| | | | |  | | By Shia Kapos | Happy Wednesday, Illinois. Don’t forget sunscreen before the parade. PROGRAMMING NOTE: Illinois Playbook won’t publish Thursday and Friday for the July Fourth holiday. We’ll be back Monday.
|  | TOP TALKER | | | | 
CNN's Kaitlan Collins interviews Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 | Kaitlan Collins' video on X | SPEAKING OUT: During a prime-time interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Gov. JB Pritzker said Tuesday night President Joe Biden “needs to communicate more” to show why “he’s the right guy” to head the Democratic ticket in November. Pressed on whether he’d pick up the mantle if Biden were to bow out, Pritzker was careful in his words: “Right now, Joe Biden is our nominee, and I'm 100 percent on board with supporting him as our nominee unless he makes some other decision. And then I think we're all going to be discussing what's the best way forward.” Clip! The Q&A comes ahead of a meeting today at the White House with the president and Democratic governors to hear directly from Biden after his abysmal debate appearance. Pritzker will attend in person after initially planning on attending virtually. More takeaways from the interview: On the post-debate hand-wringing: “We're not a cult like the MAGA Republicans. We tolerate dissent, and we think it's good for democracy to have this conversation,” Pritzker said. “For me anyway, my word is my bond. I honor my commitments. Joe Biden is going to be our nominee unless he decides otherwise. And so I think that there's a healthy conversation that will happen with the president, I hope, expressing what he intends to do going forward in the campaign and reassuring everybody that this is the right course.” On Biden slipping in polls: “That's why President Biden needs to communicate more. We haven't heard a lot from him since the debate, and that's why the polls look as they do. When you come off a bad debate, you need to remind people why you're the right guy to elect and I know that Joe Biden will do that over the next couple of weeks.” On VP Kamala Harris: “The Democratic Party has a great bench. There are some hyper-capable people whose names have been mentioned as potential for the future. ... I think very, very highly of Kamala Harris. She has stood by Joe Biden in these difficult circumstances. She's somebody who has backing among certain parts of the party.” The 13-minute interview came five days after Biden stumbled in his debate with Donald Trump. Other Democrats across the country also stared speaking out about the debate. Congressman Mike Quigley concerned about down-ballot races, by ABC 7’s Craig Wall Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski stops short of saying Biden should drop out, by Lee Enterprises’ Brenden Moore What's next: Biden, who hasn't done an interview since the debate, will give an interview to ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Friday. the president will also campaign in Madison, Wisconsin, that day. RELATED Biden’s latest excuse: Blame it on the travel, by POLITICO’s Jennifer Haberkorn What happens if Biden does step down? According to history: a mess, by POLITICO’s Joshua Zeitz
| | THE BUZZ | | GUN LAW REPRIEVE: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the legal challenges against the Illinois law passed last year that bans the sale of assault weapons, but the legal battle isn’t over. The case now returns to the lower court. “We are obviously very disappointed for the millions of legal gun owners in Illinois by today’s decision not to grant emergency relief, but we’re not giving up,” Richard Pearson, executive director of the National Rifle Association, said in a statement. On Sept. 16, the case goes before the federal district court in the Southern District of Illinois. It could still return to the nation’s high court. The federal judge “could fully take on the question of whether the weapons ban passes constitutional muster,” reports the Sun-Times’ Jon Seidel. Still taking a victory lap: Protect Illinois Communities, which led the campaign to get the law passed, praised the ruling. It “ensures the ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines stays in effect and continues to help save lives,” the group’s president, Becky Carroll, said in a statement. The group gives a hat tip to Gov. JB Pritzker, who signed the measure into law and enlisted his friend, Michael Sacks, to help get the measure passed by the Illinois General Assembly. Two-year anniversary: The high court ruling comes two years after the deadly mass shooting during Highland Park’s July 4th parade. “Every day that assault weapons and high capacity magazines are banned in Illinois represents fewer gun deaths and reduced gun violence,” state Rep. Bob Morgan, who was at the parade that day, said in a statement. Illinois Attorney Gen. Kwame Raoul said his office will “continue to vigorously defend its constitutionality as litigation returns to the lower courts.” If you are Richard Pearson, Playbook would like to hear from you. Emai: skapos@politico.com
| | WHERE'S JB | | At the White House for a meeting with the president.
| | WHERE's BRANDON | | No official public events.
| | Where's Toni | | No official public events. Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or (heaven forbid) a complaint? Email: skapos@politico.com
| | | | THE GOLD STANDARD OF POLICY REPORTING & INTELLIGENCE: POLITICO has more than 500 journalists delivering unrivaled reporting and illuminating the policy and regulatory landscape for those who need to know what’s next. Throughout the election and the legislative and regulatory pushes that will follow, POLITICO Pro is indispensable to those who need to make informed decisions fast. The Pro platform dives deeper into critical and quickly evolving sectors and industries—finance, defense, technology, healthcare, energy—equipping policymakers and those who shape legislation and regulation with essential news and intelligence from the world’s best politics and policy journalists.
