Current Article

How I Love Blago, let me count the ways

By NewHampster on January 25, 2009 at 12:20 PM in Current Affairs, Rod Blagojevich

On the eve of Obama’s historic inauguration, the Democrats allowed themselves to be outfoxed by a craven scum eater.

MATT TAIBBI – Rolling Stone

Blago crapping in punch bowl
Blago crapping in the Democrat’s Punch

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/25556350/blagos_revenge

Matt, You Obama sucking assHat, I love what Blago has done to you. After how you treated Hillary Clinton and John McCain you have the nerve to cry that Governor Blagojevich is shitting on your party?

Not only has the man not been indicted, there’s a very good chance he never will. I have a feeling that he learned from his mentor, Barack Obama, how to avoid paying any price for stupid political missteps.

I hope that scum keeps giving you and your lying pseudo journalist friends nightmares. I hope he sticks it to all of you during his appearance on Larry King next week. I hope I don’t run out of popcorn as I watch this hilarious play.

All this bullshit, we hoped, might end with Barack Obama. But then came Blagojevich, a sleazeball whose massively publicized success in scheming a way to drop turd in the new president’s inaugural punch bowl is a gate-crashing leap above station on the order of Paris Hilton screwing her way into a speaking role in Gandhi or Amadeus. It’s a political disaster that happened only after Democrats once again froze in the headlights at the crucial moment, trying to flee in two different directions at once while a third-rate bookie in a tracksuit seized control of the U.S. Senate.

Don’t ask me what I think of their treatment of Senator Burris in the above cartoon.

I couldn’t read beyond the third paragraph and I left the shitty Rolling Stone down by the wood stove for help keeping us warm tomorrow.

Cross posted from Partizane

benny

NewHampster, Blagwitch (as i call him) knows the pulse of the dem party. A lone african-american in the senate could not be denied by the dems. Blagwitch played the dem party so easily, its plain ridiculous. He knows all their weaknesses. Don’t be surprised if he gets off with a slap on the wrist.

stodghie

benny, i rather enjoyed blag’s latest press conference. for all that is wrong with him, he is excellent in his responses and comments. i bet he wouldn’t have flubbed the swearing in or swearing too it would seem.

Chicago Joe

Set your Tivo’s, DVRs, etc. Blago is doing a publicity blitz this week, including a shot on The View with his wife tomorrow. Diane Sawyer in the AM. Geez…. maybe I will call in with the blue flu.

Chicago Joe

See today’s front page chicago sun-times. It’s a two-fer Blago and Michelle.

http://www.suntimes.com/email_edition/frontpage_subscribe/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

Blago’s responses are great because he knows how the players in Chicago politics think and operate. And he is right about two things: denying him the presumption of innocence and judicial due process is unAmerican. I hope he fights tooth and nail along these lines, and in the process reveals the underbelly of the Chicago political machine and those who control(led) it — namely, Obama and his pack of wolves.

cynic

If he played them so well and so easily, why has his public career turned into smoldering train wreck? The possiblity of getting it back on the tracks again is little more than a fantasy in his own mind.

stodghie

that is a good question. thinking about it! it seems that a scapegoat was needed and one was selected. with all the corruption i read that is in chicago, it would almost seem he was “picked”. that is just a thought and i am sure some more familiar with these issues might have some thoughts on it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

cynic, that isn’t the point –at least, not the way I see it. His political career is over (and he knows it). The only way he might be able to redeem himself is to come clean and tell all about Chicago Politics, and by extension about the Messiah President Obama.

cc

exactly…blago knows he can hurt bo and bad….he’s playing his cards wisely. I for one would love to see him sing like a canary. I’m sooooo happy blago makes rahm and princess squirm.

http://! stodgie

the fat lady is practicing in the concert hall. karma is driving the truck of chickens. all we need now or tony and blag to join the sunday night entertainment hour and sing a duet.

Ferd Berfle

Yeah, Blago sure played Reid like a cheap fiddle. It was great to see that nincompoop Reid scurrying around trying to find the escape hatch from that trap he fell in. I’m still laughing.

ritamary

Blago gave me some of the very best laughs since the end of the decidedly not amusing election season. I love having the national spotlight on Chicago politics. How did such a wretched cesspool produce our perfect, pure and wonderful Messiah?
wodiej

I’ve got no sympathy for them. The fact that they are even whining is pathetic.
Anna

The Rolling Stone article misses the big point: these are Obama’s people! Obama owns Blago, or Blago owns Obama, or they both own each other. Obama wasn’t the only virgin to emerge from this whorehouse. He is one of them.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

Spot on, Anna! That is the big elephant in the room, isn’t it.

