The judge hearing the Rod Blagojevich corruption case has abruptly adjourned court for the day, without explanation.
Sources told the Chicago Sun-Times that Blagojevich is unlikely to take the stand and that his lawyers will likely rest without calling a single witness.
The former governor had been expected to testify in his own defense starting this afternoon but did not take the stand.
Earlier today, during a lunchtime break in the trial, Blagojevich’s lead attorney, Sam Adam Jr., wouldn’t say whether Blagojevich would testify.
And Adam’s father and co-counsel, Sam Adam Sr., said only: “Nothing is a certainty.”
Asked this afternoon whether he would testify, Rod Blagojevich wouldn'’t answer. […]
But then they watched Monday and today as prosecutors cross-examined his brother and codefendant, Robert Blagojevich — the somber businessman with a background in the military, who’s accused of far less criminal conduct than Rod Blagojevich.
In just the first 10 minutes of cross-examination Monday, Robert Blagojevich, who had overseen the Friends of Blagojevich campaign fund, found himself contradicting his own statements and having to explain a secretly recorded and previously unheard conversation in which he’d urged his brother to do some “horse trading” with then-President-elect Obama in an effort to kill the then-ongoing criminal investigation of the Blagojevich administration.
Eric Zorn has predicted for weeks that the former governor wouldn’t testify.
Attorneys for Rod Blagojevich told the judge in his corruption trial this afternoon that the former governor will not testify in his own defense, sources said.
But after conferring with lawyers in a private sidebar, U.S. District Judge James Zagel told the defense team to mull the decision overnight, the sources said.
Very surprised. At this point you have to give Zorn credit for two huge correct calls where I thought he was way off his rocker, he called Obama running for President way before anyone thought it was a possibility and this one. The Amazing Kreskin has nothing on Zorn.
- Leave a Light on George - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:09 pm:
I was about to comment on the other Blago trial topic that Robert is not only screwing himself with his answers on cross examination but he was also really adding to his brothers troubles.
I’ve been saying it for about as long as Zorn has.
Robert Blagojevich was a sympathetic character before he took the stand. The prosecution exposed him. And he’s the more disciplined of the two. Rod wouldn’t have a chance.
I was getting nervous this week though, given the headlines about Rod’s impending testimony. I thought I might be sending Rich a check for his favorite charity (and I still might). Given how badly I think the prosecution’s case hurt Rod, I figured taking the stand was the Hail Mary play. He was going down anyway, he might as well go down swinging.
Cooler heads at the defense table prevailed apparently.
Really no surprise here. Rod Blagojevich is know for shooting from the hip and being loose with facts while he tells people what they want to hear. Putting him on the stand would be a huge risk and one the Adams’ really don’t want to take. The real question I think is whether Blagojevich believes he is smarter than the prosecutor and demands to take the stand, or if he opts instead of delivering his own closing…as an attorney and former member of the State’s Attorney’s office, I suspect he’d be allowed to do so. Odd, but…
By not testifying at the trial, he doesn’t rack up as many points when it comes to sentencing–meaning it’s possible for a a little less time in the pokey for Rod once convicted. Maybe defense trying to make sure that he gets to Wisconson or Yankton vs. some place else where the accommodations are a little less friendly.
Do you think the judge made the lawyers sleep on it to get them back for all their antics throughout the trial? What’s the over/under on how many times Rod calls each of his lawyers tonight to war game the decision? 100? 500? Infinity?
If I was the Adams family I would shut my cell phones off tonight and disconnect the land line. Also, time to buy telecom stock.
- And I Approved This Message - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:35 pm:
Andy Shaw just said on WLS that this was discussed last night and Adam, Sr. wanted to rest today because he doesn’t believe the government proved its case. Adam, Jr. wanted Rod to testify because he said in opening arguements that he would. Which we all know the judge will tell the jury doesn’t matter.
When you lie all the time it is hard to keep track of them, as opposed to telling the truth which doesn’t change. I see a large white flag being waved from the defense table.
