| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Happy August, Illinois. Last month was one for the books.
|  | TOP TALKER | | | | 
Donald Trump takes part in a Q&A with political reporters at the National Association of Black Journalists convention at the Chicago Hilton on July 31, 2024. ABC News' Rachel Scott, in blue, Semafor's Kadia Goba and Fox News' Harris Faulkner posed questions. | Jamie Kelter Davis for POLITICO | WILD STATEMENTS: When it comes to consequential moments in this presidential election, Donald Trump’s visit to Chicago on Wednesday will surely make the list. Racial politics: The former president told Black journalists that Vice President Kamala Harris embraced being a Black woman in order to have a political edge. It was a stunning claim during a half-hour Q&A at the Hilton Chicago during this week’s National Association of Black Journalists conference. His quote: “She was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she became a Black person,” Trump said of Harris, whose mother was Indian American and father is Jamaican American. The response: The mostly Black audience of 1,100 at the Hilton Chicago stirred in their seats, surprised and uncomfortable, looking at each other, about what they were hearing. A few people yelled out comments, but organizers had urged the crowd to behave with the same professionalism they would in the newsroom so the group was hushed. It was contentious from the start, with ABC News’ Rachel Scott peppering Trump with questions about past often racist comments. Trump pushed back, calling the questioning “nasty” and “rude.” After starting late, what was supposed to be an hour-long program ended after 34 minutes. Zeroing in on Illinois: Trump also answered a question about the Springfield police shooting death of Sonya Massey, saying officers who commit wrongdoing should be held accountable. Of Massey’s slaying, he said it “didn’t look good.” And he got in a dig about crime in Chicago, pointing to the July 4th weekend in which he said there were “117 shootings and 17 deaths.” His numbers were slightly off, but Trump made his point nonetheless. “Nobody wants that. Nobody wants that,” he said. It was consequential: When it comes to documenting this year’s presidential campaign and how African Americans voted, Trump’s Chicago appearance will be mentioned as a key moment along with so many others last month. SOME TAKEAWAYS ... Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke later at the convention, saying Trump “sits in the principality of lies. It’s his being, it’s his character,” by the Sun-Times’ Emmanuel Camarillo. Gov. JB Pritzker’s on CNN: “He doesn't know how to say things without revealing his racism. And frankly, every time he talks about [Harris], you see a little bit of it come out in the language that he uses,” he told Anderson Cooper. Protesters showed up, too, telling Trump he isn’t wanted in Chicago, by WTTW’s Matt Masterson Trump claimed to be the best president for Black people since Abraham Lincoln, by POLITICO’s Irie Sentner, Brakkton Booker, Eugene Daniels and your Playbook host Trump’s first try at pivoting to Harris blows up in his face, by POLITICO’s Eli Stokols Harris dismisses Trump as the ‘same old show’ as he rips into her on race, by POLITICO’s Adam Wren and Megan Messerly
| | THE BUZZ | | | | 
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, center, and fellow Illinois Democrats traveled to Wisconsin to canvas ahead of the state's Aug. 13 primary. | Krishnamoorthi campaign photo | Kamala Harris’ pivot to the top of the presidential ticket is motivating more Illinois Democrats to knock on doors — in swing states. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi was part of a caravan of cars that traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to rally voters ahead of the state’s Aug. 13 primary. “The energy and enthusiasm” among Illinoisans to get out the vote “are off the charts,” Krishnamoorthi told Playbook. His take-away about Wisconsinites: “My sense is that they are open. They want to learn more about Kamala Harris. They haven’t made up their minds, but they want to learn more.” Leading the charge: Krishnamoorthi worked with Operation Swing State to make the drive to Wisconsin. The group is organized by Ben Head, the political director for Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. Operation Swing State also sends Democrats to Michigan. Why Illinois Dems go: “Illinois has a history of labor organizing and progressive organizing,” Head told Playbook. “Couple that with Chicago being a 90-minute drive from the most crucial battleground precincts in two states that will decide this election,” he said, referring to Wisconsin and Michigan. Also crossing state lines: Indivisible Chicago Alliance and Winning Over Wisconsin, organized by the Lake County Democrats, are also going to swing states to rally voters. If you are Anderson Cooper, Playbook would like to hear from you. Email: skapos@politico.com
| | WHERE'S JB | | No official public events.
