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Blagojevich Trial

* I’ll bet he’s having the time of his life. From a late-afternoon Tweet by Susan Berger…

Big game of 80’s trivia here at Camp Dirksen. Who’s playing? Blago, Patti, some attys, some reporters, producers

Words fail me.

*** UPDATE - 4:37 pm *** The jury has left the building and won’t return until Monday.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 2:45 pm

Comments

Rod must be nailing all the questions on Hair Bands.

Comment by Independent Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 2:49 pm
Hopefully this guy will be the life of the party in Cellblock D this time next year.

Comment by BluegrassBoy Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 2:50 pm
Why are they even still there? Go home to your children!

Comment by Really?? Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 2:51 pm
There’s a feeling that the jury could do something today, or may send another note, so they’re waiting around.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 2:52 pm
Is it that bad that they are passing the time? I mean they don’t need to act somber the whole time.

Comment by Just Observing Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 2:53 pm
why do they get friday’s off?

Comment by shore Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 2:55 pm
I’m with Shore on this one. Keep their butts in the room and get this thing over with.

Comment by Tom B. Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 2:57 pm
This is like one of the Reality TV Shows they were on!!

Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 2:57 pm
I wonder why they aren’t playing twister instead?

Comment by South of I-80 Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 2:57 pm
Some new media type should be getting video of that for youtube.

Comment by John Bambenek Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 2:58 pm
This happens all the time at federal court. I remember a gaggle of reporters playing poker with Jimmy Marcello, Joey Lombardo and Frank Calabrese too. I think I saw John Burge playing chess with somebody from one of the TV stations (snark).

Please, please, please tell us the names of any reporters who are playing 80s Trivia with these clowns. They need to be publicly shamed.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 2:59 pm
Blago on Bonnie Hunt next week, “I mean it was freaking golden, the prosecutors and even Fitz are pacing the halls all worried, and I am down here totally dominating the 80’s trivia, knowing I got nothin to worry about.” “It was golden baby I tell you golden!”

Comment by the Patriot Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 2:59 pm
Twister?!

The image that puts into my mind is disturbing.

Comment by IrishPirate Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:01 pm
Maybe they should be playing Clue instead?

“Colonel Blago, er, Mustard did it in the campaign office, er, library with a phone, I mean, revolver.”

Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:03 pm
I am glad its not Monopoly or Clue

Comment by flabergasted Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:03 pm
With the jury taking another Friday off, they seem to be emulating Rod’s work ethic. No wonder they’re having such a hard time convicting him of anything.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:04 pm
===I’m with Shore on this one. Keep their butts in the room and get this thing over with. ====

Yea, I don’t think they have given enough of the ir time. What, its only been since June that they have traveled down to the federal building. Heck, I think they even took Fridays off during the trial. I want that job. I even think they get about $17.50 a day. If you pack a lunch and take the CTA you can pocket some nice cash for the small amount of time they put in. Sign me up for the next one.

Comment by Been There Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:06 pm
I hope the jury isn’t dragging this thing into next week, with a day off to enjoy tomorrow. The judge needs to lock ‘em in the room until they’re done. Of course, the jury is probably ready to finish this off late this afternoon anyway.

Comment by Hunterdon Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:06 pm
OK - here’s some trivia for them!

Q - Who was the 1980’s Secretary of the Treasury to serve time in prison?

Q - Name the investigation involving influence peddling and bribery of Cook County Circuit Court judges.

Q - Name the Illinois District Judge found guilty of bribery, conspiracy, income-tax evasion, mail fraud and perjury in connection with money he earned from racetrack stock while governor.

Q - Name the Illinois state official sentenced to 15 years in jail after serving as Illinois Treasurer.

Q - Which Illinois state representative from Chicago plea-bargained his way into a guilty plea due to “Operation Greylord” only to serve probation?

Q - Name the only governor in Illinois history to be impeached and removed from office.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:07 pm
It’s like being stuck in an enclosed space because of a power failure or lockdown. Everybody becomes friends for the duration.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:08 pm
Stockholm Syndrome. Although it’s hard to tell whether it’s the reporters and producers, or Patti and Rod, who are suffering from it. Either way it’s really stunning that the media members are participating.

Comment by And I Approved This Message Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:10 pm
Q. Name the FIRST Illinois governor to be arrested while in office?

Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:11 pm
Now that we have an idea that this “guy” is getting away with most of these things what about his underlings. Has it been so long ago about the Deputy Diector’s at DCFS and the infamous Deputy DIrector from there that resigned in shame for funneling tens of thousands of dollars into his company. We could go on and on but many are still in policy making postions and the ones like I mentioned should be punished. I realize the government was going after the “Big Tuna” but there were so many that did wrong that it is a sin the government should look the other way. Shame shaME Fritz’s for not only letting the “Big One” get away but allowing all the sharks to also go untouched

Comment by Concern Citizen Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:12 pm
===Either way it’s really stunning that the media members are participating===

Something tells me its not Paul Mienike or Carol Marin who are playing. Maybe Amy Jacobson if she is still free-lancing.

