* You really need to listen to the FBI wiretap of Roland Burris talking to Rob Blagojevich to get the full flavor of the conversation. If you do nothing else today, do that.
* Burris’ explanation about why he failed to inform the House impeachment committee about his conversation with Blagojevich is priceless…
Asked Wednesday why he did not tell an Illinois House impeachment committee about the conversation, Burris replied: “You’re being asked questions and one thing you don’t do is to try to volunteer information that wasn’t asked. There was no obligation there.”
“No obligation.” Great. A former state attorney general sets a fine example for everyone.
More…
Burris angrily rejected questions that his account contradicted his sworn affidavit.
“Please check the affidavit,” Burris told a reporter. “That’s all I’m asking you all. Read Affidavit One. Have you read it? Have you read it?”
The affidavit…
Prior to the December 26, 2008 telephone call from Mr. [Sam] Adams Jr., there was not any contact between myself or any of my representatives with Gov. Blagojevich or any of his representatives regarding my appointment to the United States Senate.
More…
“Did Roland Burris lie? I didn’t.”
Yes, you did.
* Burris also claimed that the wiretap didn’t pick up everything…
“My statement was, ‘I’ll send you my check by December 15th,’ ” Burris said. “Then, when I hung up the phone, I said, ‘I can’t even do that.’ “
Hilarious.
What he meant to say was…
A full transcript of the conversation released by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald’s office also showed that Burris offered to donate to Blagojevich’s fund “in the name of” his lawyer, Timothy Wright, which is illegal.
Burris called that a slip of the tongue, insisting he should have said that he would be willing to encourage Wright to contribute.
“That was a slip,” he said. “I said, ‘in the name of.’ It should have been, ‘by Tim Wright.’ “
I’m sure.
* He also revealed a lot during a conversation with the AP…
“If (Blagojevich) had not been arrested, I would not have even been appointed,” Burris said. “They reached out to somebody who was clean … He was looking for somebody who would give him some cover.”
So, he admits that he was used as a tool by Rod Blagojevich. Nice to know he isn’t totally in denial.
* Madigan catches heat…
Roland Burris’ secretly recorded offer to donate to ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich before being appointed to the U.S. Senate now has House Speaker Michael Madigan on the hot seat.
While Madigan is not accused of wrongdoing, members of both political parties want to know why the powerful speaker won’t give the House a chance to publicly reprimand Burris or call for his ouster.
The resolutions mean nothing, but they would be hugely symbolic and undoubtedly receive international coverage. They also could anger a few African-American legislators in the run up to the end of session.
* Danny Davis says he’s glad he didn’t take the appointment when Blagojevich offered it…
“I’m more than glad. As a matter of fact, I thank God every day,” laughed the baritone-voiced Davis.
* And Burris is pitching a book deal…
“It is temporarily being called The Empty Seat,” said Jassin, referring to Burris’ Senate seat, which was once occupied by President Obama. It has become a focus of the feds’ “pay to play” probe.
“Empty Seat”? I could think of a much better title than that. I’ll bet you could, too.
Fire away, campers.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 10:35 am:
What Would You Like on Your Tombstone?
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 10:36 am:
What Would You Like on Your Tombstone?
“This Thing is Bleeping Golden!”
- Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 10:39 am:
Some might argue it is still an “empty seat”.
- anon - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 10:40 am:
Blago knew he was going down and he knew that Burris’ pure vanity would lead him to ignore the facts and common sense and accept the appt. Blago knew that this would blow up and make everybody look bad, perhaps making him look less bad. However, after listening to the Burris tape, no matter how hard Rob tried to do the right thing, hearing it on tape sounds so bad.
- OneMan - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 10:41 am:
Lack Of Judgment
I don’t recall
Anything for Power
I really want to help this Governor
- Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 10:41 am:
“I Was Misquoted By The Recording.”
- wordslinger - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 10:46 am:
– You really need to listen to the FBI wiretap of Roland Burris talking to Rob Blagojevich to get the full flavor of the conversation.–
You said it. I’ve thought that Burris may be slipping into his dotage, but he’s sharp and clear in this conversation.
There’s no question in my mind that if Burris had the ability to raise real money, the recorded conversation would have had a different twist to it and Burris would be in a lot more trouble than he is today.
