During a speech at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday evening, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker sharply criticized former President Donald Trump while expressing strong support for Vice President Kamala Harris. Pritzker highlighted the stark contrast between the two, underscoring the importance of the upcoming 2024 general election.
Pritzker began by celebrating Illinois’ rich history as a launching ground for future presidents, referencing Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama, who were also from the state. He proudly noted that Vice President Kamala Harris has ties to Illinois, stating, “Illinois’ presidential legacy is unmatched, and given that Vice President Kamala Harris spent part of her early life here, I speak for the entire Illinois delegation when I say we endorse her.”
The Illinois governor did not shy away from critiquing Trump, calling him a “crook” and dismissing his claims of economic expertise. Pritzker, a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion, questioned Trump’s financial credibility. He remarked, “Donald Trump thinks we should trust him on the economy because he claims to be so rich, but take it from a real billionaire, Trump is only rich in one thing: nonsense.” This pointed comment elicited a strong reaction from the audience.
Pritzker also took the opportunity to defend the city of Chicago, responding to Trump’s previous criticisms. He quoted basketball legend Michael Jordan, saying, “Donald Trump once called Chicago a disgrace. To quote the great Chicagoan who won six world championships for that very reason, we take it ‘personally.’”
The speech came amid speculation about Pritzker’s political ambitions, with some suggesting that his remarks were aimed at keeping him in the national spotlight. Although President Biden endorsed Harris, Pritzker’s prominence in national politics continues to grow, with some viewing his speech as a strategic move to secure future political opportunities.
This moment at the DNC highlights the critical decisions voters will face in the 2024 election, with Pritzker positioning himself as a key player in the national political arena.