He had a lot of promise as the first Dem governor in a generation but is a cautionary tale of a politician who lost sight of the fundamental concept of public service somewhere along the way.
Or perhaps he never believed in public service in the first place.
You captured my thoughts well in today’s Fax. And now I have PTSD. The press conference later this morning is going to make me physically ill. $50 it doesn’t begin on time.
He did me a very large favor one time and didn’t ask for anything in return. That doesn’t mean I ever voted for him, but it was handy having him in the neighborhood.
- PublicServant - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:41 am:
“@!#$ him” - quote from audio recording of Ex-governor Rod Blagojevich. Sums up my memories of him quite appropriately.
- Upon Further Review - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:43 am:
=”a loathsome buffoon”=
Spot on.
Accounts that were confirmed repeatedly of an incompetent buffoon hiding out in the rest room of the Governor’s office when actual decisions needed to be made that required his participation.
After being told that students taking the ACT recommended core curriculum scored better on the ACT (Duh) he pushed through changes in graduation requirements that have resulted in fewer choices for students and a narrowing of career ed options.
Ugh. The way, way overdone media coverage yesterday and last night of his release and arrival at the airport and people camped out in Ravenswood Manor reinforced the hideous circus atmosphere of his administration and trial. Sure it was news, but the Chicago media did not do itself any favors last night featuring the returning celeb, not the crime for which he had been incarcerated.
- Bruce (no not him) - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:46 am:
“A loathsome buffoon.”
Short, sweet, and absolutely correct.
Rod was, and continues to be, a two-faced charlatan willing to say anything, leverage everything, and force himself in precarious situations to seem like a champion or someone who overcame “something”
Public service was not about serving the people but serving his ego, and when he “finally” realized you can’t make a dime off public service, Rod used corruption and vile tactics to extort, a children’s hospital as a victim.
Rod has few friends, trusted fewer people too. His own arrogance and hubris wasn’t something I think he could rein in, so he and those around him indulged the ego to keep any sense so sanity around the caricature.
Rod is as cold and unfeeling as you’d think, Rod is as manipulative and calculating as advertised. Thing is, Rod was terrible at being… manipulative and calculating… and in the end, like his governing, Rod is just bad at the things he thinks are his greatest strengths.
Want to feel better? Donate, even a dollar, to Lurie’s Children’s Hospital today. You’ll feel golden, I promise.
Barack Obama gave a phenomenal speech at the 2004 convention.
Sincerely,
Us
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:54 am:
I ran for state rep while Rod was in office. When at event(s) with Gov. Rod, it was all about Rod, not even an acknowledgement of any candidates in the room (unless they were high profile). Rod’s campaign folks were, likewise, dismissive (at best). In contrast, when at events with Sen. Durbin, he not only acknowledged the candidates in the room, he gave them the floor, no matter where you were on the ticket or your likely prospects.
My overall experience as a candidate was pretty positive; Republicans and Democrats, labor and business, pretty much everybody I met was supportive…except Rod and his people.
I’ll never forget the time he said he didn’t ask for credit for uncovering George Ryan’s corruption. Yeah, he had a good reason for not asking for credit… he wasn’t involved.
- Collinsville Kevin - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:55 am:
Saw him speak once down here, that is truly my only memory of him. His years as governor went by in a blur, mercifully.
I still get a laugh everytime I look at a quote of his from 2003 that I have memorialized on my wall:
“Stopping public corruption and improving ethical standards will be ongoing priorities for my administration. The people of Illinois expect a new day of integrity, openness and accountability - and they deserve a government as good and honest as they are”
Rod also though it was Jimmy DeLeo planking him when the FBI called that fateful morning, as a courtesy, that they were outside and please let them in, quietly.
Loathsome buffoon sums it up pretty well. Jeez, I didn’t realize how nice it was having him gone until he came back.
- West Side the Best Side - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:00 am:
During his time in the CCSAO word was he was afraid to try cases, kept calling his bosses asking to let him drop them. Just the kind of guy who joined the office to be able to put it on his resume. As far as news coverage, we really shouldn’t be surprised. Nothing like the newest shiny object to attract media attention. Lazy news gives rise to false news charges.
Train wreck. Even the good things the guy did were done as an attempt to say “gotcha” to his perceived opponents, not because he sincerely believed in them.
I am really surprised he didn’t try to sell his sentence commuting.
- Louis G Atsaves - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:10 am:
Friendly in public, good people skills with small talk down to a science. Make a lot of people feel comfortable with him and they thought he cared. Amazing what those skills masked to the general public. As I predicted yesterday, the press went crazy and tracked his every move from Colorado back home. 20 minutes on WGN news last night devoted to him. And he isn’t going away any time soon. With all the basically negative reactions from various politicians and leaders in Illinois, I didn’t see one from Speaker Madigan. Did I simply miss it?
