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The governor talks to the press
Friday, Jan 9, 2009 - Posted by Rich Miller * 3:19 pm - Click here to read the transcript of the governor’s event. * 3:14 pm - Most of the governor’s media event… * 3:11 pm - We’re coming a bit late to this, but Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn is doing a press conference right now. Click here to watch. * 3:01 pm - The governor quoted from Tennyson’s Ulysses today. This stanza immediately preceding the one Blagojevich quoted seems much more appropriate…
* 2:51 pm - Tribune…
* 2:35 pm - Blagojevich: Not a surprise… foregone conclusion… What the House did today they’ve been talking about doing for the last couple of years… First time was in the summer of 2007. It happened kind of fast, but then again kind of expected. Dynamic since reelected as governor in 2006. Struggled to… try to get things done for people. Wanted to do a capital program but: “The House has stood in the way of letting that happen.” And so from the moment of my reelection I’ve been pushing and prodding the House to expand health care… stood in the way of my expansions. Wanted tax relief for homeowners of Cook County, they passed a bill to take away tax relief. The House’s action today and the causes of the impeachment are because I’ve done things to fight for families who are with me here today. The governor is now going through the impeachment counts to defend himself, starting with the I-SaveRx program, which was first suggested to the governor by Rahm Emanuel. “The House is impeaching me for that. Is that an impeachable offense?” Now he’s talking about helping a mammogram patient and his mammogram screening program. “That’s a life-saving program the House would not act on. I found a way to do it by going around the House… Is that an impeachable offense? Now, it’s AllKids. Another beneficiary is pointed out. “Is that an impeachable offense?” “Creative ways to use the executive authority of governor” to get things done. “I don’t believe those are impeachable offenses.” “I’m going to continue to fight every step of the way.” Quoting more poetry. Left without taking questions, even though he indicated he would earlier. * 2:21 pm - “Supporters” of the governor have been ushered into the room. He needs a cheering section, apparently. * 2:17 pm - Two minute warning * 2:01 pm - The Tribune also has a live feed. * 1:45 pm - CBS2 will have a live video feed of the governor’s 2 o’clock media event. Click here to watch it. And while we’re awaiting the governor’s statement today, keep my recent Sun-Times column in mind…
It could be fun, campers. We’ll see. He loves to blame the House for absolutely everything. Today will obviously be no different. The big question I have is whether he calls out individual members by name. He’s just bizarre enough to do it.
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- Hair today, gone tomorrow - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:51 pm:
==He’s just bizarre enough to do it.==
You hit it on the head Rich. He’s not going down alone. He’ll take everyone he can.
- OneMan - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:53 pm:
does he have any left to do it for him?
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:55 pm:
Who woulda thunk George Ryan–a prison inmate–would be such an afterthought. Oh man…this is gonna be good!
- heet101 - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:00 pm:
He reminds me so much of Joaquin Phoenix’s character Commodus in the movie The Gladitor…
The arrogance, the incomeptence, his penchant for retribution against his rivals, and his disdain for the legislature. That really ruins that movie for me now.
- Ghost - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:01 pm:
I used to complain that reality TV shows bizarre twists and turns were so extreme they had to be staged.
Our gov has shown that you just can’t make up the truly good stuff. Blago TV. Foget the Gov job, he could make a fortune letting a camera crew put his day to day life on the air.
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:04 pm:
Antici-pa-a-a-a-tion is making me wait…
- Bluefish - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:06 pm:
What a shock - he’s late.
- OneMan - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:10 pm:
I guess he is busy finishing up the enemies list that he is going to use…
Why do I feel classic slash and burn is going to happen
- kimsch - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:11 pm:
On Fox News and WFLD 32 as well.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:13 pm:
One suggestion for the guv if he goes nuclear…when you go jogging, look around, look up, look down, and always be prepared to duck.
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:13 pm:
He’s thinking ‘When I say the House can kiss my (bleeping) (posterior), should I go ahead and do a full moon?’
