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Obama

Yesterday, Governor Blagojevich offered his help for a possible Barack Obama presidential bid.

“He has to make that decision for himself, and I would imagine he’ll spend a lot of time consulting with his wife, with his family before making a decision like that. But if he were to do something like that I’d be eager to help him,” Blagojevich said.

How do you think Obama reacted? Snark heavily encouraged.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 6:42 am

Comments

‘Governor, you can help me best by throwing your weight behind Hillary’s campaign.’

Comment by OAD Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 6:54 am
And you are?

Comment by OneMan Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 7:11 am
Seriously, act like you don’t know me…

Comment by OneMan Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 7:12 am
Obama - Don’t take the kiss of death!

Comment by Huh? Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 7:15 am
Doesn’t make sense. Blago must be desperate. Here’s Obama’s chance to give Illinoisans a choice for a different Illinois: by publicly reminding our dear governor that while it’s sweet of him to offer campaign help there just aren’t very many voting inmates in federal prison.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 7:27 am
“He has never been to my children’s birthday party.”

Comment by anon Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 7:28 am
Gee look back a couple of years….Blago has just been left in the dust.

Comment by Springfield Resident Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 7:31 am
Great. Let me talk to Fitzgerald and I’ll get back with you.

Comment by Shallow Pharnyx Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 7:32 am
I would switch party affiliations before letting Blago help!

Comment by leigh Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 7:45 am
And if I don’t go to jail in the next few years, I’m going to need another government job. Washington would be nice. You know Dad Madigan isn’t going to let me run again.

Comment by Cassandra Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 7:54 am
But Obama will rely on the inarticulate and frankly corrupt Treasurer he has been willing to help. Blago and Obama are cut from the same cloth, but at least Blago has experience, something Obama totally lacks.

Comment by CarolStreamKaren Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 7:57 am
Obama most likely replied, if he is as smart as everyone appears to think that he is:

This wouldn’t have anything to do with appealing to the black voters of the state, would it Governor? You said that you wanted a debate on WVON, and didn’t I just recently hear that you agreed to give money to Stroger’s campaign?

You know, I just read an article in the Black Commentator and discovered that the Green Party has support for reparations in their national platform! It’s actually IN their platform, can you believe that? We don’t we have something like this in the Democratic Party?

Plus, do you know that Elaine Brown, the only female to have ever led the Black Panther Party, is now a Green, and has run for office on their ticket? So has Aaron Dixon.

Their national party has some pretty good policies and has made some interesting comments and statements.

Comment by Squideshi Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:05 am
This must development must really stick in Rod’s
craw–Obama’s star began to eclipse his at the 2004 Dem convention and hasn’t stopped its ascent ever since–Rod was visibly and openly peeved then and must be livid that his national aspirations for 2008 are in the ashcan, plus there’s that Fitzgerald thing–

Comment by Anon Dem Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:07 am
‘ Governor, you may begin, now! See that branch? I had the damndest time getting that out of the down-spout and all of the whirly-birds are backing up the other two on the yard side. Try using this expandable rake-hook combo that I got up at Mount Greenwood Hardware - I’ll have the kids bring the hose to you when you get them cleared. This is a great help! Michelle’s making liver sausage sread sandwiches with water-cress and chive on pumpernickle - you like pickles?’

Comment by Pat Hickey Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:09 am
“Thank you Governor! As I make my decision it will help to know that I can count on the Illinois Governor’s help. You have always been a good friend and colleague.”

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:11 am
“Listen, white bread, back off. You aren’t qualified for any job I need help with. And stop sending me letters from prison!”

CarolStreamKaren: Questioning your post as an independent, what experience does Blagojevich have? He’s never at the Capital to hear what our representatives have to say. He ignores the wishes of the taxpayers, lines the pockets of his friends and contributors, uses taxpayers funds to print his campaign literature and push programs that have no monitary support, but which make great sound-bites. You need to do a little research into what is really happening in Illinois politics and not be swayed by a good script and a pompadour. The man’s a crook!

Comment by Martha Mitchell Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:12 am
Hey martha,
Chill. We all can’t be as smart as you. Maybe you should extend your research to something besides the family taxpayers network.