== I would pay a million dollars to go back to his administration. He might have been corrupt, but at least he realized weed didn’t need to be legal. ==
Considering he thought the GRT was a good idea and when it got soundly defeated he referred to it as ‘A good day’, I will leave the judgment of his relationship with hallucinogenics (be they chemical or something in his brain without chemistry) alone for now.
The commutation wasn’t an act of compassion and Trump isn’t any sort of social justice warrior. This is simply one corrupt individual excusing the behavior of another corrupt individual to further his own objectives.
- Give Me A Break - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:13 am:
Being tossed out of a lot lawmaker’s offices when I was asking for their votes on bills Rod wanted passed. The conversations usually ended with: “You tell your boss he can go to hell and go ____ himself”.
That coupled with the fun of having to hand to legislative assistants Special Session announcements made his his legislative staff and liaisons lives miserable. Had more than a few family vacations blown up by him calling special sessions.
Almost universally bad. Off the top of my head think the only substantive thing he got right was stopping former Missouri Governor Matt Blunt from making the I-70 bridge a toll bridge.
=With all the basically negative reactions from various politicians and leaders in Illinois, I didn’t see one from Speaker Madigan.=
Why should I care what Madigan has to say about this? We have a United States President and former Governor condemning our criminal justice system. What more is there to say?
I do agree with one thing you said, the governor, and for that matter the President, are not worthy of the press attention they receive. I’m not cool with supporting the destruction of our democracy for ratings.
I remember how many people actually voted for his re-election, and stood on state with him, and how many now claim they “didn’t”. A million people who claim to have been at a game played at a 20,000 seat arena.
- Name Withheld - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:25 am:
What’s the time spread on how long before RRB dyes his hair to its pre-conviction color? Put me down for $25 on 48 hours.
I remember he took all the state universities employee health insurance off the state budget, (where it had always been). The result was the schools had to raise tuition substantially to cover the cost. He then said he was going to investigate these large tuition increases. Never heard anything after that.
In my face-to-face dealings with him, he was extremely personable, likeable, and funny. But I never really had any doubts as to what he truly was. I was happy when he was impeached.
Everyone makes mistakes, but for the people that voted to reelect him over JBT, that directly brought us Quinn and Rauner. People should remember this as an example of what party loyalty votes get you when you ignore the candidates themselves.
I was involved on the periphery with the g’s case against him. Those waters ran deep. Funny how when he went away, so did our contracts to several questionable vendors tied to him. A lot of taxpayers money was involved. I’m sure that the corruption is still there but the players have gotten a bit better at hiding it.
It was a busy day at the Capitol and I was rushing up the steps. I didn’t notice Rod and his entourage coming down and I ran into him with so much force I almost knocked him down and our noses touched. Everyone just stood there a moment and I just said I was sorry and kept running.
Hanging out and hiding in his campaign office when he should have been working in his office at the JRTC or in Springfield. He acted more like a weasel than a public servant.
Great theater: When Blago Gets Home Let’s Talk About Calls He Got From Pritzker
KONKOL COMMENTARY: Gov. Pritzker doth protest Trump clemency for his federal wiretap buddy, former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, to much, methinks.
Voted for him the first time and not only did I not vote for him a second time, I publicly told my fellow Democrats they shouldn’t either. My point was if a Republican was doing what he was doing at the time we would be screaming from the rooftops.
Unfortunately, way too many Dems looked past that and voted for him anyway.
Change the name to Trump and the party to the GOP and we all get a preview of this November.
My greatest memory is of the huge office on the 16th floor filled with file after file after file of people begging for clemency so they could get on with their lives. Rod ignored them all, because he was afraid that a “Willie Horton moment” would derail his dreams of higher office.
It got so bad, they had a Dunn fellow whose full job it was to answer calls from people seeking clemency and their family members. “Yes, it’s still under review,” he would say, again and again and again…
I remember him coming into my Lincoln Square coffee haunt and taking about three minutes to order a cup of coffee. It was so odd. He was still governor. He changed his mind about five times, what he wanted in it.
We lived on his running route. I regularly saw him pass our place being led and followed by big black SUVs. I wonder if he will return to that route. It certainly seems like he has not changed at all in the last 8 years.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:12 am:
I didn’t follow state politics closely until around the time of Blago’s impeachment. I clearly remember liberals/progressives/Democratic types mocking him for his bleeping golden statement and jogging—in regards to his corruption. He seemed to be despised at that point, unlike Trump and the GOP base now, where there is cult-like adulation and support. One of the state’s bittersweet moments was impeaching him. He needed to go.
My memory of Blagojevich is that he would still be in prison if the entire Republican Senate caucus save for Mitt Romney had done their duty to remove a fellow shakedown artist from the head of the executive branch.