- chicountryguy - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:13 pm:
On the trib feed waiting for the presser to start I heard one TV reporter:
“This is a historic day, I’m going to be the first man to interrupt Rachel Ray.”
- wndycty - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:15 pm:
You know Rod has to walk through Quinn’s office to get to the Blue Room. . .are they having words?
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:18 pm:
2 minute warnign
- wndycty - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:18 pm:
What is up with all the real people. . .he is about to do something crazy.
- b-dogg - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:18 pm:
The Blago debacle has to be hurting Ryan’s chances of getting out of jail
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:19 pm:
human shield forming…
- Levois - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:19 pm:
Ugh! He has all those people in wheelchairs and some children in that room. I hate to see what’s next! Same old game.
- Hair today, gone tomorrow - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:19 pm:
dragging in handicapped and children. He continues to sink deeper and deeper.
- 618er - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:20 pm:
I stand here will all 14 of my supporters…..
- Princess - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:21 pm:
what? he couldn not find any little kids to drag out too?
- Quacktastic - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:21 pm:
It’s just too bad that the Illinois Senate can’t include an automatic jail term with his eventual loss of office.
- HoBoSkillet - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:21 pm:
Roe Conn suggested Blago might take all those people hostage….
- anon-athon - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:22 pm:
Look! Human shields!!
- Don't Worry, Be Happy - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:24 pm:
MSNBC now speculating that he’s late because he’s busy fixing his hair.
- Nearly Normal - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:25 pm:
What did this man expect? He got caught with his hands in the cookie jar!
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:25 pm:
If his goal is to surround himself with a large group of supporters, he is a little lacking.
The Houses action is no surprise-he always thought he would be impeached.
- Downers Delight - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:25 pm:
He hasn’t said the word impeachment yet… I’m betting he doesn’t say it.
- hisgirlfriday - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:27 pm:
Was it just me or was there a baby crying in the background somehow? Do they have children there among the “supporters”? What a joke.
- JI - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:27 pm:
How many times has/will he mention “the house”? You called this, Rich!
- Nearly Normal - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:27 pm:
“Here’s all the good things I wanted to do but the evil House wouldn’t let me do what I wanted!”
- Truly Mad - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:28 pm:
Here goes the name game
- JI - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:28 pm:
How many times has/will he mention “the house”? You called this, Rich!
He just said “Rahm”.
- Hair today, gone tomorrow - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:29 pm:
Threw Rahm under the bus!
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:29 pm:
Rahm down, many to go…
- Truly Mad - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:30 pm:
Not good enough, buddy.
- biolabchick - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:30 pm:
I have never heard a man so obsessed with women’s anatomy and female cancers. Oy.
- Interested Observer - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:30 pm:
oh, for a shoe flying through the air right now.
- dznuts - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:31 pm:
This is a campaign speech instead of a humbling statement of acknowledging he’s made some mistakes. The phrase “those of us who make the rules” sounds incredibly arrogant. He obviously knows he is done.
“I won’t take no for an answer”. Ironically, it’s taken (finally) 6 years for someone to tell him no.
- LN - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:31 pm:
I’m not so sure “defying” the FDA on whether medication is safe or not is something you want to brag about. See also, “finding a way with my lawyers to act around the legislature”.
- Princess - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:31 pm:
the reports should just turn off the mics and walk out and stations should cut the feed. Actually the guy on Fox is about to have a fit, just called for a shoe thrower, and keeps tossing out unheard questions about charges and impeachment.
- Southern Illinois Voter - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:32 pm:
Is this unreal, or what?
- Truly Mad - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:32 pm:
Yep, the time honored disabled persons shield.
- Former State Employee 2 - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:32 pm:
Is the governor pointing out that child’s medical condition a violation of HIPAA? SOI is the insurance carrier for All Kids.
- Nearly Normal - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:32 pm:
Blago goes on the offensive, note the agressive vocabulary–fight, battle, etc.
- Hair today, gone tomorrow - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:32 pm:
He’s full of p*** and vinegar.
- Dan S, a Voter and Cubs Fan - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:34 pm:
Oh no he didn’t, Rahm under the bus??? This guy is insane, get a straight jacket. Not another poet quote.