It seems to me that someone at the defense table with some courtroom experience and a true sense of his/her clients inability to keep his mouth shut prevailed. it is and has always been the best thing for the client. It would be bad advice to put that man on the stand. He’d be crushed and possibly open himself up to more charges of perjury…..
My take is that he was never going to testify. He doesn’t like the tough questions that take him off the talking points. Never has. Stopped talking to reporters, didn’t take the stand at the impeachment and won’t take it in this trial. He likes the statements. He will rely on his closing statement.
>===wanted to rest today because he doesn’t believe the government proved its case===
>That’s what you say when you got no defense. Just sayin…
They’re gonna appeal it or call for a mistrial on the basis that the judge was not going to allow them to call the witnesses they wanted to call and the judge was gonna force Rod to take the stand without calling any of their own witnesses. With the discussion on the radio today that may be where they’re going.
I don’t think Blago would have to worry about being charged with perjury. People lie in court every day. Perjury’s a pretty rare charge.
- Former State Worker - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:50 pm:
C’mon Rod please testify. Prove to all that you are truly innocent as you have been proclaiming. If you are as smart as you know you are, you will have the prosecutor’s for lunch. Please take the stand!
- Living in Oklahoma - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:55 pm:
Its the last words of what has been a very sad chapter for the state of Illinois. Is it possible that the trial would be stopped at this point and Rod starts talking to the Feds? I would think it would be too late for that, but maybe?
Maybe I’m just a cynic but I don’t buy the story there is a split between the Adams’. I think it is a face-saving ploy to save Jr. from looking like a moron for telling the jury Rod would testify and a way for Rod to claim that he really wanted to testify and so did Jr., but Sr. said no and Rod went along with that advice (even though he really really wanted to tell the world his story).
With the prosecution finishing their case in less than half the time they forecast, and now with Rod and the Adams family lookin to pack it in, we could see a verdict in this case way earlier than we thought. Lucky break for Quinn, maybe.
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.
——————————————————————————–
- it was the lawyers - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 5:14 pm:
how about an ineffective assistance of counsel appeal? sam jr has to be good for something,
What’s RRB’s explanation if he ultimately fails to take the stand (perhaps a QOTD)?
Certainly not the jury, him being a man of the people and all that crap…
Does he lash out at the judge, who has consistently smacked down the antics of the defense team? That seems unlikely, since Zagel has sentencing discretion. Even Rod’s not that arrogant…right?
That leaves two possible outlets - the media and the prosecution. Seems like the feds are the better bet here, since he’s previously villified them for railroading him.
How long will it take the jury, and how many count will they find him guilty on and how many years will he get? Is that all that is left to decide? More interestingly, is the fat of his brother. It seems he benefits greatly being tried along with his more infamous brother.
If he tells his story in court, he has nothing to sell when he gets out (or Patti has nothing to sell while he’s in the poke). He knows he’s a dead man, so why give up the story if he’s sure to be convicted anyway?
First, shows how little interest he has in the truth. When’s the last time he talked about panting to testify….I remember when the trial started, but probably since as well.
Second, If they rest without having his wife give some BS line about her real estate earnings, they’re conceding a payoff. Amazing.
I’ve always believed that the feds had Rezko waiting in the wings as a rebuttal witness if citizen blag testified. I’ll bet that came into the Adam family decision. But the ultimate decision is always the clients, that’s lawyer Blag.
They rest tomorrow without a defense, its going to be 10 years minimum.
And didn’t his lawyer promise on opening that the jury would hear from the ‘governor’. Now no testimony. I suck, and I could convict on that. This case will be one for the law books.
watching Chicago Tonight…Robert did not fare well on the stand, therefore, the Adams defense has decided that it will not bode well for Rod to do so, besides, no amount of coaching by his attorneys will keep Rod from deviating from the script…IMO he will not take the stand…maybe no dirt on Rahm, who is positioned well to run for Mayor if Daley does not throw his hat in the ring…fascinating!
