Better than Fireworks: Giuliani, McSweeney and Thompson on TV and streaming
Jeff Berkowitz: Do you still feel you can say you are a Republican pulling for Judy Baar Topinka?
Governor Jim Thompson: I can still say I’m a Republican...
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"Public Affairs," is featuring Mayor Rudy Giuliani, David McSweeney [Barrington Hills], Republican nominee for 8th CD and Governor Jim Thompson tonight [July 3] through-out the City of Chicago on CANTV, Cable Ch. 21 at 8:30 pm; And, you can watch, anytime, the Giuliani, McSweeney and Thompson show on the "Public Affairs," podcast page on your computer [See here]. Also now available to be watched by going to our podcast page are our recent shows with Ald. Munoz [which is also airing in the suburbs next week]; Deputy Governor Bradley Tusk [also airing in the suburbs this week] and State Rep. John Fritchey [which aired in the last few weeks in the suburbs and in the City]
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For partial transcripts of the show with Giuliani, McSweeney and Thompson, see below and go here and here.
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The "Public Affairs," podcast page gives you a choice of more than twenty five different episodes of “Public Affairs," in addition to the show with Mayor Rudy Giuliani, David McSweeney [Barrington Hills], Republican nominee for 8th CD and Governor Jim Thompson [See here]. The podcast page also includes our recent shows with Ricardo Munoz, Ald. and potential 4th Cong. Dist. Dem. Primary Candidate in 2008, 8th Cong. Dist. Republican Nominee David McSweeney [Barrington Hills], Deputy Governor Bradley Tusk and State Rep. John Fritchey [R-Chicago]; press conferences held recently with Governor Rod Blagojevich and his Republican Challenger, State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka[See here].
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Coming attractions on Public Affairs in the City of Chicago:
Next week: Bradley Tusk, Deputy Governor to Rod Blagojevich
Two weeks from tonight: Ald. Ricardo Munoz [Chicago, 22nd Ward], possible 4th CD Democratic Primary candidate to replace Cong. Gutierrez in 2008.
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Coming and current attractions on Public Affairs in the suburbs:
This week: Bradley Tusk, Deputy Governor to Rod Blagojevich See the conclusion of the post located here for the regular suburban airing schedule of "Public Affairs." Due to the July 4 holiday, suburban viewers who usually access the show on Tuesday night at 8:30 pm will be able to view it this week instead on Wednesday night, July 5 at 7:00 pm.
Next Week: Ald. Ricardo Munoz [Chicago, 22nd Ward], possible 4th CD Democratic Primary candidate to replace Cong. Gutierrez in 2008.
Two Weeks: Tony Peraica, Cook County Commissioner and Republican nominee for Cook County Board President.
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Tonight's show in the City of Chicago features full coverage of the David McSweeney [8th CD Republican Nominee, Barrington Hills] June 7, 2006 funder with former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani speaking and answering questions at Mike Ditka’s restaurant in the Loop. The show also includes an interview with Governor Jim Thompson . Thompson attended the funder and graciously agreed to a short interview, as he was leaving the event.
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Jeff Berkowitz: Governor Thompson, what do you think about the [Governor's] race. We're standing here [outside Mike Ditka's restaurant in the Chicago Loop] on June 7, 2006, five months away, or so, from the fall election pitting [State Treasurer] Judy Baar Topinka [R] against Governor Rod Blagojevich [D]. How do you handicap that race, now?
Governor Jim Thompson: I think it is going to be a very close race right down to the end. Either candidate can win and it is all going to depend on what happens between now and then: what the standing of the President is, what the standing of the Governor is-- it's a horse race.
Berkowitz: What's your role in this race?
Jim Thompson (smiling]: I don't have any role in this race.
Berkowitz: Well, you know, you are a former Governor [1977-1991], a former leader of the [State] Republican Party—
Jim Thompson: Yeah, but I don't have any role in this race .
Berkowitz: Well, do you feel torn because—
Jim Thompson: [smiling some more]: I'm just a citizen.
Berkowitz: But, because your [law] firm, Winston & Strawn, is doing work—
Jim Thompson: Yeah.
Berkowitz: For [Democratic] Governor Rod Blagojevich—
Jim Thompson: Right.