Our newsroom is deeper, more experienced, and better sourced than any other—with teams embedded in the world’s most active legislative and regulatory power centers. From Brussels to Washington, New York to London, Sacramento to Paris, we bring subscribers inside the conversations that determine policy outcomes and the future of industries, providing insight that cannot be found anywhere else. Get the premier news and policy intelligence service, SUBSCRIBE TO POLITICO PRO TODAY. | | | | | | | CONVENTION ZONE | | — Trump campaign blocks pair of anti-abortion activists from RNC platform committee: “The shakeup, which has not been previously reported, comes as anti-abortion groups petition Trump, his campaign advisers and members of the RNC not to make significant changes to the party’s platform on abortion,” by POLITICO’s Natalie Allison and Megan Messerly.
| | 2024 WATCH | | — RFK Jr.’s family, including Chicago’s Chris Kennedy, doesn’t want him to run. Even they may not know his darkest secrets: “A shocking photograph. Blowback from a Trump meeting. Alleged sexual assault. The Kennedys have voiced support for Joe Biden, but certain aspects of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s character are only just now coming to light,” by Vanity Fair’s Joe Hagan. — More than half of Chicago school board candidates face ballot challenges: “A total of 42 challenges were filed against the 27 candidates, meaning some of the school board hopefuls face more than one. Challenges could focus on improperly filed paperwork or the number of signatures, including whether there were duplicate names or wrong addresses,” by the Sun-Times’ Nader Issa and Lauren FitzPatrick and WBEZ’s Sarah Karp.
| | THE STATEWIDES | | — Pritzker signs election bill to increase party power in primary elections: “Changes to primary election fundraising, the electoral college and the state’s voter registration database are now law after Gov. JB Pritzker signed a wide-ranging bill Monday,” by Capitol News’ Andrew Adams. — Compromise on carbon dioxide pipelines leaves groups out, Illinois farmers say, by State Journal-Register’s Patrick M. Keck — After 9 months, researchers say it’s still too early to judge bail reform law, by Capitol News’ Jerry Nowicki
| | CHICAGO | | — Audit shows Chicago's unfunded pension debt has soared to $37B: 'Hard conversations need to be had now': “It’s the second straight year that the pension crisis has grown by more than 5 percent. That intensifies pressure on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s year-old pension commission to produce long-term solutions,” by the Sun-Times’ Fran Spielman. — With climate change coming, Chicago’s current migrant influx ‘only going to be the beginning’: “Aldermen on Tuesday weighed the prospect of future climate change-related disasters pushing people to the city during a City Council Immigration Committee hearing,” by the Tribune’s Jake Sheridan. — COPA publishes body cam video of Chicago Police shooting in South Austin altercation that left 1 dead, 1 injured, by WTTW’s Matt Masterson — 800,000 people's data stolen in Lurie Children's Hospital cyberattack, by the Sun-Times’ Emmanuel Camarillo — Where will Chicago’s new, larger school board sit? CPS has not yet said, by Chalkbeat’s Reema Amin — Jack in the Box will return to Chicago area next year, by the Tribune’s Talia Soglin — In memoriam: Delasol, Lincoln Park Zoo’s 33-year-old Bolivian gray titi monkey, dies, by the Sun-Times’ Kade Heather
| | TAKING NAMES | | — 20 years ago: Jamie Dimon reflects on Bank One-Chase merger that ended Chicago HQ, but helped build the nation’s largest bank, by the Tribune’s Robert Channick — Giving it a whirl: Maria Pappas, the Cook County treasurer, surprised Pride Parade-watchers when she walked the route twirling a baton.
| | ...SWAMP THINGS... | | — Ex-Argonne National Laboratory employee pleads guilty to assaulting officers during Capitol riot: “Robin Lee Reierson, 69, of Schiller Park, pleaded guilty Monday to felony charges of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers,” by the Sun-Times’ Sophie Sherry.
