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* Did anyone listen to Rod Blagojevich on WLS this morning? I caught part of it. Usual stuff. Forgot to put up a live blog post. Oops.
So, post-show thoughts?
* Related…
* Blago: It’s alive! It speaks! It’s on the radio!
* Is Rod Blagojevich talking too much?
* Blagojevich blasts Quinn’s income tax plans while hosting radio show
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 8:57 am
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Not one negative call? Great screeners and the journalists who called in did not touch him.
Here is the thing, if he did this regularly he might be able to pull off radio.
Comment by wndycty Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 8:59 am
Very awkward at first, but he settled into the role as the show went on. The calls were obviously carefully screened so that supporters only made it on air. I think only one caller had a legitimate question about raising taxes.
Comment by HoBoSkillet Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 8:59 am
He is still fighting for the common man. I feel sorry for whomever they might be, but I have never seen him really do any good for anyone I can think of except himself. Therfore, it follows that he must be the common man!
Comment by Lefty Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:02 am
I like that he had on Jay Mariotti. The most hated politician in Illinois interviewing the most hated sports columnist in Illinois.
Comment by Ned Racnad Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:04 am
I was surprised! He did pretty darn well. Maybe, in life as a private citizen or as an inmate, radio is his future.
Comment by sleeper Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:04 am
Sounds like he might have a new career……Prison Radio at URincarcerated, 666 on your dial. I did enjoy his rant on double dippers into public funded jobs. Sure will make for some interesting possibilities for opponents of those he named.
Comment by Justice Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:05 am
I only caught the last hour but it seemed like he was repeating the same two sound bytes over and over.
“MM, JC and PQ made a corrupt deal to boot me from office to raise taxes. Told you so.”
And “These 17 people are double-dippers.”
Out of the 17 people that he mentioned who were receiving income from two or more different public bodies, I didn’t catch a single one that was being paid twice by the same revenue stream.
Comment by Obamarama Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:05 am
What’s interesting (at least from the first 30 minutes) is that the initial callers were attempting (in awkward, long-winded ways) to point out “corruption” in their own towns and villages. They were, it seemed to me, asking Blagojevich for help.
Blagojevich, of course, wasn’t interested in the specifics — and when pressed for help, gave (in one case) the standard answer about talking to your neighbors, enlisting law enforcement, etc. etc.
It’s no secret, of course, that Blagojevich is only interested in grand gestures — self-serving genstures — and could care less (or very little) about real people with real, authentic problems.
I found this quite disturbing. I mean, here’s a way for Blagojevich (sincerely) to get back in the good graces of some folks — by authentically using his know-how and to make a difference with real people. It’s not news-worthy and won’t make headlines — but it’s genuine help. But clearly he’s not interested.
Granted the initial callers were a bit loopy — but no more loopy than the typical radio call-in callers.
Anyway, just an observation.
Comment by Macbeth Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:17 am
He made sure to put in his diggs on Governor Quinn and raising taxes.
He had the two cast members on that play him and US Attorney Fitzgerald in the Rod Blagojevich superstar production done by second city. This show sold out in Springfield.
Has anyone seen it? They said Lisa Madigan saw it twice and Judy Baar Topinka one time.
Rich have you seen it?
Overall he did a good job of not having dead air space, cutting off for commercials, and news/traffic. He’s getting good at the radio talk show host bit.
Comment by Third Generation Chicago Native Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:17 am
I wonder if they called the supporters the night before, to make sure there were enough of them.
Comment by ZC Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:17 am
I only heard the first half-hour, and even then changed the channel during his first caller, who went on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on. Blago would be a decent co-host, but he needs a pro to handle situations like that. He also can’t be taken seriously as a radio personality until he takes callers who don’t agree with him, and I don’t really see that happening in the near future.
Anyway, I didn’t hear any ‘news’ (and it was embarrassing, watching ABC-7 this morning, the way Jason Knowles was fawning about the fact that he got to walk with the Governor from the front door at 160 N. to the elevator). I gather there wasn’t much of it from the rest of the show either, which is fine. It’s entertainment, I guess. I thought John Williams’ WGN discussion about CPS with Paul Green was worlds better (caught that when I flipped during the caller/commercials).
Comment by Concerned Observer Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:19 am
Well placed sources say the station starts a new campaign WLS-AM World’s Laughing Stock
Lot of nervous pauses….might have been the meds
John Dempsey kept talknig about next week’s indictment, but he must have felt like a complete fool.