Berkowitz: Do you still feel you can say you are a Republican pulling for Judy Baar Topinka?
Jim Thompson: I can still say I’m a Republican. And, at this moment, I have no role in the Governor’s race.
Berkowitz: What do you see as the major issue as we come down to it? I know there are a lot of things that can happen nationally, but in terms of the state of Illinois, do you see a major issue between Judy Baar Topinka and Rod Blagojevich?
Jim Thompson: I think it’s going to depend in the end on who the people in the state of Illinois perceive as the strongest leader.
Berkowitz: In which sense?
Governor Jim Thompson: In terms of keeping the state going, while the national and international situation is very much up in the air.
Berkowitz: And, so, is that on the fiscal side? In terms of handling tax policy and spending policy? I don’t mean to lead you, so what do you mean by “leader,” strong leader?
Jim Thompson: The people of Illinois want to know that their services are going to be delivered and they’re not going to pay too much for them.
Jeff Berkowitz: What do you think of the Governor's proposal regarding leasing of the lottery [to supplement the current funding of education], a long-term lease? [See here ].
Jim Thompson: Well, I don’t know that much about it. I’d want to know what’s going to happen after the lease period is over. That’s a good question.
Jeff Berkowitz: In other words—well, you know, his plan is to get about ten billion dollars for it, parcel out a billion dollars a year for the next four years.
Jim Thompson: Well, yeah.
Berkowitz: And put six billion into an annuity. That gives you [for the next twenty years] roughly the same as you’re getting now from the lottery [for education] and then it’s over [annuity payments stop in twenty years].
Governor Jim Thompson: Well, we’ll see. I think the legislature’s going to have hearings on this lottery plan over the course of the summer; we’ll see what comes up.
Berkowitz: One quick thing nationally, since you were here, or I assume you were here for the fundraiser for Dave McSweeney?
Jim Thompson: Right.
Berkowitz: [Former New York City Mayor] Rudy Giuliani was speaking [at the fundraiser]—
Jim Thompson: Right.
Berkowitz: What do you think about Rudy Giuliani as a presidential candidate for the Republican ticket?
Jim Thompson: Well, I think Rudy Giuliani would be a very strong presidential candidate. He's a favorite of mine. [Senator] John McCain is a favorite of mine. I don't know who’s going to announce when, and I don’t know what’s going to happen. But, the Republican Party is very fortunate to have two strong potential candidates like that.
Berkowitz: You were on the 9/11 Commission. Apparently that commission, or its members, are still upset with the United States [federal government] for not doing enough to follow those recommendations or implement the recommendations, do you agree with that?
Governor Jim Thompson: Well, the Congress has adopted probably fifty percent of our recommendations but we have a long way to go, and I think the Congress of the United States owes it to the people of the United States to adopt the rest of the recommendations and make us more secure.
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Governor Jim Thompson, interviewed on the sidewalk after the David McSweeney for Congress fundraiser on June 7, 2006, featuring Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and as is airing tonight on "Public Affairs, " in the City of Chicago on Cable Ch. 21 at 8:30 pm.
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Audience member: What do you think about the missile defense system?
David McSweeney: I’m a strong supporter. Ronald Reagan was the person who began that missile defense system. We have to protect ourselves from third-world dictators, instability in Russia and other parts of the world. Mayor Giuliani served in the Reagan administration. He talked about [Soviet premier Mikhail] Gorbachev. That’s what broke the Soviet Union’s back; it’s the fact that we pursued a strong national defense, that we were pursuing a missile defense. I’m a big supporter. I think it’s important in the future.
Mayor Rudy Giuliani: I agree.
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David McSweeney, Republican nominee for Congress in 8th Cong. District, answering questions at his fundraiser with Mayor Rudy Giuliani, June 7, 2006and as is airing tonight on "Public Affairs, " in the City of Chicago on Cable Ch. 21 at 8:30 pm.
**********************************************
Transcript draft prepared by Amy Allen, who also does research for “Public Affairs,” and has her own political blog [See here].
******************************************
Jeff Berkowitz, Show Host/Producer of "Public Affairs," and Executive Legal Recruiter doing legal search can be reached at JBCG@aol.com
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Governor Jim Thompson: I can still say I’m a Republican...