Chicago Joe

craven scum eater….that IS what Obama is. Alice Palmer, Blair Hull, Jack Ryan, Rev. Wright, LS (if you believe all of his stuff), and everyone now languishing under the bus. Obama, if he can’t control the media, will soon go into GWB’s cocoon mode. We will see very little of him. Ed Henry from CNN has some guts, and I hope they don’t reassign him so for the meantime he can ask the questions the swill-swallowing mesmerized Obamatons in the press corp are too blinded to ask.

obsp

Chicago Joe, I missed Ed Henry’s report. What did he ask (say?)

Chicago Joe

Let’s just say that there was no report. BHO visited the press room to “say hello,” and Henry had the audacity to actually ask the POTUS a question. Barry was ticked off, and said something to the effect of, “I won’t be able to come down and see you guys if you are going to “grill me” everytime *(yes, he said “grill me”).

My read on this is that he is trying to expand this co-option of the press by trying to mesmerize the WH press corp into seeing things his way because they can bask in his almighty glow. You can probably find a good clip on YouTube. Here is one five minute clip. The Ed Henry thing is at 3:20.

Chicago Joe

http://tammybruce.com/2009/01/barkey_gets_irritated.php

Sorry, clicked without pasting the link.

obsp

How Funny. I remember a few years back when he was beggin for air time. In fact he was worst then Chuck Shummer.

riverplate

LS (if you believe all of his stuff)

Why would you include him in your list unless “you believe all of his stuff.”

When I see someone promoting Larry Sinclair, that tells me all I need to know about them. Sinclair is either severely mentally ill, utterly dishonest, or both. Ditto with his fans.
conejito

craven scum eater….that IS what Obama is. Alice Palmer, Blair Hull, Jack Ryan, Rev. Wright, LS (if you believe all of his stuff)

Larry Sinclair is either severely mentally ill, utterly dishonest, or both. Ditto for those who say his stories prove that Obama is a “craven scum eater.”

JozefAL

NewHampster, shouldn’t that be “Matt”, not “Mike”? (Or does Taibbi use “Mike” in certain situations?)

Admittedly, you’re right on target about Taibbi’s Obama boot-licking or whatever term you find more fitting to Taibbi’s obvious man-crush. From everything I read from Taibbi during the campaing, it didn’t seem that Obama could do ANYTHING wrong. Even Obama’s FISA turnaround was given a pass. (Amazingly, though, Taibbi would hold Reid and Pelosi JUST as accountable as Hillary for all the Democrats’ Congressional failures and woes while completely allowing The One escape completely unscathed.)

NewHampster

dang you are right. thanks for the catch, and I’ll edit right now
cathnealon

Mike Taibbi is Matt’s father a longtime reporter for NBC. Taibbi’s appearances on Bill Maher, his frat boy, only got where he is because of his father reputation and his worship this past election of the golden calf Obama make him appealing to one group–the same 20-something brats(Fevreauvians)that were wearing Palin is a C–t t-shirts. They’re crapping on everyone who’s showing BO for what he is.

Touchet

You have to admire the painting though love the way he used everyone but the key figures as donkeys. In addition there is symmetry and allegory going on with the key figures all in a line.

The symmetry is represented With the donkeys on the right and them on the left and leading to the punch bowl in the center.

The allegory comes into play in many different ways. First the line. It alludes to the fact that there is a line that leads to Blago crapping in the punch bowl. This is telling. It hints that the artist believes that it all leads to Obama (the last one in line). The second is the punch bowl. What is in the punch bowl? Kool-aide that is tainted by shit. LOL love it!

Touchet

The point is ironic because the author obvious loves Obama but used a painting from a guy that conveys a totally different meaning that what his dumb ass is incapable of interpreting, totally contradicting himself.

ritamary

Obots in general are not the sharpest pencils in the box.

wodiej

LOL…amen to that

oowawa

Touchet, your points are very well taken. Looking at the cartoon, only 2 words come to mind:

Go, Blago!

Chicago “cesspool” politics pollutes DC in a very literal sense!

I’m a Linda too

roflmao

NH, RIGHT ON!!! Excellent post.

…one question, who’s Mike?

I know Matt sucks. And hope Rolling Stone appreciates his biased and distorted story telling, because they much over this kind of crap.
Chicago Joe

Taibbi spent his childhood in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts, attended Concord Academy, and attended Bard College at Annandale on Hudson, New York, spending a year abroad at Leningrad State Technical University. His father is Mike Taibbi, an NBC television reporter.
Courtesy Wikipedia
Texas Playwright

Vetting is a good thing for a democracy. Let’s see if We the People, the media and the politicians still want a democracy.
http://gillianboardman.wordpress.com/ gregoryp

I know Paris Hilton is a public figure by choice but the continuous ridicule that she receives has gotten old. It is disgusting. It is wrong.