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:20 am:
== Few people will admit to voting for him but he got elected. ==
People who got to know Rod or at least knew what he was up to tended not to vote for for him. Rod won by flooding the airwaves with a silly video of JBT bobbing her head. I knew solid Republicans who voted for Rod because of his negative campaign which JBT did not have the resources to respond to.
My impression is that higher information voters (like the folks who frequent this blog) did not vote for Rod the second time around.
- Louis G Atsaves - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:21 am:
His press conference was supposed to start at 11:00 a.m. in front of his house, and as I type this it is now 11:20 a.m. Back to being late for everything?
It’s his scary resemblance to what we now know about Trump. That neither of them can be wrong or corrupt because, hey, they’re perfect and can do no wrong. That used to seriously offend both Democrats and Republicans. Now it’s normalized into acceptance.
==The Elvis shtick got old real fast.==
A hunka, hunka burning schlub.
I remember him shaking hands at the Jewel on Western Ave. while running for Congress. My roommate was under the influence of wacky tobacky and kept speaking with him…despite his efforts to end the conversation.
- Veil of Ignorance - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:40 am:
“I’m a Trumpacrat?” Yikes.
- Bourbon Street - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:41 am:
Like a lot of people have already commented, Rod was extremely personable if you met him which is the trait that made him a great campaigner. Unfortunately, there was no substance behind the facade.
Given that electoral politics in Illinois is rife with campaign money corruption, how many who voted to impeach Blagojevich have subsequently been found to have been corrupt themselves?
My impression at the time of his removal from office was that many purged themselves of their own “sins” by their scapegoating of Blagojevich.
The Illinois Congress in their solemn unanimity appeared to be the model of purity in their profession of righteous indignation.
- northernwatersports - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 12:57 pm:
My memory of him is more nightmare;
Forever remembered in history as the worst type of convict…those that violate the trust of the public at large, after asking voters for just that trust. His crimes stab at the heart of honest representative democracy, abusing one’s power of office for personal gain, rather than the ENTIRE public good. Seems to me that apples of the same variety don’t fall far from the corrupted branches of government, both State and Federal. It’s no surprise that one rotten apple would find comfort in the arms of another. And people of good will and honest character wonder if the idea of Lincolns words can survive going forward. I wonder…..
Am I remembering correctly, that Blago was convicted, not of actually having committed corrupt acts, but of talking about doing so? He’s a guy who probably deserved some jail time for something, but fourteen years for running his mouth?
Driving past the ALPLM’s Union Square park about three hours after his removal, with the now-former first lady’s beautification project signs still up near the flowers and plants in that park.
Plus that night feeling like a huge weight was lifted upon our shoulders.
His wiretap recordings (paraphrased), such as “I’ve got this thing and it’s ***** golden”, and “don’t say anything on the phone, the Feds are listening”, and how much he wanted to get out of the Governor’s office AND Illinois. Start packing, Rod.
My memory is the FBI recordings where he talked about giving the senate seat to Halle Berry and then wondering how the Fed’s got a 14 year sentence (along with wondering how much money was spent on his second trial and incarceration). Glad I’m no longer spending my tax dollars on him.
Oof, you have such a cynical view of politics. But probably not wrong.
- Give us Barabbas - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 2:39 pm:
I fondly remember the time I saw a big black SUV stop at the corner where I was at the crosswalk, and I saw a handsome guy in the car and asked him if he was Mayor Daley…
The Ottoman Turks had an expression: “The fish stinks from the head”, meaning that political corruption starts at the top and then spreads throughout the body politic. To me this is why Blago deserved to spend 14 years in prison. In Illinois we all complain about corruption among public officials. Well, if the highest officer in the state is proven to be corrupt, he deserves to be severely punished. If other high ranking state officials, including heads of political parties, are convicted on corruption charges, they, too, should get lengthy time at the penitentiary.
Knowing everything I know about him, I still thought he would take two weeks or so to, you know, reconnect with his family and unwind and adjust to freedom. Maybe lay a little low.
I just read that there was a Fox News crew inside his house for an interview that will air tonight at 6.
By coincidence, I happened to hear Blago speak in Peoria in his first campaign swing after announcing his run for governor in 2001. As he spoke it became embarrassingly obvious that he thought he was in Bloomington/Normal and not Peoria. At that point I decided I would never vote for him.
True story: heading out to LA in 2000 for the convention.
Ran into a nice gentleman boarding the plane.
He told me his son in law was going to be the Governor of IL soon. I smiled and asked him who his son law was…he said Rod Blagojevich…I had to do everything to prevent myself from laughing out loud…his administration was full of thugs posing as politicians…there was nothing subtle about it…
I have no memories of him except that I never liked or trusted him. But allow me a prediction. He is going to switch parties, run again for something, and win because voters especially Republican voters are dumb.