Comment by Bill Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:22 am
Psssst! Hey Barack, I can get you some sizable campaign donations for a chance at the Vice Presidential spot on your ticket. What do you think? Just let me talk to Tony real quick; and I mean REAL quick. Oh, I won’t have to live in Washington will I? I mean, I’d hate to uproot my kids from their school and all. Hey, Barack come back here. Don’t walk away from me! I’m the Governor of Illinois! What do you mean, “Not for long you aren’t”?

Comment by Jechislo Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:22 am
Barack at Home Depot: “I am looking for a 10 foot pole in oak or maple.”

Comment by zatoichi Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:28 am
“Why, thank you Rod! I am still hoping that Tony Rezko and George Ryan are going to throw their support behind me as well.”

Obamma wants and needs Blagojevich’s endorsement about as bad as he wants a case of the bubonic plague.

Comment by Beowulf Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:33 am
When I am president (Please no!), I will appoint you as ambassador to Kenya to offer them your special type of reform and renweal. I mean, Il is all clean, apaprent by my high horse riding over there, right?

Comment by Wumpus Diva Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:34 am
Obama campaign asks Blago to return to Alaska. “In a close race, I may need every one of those oil pipeline votes.”

Comment by ZC Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:39 am
Gee, I hadn’t realized that they will be expanding their production line to add campaign posters to the line of license plates they stamp out where the Governor is going!

Comment by fedup dem Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:39 am
“Thank you Rod, but I really don’t want any pizza.”

Comment by Boone Logan Square Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:45 am
Hey Blago, can you get me a copy of your fundraising list?

Is there a Democrat “Halliburton” out there?

Comment by PalosParkBob Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:45 am
Obama: all hype, no hope. And he has never had to deal with a real election since Bobby Rush showed him the floor. Obama has no experience and no credibility. Perhaps he should serve his constituents before running for President. At least Blago knows how to lead. Obama is a follower, nothing more, nothing less.

Comment by CarolStreamKaren Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:51 am
Hey Senator! Take my advice! Start talking about “reform and renewal” in Illinois and how much you support it!

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:53 am
Dear Rod:

Thank you for your kind thoughts. I appreciate your endorsement, and I realize how hard it must have been for you to make the decision, since this means you must have given up on your own presidential ambitions.

However, since you must be eager to escape the Springfield nightmare you’ve created, this does give you a new opportunity for getting back to Washington - if I win as president, you’ll be able to appoint yourself as my successor in the Senate. But of course I’m sure that wasn’t why you decided to endorse me.

Sincerely,

Barack

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:57 am
Obama is not truly running for President.

He is running for the national exposure designed to gain acceptance this time as the Veep nominee on the Clinton ticket. A win by the democrats would enable Obama to get four to eight years of experience on the world and national stage.

That will place him in 2016, other things being equal, in the best position for a Presidential run.

Obama to Blago: You may want to groom a senatorial candidate for 2008.

Comment by Truthful James Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 9:02 am
Obama, “Rod, yeah-listen….thanks for the offer, ummmmm, I’ll have my people call your people”.

Comment by Walking Wounded Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 9:05 am
Blago - ‘What,can’t Senator’s grant pardons? I was a C student you know and I swear I heard…no I swear I read….no I know that to be a fact!’
CarolStreamKaren - Welcome aboard the State of Denial Express!

Comment by Belle Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 9:09 am
Rod, please sign a Memoranda of Understanding for me stating that you will not be seen with me when I campaign.

Comment by Fire Ron Guenther Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 9:12 am
How did Obama react? He laughed, of course.

It’s not like Obama has forgotten that Rod supported M. Blair Hull in the Democratic primary.

Obama is running, make no mistake.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 9:15 am
YDD,
I wonder, did Obama just chuckle, or was it more of a rolling on the floor, hysterically funny LHAO?

Comment by Walking Wounded Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 9:18 am
i am not sure what all the hubbub about obama is about. i’ve heard rumors that team eisendrath has put out an iowa poll. do we really want to see 2 of illinois’ heavy weights trading blows? blago alreadys has so much on his plate i would not want him to have to use his staff’s time deciding who to endorse. yikes!

