, in part. https://youtu.be/uWPFDpOJEME
Great column! It is apparent that there is no working with current Republicans. I can understand Schumer's reasoning, but at this time, anything less than total opposition appears cowardly. We are fighting evil bastards who must be absolutely evil at heart to do what they are doing. I said years ago that ours is as it was in the 1850s. What compromise was there between slave holders and abolitionists? What compromise do we have--not because Democrats will not negotiate, but because Republicans' unwavering ideology is nothing but evil?
That is one parallel that has come to mind. There are many other possible ones, too, some more hopeful than others. I agree, though, there's no negotiating with them (people who voted differently than we did is another matter). I am so over the debate about are they or they not, fascists. The point is, there's no negotiating with them. I, for one, won't do it. No quarter.
I'm really impressed by Pritzker. The Dems could use 100's more of him.
Those who should pay closest attention are those like Schumer, Gallego, Gillibrand, Klobuchar...and all those who think all we need is bi-partisanship.
Bi-partisonship would be great if there were sane Repugnican'ts with whom to negotiate. But if there are any sane Repugnican'ts left, they've been cowed into silence out of fear of a primary challenge or even an assassination attempt. So there's not much hope for bi-partisanship and anyone who thinks there is needs to pull their head out of the sand (or out of their butt) and move on.
The number of sane Republicans wouldn't fit on the head of a pin IMO.
I'm so impressed with Mr. Pritzker! Thanks Jen for giving him a voice here! Our entire country needs to know about him!
J.B. Pritzker is the leader we need in this moment.
Thank you Ms. Rubin for spotlighting a Democrat with convictions, a rarity for Democrats these days. Stay strong, Gov. Pritzker! Democrats, get your act together. Let Gov. Pritzker show you how it is done!