Comment by Been There Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:15 pm
1980s trivia, eh? I’ve got one that seems appropriate for the setting, occasion and days news:

In 1989, what Dem powerbroker and former (I presume) friend of Rod was indicted in Operation Greylord on federal felony charges of taking bribes as a court clerk, but beat the rap in his Dirksen Building trial after the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict?

He later avoided a retrial by pleading guilty to a misdemeanor tax charge and has gone on to bigger and better things.

Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:16 pm
I think of several more arduous government jobs than sitting in an air conditioned room for 3 months without any sort of evaluation over your job performance. They get weekends off. Finish the job.

Comment by shore Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:19 pm
Those producers/reporters may get some exclusive interviews, too. And let me tell you, Rod is going to be a RED HOT ITEM once the jury returns a complete verdict.

Trivia Pursuit play reports? SCORE! The distant judgmental reporters? BYE BYE.

Comment by KeepSmiling Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:21 pm
80’s trivia?

How many; and what percentage of the popular vote did John Anderson receive in the 1980 Presidential General Election?

How many votes were cast in Illinois in the 1980 Presidential General Election?

How many votes did Ronald Reagan receive?

How many votes did Jimmy Carter receive?

How many votes did John Anderson receive?

What percentage of the vote did John Anderson receive in Illinois, and what percentage did that represent of his nationwide total?

How many write in votes were cast by democrats for Billy Carter instead of Jimmy?

Come on now; how many Republicans later on actually wrote in Fred Edgar’s name instead of Jim?

How many wanted to; but chose not to do so?

Comment by Quinn T. Sential Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:23 pm
Q. In the three presidential elections held during the 1980s, was Illinois a “blue” or a “red” state?

Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:26 pm
They haven’t done the wire fraud cases–this is going to next week whether they meet tomorrow or not. And probably the week after that so don’t be so antsy.

This is a complex case and with a jury that’s not used to dealing with complex scenarios and giving them time to attend to their real jobs/lives will make them more able to stay fresh and think through this entire case.

There is no reason to lock them in a room until they finish. The point isn’t to rush a decision, but to get to a just one supported by the facts. It took a half a day for a jury I was on to decide an open and shut case. A day a count on a case like this wouldn’t be entirely crazy.

Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:28 pm
Sounds like this blog is turning on the jury!

Comment by D.P. Gumby Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:30 pm
I think I just hear WBBM radio say that Patti is knitting.

ah, the Mell family has their very own madame de farge

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:31 pm
Should reporters really be playing a trivia game with the subject of their story?

Comment by Niles Township Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:31 pm
What 1980 Barbra Streisand album was co-produced by Barry Gibb?

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:31 pm
Ya just got to wonder what Wyma and Monk are thinking right now…

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:33 pm
I feel like Perez Hilton, but I was in line to get into the court yesterday and saw some two of the young reporters playing this game. I have no idea what organization they were from but they were very chatty with Mary Ann Ahern. SNEEDLING!

Comment by Jake L Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:38 pm
That makes me so angry. I don’t know why I hate this guy so much. Maybe I’m mad at myself for voting for him originally. He’s set our state back further than Bush did to our country.

Comment by The Mighty Swan Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:39 pm
He’s gonna walk.

Comment by Blag-anon Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:41 pm
The answer to Word’s question is: Who is State Sen. James DeLeo?

Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:49 pm
knit one, pearl two
pu-leeeeze

Comment by kitty herself Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:49 pm
oh cut him some slack, I can nearly guarantee he’ll be going away for awhile soon enough. I don’t see him beating the rap on everything. The G holds too many cards.

Comment by just sayin' Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:50 pm
–Q - Who was the 1980’s Secretary of the Treasury to serve time in prison?–

Gee, VMan, I don’t think William Miller, Don Regan, Jim Baker or Nick Brady served time in prison.

I got one for you — What 1980s president said “facts are stupid things?”

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:53 pm
Pipe the “Simonized” video into the jury room. That oughta speed play.

Comment by Cincinnatus Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:54 pm
Check out the big brain on Secret Square! You are correct, sir.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 3:55 pm
It’s all for show — appearance of not being worried. Guess the testicular virility has reared its ugly head again.

Comment by dznuts Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 4:01 pm
I think Cincinnatus has it right. Play the Simon video in thirty minute intervals, they’ll be done in two days.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 4:02 pm
“You are correct, sir”

Actually, it should be “ma’am.” Now, how about Charley Weaver for the win?

Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 4:13 pm
Meanwhile; jurors have started to straighten their papers, check their pocket train schedules, text their spouses about dinner, or to get a reminder about what time their kid’s game or event is, and at what park.

They should be heading out for the weekend shortly, and any momney left on the Trivial Pursuit tables will have to be added up; locked up, and carried over for the weekend until next week?

Are any of them capable at math? Who among them do you think is trustworthy enough to safeguard the score sheet, let alone the stakes pool?