Another problem I have with that paragraph is the elitist notion that social climbing is bad or evil. The way I take it is that I am an SOB for getting my advanced degrees and wanting to make a decent living for my family. My wife and I have worked hard all our lives but were born poor. Do these people really believe that they are somehow superior to us? Do they even understand how ridiculous and disgusting they are?

stodghie

gregoryp, no they don’t or even worse they are in denial.
oowawa

I know Paris Hilton is a public figure by choice but the continuous ridicule that she receives has gotten old. It is disgusting. It is wrong.

Amen to that, gregoryp. She is such an easy target–easy to tag her with the “dumb blonde” stereotype. Misogyny For Dummies–just attack Paris Hilton. Everyone will laugh with you. Nobody will object. The reference to “Paris Hilton screwing her way into a speaking role in Gandhi or Amadeus” is a real cheap-shot. I do not believe that Paris Hilton ever had any aspirations to challenge Meryl Streep for Best Actress honors. The woman is an heiress who is happy to play herself. She always strikes me as someone who is not taking her role in life too seriously. She has a sense of humor about herself.

To use an anology: if one of the less warlike Goddesses, Venus for example, incarnated herself as a mortal to have a good time for a while, she might walk among us something like Paris Hilton. She doesn’t inspire any mocking hatred in me.

oowawa

Misogyny For Dummies–just attack Paris Hilton. Everyone will laugh with you. Nobody will object.

We could rephrase this point slightly:

Misogyny For Dummies–just attack Hillary Clinton. Everyone will laugh with you. Nobody will object.

Or,

Misogyny For Dummies–just attack Sarah Palin. Everyone will laugh with you. Nobody will object.

Didn’t it seem that way around MSNBC, and elsewhere in the MSM?

The Real HC

Yep.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

Damn straight, oowawa!

NoBamaNoWay

pretty much.

Strawberrybitch

Yes, Gregoryp, many rich people believe that poor people are poor because they are lazy and stupid. I know, my father was poor but worked his ass off to become rather well off. I was fortunate to be sent to private schools and lived the life of a spoiled brat. Horses, cars, the beach, parties. And if you could here the disdain in which the rich speak about the poor in private…well, let’s just say they’re considered cannon fodder for wars or something to be tolerated. Besides who else will clean their pools, mow their lawns, raise their children, remove their garbage. Thanks, but no thanks. Give me a hardworking, honest “poor person” with integrity anytime.

NoBamaNoWay

the rich deserve to be rich, the poor deserve to be poor; isn’t that the way it works?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

gregoryp — it’s called hypocrisy.

DanNY

I am in complete agreement with NewHampster!

Blagojevich deserves a fair trial – It wouldn’t be right, just, or fair to America to just take him out hang em high at the Circle Jerk Okbama Corral. He should without question be able to call witness’s so that the truth of the matter can out to all of us about what really happened in those telephone calls with Obama’s henchmen (Rahmbo) ha!

Isn’t that what Americans want anyway?! AN open transparent government trial?! We don’t need no stinking witch hunts, stake burnings or crucifixions for a good hearted capitalist like Blogo. Come on he needs to be treated fairly and the media and the Chicago Legislature has been hitting him hard below the belt. I’m surprised his voice hasn’t gone up a few octaves. He is a fighter and I’m in his corner.

GO BLAGO GO!

DanNY

Chicago Legislature

Yes I meant Chicago Legislature. It’s a play on words. We all know that it isn’t Springfeild that runs IL.
ritamary

Blago will get off with a slap on the wrist. Democrats will want to keep the Blago-Rezko-Obama can of worms tightly closed. And speaking of Rezko, does anyone have any news about him? Is there any news about Patrick Fitzgerald? Is he staying or going?

elise

Rezko is still sitting in Chicago jail awaiting his sentencing after being convicted in June, 2008. You have to wonder what’s taking so long since he can’t even appeal until after he’s sentenced.

http://noquarter foxyladi14

its the american way of justice.
innocent untill proven guilty beyond all reasonable shadow of doubt..
athy

DanNY,
I agree.

http://legalinsurrection.blogspot.com/2009/01/unjust-and-unconstitutional-trial-of.html

Sunday, January 25, 2009
The Unjust and Unconstitutional Trial of Rod Blagojevich

EXCERPTS-
(Follow link for entire article-well worth the read.)

On Monday, January 26, 2009, the impeachment trial of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich begins. Nominally, the trial will be held by the Illinois Senate with the Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court presiding. In reality, this case is, and always has been, under the control of U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.