I agree with Responsa and others. The hysteria surrounding the commutation of his sentence is astounding. This is/was a publicity stunt. Everyone - please - just ignore him. He’s still guilty of the crimes for which he was sentenced and simply not worth anyone’s time, effort or energy. So, again, please ignore him and his antics. Do not give him another 15 minutes. He is a stain on the State of Illinois and should be treated as such so that he will just go away and not be heard from again.
I remember Schnorff telling me here on CF that he was the most captivating person he’d ever met, with incredible presence when encountered one on one.
What a tremendous waste of such a gift.
Early in his administration, GOMB staffers, many who were holdovers and feared being canned, actually had a night they could have left at a decent hour. Many had been working 70-80 hours a week since January when the budget had been pushed back to April. They were told to stick around for a surprise visitor that night. The Governor showed up 1 1/2 hours late and then asked for a show of hands on who supported his Pension Bond plan.
=He is going to switch parties, run again for something, and win because voters especially Republican voters are dumb.=
Even if we completely suspend belief and accept this as true, it ignores the fact that he was really bad at the last job he held. And running requires money. Exactly who’s going to put money behind Blagojevich 2.0?
Monetizing his victim-hood on the airways will be far more profitable.
- Steve - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:34 am:
Bookmaker with his good friend Dan Stefanski.
- MG85 - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:36 am:
Here’s my memory: He got impeached, indicted, and found guilty for shaking down a Children’s Hospital.
- Generic Drone - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:37 am:
I remember he is not the kind of guy who will admit to any wrong doing.
- JoanP - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:37 am:
Not golden.
- slow down - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:38 am:
He had a lot of promise as the first Dem governor in a generation but is a cautionary tale of a politician who lost sight of the fundamental concept of public service somewhere along the way.
Or perhaps he never believed in public service in the first place.
- @misterjayem - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:38 am:
“Your memories of our former governor?”
A loathsome buffoon.
– MrJM
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:40 am:
You captured my thoughts well in today’s Fax. And now I have PTSD. The press conference later this morning is going to make me physically ill. $50 it doesn’t begin on time.
- Cheryl44 - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:40 am:
He did me a very large favor one time and didn’t ask for anything in return. That doesn’t mean I ever voted for him, but it was handy having him in the neighborhood.
- PublicServant - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:41 am:
“@!#$ him” - quote from audio recording of Ex-governor Rod Blagojevich. Sums up my memories of him quite appropriately.
- Upon Further Review - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:43 am:
=”a loathsome buffoon”=
Spot on.
Accounts that were confirmed repeatedly of an incompetent buffoon hiding out in the rest room of the Governor’s office when actual decisions needed to be made that required his participation.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:45 am:
After being told that students taking the ACT recommended core curriculum scored better on the ACT (Duh) he pushed through changes in graduation requirements that have resulted in fewer choices for students and a narrowing of career ed options.
- Regular democrat - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:45 am:
After his first election in 1992 he came to Queen if Angels gym on western ave to thank Ed Kelly he hasn’t changed much
- Responsa - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:46 am:
Ugh. The way, way overdone media coverage yesterday and last night of his release and arrival at the airport and people camped out in Ravenswood Manor reinforced the hideous circus atmosphere of his administration and trial. Sure it was news, but the Chicago media did not do itself any favors last night featuring the returning celeb, not the crime for which he had been incarcerated.
- Bruce (no not him) - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:46 am:
“A loathsome buffoon.”
Short, sweet, and absolutely correct.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:47 am:
Rod was, and continues to be, a two-faced charlatan willing to say anything, leverage everything, and force himself in precarious situations to seem like a champion or someone who overcame “something”
Public service was not about serving the people but serving his ego, and when he “finally” realized you can’t make a dime off public service, Rod used corruption and vile tactics to extort, a children’s hospital as a victim.
Rod has few friends, trusted fewer people too. His own arrogance and hubris wasn’t something I think he could rein in, so he and those around him indulged the ego to keep any sense so sanity around the caricature.
Rod is as cold and unfeeling as you’d think, Rod is as manipulative and calculating as advertised. Thing is, Rod was terrible at being… manipulative and calculating… and in the end, like his governing, Rod is just bad at the things he thinks are his greatest strengths.
Want to feel better? Donate, even a dollar, to Lurie’s Children’s Hospital today. You’ll feel golden, I promise.
- DuPage Saint - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:50 am:
A quiet unassuming man always putting others before himself. Governed in the tradition of a Paul Simon /s
- Shawshank Red - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:50 am:
I remember him as the guy who, for the sake of political expediency, tried to move my co-workers and me to Harrisburg. Fun times, fun times.
I also remember him as the guy who denied JBT from becoming governor, but that’s just as much our fault as his.
- Bertrum Cates - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:51 am:
Dear Governor Blagojevich,
Welcome back to the Capitol Fax comments section.
Barack Obama gave a phenomenal speech at the 2004 convention.