| | | | Understand 2024’s big impacts with Pro’s extensive Campaign Races Dashboard, exclusive insights, and key coverage of federal- and state-level debates. Focus on policy. Learn more. | | | | | | | Reader Digest | | We asked what’s on your holiday menu: James Castro: “Hotdogs.” Kristin DiCenso: “It’s not the 4th without my famous homemade ice cream! Vanilla bean is usually everyone’s favorite.” Adam Gypalo: “Burgers, BBQ and grilled vegetables!” Charles Keller: “White Fish from Pelletier's Restaurant & Fish Boil in Fish Creek, Wisconsin.” Bill Kresse: “With storms in the forecast, foregoing the grill for slow-cooked pulled pork in the crock pot.” Jim Lyons: “My wife’s baked beans. People ask that she bring them.” Ed Mazur: “Barbecue ribs and chicken with my homemade sauce of brown sugar, vinegar, sugar, orange juice, ketchup and a few more secret ingredients.” Steven McKenzie: “Peach crumble, made with canned peaches from the prior year. Vanilla ice cream on the side if desired.” Mark Rosenberg: “Red white and blue trifle!” Michael Synowiecki: “Smoked brisket.” NEXT QUESTION: What’s the road trip you’ll never forget? Email skapos@politico.com
| | THE NATIONAL TAKE | | — The terrifying SEAL Team 6 scenario lurking in the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling, by POLITICO’s Kelsey Griffin, Erica Orden and Lara Seligman — How Democratic lawyers are bracing for Trump’s return, by POLITICO’s Liz Crampton — Trump’s sentencing in New York delayed until Sept. 18, by POLITICO’s Erica Orden — Rudy Giuliani disbarred in New York, by POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney
| | TRANSITIONS | | — Kim Taylor has been appointed Duke University's VP and general counsel, starting in September. She currently holds the same title at the University of Chicago. — Brian E. Mahoney is now a partner in the insurance industry group at Hinshaw & Culbertson’s Chicago office. He had managed his own law practice.
| | | TRIVIA | | | TUESDAY’s ANSWER: Congrats to Leo Driscoll for correctly answering that 1952 was the last time Democrats held a brokered convention. Estes Kefauver arrived with a plurality of delegates, and Adlai Stevenson left with the nomination. That convention was in Chicago, btw. H/t to Ted McClelland of Chicago magazine. TODAY’s QUESTION: Where was the first permanent European settlement in Illinois?
| | HAPPY BIRTHDAY | | Today: legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti, former state Rep. Eileen Lyons, Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson, Gibsons Managing Partner Kathy O’Malley Piccone, Swirlz Cupcakes’ Pam Rose, activist JQ Holland Darden, real estate broker Terry Schwartz, Fair Oaks Farms Creative Director Mariana Vallejo and Indigov Senior Manager of Client Success Maya Serkin. Thursday: former first kid Malia Obama, businessman and former political candidate Chris Kennedy, former state Rep. Dan Brady, former state Rep. Sam Yingling, former DuPage County commissioner Pete DiCianni, Fein Solutions founder and President David Fein, DDA & Associates co-founder Kris Adams, TV anchor Diana Gutierrez and Goodman Theatre Comms Director Denise Schneider. Friday: Congressman Darin LaHood, former state Rep. James Brosnahan, O’Keeffe Shahmoradi Strategies VP Mark Copeland, Thinkinc public affairs CEO Laurie Glenn, Progressive TurnOut Project’s Julio Guzman, GlossGenius Senior Counsel Kelley Merwin, Baird & Warner senior broker Helen Jaeger Roth and filmmaker Gregory Quarles. Saturday: Former President George W. Bush, state Rep. Kelly Burke, former state rep and former State Liquor Commission director Sam Panayotovich, PNC Asset Management Group EVP Carole Brown (former City of Chicago CFO), XLN Services founder Josh Witkowski, Service Club of Chicago Philanthropy Director Pam Capitanini, SEIU Assistant Comms Director Jennifer Owens, Democratic State Central Committeeman Thomas Maillard, American Osteopathic Association Brand Marketing Director Thelma Sardin, SKDK public affairs strategist Jill Zuckman, Pastor Will Boyd, journalist Robert Loerzel and POLITICO Senior Managing Editor Anita Kumar. Sunday: Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, lobbyist and former Congressman Jerry Weller, former Cook County Judge Travis Richardson, former Ald. Rey Colon and Chicago Assistant Corporation Counsel Supervisor Steven McKenzie. -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 | | | | |