The impeachment process started just days after Fitzgerald held his now famous press conference on December 9, 2008, in which Fitzgerald announced that Blagojevich was guilty of various crimes while in office, most spectacularly the attempt to sell Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat. The charge was made in a press conference, and in a criminal complaint and supporting affidavit.

The press conference made great theater, and poisoned the public against Blagojevich as Fitzgerald must have intended, but revealed very little of the evidence. At this point, a month and a half later, there still has been no indictment. Fitzgerald has obtained an extension of time until early April 2009 to bring an indictment, allowing him to maintain secrecy all the while proclaiming Blagojevich’s guilt.

The Fitzgerald press conference created a media and legislative frenzy, but Fitzgerald has made public almost none of the evidence in his possession to support his claims to assist the public in assessing the truth behind the criminal complaint. The affidavit supporting the criminal complaint contains excerpts of taped calls, but does not contain complete conversations, much less other conversations which might put the excerpt in context. Although you wouldn’t know it from the press conference, cursing profusely is not a crime.

The Illinois Senate has accepted the house impeachment record, which incorporates the criminal complaint affidavit, into evidence while forbidding anyone from challenging the record. (Senate Rule 8(b))

The Senate also has forbidden anyone, including Blagojevich, from seeking any evidence which, in the sole estimation of Fitzgerald, would endanger the criminal case. (Senate Rule 15(f)). Blagojevich cannot call witnesses, such as Rahm Emanuel and Valerie Jarrett, who are believed to be persons referenced in the criminal complaint affidavit as persons to whom Blagojevich attempted to sell the Senate seat, despite denials by Emanuel and Jarrett that any such attempt was made. So Blagojevich cannot call material witnesses to cast doubt on the specific and overall reliability of the criminal complaint affidavit. Rule 15(f) violates fundamental fairness.

The impeachment trial that is about to begin is an injustice. Not because Rod Blagojevich is innocent of the charges, or should remain in office. Rather, the injustice is a result of a prosecutor who saw it as his charge to use his bully pulpit to remove a Governor, and a legislature which willingly served this function for its own political purposes. Rod Blagojevich may not deserve sympathy, but he does deserve a fair and constitutional process, neither of which will be available at the Senate trial.

Posted by William A. Jacobson

eaglesnest

Like him or hate him { Blago] HES RIGHT ABOUT HIS RIGHTS. He should have the right to be heard, thats a basic constitutional right…….Do we still have rights ?
KarenG

Taibbi can’t have it both ways….Blago and Obama
are both clean as the virgin snow or they are both
craven scum eaters…..they both came from the same Chicago political system and they are both pay to players.
PUMA

??? Did Obama use a bible to be sworn in the 2nd time? Was that the reason no press etc. Go Blago
Go at least he has real showmanship. He could be saing “you know” over and over again. I feel he may get out of this becuase of BO secrets.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

Obama had to grandstand and use Lincoln’s Bible on the 20th, but then in private (out of the view of the masses) he does not insist on using it again. Like GWB, it’s all theater and mission-accomplished moments.

BTW, it was reported somewhere over these “internets” that Hillary took her SOS oath of office with her late father’s Bible. This Lady’s got class.

oowawa

Good point, Trixta. It makes me wonder: what if Hillary had asked to use the same Lincoln’s Bible that O used for the inauguration? Would The One have permitted it? I think the answer is a resounding NO WAY!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

Yeah. Also, the msm would have said, “What nerve! Who does Hillary Clinton think she is, etc.! Then they would have made a dig about her and Bill being “low-rent” or “trailer trash” people. (BTW, I despise these bigoted terms!!!)

oowawa

Exactly. Another thought comes to mind: will this bible henceforth be known as “The Lincoln-Obama Bible,” or “The Obama-Lincoln Bible”? I can imagine it being encased in protected glass in The Smithsonian behind a rope fence, forever the object of Oohs and Ahhs and general awed reverence from lines of passers-by: never to be used again under any circumstances.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

Oh Jeez I hope not! Perhaps they’ll even go so far as to mess with the Lincoln Memorial by propping an Obama figure on Lincoln’s lap — like a ventriloquist’s doll– since Obama likes to parrot and mimic the Greats who came before him.

oowawa

Now that’s funny! However, it might be more cost-effective to just replace Lincoln’s head with one of O–they are both tall and thin. Or–! Perhaps a two-headed model, like a dignified stately version of The Incredible Two-Headed Transplant! That version would really emphasize the unified nature of the Two Great National Figures. (But I’ll personally vote for the ventriloquist’s doll. Love it!)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

LOL! Nice image, oowawa! That would definitely work too.

JustMe

What a circus!

