Blagojevich roundup
Wednesday, Apr 15, 2009 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Quote of the week…
“I have not let the people of Illinois down,” the 52-year-old Rod Blagojevich told about 75 reporters and cameramen outside the Dirksen Federal Building.
Only in your own mind, Rod.
* This sounds like a good idea…
Blagojevich… will be a participant in the new show “I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!” pending court approval, NBC said Tuesday in a statement.
Ten celebrities will be dropped into the jungle “to face challenges designed to test their skills in adapting to the wilderness,” the network said.
If NBC can guarantee that nobody will go into the jungle to rescue him, I’m all for it. Otherwise, forget it.
More…
“The incentive to do the show would be the money. It would be his only source of income. He didn’t make a lot of money on the advance on his book, which he went back to writing as soon as the arraignment ended.”
I thought he got a six figure guarantee? Huh. Guess not.
Then again…
Outside court, Sorosky said even with the campaign fund Blagojevich “does not have sufficient funds to pay for lawyers.”
Fine. Let him get a public defender. He always said he was a man of the people.
* And this column is proof positive of why the MSM rules the world and blogs are just not needed…
Whatever the facts are proved to be—Rob and Rod pleaded innocence on Tuesday—the Blagojevich story is a family tragedy. If the brothers are guilty, part of their punishment will be knowing they let their parents down. I’m guessing their parents would have felt heartsick and loved them anyway.
* Related…
* Any Lawyers Available to Help Defend Governor?
* Reporters Swarm Blagojevich at Arraignment
* Ex-Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich pleads not guilty
- soccermom - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 10:23 am:
Just a note on book advances. Usually, you get the advance in three chunks — a third upfront, a third when you turn in the manuscript, and a third on publication. Let’s say, for argument’s sake, that RRB received a $120,000 advance. So the first payment is $40,000. Of that, the agent receives 15 percent. So RRB actually took home $34,000 — and that’s only if he didn’t hire a ghostwriter. Not a small sum for most of us, but for a guy with two homes, two kids and no income, it’s not going to keep him in Cubs tickets for the six-eight months it will take to write the book.
- soccermom - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 10:23 am:
and of course, there may have been a slight exaggeration about the actual amount of the advance….
- PPHS - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 10:26 am:
Evidently, a television appearance of this type is only because he is a former celebrity and he cannot keep any money that results from his crimes. (WGN news last night)
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 10:29 am:
“I have not let the people of Illinois down”
There is simply no way this could ever be true. Even in his most self-deluded grandeur, his most manic level of megalomania, this statement could not be true - ever.
Congratulations Mr. Blagojevich for saying your greatest lie.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 10:34 am:
I have this vision of Rod disappearing into the rain forest and becoming a Col. Kurtz-like ruler of the natives…the horror.
- Wow - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 10:36 am:
If rod gets dropped in the jungle and eaten by a wild animal … how much money does this save the Fed.’s and the State. It would also allow the family to collect on a life insurance policy and allow Rod to redeem himslef in their eyes at least.
- Captain Flume - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 10:36 am:
== pending court approval, NBC said Tuesday in a statement. ==
What is that!? Is this a likelihood? Whoever the judge that lets that approval stand ought to be impeached him/herself.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 10:41 am:
Lighten up, Mary Maudlin. The Blago Story is not tragedy, it’s comedy. And the joke’s on us. Remember, choices and free will? Save your sob stories for the deserving.
I hear if this reality TV thing works out, Rod’s going to get his own show in the future: “Survivor: Yankton.”
- Secret Square - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 10:41 am:
“Get Me Out of Here” is currently a British show, which NBC is copying (as they did with “Weakest Link”). In the UK version the celebrities compete for charity. Are the rules being changed for us Yanks? And how will Rod’s hair stand up to all that jungle humidity?
- vole - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 11:04 am:
I was very discouraged hearing that NBC had offered this reality show deal to Rod. This just represents to me the corporate malfeasance and irresponsibility involved in our current financial woes. But the MSM is good at boostering ponzi schemes, creating celebrities out of scoundrels, and rewarding criminal behavior.
I just hope that if the judge lets Rod out of the country, that NBC sees fit to make OJ Simpson Rod’s teammate and provides OJ with a very big machete.
- Nearly Normal - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 11:11 am:
I am not a fan of these “reality” shows and certainly not a fan of Blago. So,this is one show less to watch on the sick peacock network.
No wonder NBC ratings are in the toilet.
- dupage dan - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 11:18 am:
At first I thought the reality show bit was a joke when I heard only part of a radio report. This is real? Good Lord, what next? C’mon, Patrick Fitzgerald, let’s get on with the trial. I wonder, can he be regularly visited, interviewed and put on TV once in fed custody? I hope not
- Dan S, a Voter, Taxpayer and Cubs Fan - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 11:18 am:
vole, I like the way you role!!!
- GA Watcher - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 11:27 am:
Don’t forget, Blago is a former State’s attorney who did criminal litigation. He may not even need a public defender. He can represent himself.
- Anon - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 11:39 am:
Maybe they could forgo using a parachute when they drop him into the rain forest?
- Judgment Day Is On The Way - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 11:48 am:
Rod: Memo to Self:
Start carrying (1) Leatherman Wave and (2) Firestarter at all times, in place of hair brushes.
- Vote Quimby! - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 12:01 pm:
==I thought he got a six figure guarantee?==
I said long ago that included the ‘cents’ columns in the six figures….
- IrishPirate - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 12:14 pm:
If Rod does go into the jungle and ends up leading a tribe of natives I volunteer to put my long dormant military skills to use and go after him.