What must Ed Genson be thinking right now? That he really dodged a bullet by not taking on this train wreck of a case?
I may be getting ahead of myself here, but once the Rod and Rob show is over, is Bill Cellini the only defendant left who hasn’t either been tried or pled guilty?
===is Bill Cellini the only defendant left who hasn’t either been tried or pled guilty?===
No. Patty is one, and there are probably more who could face indictment but haven’t yet (think of the hiring scandal that hasn’t been concluded yet). But Rod is the trophy and the senate seat sale forced the issue.
If this strategy didn’t work for George Ryan and Dan Webb, why would they think it would work here? Ryan should have made a deal, as should have Blago. Their egos would not permit it. The evidence was weaker in Ryan’s case. If Ryan got six and a half years, Blago will get at least ten.
I see Blagojevich testifying on a hair defense. To explain, I once won a trial based on the witness testifying that she saw the defendant standing over the dead body. However, she said that she had been washing her hair after getting a perm the same day. I exposed her on the ludicrous notion of washing your hair on the same day that you get a perm and she confessed. So, given that I predict that A. Blagojevich will say that he is really gray and the Just for Men solution that he used permeated his brain causing him to say all those things he said on the recordings or B. if Reddtyrd is right and he really is a sociopath he may say that a one-armed man broke into his home and threatened him to say those things or he would shave his head
Blago will successfullly deprive everyone from his entertaining “reality testimony” show.It c
would have been light and funny until the feds hammered him on cross. Good choice by Junior and Senior to pull the plug on the Rod act taking the witness box, no good woud have come of Rod testifying. Robert did alright setting the scene and he placed events in a plausible context where Robert was concerned.He didn’t apparently prejudice little brother.
The Odds: even that Robert Walks;20% Rod walks.
25% hung Jury.
I wonder what Geraldo Rivera thinks tonight? That guy was super-annoying and dead wrong about every fact, during the impeachment. Fox news, too.
I’m going to go out on a limb and buy a square in the office pool tomorrow, for how fast the verdict is returned; my pick is just over 24 hours, and it will not be a 100 percent sweep, but guilty on 22 counts for Rod. Guilty on four counts for Rob. I’ll swing for the fences and predict an 11-year sentence for Rod. Of course, there will be appeals galore, but I don’t expect any of them to work.
“Patty is one and there are more who could face indictment”
That’s true, but I can’t think of anyone who is CURRENTLY under indictment, other than Cellini, who hasn’t either pled guilty (Monk, Harris, Kelly, Levine, Cari, etc.) or been tried and/or convicted (Rod/Rob, Rezko). Am I missing anyone? And should Cellini even make it to trial, won’t it be kind of anticlimactic at this point?
- Been there before - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 11:58 pm:
The BS continues (Including the Sr and Jr show for the public and media). He was never going to testify and neither was Patti. Indeed, anyone saying in the same breath that Patti and he were going to testify was obviously fibbing. Patti is not in the dock as a defendant for purely strategic reasons (jury sympathy for Mom and Dad going to jail at the same time). Had she taken the stand, she would have sealed her fate–certain indictment followed by conviction and jail. Anyone putting her on the stand would have been insane and committing legal malpractice.
As for Rod, the man who couldn’t explain a birthday gift without looking like a deer in headlights and a total liar, would be absolutely ensuring his conviction by testifying. Too bad, it would have been entertaining.
And no, there is no chance of acquital for Rod, at best, he could hope for a hung jury. You only need one, and by not taking the stand, there is now a very, very, small chance you could get one juror to hang it up. Not likely though.
- Been there before - Wednesday, Jul 21, 10 @ 12:20 am:
BTW, as a what if game, the attorneys I know all said, if representing Patti, they would have quit before letting her take the stand and waive her Fifth Amendment privilages to remain silent. Does anyone really think, as a simple for instance, she went to work on a more regular basis than our elected Governor? LOL. You bad, neanderthal for thinking such things!