*********************************************************
"Public Affairs," is featuring Mayor Rudy Giuliani, David McSweeney [Barrington Hills], Republican nominee for 8th CD and Governor Jim Thompson tonight [July 3] through-out the City of Chicago on CANTV, Cable Ch. 21 at 8:30 pm; And, you can watch, anytime, the Giuliani, McSweeney and Thompson show on the "Public Affairs," podcast page on your computer [See here]. Also now available to be watched by going to our podcast page are our recent shows with Ald. Munoz [which is also airing in the suburbs next week]; Deputy Governor Bradley Tusk [also airing in the suburbs this week] and State Rep. John Fritchey [which aired in the last few weeks in the suburbs and in the City]
****************************************************
For partial transcripts of the show with Giuliani, McSweeney and Thompson, see below and go here and here.
****************************************************************
The "Public Affairs," podcast page gives you a choice of more than twenty five different episodes of “Public Affairs," in addition to the show with Mayor Rudy Giuliani, David McSweeney [Barrington Hills], Republican nominee for 8th CD and Governor Jim Thompson [See here]. The podcast page also includes our recent shows with Ricardo Munoz, Ald. and potential 4th Cong. Dist. Dem. Primary Candidate in 2008, 8th Cong. Dist. Republican Nominee David McSweeney [Barrington Hills], Deputy Governor Bradley Tusk and State Rep. John Fritchey [R-Chicago]; press conferences held recently with Governor Rod Blagojevich and his Republican Challenger, State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka[See here].
*******************************************************
Coming attractions on Public Affairs in the City of Chicago:
Next week: Bradley Tusk, Deputy Governor to Rod Blagojevich
Two weeks from tonight: Ald. Ricardo Munoz [Chicago, 22nd Ward], possible 4th CD Democratic Primary candidate to replace Cong. Gutierrez in 2008.
************************************************
Coming and current attractions on Public Affairs in the suburbs:
This week: Bradley Tusk, Deputy Governor to Rod Blagojevich See the conclusion of the post located here for the regular suburban airing schedule of "Public Affairs." Due to the July 4 holiday, suburban viewers who usually access the show on Tuesday night at 8:30 pm will be able to view it this week instead on Wednesday night, July 5 at 7:00 pm.
Next Week: Ald. Ricardo Munoz [Chicago, 22nd Ward], possible 4th CD Democratic Primary candidate to replace Cong. Gutierrez in 2008.
Two Weeks: Tony Peraica, Cook County Commissioner and Republican nominee for Cook County Board President.
*******************************************************
Tonight's show in the City of Chicago features full coverage of the David McSweeney [8th CD Republican Nominee, Barrington Hills] June 7, 2006 funder with former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani speaking and answering questions at Mike Ditka’s restaurant in the Loop. The show also includes an interview with Governor Jim Thompson . Thompson attended the funder and graciously agreed to a short interview, as he was leaving the event.
**********************************************
Jeff Berkowitz: Governor Thompson, what do you think about the [Governor's] race. We're standing here [outside Mike Ditka's restaurant in the Chicago Loop] on June 7, 2006, five months away, or so, from the fall election pitting [State Treasurer] Judy Baar Topinka [R] against Governor Rod Blagojevich [D]. How do you handicap that race, now?
Governor Jim Thompson: I think it is going to be a very close race right down to the end. Either candidate can win and it is all going to depend on what happens between now and then: what the standing of the President is, what the standing of the Governor is-- it's a horse race.
Berkowitz: What's your role in this race?
Jim Thompson (smiling]: I don't have any role in this race.
Berkowitz: Well, you know, you are a former Governor [1977-1991], a former leader of the [State] Republican Party—
Jim Thompson: Yeah, but I don't have any role in this race .
Berkowitz: Well, do you feel torn because—
Jim Thompson: [smiling some more]: I'm just a citizen.
Berkowitz: But, because your [law] firm, Winston & Strawn, is doing work—
Jim Thompson: Yeah.
Berkowitz: For [Democratic] Governor Rod Blagojevich—
Jim Thompson: Right.
