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* My Sun-Times column…
Back when Rod Blagojevich was being impeached, he announced that he would refuse to testify or even put on a defense at his state Senate trial.
He said the system had been rigged against him. If the trial rules were fair, Blagojevich claimed at the time, he would’ve called White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and President Obama’s adviser Valerie Jarrett to the stand. They would, he said, testify under oath that he did nothing wrong when he was caught breaking all sorts of laws.
If the Senate’s rules were more like a federal court’s, Blagojevich added, he would be happy to put on a full, aggressive defense and testify.
His argument was bogus from the start. The state Senate’s impeachment trial rules were copied almost completely from the U.S. Senate’s rules used when President Bill Clinton was impeached. Clinton won his trial. But Blagojevich said those very same rules were unfair to him.
Countless cable TV bobbleheads nodded in agreement with Blagojevich back in those days. They thrilled at his bravado at challenging what he claimed was an illegal legislative coup d’etat. And they all believed him when he emphatically declared that when it came time for his criminal trial, he would definitely testify.
Fast-forward a year and a half, and Blagojevich and his attorneys are confirming that they had issued subpoenas to — surprise! — Rahm Emanuel, Rep. Jackson and Valerie Jarrett.
And, of course, Blagojevich was continuing to say that he couldn’t wait to testify.
“I can’t wait to get on there, swear on the holy Bible to tell the whole truth and to begin to give clarification and explanations and confront my accusers and confront those who are lying,” he said last month.
Once again, the cable TV nitwits went into overdrive, declaring that the subpoenas were a major embarrassment to the Obama administration and that Blagojevich could very well undermine the president himself. Blagojevich was even roundly cheered by some rightist types for what they were certain was his potential to bring down Obama.
What just about everyone involved in all this hype failed to see is that Rod Blagojevich is a liar. Always has been. His lies were legion and quite well-documented before he was even arrested. And he has been lying ever since that fateful morning in December 2008 when the FBI came knocking at his door.
There was no inherent bias in those Senate trial rules. He lied about wanting to call Rahm Emanuel, Valerie Jarrett or anybody else to the stand in his own defense. He was just creating a diversion that he knew the national media would fall for whenever he trotted out those names.
The FBI surveillance tapes clearly show he was furious about being left behind by his fellow Chicagoans when Obama was elected president.
“The whole world’s passing me by and I’m stuck in this f - - - - - - job as governor now. Everybody’s passing me by and I’m stuck,” he was recorded as saying.
Bringing up those names again and again was his vengeance for being passed over. Nothing more.
We now know he has been lying about testifying at his criminal trial as well. He didn’t even put on a defense. That’s because he has no defense. Trying to prove his innocence would only prove just the opposite when the prosecutors had their turn at him.
I can only hope that everyone who has enabled this clown since his arrest will learn one lesson. Don’t ever believe a word he says.
…Adding… Roundup…
* Kadner: Millions feel betrayed, but that’s just tough
* Dawson: The truth comes out: There is no defense for Rod Blagojevich
* Daily Herald: What can we learn from Blagojevich?
* Pantagraph: Blank spot in hall of governors just fine with us
* Blagojevich trial closings set for Monday
* Closing arguments set in Blagojevich trial
* Blagojevich trial: Plans laid for closing arguments; Sam Adam Jr. to close for ex-governor
* Instructions to Guide Blagojevich Jurors
* Judge weighs jurors’ privacy
* Blagojevich trial: Newspapers argue to have juror names made public; Judge to rule by Monday
* Bloggers, Jilted Voters Would Contact Jurors, Zagel Says
* Judge unlikely to budge on names of jurors
* Judge Zagel: “Unpersuaded” by motions to drop charges, but will hold off on decision
* Judge doubtful on acquittal motion, but will rule later
* Blagojevich Attorney is “Big Believer in Repetition”, Says Judge
* Judge wants closings in one day; raps Blago lawyer for ‘repetition’
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 7:52 am
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Previous Post: *** UPDATED x2 *** Kirk busted again - Defends himself
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Capt Fax:
Good reminder and just in case there are some new bloggers tuning into the Blagoof sage let’s also remind them of the following diagnosis that was rendered several years ago……
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.