She needed to leave sleeping dogs where they are and hope she continues to get a pass.
How much chance is there that Rod, if convicted, will remain free on bond pending appeal like George Ryan did? Or are the judge and the feds going to be a lot tougher with him and insist he report to prison sooner rather than later?
I’m staying up doing a novena for Rod to testify, but I think he won’t (and I think his lawyers never intended him to). Also,
Patty will choose not to walk across a perjury minefield.
If the Feds could make Rob look smarmy and full of it as they did, beating up on Rod would be no problem.
On cross, Rod could be asked leading questions, like, “When you said your were going to ‘bleep the people’, you meant that you were going to treat them badly”, right”?
Watching the segment on the news tonight about this trial, it looked to me like Patti was almost dragging Blago out of the front door of the Fed courthouse trying to get him to the car without talking to bystanders. Now I understand why. Perhaps she’s as tired of his mouth as the rest of us.
Do any of you remember that famous quote of Blago’s, “I have nothing to fear but the truth?” Perhaps that wasn’t a slip of the tongue like we previously thought. LOL LOL LOL
- Windy City Mama - Wednesday, Jul 21, 10 @ 9:19 am:
This has nothing to do with the lawyers. They work for Rod. Rod has made the decision not to testify. And why ?
Because he is a lying little weasel. He knows the prosecution is going to humiliate him.
Defense attorney’s always say the prosecution hasn’t proven their case when the defense has no case to present and are losing. Never works.
The prosecution doesn’t need to prove anything. Rod’s own big mouth will convict him. The prosecution witness’ are just icing on the cake.
- sal-says - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:05 pm:
Probably the best course of action for the defense?
- Scooby - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:08 pm:
Very surprised. At this point you have to give Zorn credit for two huge correct calls where I thought he was way off his rocker, he called Obama running for President way before anyone thought it was a possibility and this one. The Amazing Kreskin has nothing on Zorn.
- Leave a Light on George - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:09 pm:
I was about to comment on the other Blago trial topic that Robert is not only screwing himself with his answers on cross examination but he was also really adding to his brothers troubles.
- Concerned Observer - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:10 pm:
I started hearing this buzz very, very, VERY discreetly this morning. I kinda expected this at the outset of the trial, but…
…well, whatever happened to “telling the whole story” and “letting the truth clear” him? Not that we should be surprised.
- Lincoln Parker - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:13 pm:
Rod has declared pretty much since they day he was arrested he couldn’t wait to testify and prove his innocence. Another lie from the mouth of Blago.
- Who cares - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:23 pm:
I was looking forward to the next act of the circus.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:26 pm:
Still, what’s he got to lose? As things stand, I think he’s convicted.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:26 pm:
I’ve been saying it for about as long as Zorn has.
Robert Blagojevich was a sympathetic character before he took the stand. The prosecution exposed him. And he’s the more disciplined of the two. Rod wouldn’t have a chance.
I was getting nervous this week though, given the headlines about Rod’s impending testimony. I thought I might be sending Rich a check for his favorite charity (and I still might). Given how badly I think the prosecution’s case hurt Rod, I figured taking the stand was the Hail Mary play. He was going down anyway, he might as well go down swinging.
Cooler heads at the defense table prevailed apparently.
- paddyrolingstone - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:28 pm:
So I guess I’m winning my case of Yuengling.
- Commonsense in Illinois - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:30 pm:
Really no surprise here. Rod Blagojevich is know for shooting from the hip and being loose with facts while he tells people what they want to hear. Putting him on the stand would be a huge risk and one the Adams’ really don’t want to take. The real question I think is whether Blagojevich believes he is smarter than the prosecutor and demands to take the stand, or if he opts instead of delivering his own closing…as an attorney and former member of the State’s Attorney’s office, I suspect he’d be allowed to do so. Odd, but…
- Anon - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:32 pm:
By not testifying at the trial, he doesn’t rack up as many points when it comes to sentencing–meaning it’s possible for a a little less time in the pokey for Rod once convicted. Maybe defense trying to make sure that he gets to Wisconson or Yankton vs. some place else where the accommodations are a little less friendly.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:32 pm:
He conned his way to the top. So he has proven reasons to believe he can con his way with this jury using this tactic.