Comment by chicago insider Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 9:19 am
Yea OK and Bill Clinton will be my campaign manager.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 9:26 am
Thank you governor!

I will be writing about your offer of support in my next memoir. You see, although I am only 45, I am so great I always make it a point to write about my glorious life every two years so others can recognize and appreciate my greatness.

If you would like some pointers on how to write and publish your life stories, just give me a call. Everyone loves one that includes a stint in jail. I’ll have Oprah call you.

Now excuse me, I want to write what you just said down.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 9:29 am
Obama to Blago “Rod maybe when you get out in 6 to 10, I could use a paige” now, I think I hear Tony calling your name”!

Comment by Big W Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 9:31 am
You’re a darn decent guy Governor, and I love you dearly.

Comment by Dave Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 9:35 am
Obama: “Rod, that’s great to hear that you want to help me. I know you have a lot of experience with lying, cheating, stealing, backstabbing, indictments, money-laundering, and throwing friends underneath buses. All things I need to secure the Democratic nomination. It’s a shame that you can’t get a work-release from the warden to come help on the campaign trail.”

Comment by Southern Illinoisian Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 9:46 am
O: Yea, thanks for that Rod, oh, and I need a couple of favors first, OK?

B: Sure, you know what a “team player” I am.

O: I need you to cross over and become a Republican ASAP, then hold off your endorsement for 3 years, and to keep things our little secret, no pictures together…ever, OK???

B: Sure Barack, you know me, anything I can do to help my friends…

Comment by Animous Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 10:02 am
“Are you as dumb as you look?”

Comment by Shelbyville Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 10:11 am
Never too early to angle for a Presidential Pardon, is it?

Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 10:16 am
“Does this mean that you’re NOT supporting Al Gore?”

Comment by Squideshi Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 10:22 am
Obama says, “Thanks for the offer Gov. Now if you are serious, drop out of the race governor and say that Hillary Clinton and John McCain taught you everything you know about politics.”

Comment by Coloradem Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 10:25 am
I’d wonder if Obama is saying that they’re just trying to get rid of him and decides to just stay put.

Comment by Levois Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 10:42 am
Rod: “You know, Barak, I could really be a lot of help in your campaign. I’m sure that I can probably launder, I mean donate money to your campaign to help out. And, I’m sure, I can get plenty of state employees, I mean volunteers to work the phones and send mailers out on your fundraising efforts.”

Barak: “why thank you. You can leave your name with my secretary and we’ll have someone get back to in a timely manner. By the way, what did you say your name was?”

Blago: “You mean me? You want my name. Oh, OK, well it’s ummm Rod, yeah that’s right, it’s ummm Rod Ryan.”

Comment by Country Girl Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 10:47 am
Obama to Blagojevich: Stick to your Elvis impersonations,

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-trailmix-story,1,6327487.story

uh, impersonation of a governor.

Comment by Backyard Conservative Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 10:58 am
Yellow Dog:
Governor Blagojevich did not support Blair Hull in the Senate Democtratic Primry.
I believe that Senator Daniel Moynihan once said you are entitled to your own opinion but you are not entilted to your own facts.

Comment by (618) Democrat Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 11:00 am
Lay off, Rod. I am just trying to sell a couple of books… OK?

Comment by Lovie's Leather Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 11:02 am
Barak’s a great friend of mine, like a Godfather to my children.

Comment by Garp Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 11:03 am
Sorry Rod, while I was checking with my family to see if I should run, I also checked with your family to see if I should accept your support and they said not to trust you.

Comment by Garp Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 11:06 am
Rod and Blair, from the May 23, 2005 Chicago Sun-Times:

“While Blagojevich was officially non-committal in last year’s U.S. Senate race, in which Hull was a Democratic candidate, the governor encouraged him to run and covertly worked on his behalf. Hull did not emerge from the primary, losing to Sen. Barack Obama.”

