Pritzker and Johnson: Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee of Broken Illinois

By John Kass

November 20, 2024

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson think they’re talking tough when it comes to the once-and-future President Donald Trump.

But they’re really talking fear.

They know it, as all those who play politics for a living know it.

The key to political survival in corrupt and broken Illinois is the ability to pick out the fearful weaklings in the herd, and stay away from them. Or, if you’re a wolf, then take them down and enjoy a good meal.

If you truly understand politics, you’d know that Pritzker and Johnson just ooze fear. They’re cowards and really can’t help themselves.

They bark and snarl like some frightened old drunk at the end of the bar, growling that they’re itching for a political street fight while hoping friends hold them back.

“To anyone who intends to come take away the freedom and opportunity and dignity of Illinoisans, I would remind you that a happy warrior is still a warrior,” Pritzker said. “You come for my people, you come through me.”

What he didn’t say: He’s measuring the White House toilet seats because he thinks his inherited billions can help make him president and perhaps, he can put a throne of gold in there.

“His threat is not just towards new arrivals and undocumented families,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon ‘Panic Attacks’ Johnson. “His threats are also against Black families…we’re going to protect undocumented individuals. We’re going to protect black folks, brown folks, Asian folks. The city of Chicago will be better, stronger and safer despite who’s in the White House.”

What he didn’t say: America’s Worst Mayor, according to the Wall Street Journal, just keeps on losing.

It is apparent to anyone paying attention to the Illinois political clown car, that Johnson and Pritzker are the Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee of the Land of Lincoln.

A day or so ago, we discussed Trump, Johnson and Pritzker on the Chicago Way podcast with co-host WGN’s Jeff Calin and our guest, Illinois political expert Thom Serafin of Serafin & Associates.

“The Wall Street Journal editorial said he (Johnson) was the worst mayor in the country… The mayor is a real gentleman, but he’s getting advice from folks who I think don’t have his best welfare at heart.

“You have to surround yourself with a good staff in office, and sometimes they take the same people they were with on campaign into the government offices, and it’s two lines of work: like hiring a welder to do electrician’s work.”

He could use a magician and perhaps a new puppeteer to work the Mayor Panic Attacks Meat Puppet.

But it’s clear to me that neither Pritzker nor Johnson is surrounded by capable union electricians or welders not even a good garbage man or union firefighter. And there are no capable sorcerers since Obama has burned them all up.

Whomever is left to attend the Illinois governor and Chicago mayor are too busy talking and burning down their political house.

Mark Glennon, founder of wirepoints.org, mocks Pritzker and reminds us that the ambitious Pritzker wants to be seen as a liberal superhero.

But thinking of Gov. Fat Boy in skin tight blue spandex, with a cape, like the Man of Steel instead of the Jiggling Flesh, is just too gruesome to contemplate.

Especially since Pritzker continues squashing what Illinoisans want, as Glennon writes,  things like:

School choice, smaller budgets, voter ID, lower taxes, biological men out of women’s sports, political indoctrination removed from classrooms and a balanced energy policy that includes fossil fuels and rejects the goal of 100% renewable energy.

“They want violent criminals prosecuted,” writes Glennon. “They opposed the SAFE-T Act and don’t like gender transformation for minors, But Pritzker and his allies have delivered the opposite of all that. Illinois is a moderate state where corrupted democracy has somehow delivered an autocratic oligarchy.”

And Paul Vallas, who was either “too white” or “too sensible” to be elected mayor over Johnson, writes in the Chicago Contrarian that after Trump’s victory, “What Chicago and Illinois Residents Wake Up To”

“*Illinois is experiencing the largest exodus of residents in the nation; Chicago’s population has continued to shrink. Among those leaving in droves are Chicago’s black residents — overwhelmingly middle-income families with children — the largest out-migration of any U.S. city in history.”

Now Pritzker is concentrating on making Illinois the mecca of sex change operations– to the predictable leftist media applause–even if parents, or the voters, don’t think that castrating minor children is something superheroes should never do.

