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Blagojevich to make public statement before he goes away

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Illinois
Blagojevich Trial

* You gotta figure this will be a total zoolike experience…

Rod Blagojevich plans to make a public statement in person before he reports to federal prison for his 14-year sentence on corruption charges, his spokesman said Wednesday.

The 55-year-old impeached governor won’t slip out of Chicago and will speak before cameras here days before he reports to a federal prison March 15, Glenn Selig told the Associated Press. He declined to offer details, including what Blagojevich might say or on what day.

Since his December sentencing for corruption, Blagojevich hasn’t granted interviews. His lawyers have said he wants to enter prison in a dignified way, without any media frenzy. That’s fueled speculation he could try to leave Chicago days in advance without comment. But Selig says Blagojevich never intended to do that.

“The governor has always taken things head on and never tried to circumvent anything,” he said.

Any predictions for what he says?

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 9:48 am

Comments

I gave grandma a free ride and this is the thanks I get.

Comment by mokenavince Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 9:52 am
“I’m innocent of all charges.”

Comment by gathersno Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 9:52 am
Does anything he say really matter anymore?
Isnt it time for him to just go away?

Comment by SO IL M Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 9:53 am
–“The governor has always taken things head on and never tried to circumvent anything,” he said.–

That’s pretty funny, in a very twisted sort of way.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 9:53 am
Does it really matter?

When Blago talks, Illinois media listens.

Comment by Pope of Chilitown Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 9:53 am
“I don’t think I’m bad for people. If I did think I was bad for people, I would go back to driving a truck, and I really mean this.”

Comment by Birdseed Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 9:54 am
Hands raised high, flashing the “V” sign, and will simply say “I am not a crook”.

Comment by How Ironic Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 9:55 am
It’s an ‘up yours day!”

Comment by Sunshine Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 9:56 am
I was framed …

Comment by Retired Non-Union Guy Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:00 am
I’m fine with it as long as they have a superimposed:

Rod Blagojevich
Convicted Felon
Convict #40892-424

Comment by PublicServant Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:01 am
Just an observation but who wants to make a speech before heading off to Federal Prison? If it were anyone else they would avoid the media like a plague.

Comment by Stones Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:02 am
Able was I ere I saw Elba

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:06 am
“he wants to enter prison in a dignified way, without any media frenzy”

Really? Is that why he called a presser?

Comment by Plutocrat03 Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:09 am
It’s more like whom will he be quoting?

He will not admit to any responsibility for his crimes.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:11 am
“I donate my hair to science.”

Comment by Shore Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:11 am
He is going to wrap himself in the mantel of the victomhood

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:14 am
I see a “Governor’s life in prison” reality show on the horizon.

Comment by Bunny Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:15 am
It’ll probably just be a repeat of the same I’m innocent stuff he’s been saying. I hate reruns.

He’ll probably be trying to release statements from prison once he gets there, too.

Comment by In 630 Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:16 am
“Don’t forget to buy my book, The Governor, on sale for $6.77 from Amazon.”

http://www.amazon.com/The-Governor-Rod-Blagojevich/dp/B006LWELL0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331223343&sr=1-1

Comment by Just Observing Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:16 am
Bunny I don’t think they are allowed to do interviews with inmates, but maybe a cameo on msnbc “raw lockup, FCI englewood” in 2019.

Comment by Shore Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:28 am
No, I didn’t. Honest… I ran out of gas. I… I had a flat tire. I didn’t have enough money for cab fare. My tux didn’t come back from the cleaners. An old friend came in from out of town. Someone stole my car. There was an earthquake. A terrible flood. Locusts! IT WASN’T MY FAULT, I SWEAR TO GOD!

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:33 am
I’ll be out before the Cubs win the World Series.

Comment by Davey Boy Smithe Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:42 am
Inmate # 40892-424 would be best served to just quietly go away, but lets face it he’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

Comment by Dan Shields, Springfield, IL Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:44 am
Rod will wave … say a few things having nothing to do with his case … then he will step in a late 70’s Cadillac, take some vitamins, and say …

“Now take me to Jail”

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:54 am
“Everything I did was for the people of Illinois”

Comment by mark walker Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:56 am
“I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.”