- Truly Mad - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:34 pm:
Hitting all the campaign dot points.
Tennyson?
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:35 pm:
Tennyson and Elvis has left the building!
- OneMan - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:35 pm:
That which we are we are…
And that would be not long for office.
- VanillaMan - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:35 pm:
As he speaks his body keeps trying to become taller. He is popping up on his toes. His body is aware of the situation he is in, even as he does his political presentation.
He is using supporters as human shields, and he is now using Rahm Emanuel as a political shield. He is repeating campaign pledges because after all, this kind of presentation and pledge is how he was elected twice to the highest Illinois constitutional office.
He is being Rod Blagojevich. He is speaking just this side of an individual with Tourettes, which is what he does when he wants to win over friends. He is doing a nice job playing to that 12% base of support we discovered he still has. (39% more to go!)
What Rod Blagojevich is doing is what we should expect modern nanny state governors to do when they are in danger - threaten to pull their social programs to make dependants suffer. This is how modern government has been evolving. If we place a higher priority on our citizenship, then we would not be witnessing these kinds of threats as hostages.
Emerson quote - also expected.
No questions, because his show is over!
- Mad Mad Mad Mad Gov - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:35 pm:
Hitting all the campaign dot points.
Tennyson?
Truly mad.
- HoBoSkillet - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:35 pm:
He really does think he’s some type of savior….
- biolabchick - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:35 pm:
Who the hell is his PR person?! They need to be fired ASAP and thrown in Lake Michigan.
- siriusly - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:37 pm:
Blago was so inspired by Teddy Kennedy’s use of that poem at the 1980 DNC that he voted for Reagan “not once but twice” !
- Angry Chicagoan - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:38 pm:
Blago is his own PR person evidently.
- Bluefish - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:40 pm:
He left out the part about the little black girl confusing him with Mayor Daley.
- ivoted4judy - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:40 pm:
Reciting English poetry will make him a BIG man in prison. Those inmates will just LOVE to get themselves a little of the poetry dude!!!
- How Ironic - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:40 pm:
I was hoping he was going to lay hands on the wheelchair lady, and command her to walk. Maybe handle a serpent or two.
Could have only been topped if he had come in a loincloth nailed to a cross.
- Concerned Observer - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:41 pm:
You may not believe they are impeachable offenses, Governor, but 114 House members did. And their opinion, not yours, is what matters today.
- enrico depressario - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:43 pm:
Do you suppose Hair-de Doodee spent his 30 overdue minutes memorizing that lame poem?
- ivoted4judy - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:47 pm:
I am so glad my tax dollars are being spent to pay this maniac to jog on State time. Also, whatever moron that advised Rod to throw the President’s Chief of Staff under the bus again also needs some couch time!! Still has not told the citizens of Illinois that it is not his voice on the FBI tapes..
- Anonymous - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:52 pm:
All he needs is 20 in the senate. He’s campaigning hard for them
- Princess - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:54 pm:
Could he not have just appeared at the com. hearings and said all this? He was given a chance to attend and defend himself. Is he planning on attending the Senate trial and having human shields with him?
- ivoted4judy - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:54 pm:
“13″ Remember that number Governor, it will come in handy later in life… No, it is not the number of poems that you need to memorize. No, it is not the number of Senators that will vote to convict. No, it is not the Cubs magic number. NO, it is not your approval numbers, they are much lower..
13 is the salary, that is 13 CENTS an hour, that is what federal inmates are paid for menial work.
MEMORIZE that Elvis baby!!!!!!!!!!!
- Anonymous - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:55 pm:
As JFK said of Tricky Dick: “Sick, sick, sick”
- starthrower68 - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:56 pm:
For Rod so loved the State, he gave his only begotten office….