It is his last con as a free man.
- Scooby - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:34 pm:
Do you think the judge made the lawyers sleep on it to get them back for all their antics throughout the trial? What’s the over/under on how many times Rod calls each of his lawyers tonight to war game the decision? 100? 500? Infinity?
If I was the Adams family I would shut my cell phones off tonight and disconnect the land line. Also, time to buy telecom stock.
- Lincoln Parker - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:35 pm:
Latest tweet says that Sam Jr. wants him to testify but Sam Sr. does not: http://twitter.com/Ward_Room/status/19023859933
- And I Approved This Message - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:35 pm:
Andy Shaw just said on WLS that this was discussed last night and Adam, Sr. wanted to rest today because he doesn’t believe the government proved its case. Adam, Jr. wanted Rod to testify because he said in opening arguements that he would. Which we all know the judge will tell the jury doesn’t matter.
- Lefty - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:35 pm:
When you lie all the time it is hard to keep track of them, as opposed to telling the truth which doesn’t change. I see a large white flag being waved from the defense table.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:36 pm:
===wanted to rest today because he doesn’t believe the government proved its case===
That’s what you say when you got no defense. Just sayin…
- Boone Logan Square - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:39 pm:
Is the next development a “no contest” plea?
- Edison Parker - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:40 pm:
Never tell the jury in opening argument your client will testify. Never a good idea.
- im just sayin' - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:40 pm:
It seems to me that someone at the defense table with some courtroom experience and a true sense of his/her clients inability to keep his mouth shut prevailed. it is and has always been the best thing for the client. It would be bad advice to put that man on the stand. He’d be crushed and possibly open himself up to more charges of perjury…..
- Edison Parker - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:40 pm:
Sorry, that should be opening statement not argument.
- whatever - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:42 pm:
My take is that he was never going to testify. He doesn’t like the tough questions that take him off the talking points. Never has. Stopped talking to reporters, didn’t take the stand at the impeachment and won’t take it in this trial. He likes the statements. He will rely on his closing statement.
- Secret Square - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:45 pm:
Wouldn’t you love to be a fly on the wall in the Adam office tonight?
- Segatari - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:46 pm:
>===wanted to rest today because he doesn’t believe the government proved its case===
>That’s what you say when you got no defense. Just sayin…
They’re gonna appeal it or call for a mistrial on the basis that the judge was not going to allow them to call the witnesses they wanted to call and the judge was gonna force Rod to take the stand without calling any of their own witnesses. With the discussion on the radio today that may be where they’re going.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:49 pm:
I don’t think Blago would have to worry about being charged with perjury. People lie in court every day. Perjury’s a pretty rare charge.
- Former State Worker - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:50 pm:
C’mon Rod please testify. Prove to all that you are truly innocent as you have been proclaiming. If you are as smart as you know you are, you will have the prosecutor’s for lunch. Please take the stand!
- Living in Oklahoma - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:55 pm:
Its the last words of what has been a very sad chapter for the state of Illinois. Is it possible that the trial would be stopped at this point and Rod starts talking to the Feds? I would think it would be too late for that, but maybe?
- Lincoln Parker - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:57 pm:
What can Rod offer the feds? They’ve pretty much gotten everyone they can at this point.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:58 pm:
Blago’s mask is shaking, and it seems that there is a dark growing wet spot spreading down the front of his expensive bespoken suit pants.
“The only thing I have to fear is the truth!”
Yup - you got that right. Blagojevich doesn’t want us to get our “f697!n@ golden” moment where we see the real Rod Blagojevich once and for all.