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20050523/ai_n14648699

Comment by Boone Logan Square Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 11:18 am
Offered his help = gave him a job in Whiteside County OR appointed Obama to a pension board OR to Tollway Authority board.
Obama said “Thanks Governor, but No thanks. None for me”

Comment by North of I-80 Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 11:20 am
Obama would grab a cross hold it up to protect himself and then drive a stake through Blago’s heart……..or open the draperies and let the sunlight destroy him.

YIKES!

What’s next? Former Congressmen Foley endorsing him?

Comment by irishpirate Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 11:46 am
Shortly after Obama ends his phone conversation with Rod (which, of course is NOT being monitored by the feds), he turns to his staff and yells, “The next sob who lets that goofball through to my line is going to get their a** canned! Capiche??”

Comment by Walking Wounded Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 12:07 pm
“Barack, I’m going to send you one of my top field operatives to help you with your campaign now that I’m going to be indic, er, re-elected.

His name is Bill. He knows everything there is to know about politics and he can also drive a van and use a computer. He will do a great job for you!”

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 12:36 pm
If Obama really wants to run for prez, he probably has to run now. I don’t see the vice presidency as a realistic option. Whoever is elected is likely to serve two terms so Obama has to maintain his momentum through 8 years as vice president, during which anything can happen nationally or internationally. Given the current anti-Republican national climate, this could be his best and only shot.

Of course, he has to get past Hillary and then John McCain, both formidable opponents. Hillary may not go quietly, despite rumors that she would step aside if Obama decided to run. And if the world security situation worsens, McCain would have huge appeal vs. an untested and youthful opponent.

I agree with the commenter who said Obama’s ascent from state senator to Senator Rockstar
and Presidential Candidate in Waiting must rankle with our Blago. It’s one of the most entertaining aspects of Illinois’ dismal and corrupt political scene.

Comment by Cassandra Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 12:37 pm
B: “That’s cute. Thank you for those nice words. I remember you from the commercials when I was growing up, Rodney.

What? You’re who? You mean this isn’t Rodney Allen Rippy? Oh, well this isn’t Barack Obama! How did you get this number!?!” *Click*

Comment by Rooty Tooty Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 12:53 pm
Bill,

You should see a doctor about that whole psychosis thing.

Comment by DeepFriedOnAStick Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 12:55 pm
How could I say “no” to you Rod? You’re my boy!

Comment by college kid Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 12:58 pm
“Well, I’d rather stick with someone I can trust. What did you say your father in law’s number is again? - Obama

Comment by MIke Williams Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 1:04 pm
You da man, Rod ! Please provide references. p.s. I already have Pat Fitzgerald’s thoughts on you and your “friends”. Don’t let that hold you back, though. As they say, “Politics make strange bedfellows.” And Fitz says you are one of the strangest - Pattie seconded that, by the way. Maybe you could just send cash before Fitz confiscates it. Sincerely ‘Bama

Comment by Citizen A Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 1:12 pm
Oh! One more thing, What is a MOU?? Should I get some from Durbin and Kennedy? Thanks for your support. ‘Bama

Comment by Citizen A Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 1:15 pm
I suspect Obama has brains enough to steer clear of Blagojevich.

Politcal advice from Blagojevich is worthless.

Comment by Yvette Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 1:48 pm
As someone who accepted deposits from both men for the kids’ Xmas club accounts, I believe the endorsement is welcome.
Opps, I was told not to mention THE BANK until after the 7th.
signed:
Alexandar The G.,VEEP
P.S. Rod wasn’t for Blair, he was owned by Blair and gave the squeeze a gig.

Comment by HeKnowsBarack Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 2:18 pm
Staffer: “Hey Senator, Governor Blagojevich just pledged his assistance if you run for President in 08.”

Obama: “Great, now all I need is for Topinka to endorse me and I will lose my own state.”

Comment by Jaded Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 2:49 pm
“Great Rod, thanks a lot, but Patrick Fiz is on my short list for AG and he didn’t think you would have the time.” Have Pat Quinn give me a call next year.

Comment by frustrated GOP Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 3:17 pm
I cannot even put Governor BlahBlah in the same neighborhood as Obama. Obama is light years ahead of anyone else this state’s democrat party has to offer. I can forgive him for his endorsement of Gianlooseri as I think he got suckered into that one. But Obama better watch his p’s and q’s. Another misstep could mean that we get Hill and Bill back in the White House. I would love for Obama to run for Prez and get it. I think we are very ready for him.

Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 3:18 pm
Honest Barack doesn’t need any help from a crook and extortionist like Blagojevich. He should soundly reject any help offered.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 3:35 pm
“Uh, sure Rod. You still have your shoe shine box from when you were young. Right?”

Comment by Buck Flagojevich Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 3:54 pm
Blago could perhaps stuff envelopes for an Obama mailing from inside his cell at club fed.

Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 4:15 pm
Obama: “Madigan must still be mad at me for me not backing his guy for treasurer. He must have put Rod up to this. They know I wouldn’t take THIS seriously. What’s next? He’s gonna offer his staff to do my ads and PR for me?”

Go away, Rod. You would be a plague on any presidential campaign.

Comment by Tessa Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 5:31 pm
Obama has some interesting ties to Rezko also.
Obama seems more interested in money than ethics just look at Giannullius and Rezko among others.
But certainly Obama is not as bad as Rod
but the media is making something he is not

Comment by Mahru Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 5:44 pm
“#####, PLEASE!”

Comment by Dave Chappelle as Obama Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 5:55 pm
O - I turned down a job offer from your buddy Rezko, why should I give you a job?

Comment by Huh? Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 6:02 pm
Bill: Since I’m at work while you are blogging at 8:22 in the morning, I will let you in on a little secret. I am in the front line of seeing what really goes on with these programs the governer is proposing. I have first hand knowledge and I have no idea what the taxpayer network is. I see the lying and arm-twisting every day.

Comment by Martha Mitchell Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 6:28 pm
Out of Africa and into hot water already.

Comment by Sick Of It All Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 6:58 pm
In the immortal words of B.B. King:

think you’ve been cheating on me
I think you’re running out on me
I believe to my soul baby,
that you’ve given me some outside help
That I don’t think I really need

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 7:58 pm
Obama: “Thanks Rod! What I really need you to do is stand right over there…no a little farther back…farther…keep going…keep going…”

Comment by Sango Dem Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 8:26 pm
Rod ? will they let you put me on your approved corespondence list in federal prison ??

Comment by annon. one Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 9:26 pm
Obama is anything but honest. All hype, all image, no substance. I will vote for someone else in the primary, and I will actively campaign against him.

Comment by CarolStreamKaren Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 10:08 pm
To CarolStreamKaren,
Doggone, it, girlfriend….got to say I’m with you all the way. Let’s open a bottle of cabernet and say “screw it” to all the half baked messiahs around!!

Comment by Walking Wounded Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 10:17 pm
“All hype, all image, no substance.”

Look, he just got here. Give him a chance to go from hippest cat in the Senate to lying, crooked, backstabbing SOB, and then we can all talk.

This guy is in his honeymoon period right now. How long can he remain affable and charismatic? We shall see, we shall see.

Comment by Angie Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 11:05 pm
I just had to go with another one of theseâ€¦forgive me!

BARAK REACTS TO BLAGOâ€™S OFFER - TOP 10 LIST

10) â€œNo thank you, but Iâ€™d love to borrow Bill.”

09) â€œWho the heck gave you this number???â€

08) â€œHa-ha, ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, hee-hee-hee, haw, haw, haw!!!â€

07) â€œCan you do that on a work release program?â€

06) â€œRod, you gotta speak up â€“ I can barely hear you over Ryanâ€™s snoring!â€

05) â€œThat dang Hillary put you up to this, didnâ€™t she?â€

04) â€œWell, I could use somebody to clean-up the kitchen after meâ€¦â€

03) â€œThere is one thing; do you happen to know Governor Quinnâ€™s private number?â€

02) â€œYou got your butt kicked by a red-headed accordion player; tell me again just what it is youâ€™re bringing to the table.â€

And Barackâ€™s #1 reply to Blagoâ€™s offer - Drum Roll, Please:

â€œLook, Iâ€™m flattered you used the one call the feds are giving you to make me the offer, but the answer is still no.â€

Comment by Casey Jones Monday, Oct 23, 06 @ 11:18 pm