- Scooby - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 10:52 am:
Apparently he was giving an interview in the lobby of the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield last night around 7:30ish last night which didn’t go well and was followed by Burris getting on the phone to what was presumed to be a staffer and very loudly complaining about his bad media day.
- Suzanne - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 10:54 am:
The empty suit, a memoir
- 47th Ward - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 10:58 am:
“Jailblazer”
- Anon14 - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 11:00 am:
Roland and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Seat!
- wordslinger - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 11:04 am:
“The Illustrious Roland Burris” by the illustrious Roland Burris.
Forward by the illustrious Roland Burris.
- El Conquistador - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 11:11 am:
“Empty Head, Empty Conscience, Empty Seat: Enough to Fill a Mausoleum”
- Suzanne - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 11:12 am:
47th Ward: brilliant.
- Rick - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 11:12 am:
“Down is Up”
- You Go Boy - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 11:16 am:
I’m not a great fan of Chris Matthews (”Hardball”)a.k.a.’Blabby Interruptus’, but he nailed Burris the Magnificent (now being chipped into his monument) pretty good yesterday afternoon in an interview with the subject at hand. Roland may not reach the scuz factor of Rod or others, but he can’t seem to help being a liar and weasel, and making sure by his own comments everyone knows it.
- Obamarama - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 11:17 am:
“Did I mention I was Comptroller?”
- Speaking at Will - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 11:20 am:
“Rod and Roland’s Excellent Adventure”
Forward by Elliot Spitzer
- train111 - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 11:21 am:
Rep Danny Davis
“I’m more than glad. As a matter of fact I thank God every day.”
LOL I’ll bet he does thank God every day he didn’t accept that seat!!!
train111
- Dan S, a Voter and Cubs Fan - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 11:31 am:
“Liar Liar” staring Milorad & Roland
- Amy - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 11:34 am:
Thinking of Bribing You
- Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 11:34 am:
“As a matter of fact I thank God every day.”
As do we.
- Fed-up - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 11:36 am:
Let’s just call it “No obligation!”
- Boxing Cross - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 11:37 am:
Given all that is outing it is even more amazing the Durkin did not listen to Burris’ answers at the impeachment hearing and ask teh right questions
- Bluefish - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 11:45 am:
How to Buy a Senate Seat (Without Even Writing a Check) by Roland “as heard on audio tape” Burris
- shore - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 11:59 am:
I apologize if this has been discussed or noted here or in the papers, but what is the likely date of the blago trial and is there a sense that there will be a major impact from the trial on next years elections?
thanks
- FED up - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 12:08 pm:
I wish Peter Fitzgerald would come back and run for this senate seat again. He showed true vision in ignoring his own party and appointing a real US attorney.
- the Other Anonymous - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 12:11 pm:
Wordslinger is absolutely right: it’s so obvious that if Burris could have raised the money, he would have.
- Anon - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 12:21 pm:
“A great read. I intend to use some of the dialog as a script the next time I use White House phones to make fundraising calls.”
– Al “No Indictable Offense” Gore.
- the Other Anonymous - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 12:27 pm:
It’s not the title of the book, but he can add “First African-American US Senator Indicted for Perjury” to his mausoleum.
- just me - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 12:32 pm:
Empty head in the empty seat
- bored on 1 - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 12:46 pm:
I Dropped the Baby, I Don’t Know Why?”
- one observer - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 12:51 pm:
WHAT? ME WORRY?
- SLICK NICK - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 12:51 pm:
HEY LOOK, A KITTY!
- Scooby - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 12:56 pm:
“Books on Tape”
- Stones - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 1:20 pm:
This whole saga around Roland Burris is really sad. Here is a guy who held many high public offices in the state, got out relatively clean, and then tied himself into one of the most corrupt Governors we have ever had in Illinois during a time when it was obvious he was going to be indicted.
I don’t know who advises Burris on media but every time he talks he digs more of a hole for himself not to mention damaging an otherwise pretty good reputation.
I have been a supporter of Roland Burris in the past but watching this fiasco has really soured me on him. I wish he would just go away quietly.
- Cheswick - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 1:21 pm:
I see Burris has a book agent and they’re looking for a publisher. Maybe he’ll sign on with the PublicityAgency next.
