The week started with notorious ex-Ald. Ed Burke being sentenced to two years in prison for corruption. This news event in Chicago politics seemed weeks, not days, old by the end of the week after the first 2024 presidential debate Thursday, which reignited questions about President Joe Biden’s ability to successfully beat Donald Trump and serve four more years. Read last week’s quotes of the week here.
“The blame for this is mine and mine alone. I regret the pain and the sorrow that I have caused my family and my dear friends, and I would ask your honor to have compassion and mercy.”
— Ed Burke
Burke addressed the judge before he was sentenced to two years in prison and fined $2 million in his corruption case, as reported by the Tribune.
“As residents and taxpayers of Chicago, let us hope that this sentence sends a strong message to other elected officials that corruption and graft on the backs of Chicagoans comes with consequences — even for those who may seem omnipotent.”
— Lori Lightfoot
Chicago’s 56th mayor tweeted this after Burke’s sentencing.
“I wish he was a great president because I wouldn’t be here right now. I’d be at one of my many places enjoying myself.”
— Donald Trump
Trump said this during Thursday’s presidential debate with President Joe Biden.
“There was a slow start, but there was a strong finish.”
— Vice President Kamala Harris
Harris spoke to CNN hours after the debate on Thursday.
“Since (the debate) last night, I had to take a few more antidepressants than usual. People have asked me, ‘Do I feel comfortable with the debate?’ You know, a Donald Trump presidency would cause me far greater discomfort than a Joe Biden debate performance.”
— Rep. Ritchie Torres
Torres, a Democrat from New York, spoke to The Associated Press after the first presidential debate.
“Antisemitism is sharply spiking in our city and our nation. We all respect the right to free speech and free assembly, but what about the rights of Jewish residents to live free of fear?”
— Ald. Debra Silverstein, 50th
Silverstein was reacting to the news that the number of reported hate crimes in Chicago spiked to 303 in 2023, as reported in the Tribune.
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