If all this Blago stuff was not seroius it would be so funny.LOL WTH
Wake me up when it’s all over…

sheprez

Now, be faire. BHO couldn’t use his late father’s bible because his late father didn’t own one.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

sheprez–That wasn’t the point, (i.e. that BO should have used his father’s Bible). The point is that he chose the Lincoln Bible for show rather than for real meaning, otherwise he would have insisted on using that same Bible again for his do-over oath. Actually, I don’t think he used any Bible during the do-over ceremony.

Fae

I say give them the onion Mr. Blago! Take all of them down with you. Now that they fired Mrs. Blago
all hell will break loose. There is nothing worse then a women scourned. And she couldn’t stand Michelle in the first place. The movie has only begun. I am putting my stock in Blago! He was taught well by Rezko and Obama!! Throw Emanuel in there also.
Mandelay

Does anyone think Patrick Fitzgerald made a deal to jump the gun on Blago in an attempt to make him the sole scapegoat for Illinois corruption, taking the heat off Obama? Wouldn’t it have made more sense to let the “sale” of Obama’s seat go through and catch everyone in the act? Up until this dramatic move by Fitzgerald, I was really rooting for the prosecutor. Now I’m not so sure. While the real players are very familiar to Illinois/Chicago citizens, the rest of the country just sees the Fitzgerald-facilitated image of one corrupt man (Blago) and a President and his party expressing dismay over the deeds of this one man.

stodghie

that thought crossed my mind too, mandelay!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

So true, Mandelay, Fitzgerald pulled out, as it were, before the grand act was completed.

oowawa

Yes Mandelay. I sadly raise my hand in agreement. I remember how Fitzgerald stopped with Scooter Libby in the Plame outing investigation. I hope he follows his leads, but I suspect he might not. I also expect O to promote him to some position where he can do less damage. But I’m really speaking from the Peanut Gallery on this one, and I’m just guessing.

http://Godhelpusall lee M

Fitzgerald’s actions are very suspicious. He only had to go another day or two to trap bigger fish, yet he descended on Blago and took the heat off higher ups.

I used to have respect for him, but not any more. To me he is just another self preserving hypocrite vying for his place at the trough.
Mar

I think that Fitzgerald is very honest and he does work within the law. He did get the conviction on Libby for the charges that he could bring.

Blago’s chief of staff, who was arrested the same day has resigned, and it would be no surprise if he decided to play “Let’s Make a Deal-Federal Edition.”

Fitzgerald is being careful.

There is a back story behind Blago appointing Burris. It is payback of sorts.

In 2002, there were a number of candidates for governor. By the time of the March, 2002 primary, only 3 remained on the ballot. Blago, Paul Vallas and Roland Burris.

Paul Vallas had been chief of the Chicago Public Schools. Mayor Richard Daley the second decided that he wanted a new chief, so Paul was encouraged to resign and run for governor. When Paul did not resign on Daley’s timetable, he was fired. When he did make the run, the funding dried up, presumably on Daley’s word.

Blago came in first, Vallas second and Burris third. Burris was the spoiler who siphoned off African American votes that allowed Blago to be the Democratic nominee.

In Chicago, it’s not just politics, but it’s also racial politics. By the way, Paul Vallas would use any honorariums from his tenure as head of the public schools to buy eyeglasses for the children who needed them and could not afford them. Most of the kids in the schools are black or hispanic.

athy

Mandalay-see my post above.Many people are asking the same question you are.

wodiej

I’ll reserve judgement, if Blago squeals I’ll be suprised. But he could save his soul by doing so and bringing down BO and his fraud on the American people.

stodghie

blago loves the political game. it shows! in my view he is a better politican than obama. i exempt the charges in that comment as i am focusing on his basic skills. yes he is corrupt. i am sure most will agree to that.

what will happen? fitz sent another governor to jail but his “evidence” against blago is not as good though i don’t profess to be an expert here as some might well be. blago has nothing to lose now. that truly does free a person don’t you know.
Chicago Joe

“Hope” springs eternal. If only….

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

Although I objected to Paula Jone’s persecution of Bill Clinton throughout his presidency, I hope Blago turns out to be Obama’s Paula Jones, milking this ordeal for what it’s worth.

http://! stodgie

trixia, you think blag will get a makeover also? he can come on dr phil and all. it could make for some good theatre. the repubs could pay for the attorneys. geez, i am tired and just having fun. smile

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

LOL, stodgie ! I was thinking the same thing, but in my haste to post left out that Blago could at least get a new haircut for all of his trouble.

In all seriousness, I think he could eventually find a level of redemption by coming clean and exposing the “dirty” in dirty Chicago politics. In this regard, he would be doing the country a big favor now that Obama is Prez.