Berkowitz: Do you still feel you can say you are a Republican pulling for Judy Baar Topinka?
Jim Thompson: I can still say I’m a Republican. And, at this moment, I have no role in the Governor’s race.
Berkowitz: What do you see as the major issue as we come down to it? I know there are a lot of things that can happen nationally, but in terms of the state of Illinois, do you see a major issue between Judy Baar Topinka and Rod Blagojevich?
Jim Thompson: I think it’s going to depend in the end on who the people in the state of Illinois perceive as the strongest leader.
Berkowitz: In which sense?
Governor Jim Thompson: In terms of keeping the state going, while the national and international situation is very much up in the air.
Berkowitz: And, so, is that on the fiscal side? In terms of handling tax policy and spending policy? I don’t mean to lead you, so what do you mean by “leader,” strong leader?
Jim Thompson: The people of Illinois want to know that their services are going to be delivered and they’re not going to pay too much for them.
Jeff Berkowitz: What do you think of the Governor's proposal regarding leasing of the lottery [to supplement the current funding of education], a long-term lease? [See here ].
Jim Thompson: Well, I don’t know that much about it. I’d want to know what’s going to happen after the lease period is over. That’s a good question.
Jeff Berkowitz: In other words—well, you know, his plan is to get about ten billion dollars for it, parcel out a billion dollars a year for the next four years.
Jim Thompson: Well, yeah.
Berkowitz: And put six billion into an annuity. That gives you [for the next twenty years] roughly the same as you’re getting now from the lottery [for education] and then it’s over [annuity payments stop in twenty years].
Governor Jim Thompson: Well, we’ll see. I think the legislature’s going to have hearings on this lottery plan over the course of the summer; we’ll see what comes up.
Berkowitz: One quick thing nationally, since you were here, or I assume you were here for the fundraiser for Dave McSweeney?
Jim Thompson: Right.
Berkowitz: [Former New York City Mayor] Rudy Giuliani was speaking [at the fundraiser]—
Jim Thompson: Right.
Berkowitz: What do you think about Rudy Giuliani as a presidential candidate for the Republican ticket?
Jim Thompson: Well, I think Rudy Giuliani would be a very strong presidential candidate. He's a favorite of mine. [Senator] John McCain is a favorite of mine. I don't know who’s going to announce when, and I don’t know what’s going to happen. But, the Republican Party is very fortunate to have two strong potential candidates like that.
Berkowitz: You were on the 9/11 Commission. Apparently that commission, or its members, are still upset with the United States [federal government] for not doing enough to follow those recommendations or implement the recommendations, do you agree with that?
Governor Jim Thompson: Well, the Congress has adopted probably fifty percent of our recommendations but we have a long way to go, and I think the Congress of the United States owes it to the people of the United States to adopt the rest of the recommendations and make us more secure.
**********************************************88
Governor Jim Thompson, interviewed on the sidewalk after the David McSweeney for Congress fundraiser on June 7, 2006, featuring Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and as is airing tonight on "Public Affairs, " in the City of Chicago on Cable Ch. 21 at 8:30 pm.
*********************************************
Audience member: What do you think about the missile defense system?
David McSweeney: I’m a strong supporter. Ronald Reagan was the person who began that missile defense system. We have to protect ourselves from third-world dictators, instability in Russia and other parts of the world. Mayor Giuliani served in the Reagan administration. He talked about [Soviet premier Mikhail] Gorbachev. That’s what broke the Soviet Union’s back; it’s the fact that we pursued a strong national defense, that we were pursuing a missile defense. I’m a big supporter. I think it’s important in the future.
Mayor Rudy Giuliani: I agree.
*****************************************
David McSweeney, Republican nominee for Congress in 8th Cong. District, answering questions at his fundraiser with Mayor Rudy Giuliani, June 7, 2006and as is airing tonight on "Public Affairs, " in the City of Chicago on Cable Ch. 21 at 8:30 pm.
**********************************************
Transcript draft prepared by Amy Allen, who also does research for “Public Affairs,” and has her own political blog [See here].
******************************************
Jeff Berkowitz, Show Host/Producer of "Public Affairs," and Executive Legal Recruiter doing legal search can be reached at JBCG@aol.com
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