Comment by 2ConfusedCrew Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:21 am
He should run for governor! he spoke truth!
Comment by Wumpus Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:22 am
WLS Radio should be embarrassed for engaging in this ratings stunt.
Eddie Vrdolyak was a much better radio personality. Rod Blagojevich does not have what it takes to be a radio host.
Blagojevich apparently has learned nothing since being arrested, impeached and removed from office. Despite the opposition that Blagojevich faced from Michael Madigan, there were legitimate reasons to remove him from office. One such reason is that he did not respect the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches of government. He engaged in corrupt, pay to play politics, but more importantly he routinely neglected his official duties.
Comment by Honest Abe Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:37 am
A bunch of softball questions. Obviously, they decided to screen the calls and only allow people who wanted to talk about the proposed tax increses. I was really disappointed with WLS for treating the ex-Gov w/ kid gloves.
Comment by stones Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:39 am
Long time reader, first time poster. I am a state employee and actually was hired based on my merits (I think). I am not a fan of Blago, but… Did he mention specific names of double dippers or is there a blog elsewhere that has a list of all these folks who are holding two public or state positions simultaneously?
As far as his radio gig, desperate economic times call for desperate measures by radio stations to earn a buck. What will be next? The Ellen show? Judge Judy?
Comment by Cool Hand Luke Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:39 am
I had to morph back into my split personality just for this one.
Why no “live Blogging” in the Blago Sphere this morning?
I have to say for a guy that could be a master at “sound bites” both good and bad, that the Governor seems to be multi-task challenged and managing the radio shot clock this morning.
When the buzzer goes off to end this Arbitron inspired experiment I think the Ravenswood home team will be disappointed with the results.
Comment by Blago Sphere/Quinn T. Sential Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:39 am
not too bad for a first time radio host. but everyone on loved him, from the evil Jay to the recently let go at CNN D.L. Hugley, even the show guys from Second City seemed to enjoy themselves.
good populist vein, exposing the obscure Board of Tax Appeals issues and Mike Madigan making lots of money with timing issues of bills and appeals. and Berrios as Dem Party chair also
a part of the tax bill problem.
they may not be from one revenue stream, but putting out the names of the double dippers, and putting a link on the web site (at least that’s what they said they would do) will raise more awareness with voters. and anger.
weirdest line from the show….”you’re (taxpayers) getting screwed unnecessarily.” as if necessary would make it ok?
Comment by Amy Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:45 am
Rod did a lot better than Don and Roma, which isn’t saying much. We’ll see how all the Blago haters among state employees react towards Quinn the Savior when they get their first paycheck with the 4% pay cut and hiked up health insurance premiums and increased state income tax deductions. In all of Rod’s years in office he never hurt them like Quinn wants to do now.
Comment by Bill Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:53 am
My favorite part was the list of double dippers. What he didn’t mention is that when someone is a township supervisor, they are elected. The people put them there. Waahhh!
Maybe on the next show he can talk about the “blago-way” to double dip.
You see, I give a state contract to my lobbyist-friend’s client. The client gives me campaign money - AND then they buy real estate from my wife so she gets a commission. That’s that Blago way!
Comment by carbon deforestation Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 9:54 am
Blago and Jay Mariotti, talking together on the air? That’s just a big bowl of wrong. Certainly that must violate some EPA air quality standard for toxic emissions.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 10:10 am
April 7, 2009 - The end is near!
Comment by Wacker Drive Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 10:12 am
I wish he would just go away. Honestly, who cares? Seeing his name in the press is embarrassing.
Comment by SouthernGirl Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 10:24 am
Is it true that Netflix has repeatedly been requested to send a copy of “Beau James” with Bob Hope to the Blagojevich residence on West Sunnyside?
Comment by Honest Abe Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 10:52 am
Rod who?
Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 12:05 pm
Once he is indicted, I assume that radio stations will no longer see fit to give the Governor a platform to pontificate and posture. Mores sophistcicated observers already know that the magnitude of the State’s current fiscal plight of the State is a result of Blagojevich’s maladminstration, general incompetence and fiscal illiteracy/profligacy the last six years.
Comment by Captain America Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 12:52 pm
Former governor Rod Blagojevich took to the airwaves Wednesday morning, lashing out at the politicians who booted him out of his job and admitting he wishes he still was the governor.
