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* Gov. Rod Blagojevich told a Fox St. Louis reporter this week that he didn’t use the state plane enough. And then he compared himself to Sara Palin.
I kid you not.
When asked about how he has spent about $290,000 on the state plane in the past year and a half the governor said…
“I don’t think I use it enough. I should probably get around the state more often on the plane… Because it’s important for a governor to get around the state.”
Pressed further, Blagojevich said…
“I would point out, I’m not the only governor in America who’s chosen to live at home with his kids and his wife. Gov. Palin in Alaska has done the same thing.”
When informed that Gov. Palin sold her state plane, Blagojevich kinda stuttered a bit (also just like Gov. Palin) and said…
“Well… but… but she lives at home.”
When asked whether he would consider selling the plane, the guv tried to share the blame…
“The legislature has to approve something like that. I don’t have the power to do something like that by myself.”
Oh, look, a kitty.
* I told you yesterday about that new Dan Seals radio ad featuring Barack Obama. Listen below…
* This is what passes for an Obama temper tantrum? Really?
Barack Obama lost his famous cool Friday afternoon when he became annoyed at the press while out walking to a Halloween party in Kenwood with daughter Sasha. […]
“All right guys. That’s enough. You’ve got a shot. Leave us alone. Come on guys. Get back on the bus,” Obama said, looking irritated as he walked north on Greenwood near 50th Street hand-in-hand with 7-year-old Sasha.
* Carol Marin swings back at Todd Stroger…
Finally, a few words to and about Cook County Board President Todd Stroger. He had barely finished his speech to the City Club of Chicago on Wednesday when people started texting and e-mailing me his remarks.
“I’ll tell you right now, I think Carol Marin is working for Forrest Claypool,” chirped Stroger. “She’s just his PR person.”
Claypool, one of a small band of independent county commissioners, gives the president fits. Claypool — along with colleagues Mike Quigley and Tony Peraica — demands fiscal accountability. The most recent case is Project Shield, a $41 million federal Homeland Security grant, the spending of which the feds are investigating.
Accountability is an oxymoron in county government.
But for the record, Mr. President, I’m not on anybody’s PR payroll. Not his. Not yours.
posted by Rich Miller
Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 1:02 pm
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Golly, it doesn’t take much to trip up Governor Speechify now does it. If he can implement his own family health insurance plan and give $1 million here and there, then I’m pretty sure he could order DOT to sell the plane.
Comment by Little Egypt Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 1:21 pm
While he still has the plane, the governor might want to take a little side trip and land the plane at the small airstrip in Clinton, then visit Weldon Springs State park before he closes it. Mr. and Mrs. LE took a day trip there on Friday and the colors were spectacular (the asian beetles we could have done without), the old schoolhouse would be a kick for his girls, and they all might enjoy renting a paddle boat. How unfortunate this beautiful state park is on the hit list.
Comment by Little Egypt Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 1:24 pm
Well first Todd, go after Carol Marin yeah that’s a bright idea.
Secondly, looking at the aircraft usage to the governor of the largest state in the union, where many areas are only accessible by aircraft and using that as an example to justify your own aircraft use is just nuts.
Comment by OneMan Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 1:24 pm
Maybe the press could ask the Four Tops and some of their leaders if they want to sell the state planes they use.
Comment by Give Me A Break Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 1:29 pm
Blagojevich staffers: Welcome to Edwardsville. How many do they have down here this weekend?
Comment by Madison County Watcher Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 1:36 pm
===How many do they have down here this weekend? ===
Must.Save.Punkin.Haid.
Comment by Rich Miller Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 1:39 pm
It seems like Blagojevich is claiming two things that seem to be inconsistent.
On the issue of the plane he says it’s important for the governor to be physically present at many places in the state, sometimes on short notice.
But on the issue of governing the state, including working with the legislature, Blagojevich downplays the import of the governor be physically present.
Blagojevich’s outlook seems to reinforce the rap against him that he likes the campaigning aspects of being governor. He likes being the center of attention and having the citizens focus on him at an event. But the work of being governor, managing the state bureaucracy and dealing with the legislature: these aren’t so enjoyable for Blagojevich.
My two cents:
1. Delegating is good. But the governor needs to assemble a team that gets results. If the state is being poorly managed the governor is responsible.