And Johnson—after the Chicago City Council humiliated him with a 50-0 losing vote—tried to recover his idiotic pride by intimidating the family of slain Chicago Police officer Enrique Martinez into letting Johnson attend Martinez’ funeral.

Johnson finally backed down, but not after heaping more grief and stress on the slain officer’s family.

Why are Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Johnson treating their constituents this way?

Because they learned nothing from Trump’s election victory.

Because they’re either too stupid or frightened to change course.

Yes, they are different men, but as in the Lewis Carroll tale, they are brothers joined at the hip.

One inherited billions of dollars and ended up on third base thinking he hit a triple. He never had to work a day in his life. And he hasn’t. Just look at him.

And yet still he ran a cheap toilet tax scheme and was found out. And if he ever dares run for president, I hope that will bite him in his fat ass.

And the other is a neo-Marxist fool, a race hustler and cheap chiseler who had the gall to spend $80,000 of Chicago taxpayer money on renovating a fancy office for his wife, just like some autocrat.

Did Elanor “Sis” Daley—who saved what is now the Chicago Cultural Center from the wrecking ball–ever demand a fancy office on the taxpayer dime from her husband, Mayor Richard J. Daley?

No.

Would the late Mayor Richard J. Daley consider for one instant a scheme to take tax dollars to satisfy his wife’s ego?

No. She would never have allowed it. Never. She was no fool. Neither was he.

Johnson and Pritzker are politicians, and so they live in glass houses. And both are full of the arrogance of the kind of stupidity that feeds the coward.

And they don’t care what you think. If you pay taxes in Chicago and Illinois, they think you’re something between sheep and people: sheeple.

And they do know this: They’re big-city Democrats. They’re bosses. They have the power, and you don’t. They’re the mayor. They’re the governor.

And the rest of you?

Shut up and take it.

 

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About the author: John Kass spent decades as a political writer and news columnist in Chicago working at a major metropolitan newspaper. He is co-host of The Chicago Way podcast. And he just loves his “No Chumbolone” hat, because johnkassnews.com is a “No Chumbolone” Zone where you can always get a cup of common sense.

Comments 34

  1. Every skilled trade union was purchased by Pritzker when Bruce Rauner held the governorship for The Combine. The price was Weed concessions. The skilled trades are Pritzker chattel. Illinois is done, very well done, like a Beverly prime rib . . .to a cinder.

  3. so if IL wanted what John said they do, why did the elect Johnson and Gov “fat boy”? Im not convinced John. I think a plurality (enough to win office) want government handouts. In a sane world Kim Foxx would never win a second term, Johnson would never be Mayor, and pillsbury doughboy would never win a second term, but they did. I came across this in my bookmarks yesterday.https://getpocket.com/explore/item/the-five-universal-laws-of-human-stupidity?utm_source=pocket-newtab-global-en-GB

    2. The “5 Universal Laws of Human Stupidity” link is great! And unfortunately explains a lot about what’s going on in the once great state of Illinois, both about those casting ballots and especially about the two elected officials highlighted in today’s article.

    3. I agree with John Reedy, great link.

      It’s clear John Kass is a fan of Paul Vallas, but quoting Vallas as some sort of counterpoint to Fatboy Pritzker and Panic Attack Johnson does not lend the gravitas that Kass seems to think it does. I think it tends to undercut Kass’ thesis.

  4. The main problem as I see it with Dum and Dee is that they both think that they are smarter than everyone else.
    Arrogance seems to be bliss. When you’re content in your own world, nobody else’s problems matter to you.

  5. Tweedle dum and Tweedle dumber is correct. It doesn’t take a great fortune teller to look into the tea leaves and see that liberal policies have been rejected by the country. These two just look like clueless fools who don’t get the massive lesson the country just taught them.

  6. The fantasyland of Johnson and Pritzger will live on. Of course they have to protect the illegal immigrant. Someone has to keep being the hand that feeds from the pockets of those stuck here for various reasons. I remember when Harold was elected Da Mare. Everyone said will the last white person to leave shut off the lights. Betcha a great majority would prefer him to BJ. Pritzger sits atop his fantasy world in Springfield. No one has the money to run against him let alone get elected. Illinois is doomed.