Sincerely,
Us
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:54 am:
I ran for state rep while Rod was in office. When at event(s) with Gov. Rod, it was all about Rod, not even an acknowledgement of any candidates in the room (unless they were high profile). Rod’s campaign folks were, likewise, dismissive (at best). In contrast, when at events with Sen. Durbin, he not only acknowledged the candidates in the room, he gave them the floor, no matter where you were on the ticket or your likely prospects.
My overall experience as a candidate was pretty positive; Republicans and Democrats, labor and business, pretty much everybody I met was supportive…except Rod and his people.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:54 am:
I’ll never forget the time he said he didn’t ask for credit for uncovering George Ryan’s corruption. Yeah, he had a good reason for not asking for credit… he wasn’t involved.
- Collinsville Kevin - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:55 am:
Saw him speak once down here, that is truly my only memory of him. His years as governor went by in a blur, mercifully.
- Siriusly - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:55 am:
I remember him being disingenuous and dishonest to my face on a personal level not just as a public figure.
I remember being relieved the day he was arrested.
I remember him trying to create his own PAC to fund Democratic candidates for the legislature to run against incumbents he didn’t trust.
He maybe the only Democrat I was happy to vote against.
- High Times Low Standards - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:55 am:
I would pay a million dollars to go back to his administration. He might have been corrupt, but at least he realized weed didn’t need to be legal.
- Morningstar - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:57 am:
On the day he was taken into custody and indicted, he was concerned about how his hair looked.
- Cornerfield - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:59 am:
I still get a laugh everytime I look at a quote of his from 2003 that I have memorialized on my wall:
“Stopping public corruption and improving ethical standards will be ongoing priorities for my administration. The people of Illinois expect a new day of integrity, openness and accountability - and they deserve a government as good and honest as they are”
LOL
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:59 am:
Rod also though it was Jimmy DeLeo planking him when the FBI called that fateful morning, as a courtesy, that they were outside and please let them in, quietly.
Rod wrote about that i his book.
Lots to unpack with just that little snippet.
- SAP - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 9:59 am:
Loathsome buffoon sums it up pretty well. Jeez, I didn’t realize how nice it was having him gone until he came back.
- West Side the Best Side - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:00 am:
During his time in the CCSAO word was he was afraid to try cases, kept calling his bosses asking to let him drop them. Just the kind of guy who joined the office to be able to put it on his resume. As far as news coverage, we really shouldn’t be surprised. Nothing like the newest shiny object to attract media attention. Lazy news gives rise to false news charges.
- Precinct Captain - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:01 am:
Train wreck. Even the good things the guy did were done as an attempt to say “gotcha” to his perceived opponents, not because he sincerely believed in them.
- Norseman - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:02 am:
Get it out of your system today. I want this lowlife to disappear from now on. We have a presidential lowlife and his complicit party to address.
- Drake Mallard - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:04 am:
The Elvis shtick got old real fast.
- a drop in - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:07 am:
I am really surprised he didn’t try to sell his sentence commuting.
- Louis G Atsaves - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:10 am:
Friendly in public, good people skills with small talk down to a science. Make a lot of people feel comfortable with him and they thought he cared. Amazing what those skills masked to the general public. As I predicted yesterday, the press went crazy and tracked his every move from Colorado back home. 20 minutes on WGN news last night devoted to him. And he isn’t going away any time soon. With all the basically negative reactions from various politicians and leaders in Illinois, I didn’t see one from Speaker Madigan. Did I simply miss it?
- OneMan - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:11 am:
== I would pay a million dollars to go back to his administration. He might have been corrupt, but at least he realized weed didn’t need to be legal. ==
Considering he thought the GRT was a good idea and when it got soundly defeated he referred to it as ‘A good day’, I will leave the judgment of his relationship with hallucinogenics (be they chemical or something in his brain without chemistry) alone for now.
- Pundent - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:12 am:
The commutation wasn’t an act of compassion and Trump isn’t any sort of social justice warrior. This is simply one corrupt individual excusing the behavior of another corrupt individual to further his own objectives.
- Give Me A Break - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:13 am:
Being tossed out of a lot lawmaker’s offices when I was asking for their votes on bills Rod wanted passed. The conversations usually ended with: “You tell your boss he can go to hell and go ____ himself”.
That coupled with the fun of having to hand to legislative assistants Special Session announcements made his his legislative staff and liaisons lives miserable. Had more than a few family vacations blown up by him calling special sessions.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:14 am:
=== from Speaker Madigan===
Speaker Madigan impeached him with every member of the Illinois House, less one.
That says enough.
How’s that tasting, Trump communing Rod, both calling their trials and impeachments unwarranted.
I wouldn’t worry about Speaker Madigan, Donald Trump told Illinois Republicans Rod Blagojevich is “ok, a good man”
- Blue to the Bone - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:16 am:
His name pointlessly plastered over the I-Pass open road tolling lanes.