2. The governor should do what he needs to do to have at least a working relationship with the legislative leaders. Madigan has his faults, but he’s had working relationship with a number of governors, so it’s hard to believe the Blago-MJM problems are more than 50% the fault of the Speaker.
3. I’m OK with the governor flying around the state and seeing firsthand what’s happening. It’s a big diverse state. However, the governor traveling around a bunch needs to be integrated into an effective scheme for governing the state. Visiting lots of places isn’t a replacement for effective governance.
And Blagojevich comparing himself to Sarah Palin is just tone deaf. She’s not well respected and she’s McCain’s attack dog against Obama. Why go there, Governor?
Comment by Carl Nyberg Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 1:39 pm
Oh Look, there’s a little kitty !!
Comment by A Citizen Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 2:13 pm
Blago has an answer for everything doesn’t he?
Comment by Levois Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 2:15 pm
Obama’s actions seemed reasonable to me.
Comment by Levois Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 2:24 pm
==Must.Save.Punkin.Haid==
LOL. They must be pushing hard for Jay!
Comment by Vote Quimby! Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 2:51 pm
Prudent use of a state plane to meet the folks and check on state facilities and operations around a state as large as Illinois is reasonable and desirable.
Chronic use of a state plane as a personal commuter service between home and hour-hour photo ops in Springfield is wasteful and absurd.
Can you imagine if those guy had to be deposed or take the stand?
Comment by wordslinger Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 2:52 pm
What’s the difference between Palin and Blagojevich?
One is an intellectually-challenged, ethically-deficient, hair-obsessed Governor, and the other is the Repbulican Vice-Presidential nominee
Comment by just for kicks Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 3:02 pm
Palin is a light weight to the abuses of Blago,
Rich, when can we celebrate the federal charges against Public Off. “A”?
Maybe he wants to appoint himself to US senate so he be like Ted Stevens.
Comment by decatur voter Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 3:24 pm
- decatur voter -
I’m afraid if BHO is elected, guv will have himself appointed US Attorney for the Northern District.
Comment by A Citizen Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 3:37 pm
He sold the Corrections plane.
Comment by Marvelous Wonderful Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 3:46 pm
Last night I was at a friend’s house a few blocks from the Gov’s Chicago house. We were on the front porch handing out candy when the G-Rod, his wife and kid(s) (I only saw one) came by for the trick-or-treating. He just talks non-stop so that no one can get in a word edge-wise about anything else or ask him something uncomfortable. It was weird. I just stayed back and hoped he would move on quickly.
Comment by 32nd Ward Roscoe Village Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 3:51 pm
Was Mayor Nick’s plea straight up; or is he cooperating with regard to another investigation?
Seven and a half years is a long time for an 80 year old man. Is there any mitgation where the prosecutor would ask for less than the maximum sentence? Considering the crime spread across several decades, you would think there would at least be restitution required in addition to any time served.
Comment by Go to Bazes Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 3:54 pm
Punch-drunk QOTD: If Rod and Sarah Palin had a child, what should its name be?
Comment by Excessively rabid Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 3:54 pm
Example: Plane Jane
Comment by Excessively rabid Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 3:55 pm
Example 2: Theresa Kitty
Time for my meds now.
Comment by Excessively rabid Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 3:59 pm
Levois,
Barack’s reaction was reasonable. But, to be fair, Sweet’s article didn’t call it a “tantrum,” as Rich implied. Call it the press making pretty close-to-nothing out of nothing (Barack’s response), and then Obama supporters making something out of pretty close to nothing (Sweet’s blurb). Just another day on the campaign trail, I guess.
Comment by Marco Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 4:19 pm
So if Fitz indicts POA, POA gets himself appointed USA in Chicago, does that mean that the new USA prosecutes POA or drops the charges. I’m voting for prosecution, at least until POA gets his meds adjusted.
Comment by Little Egypt Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 4:38 pm
Marco, Reuters called it a “Rare flash of anger,” AFP said he got “testy,” CBS said he was “visibly irritated” the Washington Post wrote: “Halloween got a little scary for Sen. Barack Obama’s press corps tonight.” the AP headline was : “Obama has testy moment with the media” the NY Times reported that Obama “scowled at reporters,” and Politico claimed he was “miffed.”