“I, uh, I h-have things to do.” [fidgets with the Ring behind his back. Whispers to himself] “I’ve put this off for far too long.”

“I regret to announce — this is The End. I am going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell.” [whispers to Patti] “Goodbye.”

To be continued…

Comment by Don't Worry About the Government Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:57 am
He’s going to bust out into song like a modern day Jean Valjean.

“And so Javert, you see it’s true
That man bears no more guilt than you! Who am I?
40892-424!”

Comment by Pleading the Fifth Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:58 am
–then he will step in a late 70’s Cadillac, take some vitamins, and say …

“Now take me to Jail”–

If I recall correctly from the book, Henry popped about 10 Valiums.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:59 am
===–then he will step in a late 70’s Cadillac, take some vitamins, and say …

“Now take me to Jail”–

If I recall correctly from the book, Henry popped about 10 Valiums.===

Rod is going into a rehab situation, so I was trying to be sensitive.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 11:01 am
“Courage!”

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 11:01 am
Since high school graduation is long past, maybe Rod will turn this into a grown up version of “Tell Everyone How You Really Feel About Them” Day.

Comment by Colossus Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 11:02 am
I’m sure there are lot of social and medical terms to describe this Felon and failure but i just think he is simply an idiot.

He is not ‘governor’, he is ‘felon governor’.

It is of little value or consequence what he says other than the limited entertainment it may afford some.

It would be nice if no one showed.

Comment by Sunshine Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 11:02 am
“he wants to enter prison in a dignified way”… But Selig says Blagojevich never intended to do that.

Now that sounds right.

Comment by justbabs Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 11:07 am
The order of the words is anyone’s guess, but keywords in the BlagoCloud may include: Kipling, MLK, Gandhi, Patti, girls, Illinois, people, and innocent.

Comment by Boone Logan Square Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 11:14 am
Rod will gather the press and begin …

“I know you got a job to do. So do I. I wanna say…that this is… an unhappy day in my life. All of my petitions that I have filed have stated that the government has wiretapped, room-bugged,
surveilled, and did everything unconstitutional that they could do to try and place me in jail, which they have temporarily succeeded in doing so.

But I wanna say to my unwavering supporters, the seniors I gave free bus rides, kids I gave healthcare to…don’t believe what people would have you think with fancy words.

I never benefited one dollar from from being your Govornor of Illinois

What is wrong with that?”

“What is wrong with that? - Not a thing, Rod.”

“Tell that to Patrick Fitzgerald.”

Then Rod and Danny DeVito will get into a Paddy Wagon and drive away.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 11:17 am
“They were humanitarians and statesmen, and they had a dream– a dream that became a reality and spread throughout the stars. A dream that made Mr. Spock and I [sic] brothers.”

Comment by What planet is he from? Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 11:18 am
Rod’s certainly going to go insane without having the media at his beckoned call the next 14 years. Really Rod, the world will go on without you and the world will be a much better place.
Old habits die hard, wonder who’ll you’ll throw under the bus in prison.

Comment by Gary Hutton Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 11:19 am
Here he is, in rehearsal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlKJ-0bnxdA

Comment by Cheryl44 Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 11:20 am
This pretty much sum him up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIOWWFYC4vw

Comment by Gary Hutton Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 11:39 am
He’s going to announce that he’s seen the error of his ways and is therefore participating in St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser and will raise considerable sums for the foundation by getting his head shaved…and then make some personal loot by selling the hair to a wig shop.

Comment by Thoughts... Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 11:44 am
I look forward to getting treatment for my alcoholism. I’ll have 14 years without a drink when I get out.

Comment by jt Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 12:11 pm
i am not a crook! (i suspect the corresponding gesture won’t be suitable for live television)

Comment by bored now Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 12:14 pm
Starts with a Beavers-type-rerun & then he ramps it up from there.

Comment by sal-says Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 12:38 pm
If he and Patti are so broke, how can they afford Glen Selig and still live Raveswood, send kids to private school? Nothing these two do ever adds up.

Comment by Gel Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 12:38 pm
He will formally hand “the football” over to his lawyers for safekeeping until he gets out.

Comment by Crafty Girl Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 1:13 pm
“Guess who I am imitating-

‘The warden threw a party in the fed’ral jail…’

Thank you. Thank you very much.”