- Edison Parker - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 5:01 pm:
Maybe I’m just a cynic but I don’t buy the story there is a split between the Adams’. I think it is a face-saving ploy to save Jr. from looking like a moron for telling the jury Rod would testify and a way for Rod to claim that he really wanted to testify and so did Jr., but Sr. said no and Rod went along with that advice (even though he really really wanted to tell the world his story).
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 5:02 pm:
You said it, Vman. But at least we got a chance to hear the real Rod Blagojevich.
“…eff them all.” Meaning us.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is the real Rod Blagojevich. Case closed.
- Responsa - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 5:03 pm:
–What can Rod offer the feds?–
maybe something in lieu of their going after Patti next?
- Downtrodden - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 5:05 pm:
With the prosecution finishing their case in less than half the time they forecast, and now with Rod and the Adams family lookin to pack it in, we could see a verdict in this case way earlier than we thought. Lucky break for Quinn, maybe.
- Reddbyrd - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 5:12 pm:
Before We forget
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.
——————————————————————————–
- it was the lawyers - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 5:14 pm:
how about an ineffective assistance of counsel appeal? sam jr has to be good for something,
- The Doc - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 5:16 pm:
What’s RRB’s explanation if he ultimately fails to take the stand (perhaps a QOTD)?
Certainly not the jury, him being a man of the people and all that crap…
Does he lash out at the judge, who has consistently smacked down the antics of the defense team? That seems unlikely, since Zagel has sentencing discretion. Even Rod’s not that arrogant…right?
That leaves two possible outlets - the media and the prosecution. Seems like the feds are the better bet here, since he’s previously villified them for railroading him.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 5:40 pm:
Completely, utterly predictable. The guy is a con-man from day one. Of course he was never going to testify. It was all a stunt.
- Lefty - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 5:47 pm:
How long will it take the jury, and how many count will they find him guilty on and how many years will he get? Is that all that is left to decide? More interestingly, is the fat of his brother. It seems he benefits greatly being tried along with his more infamous brother.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 5:55 pm:
The fact that Blago has been promising from the onset that he WOULD testify was what tipped me off immediately.
I would have been shocked to see him take the stand.
Taking the stand would’ve taken guts, and Blago has always been a Class A coward, which is why he’s always ordered others to do the dirty work.
- Pembleton - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 6:03 pm:
If he tells his story in court, he has nothing to sell when he gets out (or Patti has nothing to sell while he’s in the poke). He knows he’s a dead man, so why give up the story if he’s sure to be convicted anyway?
- Emily Booth - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 6:22 pm:
YDD, I totally agree w/ your assessment. Blago also surrounded himself w/ cowards. Weak, money hungry, vainglorious, shallow people.
- Park - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 6:32 pm:
Amazing. The guy is one in a zillion (I hope).
First, shows how little interest he has in the truth. When’s the last time he talked about panting to testify….I remember when the trial started, but probably since as well.
Second, If they rest without having his wife give some BS line about her real estate earnings, they’re conceding a payoff. Amazing.
I’ve always believed that the feds had Rezko waiting in the wings as a rebuttal witness if citizen blag testified. I’ll bet that came into the Adam family decision. But the ultimate decision is always the clients, that’s lawyer Blag.
They rest tomorrow without a defense, its going to be 10 years minimum.
Amazing.
- Park - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 6:45 pm:
And didn’t his lawyer promise on opening that the jury would hear from the ‘governor’. Now no testimony. I suck, and I could convict on that. This case will be one for the law books.
Amazing.
- Loop Lady - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 7:24 pm:
watching Chicago Tonight…Robert did not fare well on the stand, therefore, the Adams defense has decided that it will not bode well for Rod to do so, besides, no amount of coaching by his attorneys will keep Rod from deviating from the script…IMO he will not take the stand…maybe no dirt on Rahm, who is positioned well to run for Mayor if Daley does not throw his hat in the ring…fascinating!