First, I’ll need a Navy patrol boat. Second, a crew of cheerleaders from the U of I, all females please. Third, a really good soundtrack to accompany the documentary that is made. Fourth, hair care products to lure him out into the open.
Next, a satellite phone to call in the “hairstrike” and helicopters. Lotsa helicopters.
I’m still thinking about the appropriate song to go along with the “hairstrike”.
- train111 - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 12:22 pm:
The only reality show that I’ll watch RRB in is the one where he is in an orange jumpsuit pressing lisensce plates and picking up litter along side the highway. Other than that I am no fan.
train111
- Princess - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 12:28 pm:
I’ve had enough ‘reality’ of Rod Blagojevich to last me a long time, but yeah, watching the hair melt and the insects trying to break the barrier into the mass might be worth a tiny peek for kicks n giggles. For a guy who has no use for even a state park nor ever visited one, what makes him think he can go all jungle on us?
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 12:49 pm:
They ought to do a special survivor show titled “Rod in Statesville”. Now that would be reality TV.
- Cheswick - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 1:01 pm:
I must admit the part of me that can’t resist a spectacle hopes he gets to go to Costa Rica. I’d tune in just to see him squatting in the jungle eating cockroaches out of a banana leaf bowl.
- Captain America - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 1:17 pm:
Blago is a disgraced and discredited public official not a celebrity. NBC would be foolish to give him a slot on this celbrity show.
Frankly, i’d be inclined to let Blago use his ill-gotten gains/campaign funds to defend himself. He’s entitled to a defense, and the taxpayer will end up paying one way or another. It just seems like a classic Catch 22 situtation to me.
Maybe some enterprising law professor and his students could adopt Blago and defend him as a learning exercise - soemthing similar to what the Northwestern death penalty project has done.
- anon 36 - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 1:18 pm:
How could he stay away from his girls that long? He never wanted to stay in Springfield overnight because he wanted to be home to kiss his babies. Would he be able to leave the jungle everynight to do that?
I agree with the others who say that they have had enough Blago reality. Jailhouse Rock is the only show I want to see him in.
- Sick of it - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 1:22 pm:
Hmmmm, is Costa Rica a non-extradition country???
- Toni H. - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 1:34 pm:
Thank God the TV reality show is NOT Survivior - I thought I was gonna’ have to quit watching it! I new he was doing something for the money - but “I’m a celebrity” is a bit much.
- disgusted - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 2:31 pm:
why am i envisioning an updated version of Apacolypse Now???? maybe we will be lucky enough that it will end similarly
- Downstate weed chewing hick - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 2:45 pm:
The U.S-Costa Rica Extradition Treaty states, “Extradition shall not be granted when the offense for which extradition is requested is a political offense or if the Requested State determines that extradition has been requested for the principal purpose of prosecuting or punishing a person for an offense of a political character.” Rod is indeed an offensive political character, to say the very least!
- Secret Square - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 3:36 pm:
I would think that “offense of a political character” refers to someone whose sole “crime” is having expressed opposition to the government policy of his/her home country or criticized its officials (e.g. dissidents in the old Soviet Union or in present-day China). I would not think that it refers to bribery or official corruption; but I wouldn’t put it past Rod, if he did get down there, to try to convince the Costa Ricans that he is a “political criminal” in the sense of being persecuted.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 4:13 pm:
“The horror….. the horror.”
- Northside Bunker - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 4:46 pm:
If Judge Zagel approves Blagojevich to be a participant in the new show “I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!
First to leave the state to audition, then leave the country.
Please end this circus Judge Zagel!
- Gregor - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 8:30 pm:
(heard on pirate radio station in a fishing boat off the coast) Hola, me yamo es Rod Blagojevich. Oscar Arias voted to raise your taxes by three bananas and a goat last year. That’s the greatest increase in a generation… but where is HIS health care plan??? If you elect me your supreme commandante, I’ll stop your legislature from raising taxes on hard-working people like YOU. I’ll order free health care for you and your children. Free bus rides for seniors. Well, soon as we get some roads and busses, but you know what I mean… And I plan to oversee personally the national training camp for major league try-outs. And I will NEVER raise your taxes!!! Si, Se puede!!!
(Madonna and Mandy Patinkin duet swells in background but is garbled by static)
Rod wakes in a fevered sweat, gropes for his bottle of quinine. And smiles to himself, mouthing…
“si, se puede, amigos………”
- paddyrollingstone - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 9:36 pm:
not sure if I am crazy about your comment about letting Rod get a publc defender as he is a man of the people. That seems to be a shot at the Federal Defender Office and the Federal Defender Panel, both of which are absolutely stocked with outstanding attorneys. I am sure you did not mean it an a derogatory way but thought I would let you know. Keep up the good work.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 11:21 pm:
Oh, dear. The show’s producers might not be aware of what they’ve gotten themselves into.
Wikipedia says that “viewers vote…for the celebrity to complete a ‘Bushtucker Trial’….”
Based on Blago’s recent behavior, they might not realize that Blago might insist on going to Trial BEFORE the votes are in. On the other hand, if the viewers vote that he SHOULD go to trial, he might decide to refuse, opting to spend the entire season proclaiming his innocence instead.
Sounds like potential trouble either way.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 11:31 pm:
I suppose in a twisted sort of way, Blago could make the initial show a re-run of itself while it’s airing for the first time.
Deep stuff.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Apr 15, 09 @ 11:38 pm:
I’ve changed my position on legalizing marijuana. Just for the one season Blago’s on the island. I promise not to inhale.
- Bookworm - Thursday, Apr 16, 09 @ 7:09 am:
Holy moley, the show in question is scheduled to be aired FOUR NIGHTS A WEEK for an entire MONTH! How does NBC figure anyone can stand that much Blago!