On another leverl, Blago also could be a great advocate — in the tradition of Larry Flint (defender of the First Amendment)– for the right to the presumption of innocence and due process. Finding redemption is a great American narrative and pastime, after all.

http://! stodgie

yeah and larry got a movie out of too. a decent one as i recall. imagine the movie deal blog could get, but those movie types wouldn’t touch it would they. maybe bolleywood could handle it and do a musical?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

Which actor do you think would make a good Blago? Paul Giamatti, perhaps?

basil

John Travolta. Whenever I see Blago I think about that scene in Saturday Night Fever where Travolta’s doing the point-at-the-crotch dance.
basil

If all else fails Blago can do a Chicago version of Vincent Gigante.

(Vinny the Chin)

oowawa

I hope Blago turns out to be Obama’s Paula Jones, milking this ordeal for what it’s worth.

Yes, I hope the same (but he can stop short of the nose-job and the nude photos).

http://! stodgie

oh geez i forgot the photos. i hope blag has too.

elise

Every time he holds a press conference, he mentions another name. The first time, Rahm Emanuel and this time Emanuel and Jessie Jackson. He’s talked about Harry Reid contacting him about the senate seat. It occured to me there are subtle messages being sent out everytime he opens his mouth. He’s not crazy, but I think he’s driving them crazy because he won’t shut up and go away. I watched his last press conference on FOX and Shepard Smith appears to be losing his mind. He talked over Blago, called him “coo koo” and tried and convicted him on his program.

basil

Did ya hear that Blago released the names from the Dec. 8 subpoena and Axelrod is on it?
http://Godhelpusall lee M

Shepard Smith made an a@@ of himself and Fox News to boot. What happened to “Fair and Balanced”?
Smith became so obnoxious that I had to turn channels to be able to hear what Blago was saying. Methinks Smith is trying to steal Chris Matthews’ thunder, but his bucket doesn’t hold water.

mountainaires

Blago thinks he’s like Nelson Mandela. That’s why I love Blago. bwahahahahhahaha. Given who Blags can incriminate, I’m sure he’ll never go to a trial. He’ll be impeached, but WHAT A NUTCASE that man is. Truly delusional.

Popcorn, anyone?
Peggy Sue

I had the opportunity to catch Blago’s performance art press conference last week.

It was truly amazing [though I understand that the Illinois networks refused to air it].

Blago used the analogy of being falsely accused of “horse thieving” when he was merely minding his own business, hard at work on the ranch. I think this refers to the drug program he helped facilitate and is accused of skimming from.

He plaintively called on Chicago’s newspapers to defend his Constitutional Rights, threatened by unfair impeachment procedures. Yet, it’s these same papers he reportedly sought dismissals from for unflattering articles on his shenanigans.

And he named himself The Guardian of the Little Folk, a tireless champion of the needs of the working class.

He also warned that taxes would go sky-high if he’s pushed out.

He looked sincere. He looked wounded by the bad press, the mounting allegations and the idea that he was being railroaded. The presumption of innocence, he cried. Have we forgotten the presumption of innocence???

There must be something in the Illinois water system. If not, I predict Blago will be up for an Academy Award. It was a stunning performance! And he stuck it in the eye of the Democratic leadership and all the psuedo-journalists who turned a blind eye to this mess.

Can’t carp now. Blago, afterall, is one of their own, a down-home frat boy. And he’s a fine actor, maybe one of the best.

stodghie

it was a good performance wasn’t it. and no mountainares, blago isn’t delusional contrary to what the obama crowd would like us to believe. is he corrupt? you bet! will be be removed from office? most probably! however he is not better or worse than the rest of the chicago crowd. the main difference is he will be indicted.

mountainaires

“blago isn’t delusional”

http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2009/01/blagojevich_in_nbc_interview_c.html

bwahahahahahaha….hand me that popcorn will you, Stodghie?

stodghie

mountanaires, i’ll pop some more popcorn so we can enjoy the view. do you like butter? shall i pick up some cokes??? however i’ll disagree with you about blago though that might make a good defense.

mountainaires

Well, who cares whether or not he’s delusional. I’ll just sit back and enjoy the show, since I suspect it makes the West Wing a little bit nervous!

Mandelay

I am shocked the networks refused to air it in Illinois. Why the censorship on the lead story in their state?

Peggy Sue

I’m not sure why the networks refused to air it beyond not giving Blago an opportunity to pollute the jury pool [that's one bit of reasoning I heard]. This press conference was obviously an appeal to people who have not been reading the on-going articles [that have actually been investigated and written over the years though given little attention].

And I’m telling you, if I didn’t know anything about Blago’s history, all the shady alliances the man has had, I could have easily felt sympathy for him. He was “that” good.

But, I think they should have aired it. Let the people of Illinois decide for themselves.