Comment by Joe from Joliet Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 1:24 pm
I bleeping gave grandma a bleeping free ride, I bleeping had this bleeping golden thing, and bleep all of you because I just want to enter the bleeping prison in a Dignified bleeping manner.

Comment by Jim Ridings Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 1:25 pm
@ Crafty, When I hear stories about “the football” I always think of a funny scene from Blades of Glory where Will Ferrell is showing off his $12,000 hair brush. Overall the movie is pretty awful, but that scene always makes me think of Blago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boXe1OUbmsk

Comment by TCB Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 1:35 pm
Joe from Joliet beat me to it — he’ll be dressed like Elvis, singing “Jailhouse Rock”, which was the statuette in his Governor’s Office.

Perhaps he’ll ask that the portrait of him to eventually be placed in the Hall of Governors not be Blago in prison garb, but that may the best resolution to this portrait indecision…

Comment by Capital View Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 1:39 pm
“Dignified” is never a word I have associated with Inmate # 40892-424.

Comment by Little Egypt Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 1:46 pm
“I’ll be baack.”

Comment by zatoichi Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 2:06 pm
“I look forward to dusting off my law degree and helping all the people of Colorado…or at least my fellow inmates. I watched the Shawshank Redemption, and it all turns out well in the end.”

Comment by Vote Quimby! Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 2:30 pm
“For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught. To say the things he truly feels, and not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows and did it my way.”

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 3:14 pm
What Inmate # 40892-424 will continue to spew is that he is innocent, just like every other person in every prison. Blago wanted to be on Letterman “in the worst way” and he was. If he has always had a desire to see the Colorado Rockies “in the worst way”, well then Welcome to Colorado Blago.

Comment by Little Egypt Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 3:56 pm
No idea what he will say, but I had a good chuckle the other night as I finally got around to watching the Bartman movie “Catching Hell” which had been on my DVR for months. They showed a clip of Blago from after that fateful game where he said on camera, (paraphrasing here as I don’t remember the exact quote) “If that fan ever finds himself in trouble with the law in the future, he certainly won’t be getting a pardon from this governor”.

Comment by BigDoggie Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 4:01 pm
He’ll announce his upcoming reality show, “The Prisoner” which follows the wacky hijacks of a group of convicted felons as they compete to be the -first- voted out of federal custody.

Comment by ZC Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 4:03 pm
Why would any media outlet even care to cover this show?

Comment by DRB Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 4:17 pm
He’s going to endorse Michelle Piscor for state representative.

Comment by siriusly Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 4:30 pm
In relation to Gel’s point above it is my understanding from media leaks that after he goes to jail the house will be sold and Patti/kids will go and live with Alderman Mell or Patti’s sister. It has also been reported that his children’s private education is also being picked up by Alderman Mell.

The future is not bright for Patti and the kids right now. No matter what Blago says he has to be just totally distressed about what the future will bring to his family. Wouldn’t it be nice if for just once he spoke the truth about how his own ego destroyed so much and his own life. But that is really expecting too much.

Comment by Rod Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 5:28 pm
Well, he likes to recite poetry…..
BLAGO:
Courage.
What makes a King out of a slave? Courage.
What makes the flag on the mast to wave? Courage.
What makes the elephant charge his tusk in the misty mist or the dusky dusk?
What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage.
What makes the Sphinx the 7th Wonder? Courage.
What makes the dawn come up like THUNDER?! Courage.
What makes the Hottentot so hot?
What puts the “ape” in ape-ricot?
Whatta they got that I ain’t got?

THE ASSEMBLED REPORTERS: Courage, honesty, brains, humility….
BLAGO: I’M INNOCENT !

Comment by JustaJoe Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 5:46 pm
“I’m Batman”

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 6:28 pm
“It has also been reported that his children’s private education is also being picked up by Alderman Mell.”

Of course, it would be impolite to ask where all that money is coming from.

Comment by wishbone Thursday, Mar 8, 12 @ 10:09 pm
I’m hoping for a Festivus type airing of grievances, but he will probably babble on about Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and others who went to jail but later came out triumphant.

Comment by Quizzical Friday, Mar 9, 12 @ 12:08 am