| | WHERE's BRANDON | | No official public events.
| | Where's Toni | | At South Suburban College at 9:45 a.m. to offer remarks at the 2024 Forest Preserve Experience Graduation. Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or (heaven forbid) a complaint? Email: skapos@politico.com
| | | | DID YOU MISS IT? On Tuesday, POLITICO and McKinsey convened three conversations in D.C. with policymakers and space experts, including NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. The discussions also featured a panel of experts, an interview with Sens. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) and an executive conversation with McKinsey's Ryan Brukardt.
The conversations focused on the next great innovation frontier – the space industry, including deeper discussion around which sectors of the global economy see their growth arc in space and what the role of government leaders is in expanding and regulating the growing number of orbital ideas. CATCH UP AND WATCH HIGHLIGHTS HERE | | | | | | | CONVENTION ZONE | | — How abortion providers in Chicago are preparing for the convention: “From potentially more protesters to the challenges of patients getting to appointments on time, some providers say they’re worried but ready,” by WBEZ’s Kristen Schorsch. — How the convention is working with Choose Chicago tourism to promote the city’s neighborhoods, by WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel — Questions swirl about whether the Obamas, Clintons will speak at the convention, by the Sun-Times’ Lynn Sweet — Hitting a milestone: The Democratic National Convention says its building the “first-ever ADA-compliant ramp” to the convention floor in Democratic National Convention history. — OP-ED: Commissioner Cole Stallard says Chicago Streets and Sanitation is ready for the DNC, in the Tribune
| | BUSINESS OF POLITICS | | — Q&A: JB Pritzker stays quiet on VP vetting but says net worth not a problem, by USA Today’s Francesca Chambers — Sen. Tammy Duckworth kicked off an online campaign event to support Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign. During the AANHPI National Organizing Call for Harris for President event, Duckworth shared how she feels a kinship to Harris as they started their Senate careers together in 2017 along with Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto, Maggie Hassan and Chris Van Hollen. “We had a historic class of freshmen. … And we’ve been really tight and really close.”
| | | SPOTLIGHT | | | — PENNY PRITZKER has just returned from Kyiv, her sixth visit to Ukraine in the past 10 months, in her role as U.S. special representative for Ukraine’s economic recovery. In a Brookings speech in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, she said it’s time for the world to plan “for the day after the war.” The key to the country’s resilience, she says, is building its economy. Pritzker laid out a plan that calls for improving government sectors and infrastructure, increasing the number of shovel-ready projects, continuing “anti-corruption efforts,” generating investment from around the world and encouraging Ukrainians who have left the country to return in order to grow the workforce. Her prepared remarks are here. Also on Pritzker’s schedule: Meeting with President Joe Biden about her trip. RELATED: U.S. aid is flowing to Ukraine again. Can it turn the tide of the sar? by Tim Mak for Politico
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Stateville inmates request transfer or release in court motion citing prison’s decrepit conditions, by the Tribune’s Jeremy Gorner — Records show deputy in Massey shooting 'needed more training,' by the State Journal Register’s Steven Spearie — Illinois bans companies from forcing workers to listen to their anti-union talk, by NPR’s Andrea Hsu
| | CHICAGO | | — What another six years of a Maduro presidency in Venezuela means for migrants and Chicago: “Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner in Sunday’s disputed election. Migrants say the continuation of his regime means they cannot return home,” by WBEZ’s Adriana Cardona-Maguigad. — CPD traffic stops are down this year, but critics say there are still too many, by WBEZ’s Amy Qin
| | COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS | | — A McHenry judge accused of speeding 93 mph in 55 mph zone pleads guilty to lesser offense, by Shaw Local’s Amanda Marrazzo — Popular suburban Ribfest is being canceled; organizers cite high costs, by the Daily Herald’s Alicia Fabbre
| | | | SUBSCRIBE TO GLOBAL PLAYBOOK: Don’t miss out on POLITICO’s Global Playbook, our newsletter taking you inside pivotal discussions at the most influential gatherings in the world. Suzanne Lynch delivers the world's elite and influential moments directly to you. Stay in the global loop. SUBSCRIBE NOW. | | | | | | | Reader Digest | | We asked about speeches — live or virtual/TV. John Engle: “Hearing a big speech live lets you experience the speaker's passion and absorb the crowd's mood and immediate reactions and the 'human electricity' in the atmosphere in a way that a virtual setting simply can't replicate.” Charles Keller: “If it's politics, then virtually. If it's sports like the Blackhawks Cup Parade, then in person. Even though player speeches can be drunken tirades they are more believable and entertaining.” Jim Lyons: “On TV or internet. I hate crowds.” Josh Mogerman: “Remote. It is less rude to text and tweet real time thoughts if you aren’t under the speaker’s nose.” Kevin Morris: “I would much rather attend a speech in person, to absorb the entire experience.” Scott Simon: “In person. Always. If not possible, then live on TV. Don’t like catching up online. Not news that way.” Patricia Ann Watson: “Comfortable virtual watching.” NEXT QUESTION: What’s a phrase you would use to describe the month of July in politics? Email skapos@politico.com
| | DELEGATION | | — From Congresswoman Delia Ramirez: The Illinois Democrat is a co-lead sponsor of the Destination Reception Assistance Act, which would ensure that the federal government provides more funding to local governments providing assistance to asylum seekers. “In IL-03, we have remained committed to welcoming asylum seekers and providing them with the support they need to contribute to our nation. But the federal government must do more to support our communities," Ramirez said in a statement. — From Congresswoman Mary Miller: The Illinois Republican has introduced“ the Defining Male and Female Act, which would constitutionally codify the definition of gender as male and female.
| | | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | | — U.S. bets on Gaza cease-fire talks as assassinations tilt Mideast toward bigger war, by POLITICO — House Freedom Caucus plots new leadership as internal feuds deepen, by POLITICO’s Olivia Beavers and Jordain Carney — Nearly 1,000 Native children died at boarding schools, Interior Dept. finds, by The New York Times’ Aishvarya Kavi
| | TRANSITIONS | | — Matthew Beaudet has launched a new consulting firm. Ádisóke Solutions, covering public affairs, strategic communication and business and project development. Ádisóke (AH-dee-SOH-kay) is an Algonquin word for storytelling. Beaudet, a citizen of the Montaukett Tribe, served under four Chicago mayors and three Illinois governors and was the Chicago building commissioner.
| | EVENTS | | — Tonight: Cristina Pacione-Zayas, chief of staff to Chicago’s mayor, headlines with your Playbook host at The Hideout. Details here — Aug. 15: MWRD Commissioner Daniel Pogorzelski and Light Up Lawndale President Princess Shaw headline “Chicago Underwater: A Discussion on the Impact of Flooding.” Illinois Answers reporter Alex Nitkin will moderate. Details here
| | TRIVIA | | WEDNESDAY’s ANSWER: Congrats to Dan Schneider and Roger Flahaven for correctly answering Abraham Lincoln disproved testimony in a murder trial with facts from the Farmer’s Almanac. TODAY’s QUESTION: Who was the Illinois senator who represented multiple states in the U.S. Senate during his political career?
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Chicago First Assistant Corporation Counsel Amy Crawford, chief of staff to Congressman Danny Davis Tumia Romero, CTA Comms Director Steve Mayberry, consultant Richard Melcher and former Illinois Film Office head Brenda Sexton. -30- | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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