- Northside Bunker - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 7:38 pm:
Here’s gift from the good people of Illinois Rod: http://www.amazon.com/American-Science-Surplus-ROCK-HAMMER/dp/B001B14SMS
May it last you many long years.
- Weasel Factor - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 7:44 pm:
A divided household.. Sam Adam Jr. wants Rod Blagojevich to take the stand and testify. Sam Adam Sr. does not.
Another legal ruse by Adams Family.
- Bookworm - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 8:49 pm:
What must Ed Genson be thinking right now? That he really dodged a bullet by not taking on this train wreck of a case?
I may be getting ahead of myself here, but once the Rod and Rob show is over, is Bill Cellini the only defendant left who hasn’t either been tried or pled guilty?
- Lou's margarita glass - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 8:50 pm:
Is anyone nervous Blago’s jury might acquit him?
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 8:59 pm:
===is Bill Cellini the only defendant left who hasn’t either been tried or pled guilty?===
No. Patty is one, and there are probably more who could face indictment but haven’t yet (think of the hiring scandal that hasn’t been concluded yet). But Rod is the trophy and the senate seat sale forced the issue.
===Is anyone nervous Blago’s jury might acquit him?===
I don’t think so.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 9:46 pm:
If this strategy didn’t work for George Ryan and Dan Webb, why would they think it would work here? Ryan should have made a deal, as should have Blago. Their egos would not permit it. The evidence was weaker in Ryan’s case. If Ryan got six and a half years, Blago will get at least ten.
- Elle Woods - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 10:07 pm:
I see Blagojevich testifying on a hair defense. To explain, I once won a trial based on the witness testifying that she saw the defendant standing over the dead body. However, she said that she had been washing her hair after getting a perm the same day. I exposed her on the ludicrous notion of washing your hair on the same day that you get a perm and she confessed. So, given that I predict that A. Blagojevich will say that he is really gray and the Just for Men solution that he used permeated his brain causing him to say all those things he said on the recordings or B. if Reddtyrd is right and he really is a sociopath he may say that a one-armed man broke into his home and threatened him to say those things or he would shave his head
- Elle Woods - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 10:12 pm:
whoops, sorry, reddbyrd I didn’t use my spellcheck what an airhead I am no offense
- legal Eagle - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 10:55 pm:
Blago will successfullly deprive everyone from his entertaining “reality testimony” show.It c
would have been light and funny until the feds hammered him on cross. Good choice by Junior and Senior to pull the plug on the Rod act taking the witness box, no good woud have come of Rod testifying. Robert did alright setting the scene and he placed events in a plausible context where Robert was concerned.He didn’t apparently prejudice little brother.
The Odds: even that Robert Walks;20% Rod walks.
25% hung Jury.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 10:57 pm:
I want what legal eagle is having.
- Gregor - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 11:00 pm:
I wonder what Geraldo Rivera thinks tonight? That guy was super-annoying and dead wrong about every fact, during the impeachment. Fox news, too.
I’m going to go out on a limb and buy a square in the office pool tomorrow, for how fast the verdict is returned; my pick is just over 24 hours, and it will not be a 100 percent sweep, but guilty on 22 counts for Rod. Guilty on four counts for Rob. I’ll swing for the fences and predict an 11-year sentence for Rod. Of course, there will be appeals galore, but I don’t expect any of them to work.
- Gregor - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 11:02 pm:
Oh, and there WILL be champagne tomorrow for lunch.
- Bookworm - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 11:17 pm:
“Patty is one and there are more who could face indictment”
That’s true, but I can’t think of anyone who is CURRENTLY under indictment, other than Cellini, who hasn’t either pled guilty (Monk, Harris, Kelly, Levine, Cari, etc.) or been tried and/or convicted (Rod/Rob, Rezko). Am I missing anyone? And should Cellini even make it to trial, won’t it be kind of anticlimactic at this point?
