THE ILLINOIZE: Illinois at the RNC...Bost on Biden...Porter on GOP enthusiasm, running for Governor

July 16, 2024

Good morning, Illinois.

I was really blown away yesterday by the confidence of the Illinois GOP delegation to the Republican National Convention.

I went up yesterday morning for the first delegation breakfast of the week and the mood was unequivocally positive about the GOP’s, or specifically, former President Donald Trump’s chances, to win in November.

Whether the confidence came from President Biden’s abysmal debate performance in June or the confidence of an expected polling bounce after Trump survived an assasination attempt over the weekend, something buoyed the group.

I tweeted it may be the most confident Illinois GOP delegation since 2004, but, even then, George W. Bush was locked in a battle with then-Sen. John Kerry. It may have been the most confident group since 1984. Wow.

Governor Pritzker announces “federal investments” in Illinois at 11 and attends the opening of the new PACE South Campus in suburban Markham at 1.

Let’s get to it.

IN MILWAUKEE, BOST SAYS BIDEN SHOULD “STEP AWAY”

As Republicans opened the GOP’s National Convention Monday in Milwaukee, a supporter and surrogate for former President Donald Trump, Congressman Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) explained the confidence seen by Republicans.