- Steve - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:56 pm:
All that talk about his health care initiatives. Funny how The Brush didn’t mention the $50,000 contribution he demanded from the CEO at the children’s hospital in exchange for The Brush finally shaking loose that $8 million in payments the state owed to the hospital. (Think for a moment about the effect the delayed payment might have had on the hospital’s ability to treat more kids more quickly and more effectively.) But hey, The Brush is looking out for the health care needs of the rest of us, isn’t that nice of him. I hear they have pretty good health care in prison; still, perhaps he’ll be able to suggest some improvements once he experiences it first hand!
- Little Egypt - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:59 pm:
The House, Senate, and residents of Illinois definitely have Rodo’s attention. Someone needs to clue this wiseguy in that the war he is waging is no longer against MMadigan and Rodo lost that a long time ago. Now he can blast Cullerton since he won’t have his buddy Emil Jones. Wah, wah, wah. The world’s all wrong and I’m right. Oh boy, if Illinois could have only had Elliot Spitzer who had the backbone to at least resign as Governor of New York before he was impeached.
- Amy - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:59 pm:
I don’t like him. I don’t like the way he does business. But, the explanation that the impeachment is not just about the Senate seat is right on. His impending impeachment has been discussed for years. Over on MSNBC, Nora O’Donnell is just missing the entire story when she says he’s not correct about why they are impeaching him. they are impeaching him for the whole banana, the way he has violated laws in how he conducts himself as governor. not just the Senate thing. that was the final straw and the reason the House finally took action. they had cover.
but, the House, and we all know what that means, squashes things regularly. if it is not their idea, it is mostly toast. more could have been done for the people of Illinois in terms of health care and property tax relief. it’s a shame that Blago is hiding behind these issues. but it is also a shame that the House is run the way it is, yes, even with some really great staffers.
changing politics in Illinois is not just about impeaching a governor. there is much that must be exposed. Fear is a word used about some in leadership. be brave, reformers of Illinois.
- Nearly Normal - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:01 pm:
Pat Quinn to speak next. He’s late, acting like a governor already?
- Prison Bound - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:01 pm:
Anybody see the movie “The Dead Zone”, where Martin Sheen (playing a politician) holds up the kid to protect himself from a sniper?
Blago basically just did the same thing at his presser today.
My how life imitates art.
- anon36 - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:02 pm:
What was with all the dancing? He couldn’t stand still. If I knew more about body language, I could probably read a lot in to that. Sad, sorry little man.
- starthrower68 - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:03 pm:
Cognitive dissonance, Steve….cognitive dissonance…
- C Walken - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:06 pm:
And guess what happened to Martin Sheen’s character in The Dead Zone……………
- DQ - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:07 pm:
You are so right Prison Bound. That’s exactly what he did.
- Fan of the Game - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:07 pm:
Why does he have to go and ruin one of my very favorite poems? :(
- 312 - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:08 pm:
“Prison Bound” I was thinking the SAME exact thing — if only he had the testicular virility to hold up one of his “props” from the press conference… who are these people anyways, and what is wrong with them to stand by this man???
Would love to determine the real story behind the Humboldt Park woman from the “Pink Potluck.”
- ivoted4judy - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:09 pm:
When the Gov mentioned people without lobbyists, did he mean those NOT REPRESENTED by his buddies, Monk, Wyma, Petrovic, etc???
- Rich Miller - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:09 pm:
===All he needs is 20 in the senate.===
Um, the over/under in the Senate is 2.
- Sweet Polly Purebred - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:10 pm:
Oh look, a kitty under the bus…..
- Ben S. - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:10 pm:
Little Egypt, Spitzer didn’t even wait for impeachment charges to be brought up; he resigned two days after the whole story broke. Now that’s testicular virility for you!
- tanstaafl - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:11 pm:
I do believe RRB has committed a HIPAA violation in discussing any individual’s medical condition.
- ivoted4judy - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:12 pm:
Rich: I will take the under!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Little Egypt - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:13 pm:
Ben, yes I’m aware of that.
- Downstater - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:13 pm:
I wonder if the press might have the courage to actually shout out a question at the Governor during the middle of one of his future statements.
Since the Governor always refuses to take questions at the end of any “press conference”, how about throwing one at him during the course of it!