- Mr. Smith - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:16 am:
Sorry to pile on, but @Misterjayem and Oswego Willy nailed it. As did Norseman.
Unfortunately, like the man who commuted his sentence, he will likely not go quietly…
- Enemy of the State - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:19 am:
He is similar to Nixon. Few people will admit to voting for him but he got elected. Twice.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:20 am:
Mayor Daley calling Rod “Cukoo” is an endearing memory to the dysfunctional that was the Blago days…
- Anyone Remember - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:20 am:
Almost universally bad. Off the top of my head think the only substantive thing he got right was stopping former Missouri Governor Matt Blunt from making the I-70 bridge a toll bridge.
- Pundent - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:21 am:
=With all the basically negative reactions from various politicians and leaders in Illinois, I didn’t see one from Speaker Madigan.=
Why should I care what Madigan has to say about this? We have a United States President and former Governor condemning our criminal justice system. What more is there to say?
I do agree with one thing you said, the governor, and for that matter the President, are not worthy of the press attention they receive. I’m not cool with supporting the destruction of our democracy for ratings.
- bogey golfer - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:21 am:
Thing is we all now know the person Blago is. Everyone gets it but him. Mr. JM said it perfectly.
- Jibba - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:22 am:
I believed his talk at first but got wise quickly and voted against his second term.
- fs - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:25 am:
I remember how many people actually voted for his re-election, and stood on state with him, and how many now claim they “didn’t”. A million people who claim to have been at a game played at a 20,000 seat arena.
- Name Withheld - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:25 am:
What’s the time spread on how long before RRB dyes his hair to its pre-conviction color? Put me down for $25 on 48 hours.
- DuPage - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:25 am:
I remember he took all the state universities employee health insurance off the state budget, (where it had always been). The result was the schools had to raise tuition substantially to cover the cost. He then said he was going to investigate these large tuition increases. Never heard anything after that.
- fs - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:25 am:
*stage, not state
- JB13 - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:27 am:
Rod Blagojevich 1,736,731
Judy Baar Topinka 1,369,315
How could that happen?
- Aldyth - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:28 am:
My best memory was reading Capitol Fax the day Blago was arrested.
- phenom_Anon - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:32 am:
In my face-to-face dealings with him, he was extremely personable, likeable, and funny. But I never really had any doubts as to what he truly was. I was happy when he was impeached.
Everyone makes mistakes, but for the people that voted to reelect him over JBT, that directly brought us Quinn and Rauner. People should remember this as an example of what party loyalty votes get you when you ignore the candidates themselves.
- Anonymouse - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:34 am:
I was involved on the periphery with the g’s case against him. Those waters ran deep. Funny how when he went away, so did our contracts to several questionable vendors tied to him. A lot of taxpayers money was involved. I’m sure that the corruption is still there but the players have gotten a bit better at hiding it.
- Just Me 2 - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:34 am:
It was a busy day at the Capitol and I was rushing up the steps. I didn’t notice Rod and his entourage coming down and I ran into him with so much force I almost knocked him down and our noses touched. Everyone just stood there a moment and I just said I was sorry and kept running.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:38 am:
You can’t have Blago… and Capitol Fax… without “- Bill -“
What was it “- Bill -“ commented that fateful day Rod was arrested?
“Whoops”
Miss “- Bill -“, truly one special commenter, one of the greats.
- Cheswick - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:39 am:
Hanging out and hiding in his campaign office when he should have been working in his office at the JRTC or in Springfield. He acted more like a weasel than a public servant.
- Don Ames - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:42 am:
Great theater: When Blago Gets Home Let’s Talk About Calls He Got From Pritzker
KONKOL COMMENTARY: Gov. Pritzker doth protest Trump clemency for his federal wiretap buddy, former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, to much, methinks.
- Tommydanger - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:45 am:
Voted for him the first time and not only did I not vote for him a second time, I publicly told my fellow Democrats they shouldn’t either. My point was if a Republican was doing what he was doing at the time we would be screaming from the rooftops.
Unfortunately, way too many Dems looked past that and voted for him anyway.
Change the name to Trump and the party to the GOP and we all get a preview of this November.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:47 am:
- Don Ames -
So you’re cool with Trump’s communicating, but let’s talk about Pritzker’s phone calls…
“The difficulty of that pretzel move is 9.7, lets see if he can do it”
- Cheswick - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 10:57 am:
“Oops.” — Bill
- Cheswick - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:00 am:
Sorry. Oswego Willy beat me to it. Loved that Bill. He was truly one of the good ones.
- Soccermom - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:03 am:
My greatest memory is of the huge office on the 16th floor filled with file after file after file of people begging for clemency so they could get on with their lives. Rod ignored them all, because he was afraid that a “Willie Horton moment” would derail his dreams of higher office.