    1. Well, during the last 2022 mid term elections in the face of an anticipated red wave, Darren Bailey had a very good chance against Governor Commodious Maximus. But like many Republican Fools he blew it sticking to the stupid “zero tolerance on abortion” even in cases like “incest and rape”. And that became the only election issue for the demoRats hiding behind women’s skirts, even to this day.

  8. Johnson and Pritzker seem to be showcasing their talents for the McCaskeys. Johnson has the judgment and steady nerves to be the Bears’ next head coach. J.B. is aiming at VP of Refreshments and Rest Rooms.

  9. Yianni,
    Ah yes, “the Chicago Way” is alive and well in Illinois as well. You nailed when you stated “Because they’re either too stupid or frightened to change course.” I submit they’re both – stupid and frightened, and fear the king makers will eventually dump them both – the CTU and dem party. We can only hope…meanwhile, Chicago continues its downward slide, taking Illinois with it. Or is it the other way around? Illinois’ demise taking Chicago with it? Either way, us chumbolones are screwed, unless we can move. So for now, we shut up and take it, biding our time til we can vote the morons out! EEPOMONI my son!

  10. I’m going to mentor young Black kids for Pastor Brooks. If they ask what’s in it for me, I’ll respond “I’m trying to find new Republicans for the city” – that should both break the ice, and gain me some trust.

    Pritzker – the only thing he has ever done is pick the right family to be born into, and survive childbirth. What’s Penny going to do now as well, poor Penny and poor old Harvard no rebuilding Ukraine for you 🙁

  11. Great article. Spot on. I have said from the day this governor took office that it was just a stepping stone, a way for the Pritzker family to test the waters. This “never had a real job” guy and his family bought their way into office. I think they see themselves right up their with the Kennedys. The goal was and has always been to hoist him into the White House – at any cost. And while he pushes an agenda that he and his family hopes with get him to the ultimate goal, we, the people of Illinois, suffer. As for the Mayor, he is showing how inept he has always been to govern our city. And now we suffer under his rule until the next election. I just hope people finally wake up and vote a Mayor in that can actually steer the boat back on course. Otherwise, we are doomed to fail in so many ways.

  12. Perhaps an FBI overhaul will allow full production of their wiretaps of Blago and Fat Boy dickering the quid pro quo of the “Bleeping Golden” Obama Senate vacancy appointment.
    Fat Boy wanted a filet, but with a ground chuck price. In any case, voters deserve to vet his efforts.

  13. “Does the sleeping dog smell it’s own fart?”, ancient Chinese proverb. JB, aka Jabba Pritzker is a blowhard who can’t smell his own flatulence. He is driven around in his stretch limo with the windows rolled up wallowing in his own gastric eminations. He speaks to his own liberal, white “hate has no home here” Democrats without telling them they’re the ones on the hook for feeding and housing their new Illegales. Like most loyal, liberal Democrat voters they don’t mind the sodomizing as long as the ” blacks and browns” are the ones getting it. And now its their turn to get bent over. Chicago’s new Maga Republicans just let Mayor Conehead have it. Just wait till the rest of local Democrats start getting it in the limousine North Shore Nimby districts. Yes, you get what you voted for. Ask and you shall receive. Another wise Democrat man said “you can’t tax your way out of this problem, BUT WE’RE GONNA RAISE YOUR TAXES ANYWAY.” Couldn’t happen to a more deserving bunch..

  14. Talk about not being able to read the room. Both Pritzker, and Johnson are clueless. It’s laughable watching them spew their bullshit.
    People are waking up and saying no more jello mom.
    Thanks for your words.

  15. Btw…there is an alarming report the some political action committee is trying to engineer a governors run by another inept Democrat Combine stalwart Alexi Giannoulias. Any comment John?

  16. Good article. A real question that needs examining now is when will the Democrat powers that be both state-by-state and nationally will begin to see that impending sword of Damocles – the 2030 Census. Given population migration lots of Blue states will be losing congressional seats [and electoral votes] to Red states; probably in double figures. That will constitute a major power shift and further the realignment of the two parties. Mismanagement of major cities and population fight is an impending crisis for the Democrats. The ‘Blue Wall’ may melt away.