- Been there before - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 11:58 pm:
The BS continues (Including the Sr and Jr show for the public and media). He was never going to testify and neither was Patti. Indeed, anyone saying in the same breath that Patti and he were going to testify was obviously fibbing. Patti is not in the dock as a defendant for purely strategic reasons (jury sympathy for Mom and Dad going to jail at the same time). Had she taken the stand, she would have sealed her fate–certain indictment followed by conviction and jail. Anyone putting her on the stand would have been insane and committing legal malpractice.
As for Rod, the man who couldn’t explain a birthday gift without looking like a deer in headlights and a total liar, would be absolutely ensuring his conviction by testifying. Too bad, it would have been entertaining.
And no, there is no chance of acquital for Rod, at best, he could hope for a hung jury. You only need one, and by not taking the stand, there is now a very, very, small chance you could get one juror to hang it up. Not likely though.
- Been there before - Wednesday, Jul 21, 10 @ 12:20 am:
BTW, as a what if game, the attorneys I know all said, if representing Patti, they would have quit before letting her take the stand and waive her Fifth Amendment privilages to remain silent. Does anyone really think, as a simple for instance, she went to work on a more regular basis than our elected Governor? LOL. You bad, neanderthal for thinking such things!
She needed to leave sleeping dogs where they are and hope she continues to get a pass.
- Bookworm - Wednesday, Jul 21, 10 @ 12:21 am:
How much chance is there that Rod, if convicted, will remain free on bond pending appeal like George Ryan did? Or are the judge and the feds going to be a lot tougher with him and insist he report to prison sooner rather than later?
- Quizzical - Wednesday, Jul 21, 10 @ 12:21 am:
I’m staying up doing a novena for Rod to testify, but I think he won’t (and I think his lawyers never intended him to). Also,
Patty will choose not to walk across a perjury minefield.
If the Feds could make Rob look smarmy and full of it as they did, beating up on Rod would be no problem.
On cross, Rod could be asked leading questions, like, “When you said your were going to ‘bleep the people’, you meant that you were going to treat them badly”, right”?
I say guilty on 18 of the 24 counts.
- HatShopGirl - Wednesday, Jul 21, 10 @ 12:42 am:
To: Secret Square - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:45 pm:
>
My reply:
WOULDN’T YOU LOVE TO BE A FLY ON THE WALL IN THE BLAGOJEVICH BEDROOM TONIGHT.
I’m thinking CLEAN here.
- HatShopGirl - Wednesday, Jul 21, 10 @ 12:46 am:
To Secret Square - Tuesday, Jul 20, 10 @ 4:45 pm:
You asked:
Wouldn’t you love to be a fly on the wall in the Adam office tonight?
My reply:
WOULDN’T YOU LOVE TO BE A FLY ON THE WALL IN THE BLAGOJEVICH BEDROOM TONIGHT.
I’m thinking CLEAN here.
- Little Egypt - Wednesday, Jul 21, 10 @ 2:58 am:
Watching the segment on the news tonight about this trial, it looked to me like Patti was almost dragging Blago out of the front door of the Fed courthouse trying to get him to the car without talking to bystanders. Now I understand why. Perhaps she’s as tired of his mouth as the rest of us.
- Aldyth - Wednesday, Jul 21, 10 @ 7:48 am:
But, but, but…
Rod promised to tell us the truth that would set him free!!!
- Little Egypt - Wednesday, Jul 21, 10 @ 8:55 am:
Do any of you remember that famous quote of Blago’s, “I have nothing to fear but the truth?” Perhaps that wasn’t a slip of the tongue like we previously thought. LOL LOL LOL
- Windy City Mama - Wednesday, Jul 21, 10 @ 9:19 am:
This has nothing to do with the lawyers. They work for Rod. Rod has made the decision not to testify. And why ?
Because he is a lying little weasel. He knows the prosecution is going to humiliate him.
Defense attorney’s always say the prosecution hasn’t proven their case when the defense has no case to present and are losing. Never works.
The prosecution doesn’t need to prove anything. Rod’s own big mouth will convict him. The prosecution witness’ are just icing on the cake.