It got so bad, they had a Dunn fellow whose full job it was to answer calls from people seeking clemency and their family members. “Yes, it’s still under review,” he would say, again and again and again…
- Cheswick - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:03 am:
Holding his baby daughter up as some kind of buffer between him and reporters so he could avoid their questions.
- ZC - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:03 am:
I remember him coming into my Lincoln Square coffee haunt and taking about three minutes to order a cup of coffee. It was so odd. He was still governor. He changed his mind about five times, what he wanted in it.
- Montrose - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:10 am:
We lived on his running route. I regularly saw him pass our place being led and followed by big black SUVs. I wonder if he will return to that route. It certainly seems like he has not changed at all in the last 8 years.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:12 am:
I didn’t follow state politics closely until around the time of Blago’s impeachment. I clearly remember liberals/progressives/Democratic types mocking him for his bleeping golden statement and jogging—in regards to his corruption. He seemed to be despised at that point, unlike Trump and the GOP base now, where there is cult-like adulation and support. One of the state’s bittersweet moments was impeaching him. He needed to go.
- Hot Rod - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:13 am:
Conversation with JB about finding the least offensive African-American.
- Rich Hill - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:20 am:
My memory of Blagojevich is that he would still be in prison if the entire Republican Senate caucus save for Mitt Romney had done their duty to remove a fellow shakedown artist from the head of the executive branch.
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:20 am:
== Few people will admit to voting for him but he got elected. ==
People who got to know Rod or at least knew what he was up to tended not to vote for for him. Rod won by flooding the airwaves with a silly video of JBT bobbing her head. I knew solid Republicans who voted for Rod because of his negative campaign which JBT did not have the resources to respond to.
My impression is that higher information voters (like the folks who frequent this blog) did not vote for Rod the second time around.
- Louis G Atsaves - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:21 am:
His press conference was supposed to start at 11:00 a.m. in front of his house, and as I type this it is now 11:20 a.m. Back to being late for everything?
- Streator Curmudgeon - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:25 am:
When I read that Blago had an aide who carried a hair blower around for him, I thought, “That’s just wrong.”
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:29 am:
It’s his scary resemblance to what we now know about Trump. That neither of them can be wrong or corrupt because, hey, they’re perfect and can do no wrong. That used to seriously offend both Democrats and Republicans. Now it’s normalized into acceptance.
- bogey golfer - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:30 am:
Began speaking at 11:28.
- Jocko - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:32 am:
==The Elvis shtick got old real fast.==
A hunka, hunka burning schlub.
I remember him shaking hands at the Jewel on Western Ave. while running for Congress. My roommate was under the influence of wacky tobacky and kept speaking with him…despite his efforts to end the conversation.
- Veil of Ignorance - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:40 am:
“I’m a Trumpacrat?” Yikes.
- Bourbon Street - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:41 am:
Like a lot of people have already commented, Rod was extremely personable if you met him which is the trait that made him a great campaigner. Unfortunately, there was no substance behind the facade.
- Leatherneck - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 12:02 pm:
Governor’s Day 2007 on the heels of the end of that summer’s budget impasse. Need I say more.
- Huh? - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 12:15 pm:
Friend of mine put me into the Capitolfax because of blago’s antics. Been an occasional poster ever since.
- Glenn - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 12:21 pm:
Given that electoral politics in Illinois is rife with campaign money corruption, how many who voted to impeach Blagojevich have subsequently been found to have been corrupt themselves?
My impression at the time of his removal from office was that many purged themselves of their own “sins” by their scapegoating of Blagojevich.
The Illinois Congress in their solemn unanimity appeared to be the model of purity in their profession of righteous indignation.
- northernwatersports - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 12:57 pm:
My memory of him is more nightmare;
Forever remembered in history as the worst type of convict…those that violate the trust of the public at large, after asking voters for just that trust. His crimes stab at the heart of honest representative democracy, abusing one’s power of office for personal gain, rather than the ENTIRE public good. Seems to me that apples of the same variety don’t fall far from the corrupted branches of government, both State and Federal. It’s no surprise that one rotten apple would find comfort in the arms of another. And people of good will and honest character wonder if the idea of Lincolns words can survive going forward. I wonder…..
- IllinoisBoi - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 1:04 pm:
This photo sums the man up perfectly….https://www.reddirtreport.com/sites/default/files/styles/article-main/public/blagorat.jpg?itok=6DI4kn5j
- Heyseed - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 1:21 pm:
Am I remembering correctly, that Blago was convicted, not of actually having committed corrupt acts, but of talking about doing so? He’s a guy who probably deserved some jail time for something, but fourteen years for running his mouth?
- Leatherneck - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 1:31 pm:
Driving past the ALPLM’s Union Square park about three hours after his removal, with the now-former first lady’s beautification project signs still up near the flowers and plants in that park.