Chicago Joe

Practically speaking, the rant went on and on. Hard to take a sound bite out of that cowboy story. But we are well aware of it in the city. Much is also being made of his pick of a PR firm. Same one as Drew Peterson (no, I didn’t kill two of my wives), another local criminal who has made the national news.

stodghie

chicago joe, i had to laugh when you mentioned drew peterson. no offense meant at all. it just seems surreal sometimes.

C.S.

Hard to pollute that jury pool by one interview after all the pollution poured into the Chicago media during Obama’s journey to the White House.

I think it’s because it might get the People of Illinois asking questions about connections that Obama and pals prefer not to be asked.
elise

But isn’t the national media polluting the jury pool? Did the Chicago Trib pollute it in an attempt to cover P*BO’s a##? Isn’t the company operating under Chapter 11 right now and doesn’t the Tribune Corp. own a major TV station in Chicago? And why do we accept the press assumption the Trib is completely honest in their charges. I read months ago there is some connection between Axelrod and the newspaper. I don’t remember the entire story, except it involved an opponent Obama faced for the Senate election. Perhaps someone from Chicago could tell us more?

Mar

The press conference was covered on WGN Radio which is owned by the Tribune Co. The press conference was scheduled for 2:00 p.m. when most people are working and the soaps are still on in the CST zone.

I listened to part of it. Blago once referred to himself as having the “testicular virility” to make the tough decisions. So his analogy to the Wild West may be an effort to play up his “gutsy” persona.

Last year when funding was needed to keep mass transit in the city and suburbs were running and the legislature had agreed to the funding, Rod decided that it needed to include a provision to provide free rides to seniors at the moment he was due to sign the bill. He did not tell legislators before being presented with the bill and they they needed to go back and do the bill again.

He is crazy, but whether he is crazy like a fox remains to be seen.

Julia

The same stunning perfomance that Obama did always!

http://watchpaul.blogspot.com Rose

Kool-Aid. Not punch.

You can imagine they want to shut Blago up and have this all go away – they’ll have to explain Michelle’s cushy job situation if it doesn’t, and they don’t wanna. The obvious is the obvious, no matter how many times we’re told the Emperor’s clothes are encrusted with jewels.

Bob’s Hallmark

I agree, I would think to be politically safe, Obama and the national dems will have to protect Blago.

I’m really curious to see where it will lead.

(Can’t have the Kennedyesque mystique they’re trying to build around Obama soiled by the truth.)

Tex-Mex Soup

At this point I don’t care how ‘corrupt’ Blago is, I love how he is ramming the stupid dems and he is not backing down. I am proud of him for doing this. If we only had more of his type [as far as fighting back] in the dem party we wouldn’t be in this FUBAR.
GO BLAGO GO!!

Bob’s Hallmark

well, stupid is as stupid does.

truthorconsequences

What would Abe Lincoln do?

mountainaires

What would Ghandi and Mandela do?

bwahahahahahahaha….

Pass the popcorn, please.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

What would Paula Jones do?

Bob’s Hallmark

The people of IL are affected by this corruption, whether it’s coming from Blago, or Obama.

I don’t take any delight in their hard earned tax money being squandered, sub par candidates, really stupid, forced upon them, much the same way posters here feel Obama was forced upon America.

I hope Blago goes to jail, I guess I don’t see this as sport.

stodghie

true, bob, for many it is a very serious issue. some of us make light due to the downer feelings we tend to have right now.
Anna

C’mon, Bob. It’s not the crime you’re grieving; it’s the publicity. This stuff isn’t new. It’s been going on for years. These guys finally got caught, that’s all. And they will be catching more.

Mar

It’s sad for me. I am a lifelong Chicagoan and I have hated seeing the comments posted here about Chicago during the months of the campaign.

It’s a shame because most people are hard working and friendly and they are cheated by their government.

During the 1990s, a lot that was once a CTA garage in the very popular Lincoln Park area was sold for $12 million less to someone connected to Mayor Richard Daley the second.

oowawa

Mar, your comments on this board have been thoughtful and enlightening. Thanks for your insights.

Mar

Oowawa,

Thank you.

Mar

mountainaires

http://hotair.com/archives/2009/01/25/blago-subpoenas-include-obama-aides/

Obama aides subpoenaed. Pass the popcorn, please.

stodghie

dang mountainaires, i’ll need get to the store. gee i hate to miss part of the show.
NewHampster

Its gets better and better. Can I have the low fat popcorn please?

stodghie

you bet! a favorite of mine too newhampster!

basil

Including AXELROD!!!!!!

Katmoon

I’m in for some popcorn too please, don’t care what kind, this show is too good to miss.

noproblama

Oh, I do hate me some Matt Taibbi.

By the way, has anyone seen him and the fav-beau in the same room?