Comment by Quinn T. Sential Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 4:16 pm
Pardon me, Madame Secret Square.

In answer to your question, Illinois was GOP all the way in the 1980s presidential elections — Reagan, Reagan, Bush. I can’t remember which party is blue or red.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 4:20 pm
–I remember a gaggle of reporters playing poker with Jimmy Marcello, Joey Lombardo and Frank Calabrese too.–

That strikes me as a real bad idea, even for funsies. Frank C., in particular, seemed to be a sore loser.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 4:23 pm
Since at least the 1980 election, red has meant Republican and blue Democrat. This, of course, was based on the colors used by the Big Three networks to light up each state on their Election Night electoral vote toteboards.

Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 4:25 pm
I know that having “red” mean Republican seems kinda backwards for us Baby Boomers who were brought up to think of red as the color of Commies/pinkos/leftists, but that’s how it is.

Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 4:30 pm
Jury left for the weekend.

Comment by Publius Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 4:35 pm
In 1976, those colors were reversed, but Democrats didn’t like being considered red, and knowing the Networks, they happily obliged the Democrats and switched the colors.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 4:36 pm
Looks like I win the prize in the jury departure pool contest.

Comment by Quinn T. Sential Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 4:40 pm
Red v. Blue

Comment by Cincinnatus Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 4:42 pm
VMan, who was that Secretary of the Treasury in the 80s who went to prison, anyway? It was your top question, don’t leave us in suspense.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 4:45 pm
Thanks for pointing us to the Wiki page Cinci, it’s a better version of history than the one imagined by VanillaMan.

VM, is everything a liberal conspiracy in your world? Who else is out to get you?

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 4:47 pm
Stop being so blue.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 5:01 pm
VM, if you mean STATE Treasurer, you’re just a bit off, as Cosentino was sentenced to home confinement.

Cosentino, Jerry (c.1932-1997) — of Palos Heights, Cook County, Ill. Democrat. Illinois state treasurer, 1979-83, 1987-91; delegate to Democratic National Convention from Illinois, 1980; candidate for secretary of state of Illinois, 1982, 1990. Pleaded guilty to bank fraud in April 1992; fined $5,000, and sentenced to nine months home confinement. Died of a heart attack, in Naples, Collier County, Fla., April 3, 1997. Burial location unknown.

Comment by Vibes Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 5:12 pm
Wordslinger
Deleo
And he is still part of the stats in that mope Dick Simpson’s famous “study”

Comment by Reddbyrd Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 5:30 pm
The Blago people still working for the State are praying for a “victory” and if that happends all of those deputy directors or policy makers at DCFS, IDOT, Tollway, etc., etc. will think that nothing can stop them and then go and screw up the State some more. If Blago walks, heaven help us……

Comment by Blue Dog Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 5:46 pm
So, I assume that Elvis left the building when the jury recessed for their three-day weekend.

Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 6:06 pm
re Irv Miller on Channel 2, very bad day for the prosecution.
if the Feds get a guilty on the count re the selling of the seat,
no retrial, otherwise, retrial.

no fridays….someone on the jury must have a summer house.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 6:31 pm
I do not think we should disparge this jury. I think they planned to be there thru November, so let them take a day off. This should let them deliberate with fresh minds. And @ Blue dog-you have hit the nail on the head. It will be worse.

Comment by flabergasted Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 7:09 pm
flabergasted, I agree. For pete’s sake, they’re deciding this man’s fate, it’s not something they should rush just because some of us are getting impatient. If Rod is found guilty on some of the charges and faces prison time, does it really matter if they come to that decision tomorrow vs. 3 weeks from now? Besides, the charges and the instructions are complicated - if they need time to wade through it all, they should take whatever time they need.

Comment by Anonymous ZZZ Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 7:46 pm
Blue dog - Are u kidding me? Please explain how these blago people r gonna run wild?? If Brady wins they won’t have a job anyway. And hopefully Quinn will get rid of them if he wins

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 7:53 pm
Give the jury a break. Have you never served on a jury? It’s stressful being trapped day after day with people not of your choosing, and you don’t go to bathroom without an escort. On top of it, this jury is wading through some very complex legal language. Why should they hurry just to please those of us who would like a verdict? This is serious business.

Comment by Illannoyed Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 8:05 pm
Maybe there’s punishment in being tried to hung juries over and over and over — and if that’s what the feds have to do, I’m all for it.

Comment by Quizzical Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 10:26 pm
Scott Lee Cohen had a nice interview at Can-Tv earlier in the month. It is on chicago clout website. Rich are you interested in hosting Scott September 3? Thanks Pat.

Comment by Patrick McDonough Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 11:26 pm
You know, this might be a good thing. Maybe we could start a collection and buy a dozen or so board games for our legislators. Think about it - they could spend their time playing board games instead of thinking up goofy new laws.

Comment by Ghost of John Brown Thursday, Aug 12, 10 @ 11:52 pm