- Steve - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:14 pm:
Yes, Prison Bound, I too thought of that scene from The Dead Zone. (And once the kid started crying on Blago’s stage, I was really rooting for the child to pick up steam and cry louder. Would have served him right if the child’s favorite pacificer was missing.) And — admit it, everyone — don’t you think he looked annoyed for just an instant when the crying started?
- Bill Baar - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:14 pm:
Remember the Guv’s Health Care defense is going to roll out simultaneous with Daschle’s Health Care reform.
In 2006 I’d ask people how in the world they could vote for the guy and all-kids was the first thing they’d mention.
- Scooby - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:16 pm:
Under
- ivoted4judy - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:16 pm:
I can’t wait for the PERP WALK!!!!!!!!!!!
Will he be in a black jogging suit, or will it be in a different color???
- Dan S, a Voter and Cubs Fan - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:17 pm:
How patient will a Federal Judge be with Gov. Goofy if he goes off like that during his Federal trial.
- Jim in Accounting - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:18 pm:
Downstater -
Somebody did try that, and was silenced with, “I’ll be happy to answer all your questions when I’m done.” Except that he sprinted for stage-right as soon as his Tennyson recital was over.
- Sweet Polly Purebred - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:18 pm:
312 - What’s wrong with the people standing with the gov? Constance Howard explained a lot of it during the committee vote. She basically said that the people she represents thinks he is wonderful, etc because of the expanded healthcare and other giveaway programs. Free money in whatever form it takes, always seems to make the heart grow fonder.
- PPHS - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:18 pm:
He is in need of rehab. His family needs to intervene.
- Toast Man - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:19 pm:
Big, bad, nasty, evil House always picking on me. Hey, pass me my bowl of Cocoa Puffs.
- Downstater - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:20 pm:
Jim in Accy,
Thanks, I wasn’t aware of that.
- ArchPundit - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:20 pm:
The only thing missing was
the kitty.
- tanstaafl - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:24 pm:
ArchPundit - The kitty was missing because it hadn’t gotten a free hand out from Rod
- Sweet Polly Purebred - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:25 pm:
ArchPundit - the kitty was under the bus with Rahm!
- West Central IL - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:30 pm:
Just caught the video of the media circus. Is Blago on speed or coke or what? This guy is absolutely nucking futs. Who in the world are these people that he keeps finding to use as his little human shields? His campaign paying for them or what?
- MikeintheSuburbs - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:31 pm:
I thought he may have been chanelling Richard Nixon, whose birthday it is today, but now I think it is more like Caligula. Nixon at least had the good sense to count heads in the Senate.
Rich, you mentioned previously that His Craziness can’t block the Senate from convening by not showing up on the 14th. What exactly is the procedure if he tries that? Quinn suggested the Supremes might have to weigh in. I can’t imagine him actually showing up.
- Blogger2 - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:33 pm:
Kipling, Tennyson….
He is campaigning for election as head of the English Department at Governor’s State University when he needs a job.
- How Ironic - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:34 pm:
I think the kitty was busy getting a free cancer screen done.
I also liked the way he was talking about the kid with the liver problem. I mean kidney problem. It was his kidneys right?
- Amy - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:34 pm:
oh, pat quinn! why did you have to start quoting a verse of a song? please, do not remind us of GRod!
- Cheswick - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:35 pm:
Did those “supporters” get a free lunch, per diem, something?
- Secret Square - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:36 pm:
He’ll show up for the Senate swearing in, but he’ll be at least 30 minutes late… just to keep them in suspense, and because that’s what he does.
If he chooses not to testify at the impeachment trial, that will probably be the last time he ever (ahem) graces Springpatch with his presence.
- Little Egypt - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:40 pm:
SS, do you think he will be only 30 minutes late? He was almost 30 minutes late for this press conf. today. I’m betting it’s gonna be more like hours late. If he’s smart he won’t testify at the impeachment trial, but we all know he’s not smart. He’ll throw a few senators under the bus as well.