Comment by Reddbyrd Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 8:03 am
This is sad on some many levels. Hardworking families and vulnerable populations, of course, are the ones who literally pay the price for this clown’s antics as Governor.
Everyone associated with his re-election owes an apology to the people of Illinois. Heck, everyone associated with his election the 1st time around owes the public an apology.
He was sick, sleazy, selfish and corrupt from day 1. Sounds like his wife was, too.
Adios, Gilligan. Enjoy prison.
Comment by S.A.D. Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 8:14 am
“some many” = so many. And if he’s Gilligan, then who’s the Skipper/Mary Ann & company?
I presume Patti is Ginger strictly because of the reddish colored hair.
Take care everyone, and have a good day.
Comment by S.A.D. Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 8:16 am
I thought, based on the headline, that this would be a story about Kirk!
Comment by dave Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 8:19 am
Rich: It just occurred to me that Blagojevich has a lot in common with Senator McCarthy in terms of behavioral patterns and how he responds to publicity, pressure, and crisis situations. I think it makes for an interesting comparison.
Comment by One of the 35 Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 8:25 am
Hey, I will go down the “don’t believe a word he says” road with you Rich. But I didn’t believe a word he has said since 6 months into his first term.
But to play devils advocate, Rod made all those claims in the face of Government claims that they had significant evidence on him that had been compiled over a 6-7 year period. In the end, the Government didn’t put on much evidence of the rampid play to pay politics and the other half of a lot of alleged conspiracies point to people the feds never went after. They presented less evidence against Rod than they did George Ryan. Attempted conspiracy is a tough case to make and they did not present the smoking gun we were all waiting for. A juror has to ask themself, if this attempt at a conspiracy is a crime, why is the other person not here?
For some reason, the feds rushed this investigation and the case. Once he was out of office there was no non political reason to hurry this process along. Adam knows the feds missed a lot and did not give us the big finish they had promised. When the other side has the burden of proof and only presented evidence of about 20% of your actual crimes, you sit down and shut up.
The feds did not meet the glorious expectations that was built up in our minds. Jurors who are let down by the prosecution often acquit. The feds seem to be banking on the fact everyone knows he is guilty rather then putting on a complete case.
He is a liar, and 50% of Illinois Residents still voted for him twice. He only needs 1 of 12 jurors. I doubt he walks, but if he does, the feds will have a lot of questions to answer about why they rushed the case and afte 6 years had less evidence on Rod then the did George Ryan.
Comment by the Patriot Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 8:26 am
OK Patriot. Not sure what you were expecting, and I’m sorry you were disappointed, but I see it quite differently. The prosecution met its burden and then some.
Here is just one thing you missed:
“if this attempt at a conspiracy is a crime, why is the other person not here?”
Lon Monk was there. Remember? He laid out who was involved (1-2-3-4). He’s going to prison too.
You people who think the prosecution held back the “good stuff” are missing the point. The prosecution’s case is rock solid as is, and since Rod put up no real defense, I can’t see how anyone thinks a lone juror will save Rod’s neck.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 8:40 am
There is more than one explanation for witnesses not testifying for the defense: they could have notified the court in response to the trial subpoena that they would assert their Fifth Amendment privilege. The defense can then request the court order the government to grant immunity to abrogate the privilege and compel the testimony. The government refuses to do so, as a matter of course, in order to prevent witnesses from testifying for the defense.
I don’t know if what was attempted here — or if any of it rose to this level, but I would expect that one or more of the subpoenaed defense witnesses asserted their Fifth Amendment privilege in order to avoid testifying.
Jesse Jackson, Jr., for one, would have been insane to do anything differently.
Comment by Anon Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 9:10 am
===in order to avoid testifying. ===
Since there was no defense, that’s a bit off topic.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 9:11 am
Rich - excellent summation. Blago will do prison time. Anyone taking bets on how long the jury will be out?