  17. John, great column as always. From a fellow NWI resident, your references to Fat Boy and Nitwit made me laugh. Sadly, they are both so delusional and ignorant to the rule of law that they think they can actually do anything other than shoot off their mealy mouths and expect President Trump to just back away. But let’s be fair and let them try to recover from the shock of the overwhelming landslide and mandate that was just inflicted on their sorry backsides.

  18. One of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ guests in our country was just convicted of the murder of the beautiful Laken Riley. Jose Ibarra was spared the death penalty by a soon to be ex DA in Georgia supported by the most evil man in the world, George Soros.

    And now, despicable politicians from Boston to Los Angeles are spouting out how they are going to defy President Elect Trump and his deportation program. How many more Laken Riley’s will have to die before all of these scum bag politicians are thrown out of office. There are no longer enough Republicans left in Illinois that will vote to defeat a far left pompous clown who will try to defy conventional wisdom and protect the likes of Jose Ibarra.

    Election day in November of 2026 is the date to mark on your calendar. When it is time to vote, please remember that J.B. Pritzker has spoken and he will defend the right of all the Jose Ibarras to murder, rape and pillage this country. He does not care, and does not shed a tear. All he wants to do is be Governor again, then run for President. Please remember Laken Riley when you go to vote. DEFEAT PRITZKER.
    Your daughters lives depend on getting rid of FAT BOY.

  19. “They bark and snarl like some frightened old drunk at the end of the bar, growling that they’re itching for a political street fight while hoping friends hold them back.” Once again “men without chests.” See Kass column from 11-17-24! It really should be plastered on Welcome to Illinois signs as unsuspecting Americans enter our state assuming we’re governed by consenting constituents! “Land of Lincoln Wecomes you – governed by men without chests!”

  20. What these two blowhards should really fear is that Trump will take them at their word and shut off the federal funding faucet. The Dems have shown how to do it: enact a law or sign an executive order (the Dems were really good at the latter) requiring compliance with a mandate with the stipulation that non-compliance will result in fund cuts. Trump has both houses of Congress, plus SCOTUS, to back him up. What do Dumb and Dumber have?

  21. And of course Pritzger the Hut will be reelected!! He keeps the unions employed! Ever notice the amount of roadwork still going on??? And on roads that didn’t need it??? Roads that were just done in the last 2 to 3 years??? Your tax dollars at waste!!! Or should I say WAIST!!!!

  22. As a long ago escapee of Roseland, is always entertaining to watch the destruction of my beloved city to a teachers union boy toy, and an inherited money clown.

  23. Pritzker knew that Bailey couldn’t temper is anti abortion stance, so Pritzker funded the Bailey campaign against himself. he helped the weaker candidate box out strong , more “pragmatic” republicans. Bailey is a man of principle and he was going to run on a pro-life abortion ban. Schools are the only government run systemic racist program left. School choice would free minority families, but Pritzker is owned by the pro abortion and anti school choice CTU. Safe legal and rare is laughed at by him.
    BLM Johnson was helped by Preckwinkle who inserted Joe Trippe into the Vallas campaign from her staff. He wrote the poison pen letter knocking street level cops that backed a visit by Desantis. The letter came out less than 2 weeks before the off year election in February (to suppress votes) and Vallas , for some reason , signed it. Vallas was the only choice, but the 19th Ward stayed home or voted for Johnson and Johnson won with 19% of eligible votes. Disgraceful. We get the government we deserve and we deserve the Combine and the race pimp.

  24. Our great governor recently appointed Precious Brady-Davis to replace Mariana T. Spyropopoulos at the Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, also fondly known as the “Water Wreck”.
    Precious Brady-Davis bio at the Wreck only describes her as the first openly trans, black on any county board and the Wreck proudly claims she is the only openly, trans, black on any Water Reclamation district, “aka” sewage farm in the United States.
    I’m so proud that this clown of a governor made this state number one in something.

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