- Been There - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:41 pm:
===Um, the over/under in the Senate is 2. ====
My book says its more like 3 or 4. I was wrong yesterday when I thought it was going to be a one vote margin. Meaning, of course, one vote from a unanimous 118. It ended up at 4. (I forgot they had not replaced the late Wyvetter Younge so maybe we should just go with 3). But from a betting standpoint I would have had to pay out big.
In the Senate I could see maybe, possibly, at the most 5. One or two no and a couple skipping the vote. So I am putting the over/under line out at 4.
- Bill - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:41 pm:
Seeya Buddie,
It was fun while it lasted. Don’t bend over to pick up the soap.
- earnest - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:42 pm:
My question is just a little different than Rich’s. Not does he name names, but where does he do it?
After all, even ex-Governor’s can get sentence reductions if they play nice with the US Attorney, and Rod’s surely got some stories to tell.
- Larry Mullholland - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:44 pm:
It was six years ago that BLAGO took office and issued Executive Order #1 and fired 25 people via a press conference. He lied about the actions of those 25 people used them as props to dishonestly promote himself as a reformer. He showed no concern about whose lives were dramatically altered that day.
Today, he once again used those people as props in a press conference to promote himself and left them without so much as a nod. Typically Disgusting.
- Amuzing Myself - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:44 pm:
Since the Governor is so fond of poetry, you should have a haiku or some other such contest regarding this circus.
- scoot - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:46 pm:
I expect the same bizzaro reaction when the Senate removes him from office & when a grand jury finds him guilty and sends him to fed prison.
- 10th Indy - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:56 pm:
Less Kitties, more poems!
- Concerned Voter - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:57 pm:
Apologies to Simon & Garfunkel (Homeward Bound):
Prison Bound?
I’m sitting here in Ravenswood
I’m just not feeling to good
My suitcase and my brush in hand
The feds are waiting in the van
For this poet and now civilian
Prison Bound
I wish I wasn’t
Prison Bound
Prison, where my days are wasting
Prison, where the foods bad tasting
Prison, where George Ryans’ waiting
Laughingly for me
Everyday was an endless stream
Of schemes and “fund raising”
I flew the jet around the state
I always seemed to arrive late
Then I snap back to reality
And to where I’ll be headed soon
Prison Bound
I wish I wasn’t
Prison Bound
Prison, where my days are wasting
Prison, where the foods bad tasting
Prison, where George Ryans’ waiting
Laughingly for me
Tonight I’ll sing Elvis again
Only this time from the Federal Pen
But all my words come back to me
In shades of mediocrity
Like emptiness in harmony
I need someone to comfort me
Prison Bound
I wish I wasn’t
Prison Bound
Prison, where my days are wasting
Prison, where the foods bad tasting
Prison, where George Ryans’ waiting
Laughingly for me
Laughingly for me
Laughingly for me
- Arthur Andersen - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:59 pm:
Bill, that may be your best post ever.
- Ahem - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:00 pm:
“We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me”
- haiku for dummies - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:05 pm:
The “boy” governor
is so very sad today.
Look, it’s a kitty!
- Steve - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:11 pm:
Concerned Voter, you rock. Mine isn’t nearly as good, but I couldn’t resist. (Guv — you’re free to use this if you like; no royalty required!)
There once was a man named G-Rod
He listened to his buddies who said he was God.
He bent a few laws, broke twenty-four more
In the pen he’s known for his hair and his bod!
- sal-says - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:11 pm:
OK. He’s GOT to be preping for an insanity defense.
- this voter will remember - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:15 pm:
He talks the ‘Good Talk’ and sounds good, but he forgot to add that he wants his cut off the top first.
- this voter will remember - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:18 pm:
WOW - he threw the House under the bus.
Bad House Bad.
- OneMan - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:20 pm:
I was a computer science major not an English major but here it goes…
Governor Blagovich I don’t think I will ever see
Someone remotely as crazy as thee
Blogs are written by fools like me
But for Bat S–t crazy press conference it truly takes ye
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:23 pm:
I ain’t got no fancy Kaliforneeuh education like the gub’na so I can’t quote Tennis Shoe, but I got me sum Kenny Rogers:
You got to know when to fold ‘em, know when to hold ‘em; know when to walk away, know when to run.