Comment by Fed Up Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 9:28 am
I think it explains why there WAS no defense.
It was no skin off Blagojevich’s nose to put witnesses other than himself on the stand.
Comment by Anon Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 10:17 am
=== But I didn’t believe a word he has said since 6 months into his first term.===
Yeah, well, I got you beat by about ten years. lol
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 10:19 am
I can understand, even after all the bluster, not testifying.
What will sink him is that he didn’t offer any defense at all. The extortion stuff was damning, particularly the testimony of the hospital administrator and road builder exec. That stuff is unrebutted, as is Patti’s no-show Rezmar job. Blago wasn’t exactly subtle.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 10:26 am
“Anyone taking bets on how long the jury will be out?”
I say a day and a half, maybe two at most. They do have 24 counts to consider for Rod B. and another 4 or 5 for Robert B. so it might take a while to sort them all out. They will convict both defendants on some but not necessarily all counts. I think we will know sometime on Wednesday afternoon.
Comment by Secret Square Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 10:29 am
Working for him (by default) was like being pecked to death by a duck. He never knew when to stop anything.
He was always about $$$$$$$$$ and his name in neon somewhere.
How and why the democrats nominated this Napoleon Clown is beyond me.
Comment by Northside Bunker Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 10:57 am
Your just deserts for those who have enabled RB since his arrest is that they learn a lesion about his credibility. I don’t see a lot of civic purpose or benefit in that wish. RB is now irrelevant; out of office and profoundly disgraced.
Journalists’ real job should be to look at by whom and how RB was enabled to be elected governor in the first place. Why did our electoral system crash and burn? There should be a huge public benefit in such an exposition.
Comment by anon III Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 11:53 am
I know it isn’t healthy but I just keep thinking about how different a place Illinois would be now if Paul Vallas had been elected in 2002. Or is that naive?
Comment by girllawyer Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 12:20 pm
Maybe Rich can explain this to me, but I think the media often goes way out of bounds in its beliefs that it has a right to know everything. I know the media is just attempting to do their job, but it seems to me that the media often does not use common decency. I agree wholeheartedly that the names of the Blago jurors should remain secret. If I were on the jury I would be outraged if the media had my name and began publishing information about me. They will get the names soon enough after the trial, but until then the media needs to back off and respect these individuals privacy.
Comment by RJW Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 12:25 pm
“I keep thinking about how different a place Illinois would be now if Paul Vallas were elected in 2002″.
I keep hoping the last 12 years are just some Pottersville-like alternate universe in which Glenn Poshard was never elected governor
Comment by Secret Square Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 12:47 pm
- RJW - Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 12:25 pm: , It’s because to many media types are trying to break the “Next Watergate”. It’s all about sensasionalism.
Comment by Dan S, a taxpayer and a Cubs Fan Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 12:53 pm
He is on trial for his life and finally listening to the advise of his lawyers. What the jury decides he and his family will have to live with.
Most of the Representatives and Senators would not want there private conversations recorded. And how many of our elected officials if not all want something for something. It is the way it works in Illinois.
Comment by inkers Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 1:17 pm
Where did Rod & Patti get the funds to bring in Marc Martin, Ltd.?
Keep hearing they are broke, which is it?
And is this the guy who’s going to get Rod and Rob off?
Comment by Wacker Drive Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 1:32 pm
girllawyer - I wonder too. I have consistently voted in the Republican primary but crossed over one time so I could cast my vote for Paul. I’m sure things would have been quite different.
Comment by Fed Up Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 1:37 pm
Difficult to be acquitted without testifying but it was the right call. Feds held too much back, planning to crucify him on cross. Let his brother testify and then did not. What a smuck!
Comment by loyalwhig Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 4:01 pm
Vallas wouldn’t have beaten Ryan in 2002. Don’t sell Blagojevich short as a charming campaigner.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Jul 23, 10 @ 4:16 pm
in case tou forgot –
the statue of Elvis Presley in Blago’s Governor’s Office in Springfield is singing “Jailhouse Rock”.
Comment by Capitol View Saturday, Jul 24, 10 @ 2:33 pm