The Great Illinois Republican Debate—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 100

We told you we were going to bring the heat for our 100th episode and that is exactly what we did. What you’re about to watch isn’t a self-congratulatory episode—it’s a discussion that’s needed to happen in our party for too long, and we thought what better time and place than the Smoke-Filled Room’s centennial episode. We also couldn’t wait for you to watch it so we’re releasing it a day early!

We brought on outspoken, passionate Republicans from different segments of the Republican Party: conservatives, moderates, grassroots, establishment, north, and south. And boy, they did not disappoint! Collin Corbett served as the moderator and neutral arbitrator between Collin Moseley, Patrick Pfingsten, Kristina McCloy, Leslie Munger, and Cor’s political experts Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak.

We begin by airing all our grievances. Why is everyone within our party so (rightfully) frustrated, and why do we treat each other so badly? You could say this was the tame part of the episode…

Because then we get into more controversial topics, and of course there was plenty to disagree on. We get real answers on why there is such a divide between the establishment and grassroots, but not before some heated back and forth between the panelists. We talk about how different parts of our state have very different opinions on Trump—and whether you can be a Republican if you don’t support Trump.

We then discuss solutions and ideas to move us forward. What does it mean to be a Republican in Illinois, and how do we turn that into a winning brand and message? Can we agree to a commonsense approach when it comes to candidate recruitment, like “the most conservative candidate who can win?” And should the party get involved in primaries?

We close with each panelist giving their vision for how we can work together to start winning elections in Illinois.

Did we solve all our party’s issues on this episode? Of course not. We (intentionally) didn’t even get into all the tactical and strategic areas we need to improve, because none of that will happen if we don’t overcome our division.

But this debate needed to happen, and it showed that while we don’t agree on everything, we agree on more things than we realize. And we all agree we want to defeat the far-left progressive Democrats who run this state so we can turn Illinois around.

00:00: Collin Sets the Stage
03:46: Introductions
07:43: Conservatives, Moderates, Grassroots, Establishment: Everyone Is Mad, and Oftentimes Rightfully So
25:14: Why Do We Treat Each Other So Badly?
42:48: Why Can't the Establishment and Grassroots Get Along?
01:06:05: Can a Republican be Anti-Trump?
01:27:15: What Does It Mean to Be a Republican? What Is Our Brand?
01:41:48: Is Ideological Purity More Important Than Winning?
02:05:45:  Should the Party Get Involved in Primaries?
02:14:53: Closing Thoughts On How We Start Winning Elections in Illinois
02:27:17: Collin’s Final Word