It’s obvious our governor has no clue. Happy Impeachment Day!
- carbon deforestation - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:27 pm:
Was he thinking of the “people” when he told Ali Ata “I hope you make a lot of money” (that would be taxpayers money)?
- Zora - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:27 pm:
He referenced, more than once, that he used the “advice” of lawyers to get around the legislature. Will those ex-members of the shrinking inner circle be the next to learn what the bottom of the bus looks like? Stay tuned.
- carbon deforestation - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:29 pm:
Um, Governor - Jay Hoffman is probably your only friend in Springfield and he voted yes today. Was he in on political vendetta too?
- House oet - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:32 pm:
Throw me under the bus, Rod
Throw me under the bus!
I knew you were lame
(just not quite insane)
But it’s good to be wrong
just this once!
- The World is Watching - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:33 pm:
…and not impressed.
From TVNewser:
“Blago Takes Centerstage on Cablers, Shep Provides Commentary”
“What a waste of 34 minutes,” said FNC’s Shepard Smith at the conclusion of another day of Chicago political theater. Gov. Rod Blagojevich held a news conference around 3:15pmET today, and all the cablers covered the event. While he spoke, Smith provided his own commentary, and the Twitter users added their input on CNN in real time. Some of the Shep highlights: “Hello, Blago, can we talk about the impeachment stuff please” and “Where’s that guy from Iraq, that journalist from Iraq, who threw the shoe at the president, is he available?” Some Twitter highlights: “Blago has been impeached. We no longer care about his platform. Try apologizing to your state. Unbelievable!” and “Great way to pass a Friday. It’s like a soap opera.”
- Kitty Herself - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:36 pm:
Koo-koo Ka-choo
Hit ROD with a Shoe!
- bored on 1 - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:39 pm:
A man, A plan, some denial,
Blagojevich
- Amuzing Myself - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:43 pm:
Wearing a white hat
Rod vanquished his enemies
He forgot one guy.
- A Citizen - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:44 pm:
Okay the Fight is on! Rahm and guv - rapid fire profanity at 30 paces. The last one breathing wins.
- ZC - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:52 pm:
Blago’s cheesy taste in poetry continues thus. “If” and now “Ulysses.” How long until William Henley’s “Invictus”?
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul.
- hitman3000 - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:55 pm:
Rod Blagojevich is so corrupted that it makes pregnant people’s babies cry.
- Six Degrees of Separation's Haiku - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:56 pm:
I am not a crook
Said the Richard Nixon fan
“Not so fast”, said Fitz.
- Limerick - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 5:00 pm:
It’s amazing that Governor Rod
Still thinks of himself as a god.
But our view of his worth,
Has come crashing to earth.
Soon we’ll be done with this clod!
- Ivory-billed Woodpecker - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 5:08 pm:
Not to pile on. But Tennyson’s Ulysses comes across as something of a self absorbed jerk.
Now young Quinn, there is a politician . . .
“. . . discerning to fulfill
This labor, by slow prudence to make mild
A rugged people, and thro’ soft degrees
Subdue them to the useful and the good.”
- Joe Schmoe - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 5:14 pm:
Beer Time
- Amy - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 5:14 pm:
Don’t cry daddy.
daddy please don’y cry.
You still got me and little mommy.
Together will find a brand new jobby.
Daddy daddy please laugh again, daddy rid us on your back again.
Oh daaady, please don’t cry.
Love Amy
- Pomerium Ultra - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 5:25 pm:
Scene I:
(Governor at restaurant with Lobbyist 1.)
I’m just going to take the birthday money once. I’m not going to be like that guy. (Gestures to next table as man in silhouette screams into cell phone: “John! Tell them it’s not enough. I need more [bleep]ing cash!”)
Scene II:
(Governor at home on phone to Individual B.)
I’m just going to take the $25,000 once. I’m not going to be like that guy.