Just sayin.
NewHampster

It looks like the PBS show Nature is airing a special series on Chicago Politicians.

It starts tonight at 8

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

Hampster, thanks for the link, but I didn’t find the title you mentioned. Perhaps this show on Chicago politics is under one of these titles?

* “The Good, the Bad, & the Grizzly”

* “In the Valley of the Wolves”

* “Animals Behaving Worse”

* “The Reptile: Snakes”

* “Victims of Venom”

* “Parrots: Look Who’s Talking”

* “The Beauty of Ugly”

* “Warts & All”

* “Holy Cow”

* “What Males Will Do”

(Okay, the last on the list was a gratuitous. But after all of the misogyny this past year it was good to vent a bit. In any case, I send a big thanks to men such as yourself who supported HRC and women this year!)

stodghie

snakes on a plane!

yttik

I’m rooting for Blago. LOL, there I said it.

I was really creeped out, somebody told me that Blago needs to go away for a long time for, get this, “trying to make Obama look bad.”

Yes, apparently some people feel like that was Blago’s biggest crime.

candymarl

Yes because THE ONE (or THAT ONE) is not to be made to look bad.

Also, no questions must be asked. Asking questions means your life (AKA Joe the Plumber) must be ruined or (AKA Tavis Smiley) your mother’s life must be threatened.

Sentencing Guidelines

Making Obama look bad – Death Penalty (See Blago).

Asking Obama questions – Life without Parole.

Doubting Obama’s Messianic perfection – 25 to Life.

Publicly expressing your disagreement with any of Obama’s policies – 5 to 10.

Anything less than blind worship of Obama? The beatings will commence.

http://! stodgie

insulting michelle’s clothes? is there still a devil’s island?

candymarl

No stodgie. But we could bring back workhouses.

http://! stodgie

i can hear the lashes now. it might be better than seeing michelle in another “gitup”! in all honesty i truly hope she gets some assistance from some decent designers and redo folks. she will be traveling the world representing us and i am hoping in something better than what i have seen so far. anyone comparing to her to jackie should be ashamed. michelle needs to know the truth so she has an opporunity to correct it.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/01/21/VI2009012101557.html?sid=ST2009012101096 trixta

candymar–the above list could be Obama’s new Bill of Rights?

Ashy1

I think Blago is singing as loud as he can to salvage some sort of career (not that he deserves one) and, more importantly, to try and prevent he and his wife from going on the same vacation that Jimmy Hoffa went on, because, well, it just wouldn’t look good if they did.
EWard

Another point the media missed – Axelrod, Jarrett, Rezko, and Emanuel were all issued subpoenas by Patrick Fitzgerald. This happened on Saturday.

Therefore, in less than a week of taking office, Obama the Fraud is deeply involved in the Blago investigation. Anna is correct, this is all about Obama. Governor Blago is just a side issue.

Katmoon

Karma, tis I beautiful thing, I think I feel a tear!

Katmoon

“a” not “I”

I’m a Linda too

That’s because they are all were wading in the Punch Bowl before Blagovich even took his first dip.

That’s not to say that there isn’t wrong doing in playing like the others did, but they all know it shines a light on their dumping and they were tossing in special things long ago.

Remember, Obama feels it’s ok to take 100 million there and a 100 million here, because that alone won’t solve our economic mess.

…that’s how dirty he is. He can rationalize himself dizzy. Apparently after dumping and tossing a few extras in the punch bowl, he then takes a few swigs himself to try to ease any guilty feelings that might creep up during his sleep.

It’s shining a light on that punch bowl and seeing what really is in there that has them upset.

…Pat….a great tune is waiting for you in those words.
I’m a Linda too

And I forgot to say, THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT NEWS.

Anna

Thanks. Anna likes being correct.
ford

I think Blago is only important because of BO..He is a festering boil on the Obama Administration, so he must be destroyed!!
He should be worried about getting a fair trial in IL.
The BO crowd is not jury friendly, it will be hard to seat an unbiased jury.
Blago is being made to be the Bush of IL…in other words, Blago was running everything and no one else knew the corruption…this is important because otherwise BO and the homies are implicated. Blago hopefully has some documents.
yeah, right. Be afraid , be very, very afraid.
mido

You GO GOV. B!!!!!!!

I am seriously starting to adore my Gov., even though I did not vote for him in the primaries…voted for Vallas instead.

I LOVE, however, the way he’s constantly sticking it to the MSM, the Belchway Bozos, the O! and CO, and even the ever-lovin’ COMBINE from right here in the great state of Illinois…it makes me LOL LOL LOL!

Remember NewHampster…it’s another installment of “As the Hot Rod Turns”…stay tuned!!!