Plus that night feeling like a huge weight was lifted upon our shoulders.
- revvedup - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 1:49 pm:
His wiretap recordings (paraphrased), such as “I’ve got this thing and it’s ***** golden”, and “don’t say anything on the phone, the Feds are listening”, and how much he wanted to get out of the Governor’s office AND Illinois. Start packing, Rod.
- Return poster - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 1:49 pm:
My memory is the FBI recordings where he talked about giving the senate seat to Halle Berry and then wondering how the Fed’s got a 14 year sentence (along with wondering how much money was spent on his second trial and incarceration). Glad I’m no longer spending my tax dollars on him.
- Glenn - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 1:51 pm:
@ Heyseed - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 1:21 pm:
Everyone who donates to a campaign expects to get something from it. Money talks. By this standard everyone is corrupt.
Blago said openly and without consideration of phraseology what everyone knows.
Blago was a revelatory embarrassment to all the corrupt money takers who spoke with more sophistication and more guardedly.
- Heyseed - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 2:37 pm:
Glenn,
Oof, you have such a cynical view of politics. But probably not wrong.
- Give us Barabbas - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 2:39 pm:
I fondly remember the time I saw a big black SUV stop at the corner where I was at the crosswalk, and I saw a handsome guy in the car and asked him if he was Mayor Daley…
- G'Kar - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 3:02 pm:
The Ottoman Turks had an expression: “The fish stinks from the head”, meaning that political corruption starts at the top and then spreads throughout the body politic. To me this is why Blago deserved to spend 14 years in prison. In Illinois we all complain about corruption among public officials. Well, if the highest officer in the state is proven to be corrupt, he deserves to be severely punished. If other high ranking state officials, including heads of political parties, are convicted on corruption charges, they, too, should get lengthy time at the penitentiary.
- Southwest Sider - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 3:02 pm:
I was always uneasy about Presidential pardons and commutations. Blagojevich had a fair trial and ability to appeal. He was guilty.
His family’s anguish was on full display during his incarceration. His release does bring relief for them.
- naive - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 3:03 pm:
Knowing everything I know about him, I still thought he would take two weeks or so to, you know, reconnect with his family and unwind and adjust to freedom. Maybe lay a little low.
I just read that there was a Fox News crew inside his house for an interview that will air tonight at 6.
- G'Kar - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 3:05 pm:
By coincidence, I happened to hear Blago speak in Peoria in his first campaign swing after announcing his run for governor in 2001. As he spoke it became embarrassingly obvious that he thought he was in Bloomington/Normal and not Peoria. At that point I decided I would never vote for him.
- Loop Lady - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 3:31 pm:
True story: heading out to LA in 2000 for the convention.
Ran into a nice gentleman boarding the plane.
He told me his son in law was going to be the Governor of IL soon. I smiled and asked him who his son law was…he said Rod Blagojevich…I had to do everything to prevent myself from laughing out loud…his administration was full of thugs posing as politicians…there was nothing subtle about it…
- Jake K - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 3:42 pm:
I have no memories of him except that I never liked or trusted him. But allow me a prediction. He is going to switch parties, run again for something, and win because voters especially Republican voters are dumb.
- Rockids - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 3:49 pm:
I agree with Responsa and others. The hysteria surrounding the commutation of his sentence is astounding. This is/was a publicity stunt. Everyone - please - just ignore him. He’s still guilty of the crimes for which he was sentenced and simply not worth anyone’s time, effort or energy. So, again, please ignore him and his antics. Do not give him another 15 minutes. He is a stain on the State of Illinois and should be treated as such so that he will just go away and not be heard from again.
- Just Peachy - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 4:00 pm:
My fondest memory is of him in prison…he is not worth another second of my time.
- A Guy - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 4:45 pm:
I remember Schnorff telling me here on CF that he was the most captivating person he’d ever met, with incredible presence when encountered one on one.
What a tremendous waste of such a gift.
- Oldtimer - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 5:38 pm:
Early in his administration, GOMB staffers, many who were holdovers and feared being canned, actually had a night they could have left at a decent hour. Many had been working 70-80 hours a week since January when the budget had been pushed back to April. They were told to stick around for a surprise visitor that night. The Governor showed up 1 1/2 hours late and then asked for a show of hands on who supported his Pension Bond plan.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Feb 19, 20 @ 11:12 pm:
== He is going to switch parties, run again for something, ==
Will have to be a Federal position since his impeachment bars him from any elected State level position.
- Pundent - Thursday, Feb 20, 20 @ 7:56 am:
=He is going to switch parties, run again for something, and win because voters especially Republican voters are dumb.=
Even if we completely suspend belief and accept this as true, it ignores the fact that he was really bad at the last job he held. And running requires money. Exactly who’s going to put money behind Blagojevich 2.0?
Monetizing his victim-hood on the airways will be far more profitable.