Filling in for Don Wade and Roma on WLS 890-AM, Blagojevich chatted with a few sympathetic callers as well as former Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti, comedian D.L. Hughley and two actors from Second City who star in the wildly popular “Rod Blagojevich Superstar.”
» Click to enlarge image Rod Blagojevich listens to a caller as he guest hosts the Don and Roma radio talk show at the studios of WLS Radio in Chicago, Wednesday. Blagojevich is a talk show novice and he acknowledged it. “This is harder than being governor,” he quipped.
(AP)
RELATED STORIESWLS: Listen to the interview podcasts Blago: It’s alive! It speaks! It’s on the radio!
“I really wish I was still the governor,” Blagojevich told caller Patty from Villa Park, who said she believes lawmakers were “gunning for you from the jump street.”
At one point he started to introduce himself as “governor” before correcting himself as “former governor.”
Blagojevich reiterated his belief that he was ousted from office by an effort led by House Speaker Mike Madigan, who he said was working in cahoots with current Gov. Pat Quinn to raise the state income tax.
During a brief segment he called “Insights from the Inside,” he claimed Madigan was stalling a bill related to homeowners’ exemptions because it profited Madigan’s law firm to do so.
“Rod Blagojevich is a very troubled and very confused human being,” Madigan’s spokesman Steve Brown said later when asked to respond. “A lot of medical professional will tell you that paying attention to his utterances worsens his condition.”
Comment by 2ConfusedCrew Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 12:56 pm
Bill: “We’ll see how all the Blago haters among state employees react … Rod’s years in office he never hurt them like Quinn wants to do now.
“Bill” you DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.
Milorod hurt thousands of state employees, as well as, MILLIONS of Illinois residents.
State Budget is a disaster. Milorod’s previous “smoke and mirrors” budgets have come home to roost.
State’s highways and overall infrastructure transportation in shambles due to Milorod’s neglect.
Senator Burris?
Illinois the butt of jokes nationwide.
But ol’ “Bill” doesn’t care about those facts. You are just f**kin golden my friend.
Comment by Tollway Joe Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 2:05 pm
Yeah, Rod conveniently forgot to mention that he added significantly to the huge state deficit leaving no alternative but to raise taxes and cut expenses. That’s the only way to come to grips with a $12.4 billion deficit. Rod is responsible for a lot of that.
Comment by One of the 35 Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 3:40 pm
Tollway Joe,
Bill is an unrepentant RodB supporter. “Don’t confuse me with the facts” kinda guy. I would only say one thing about the $ probs in the state - RodB didn’t create some of the systemic problems in the state. However, he has done more than any previous Gov to expand the horrific problems we have than any previous Gov including the unfunded mandate king Big Jim T himself. The problems started there but with the economy moving along as well as it was these past 6 years these structural issues could have been addressed by a more mentally stable Gov and a more balanced GA.
Ignore Bill - I think he’s Rod’s long lost brother, or something.
Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 4:19 pm
Someone should tell Blago that Scully isn’t a State Rep any longer. Blago is working off of an old list. What a BOZO!
He was campaigning on the program. Whats he campaigning for? He can’t hold elected office. Listening was like watching a train wreck. It was horrible, but I couldn’t help it.
Comment by ANON 13 Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 5:30 pm
thats 2 hours of my life i’ll never get back.
Comment by foster brooks Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 6:06 pm
Bill - Under Rod Blago - the non-union state employees went 4 years without a raise and lost the 4% state match on our retirement and this was when the economy wasn’t in the dumper - PQ request to give up 4 days pay is a piece of cake compared to the previous governor.
Comment by Been Around Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 6:52 pm
Exguv’s radio thing was bizarre - sorta reminded me of a chicken running around the barnyard with its head chopped off. His performances are no longer relevant to the state’s business - only his indictment(s) and subsequent incarceration. He has achieved “Has Been” status ….. with no return ticket!
Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 7:16 pm
Who cares what he says? He will be indicted and go to prison. As the late Mr Harvey said…Good day!
Comment by Larry Mullholland Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 8:03 pm
Speaking of indictments, any possibility some of his aides would be indicted for violations of the State Finance Act? (Efficiency Initiative payments.) Rigging personnel hiring? (Daley’s people have been indicted, tried, and convicted for less.) Just curious.
Comment by Smitty Irving Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 10:10 pm
How can we miss him if he won’t go away?
Comment by IDOT Traffic Safety Worker Wednesday, Mar 25, 09 @ 10:25 pm