- Ghost - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 1:23 pm:
“Monumental Decisions of Roland Burris, by Delmarie Cobb”
or
“The Lion, the Witch and the Senate seat”
- John Doe - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 1:31 pm:
Author Burris pens his new best seller titled, “When Blago Offered Me A Seat, I Didn’t Think It Was In the Out House”.
- Macbeth - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 1:31 pm:
Now Burris is blaming the impeachment committee for asking the questions:
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/05/burris-says-blame-impeachment-panel-for-their-questions-not-him-for-his-answers.html
Burris is a dim-wit. Truly pathetic.
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 1:36 pm:
The Magic Man’s Secrets Revealed
or
Trailblazin’ Right Off the Cliff
- Vote Quimby! - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 1:36 pm:
“Cheap N Golden: How I Stole A Senate Seat From A Crooked Governor”
- How Ironic - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 1:41 pm:
“Delusions of a Cronic Liar”
“I Did Not Write That Check”
“How to Buy Seats, and Influence Crooks”
- jake - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 2:10 pm:
Who are you going to believe, me or your own ears?
- envelop - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 2:29 pm:
The comments about Burris being empty-headed and a dimwit are instructive. They speak to a lack of intelligence. Being a lightweight isn’t something you grow in to, you’re born that way. He was always empty-headed and a dimwit, and lived a life of political pretense -with the aiding and abettting by many others- for 30 years. His genuine mediocrity, carefully managed by handlers for decades, comes shining through when he’s left unattended. He isn’t just cheating us of a decent public servant now, has always has cheated us and finally got caught.
- The Bread Line - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 2:49 pm:
“Return of the Politically Dead”
- VanillaMan - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 3:26 pm:
“The Dummy’s Guide to How to Be a US Senator”
- Captain America - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 3:31 pm:
I “woulda” bought the seat if I “couda”, but I could not and did not contribute/raise money beause I’m a political lightweight and a “haa been” so I didn’t commit any crime, even though I wanted to do so - just couldn’t figure out how to break the law surreptitiously
Sounds like Tim Wright kept Roland out fo jail by telling him it would be illegal to use a surrogate donors!
- Macbeth - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 3:36 pm:
re: envelop
Calling someone a dimwit is harsh — and I realize that. But given the circumstances surrounding the appointment there’s no other explanation. Anyone accepting the appointment *after* Blagojevich’s arrest (and, to some extent, even before) lacks all common sense — and decency to a degree.
Burris is a man who is authentically mediocre — despite tombstone engravings to the contrary. He doesn’t have that glimmer of savvy in his eyes.
I dunno. It’s one thing to be a dimwit and be voted into office. But it’s a whole other thing to be a dimwit and be appointed to the office. One’s annoying — the other is just plain pathetic.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 3:37 pm:
I just love that Roland’s only defense is:
“I tried to buy a U.S. Senate seat with a phony check.”
- Anonymous - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 3:48 pm:
“It is temporarily being called The Empty Seat,” said Jassin…”
The Still Empty Seat Continues.
How can you beat his own title?
- this voter will remember - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 5:17 pm:
Book title ————-’I Will Be Vindicated’
How sad - Roland needs to retire and go away silently into the night. He has become an embarrassment and at times sounds ignorant. Now the latest story is that he lied to Rob Blagojevich. What is going to be the next story we here from Burris?
- Animous - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 8:31 pm:
“A Monumental Misunderstanding: The Roland Burris Story” by THE Junior Senator from the great State of Illinois, Roland Burris
- Ucster - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 9:13 pm:
Either “If I Did It” or “I Want to Tell You” - but you’ll have to ask just the right questions at the bookstore to get a copy.
- Quizzical - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 10:06 pm:
“Catch me in a Lie”
I second what Envelop says. The sad truth is that Burris is more a symptom than a perpetrator of a broken political process. While he is an outlier, he’s far from the only vain, intellectually challenged, self-righteous windbag elected to office in Illinois.
- Loyal Whig - Thursday, May 28, 09 @ 10:11 pm:
Empty suit.
- Rich Miller - Friday, May 29, 09 @ 2:06 am:
Animous wins