(Gestures towards TV as lawyer at press conference is saying his client is innocent of any wrongdoing.)
Scene III:
(Governor in campaign office with Deputy Governor A.)
Tell them I only want the $100,000 once. I’m not going to be like that guy.
(Gestures towards man in blue jogging outfit on the street being helped into black FBI SUV.)
Scene IV:
(Governor in prison cell sitting on bottom bunk. Copy of Chicago Tribune on the floor with headline: “Governor Gets Maximum Sentence”. Governor points to paper.): I’M NOT GOING TO BE LIKE THAT GUY!!!!
Apologies to the Illinois Meth Project.
- IDOT Guy - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 5:53 pm:
Bunch of us IDOT workers are celebrating aith after work impeachment beers!
- Rod Bla-gone-a-vich - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 6:03 pm:
I have left the building
- 2ConfusedCrew - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 6:10 pm:
Seems like a perfect time to remind all hands :
Profile of the Sociopath
This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.
Glibness and Superficial Charm
Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as “their right.”
Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.
Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.
Incapacity for Love
Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.
Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others’ feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.
Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.
Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet “gets by” by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.
Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others’ lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.
Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.
Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.
Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.
- Bookworm - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 6:11 pm:
Only an HBO miniseries could do justice to this story — or to all the f-bombs and variations thereof Rod and Rahm would drop in the course of the script :)
- Bookworm - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 6:15 pm:
Yesterday was Elvis’ birthday, today was Nixon’s birthday, and Sunday is MY birthday… what better way to celebrate?
- Anonymous Coward - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 6:32 pm:
Did anyone else envision Rod turning into the skull-like shrieking “Judge Doom” from ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’??
I SAID STOP LAUGHING!!!
- Mike Wazowski - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 6:36 pm:
I’m leaning toward the under on the Senate vote count. When the federal prosecutors commence with the parade of evidence in open court and for all the world to hear in about a year hence or so, I’d hate to be a senator who voted against removal.
- Ms Port Belly Mushroom - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 7:25 pm:
Three guesses where Bill lands next: Alexi.
- Gregor - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 7:50 pm:
The governor is either mentally ill, or pushing new frontiers in dadaism.
- Arthur Andersen - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 8:26 pm:
AA had to work all day and missed some of the events.
Did
a)Roland Burris get Blagojeviched?
b)Jesse White?
c)Both?
d)Neither?
- A Citizen - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 9:12 pm:
AA, (d - but he mentioned Rahm and paraded in a number of people with disabilities to prop him up. He claimed his efforts helped them but it was clear those efforts put them in the situation they found themselves. He was pathetic and delusional.
- Pretorian - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 9:54 pm:
GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!
The guy in the wheelchair at the press conference walked into the Thompson Center, went to the Governors Office, rode out in a wheelchair to the press conference, rode back to the Governors Office and walked out of the building.
MAN THIS IS DESPERATE!!!!
- Anonymous Coward - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 10:05 pm:
@Pretorian
You saw this?
- Speaking At Will - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 10:13 pm:
Impeachment means that Rod cannot run for office again in the United States. However….I see President of Serbia in Rod’s Future.
The current President of Serbia is Boris Tadić, leader of the center-left Democratic Party. He was reelected with 50.5% of the vote in the second round of the Serbian presidential election held in February 2008. So by the time Rod gets out of Jail, its time for another run!
- Porter - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 11:02 pm:
With apologies to Tennyson
When you’re wounded and left on Afghanistan’s plains,
And the women come out to cut up what remains,
Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains
An’ go to your Gawd like a soldier.
- Pot calling kettle - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 11:13 pm:
CNN has the whole, bizarre show here:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/09/blagojevich.impeachment/index.html#cnnSTCVideo
WOW!
- Amy - Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 11:52 pm:
re the post at 5:14 pm as Amy……
whoever you are, you are not the Amy who posts often on this board.
- Anonymous Coward - Saturday, Jan 10, 09 @ 8:39 am:
Genson prepares his defense:
http://picayune.uclick.com/comics/nq/2009/nq090110.gif