Comment by Rich Miller Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 4:54 pm
I pitty the Judge when Blagoof goes to trial, and if they put him on the stand the poor Judge could stroke out. Where oh where is the village that is missing their idiot?
Comment by Dan S. a Voter and Cubs Fan Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 5:15 pm
“The legislature has to approve something like that. I don’t have the power to do something like that by myself.”
Check out SB 3066. Maybe the guv could call a special session to pass it.
Comment by Just Me Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 6:06 pm
The media should be careful and not upset Barack!
There are consequences if you do.
This week he barred three reporters from his campaign plane after their newspapers endorsed his opponent.
Last week after a news reporter asked Joe Biden a difficult question and the campaign then notified the news station that no one from the campaign would submit to any more interviews with the station.
Earlier this summer when Phil Rosenberg of WGN-720 radio had the terminity to schedule a critic of the Senator his campaign called on it’s supporters to flood the station with calls and e-mails. They did and the program was disrupted and the Chicago Tribune political blog “The Swamp” was shut down for a week as a result. Several weeks later Rosenberg had a second critic on and the campaign responded in the same fashion. It should be noted that Phil offered the campaign the opportunity to have a representative to rebut the critics of the Senator.
It appears that the Senator only wants positive coverage.
Comment by Joe Jankovic Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 6:33 pm
- Joe Jankovic -
Not to mention the brutal hatchet job they did on “Joe the Plumber”. This pattern of protectionist and punitive behaviour is VERY troubling to me!
Comment by A Citizen Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 6:49 pm
Rich, with the exception of the too-clever lead from WaPo, each of the characterizations you’ve quoted could actually be true, given his remarks — and each would still fall short of calling it a tantrum. As far as his press coverage, though I can more than understand his irritation, I think he’d do well to take the bad with the good. And Lord knows there’s been quite a bit of good. I say that as a Barack supporter, too.
Comment by Marco Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 6:53 pm
BHO’s “team” is proving to be extremely powerful and ruthless - hardly the hallmark of open and transparent governing. If this is just a sample we can not afford him in the most powerful job in the world. The “team” is insiders who know how to control the media and destroy opponents . . . even the common citizen.
Comment by A Citizen Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 6:55 pm
I’m sure the members of the press are happy to have these new defenders on the blog.
It’s the end of the campaign. It’s amazing that neither McCain nor Obama has gone postal on the press. Or their staffs in public, for that matter. Or some loony John Q. Citizen bigmouth. Too close, too long.
Comment by wordslinger Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 7:05 pm
Obama must hold an open press conference and explain these actions - if his “team” will permit him to, and I’m sure they will not. No candid interviews until after the election - they must control all exposure lest we see the real candidate.
Comment by A Citizen Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 7:09 pm
Oh look a kitty!!
(Gold I tell you, absolute gold!)
Comment by Just Asking Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 7:29 pm
Awwwww! Isn’t it cuuute?
Comment by A Citizen Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 7:32 pm
Question to Mr. Jankovic:
Sir, can you tell us the name of any candidate or elected official who wants NEGATIVE coverage of their campaign from the news media?
Comment by Randall Sherman Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 7:45 pm
- Randall Sherman -
The POINT is that BHO’s team is effectively controlling ANY coverage of the candidate, let alone candid interviews. What, Sir, do you think they are afraid of?
Comment by A Citizen Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 8:31 pm
A Citizen “What, Sir, do you think they are afraid of”? —-
A prank phone call from a fake French President Nicolas Sarkozy? I’m so ready for Wednesday and the campaigning to be over.
Herrrrrre, kittykittykittykitty. We need a whole room of kitties to get us through the next couple days. My head is spinning from all the coverage and spin, I voted already so I could turn it all off if I wanted to, but here I am nose glued to TV and internet.
Comment by Princess Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 9:53 pm
-Princess-
“…I voted already …” ONLY once? Get out there and do it some more! Only once - tsk tsk tsk. What have elections come to?
Comment by A Citizen Saturday, Nov 1, 08 @ 10:02 pm
Notwithstanding her obvious unftiness for the Vice-Presidency, I thnk she’s a lot sharper/more capable than Governor Pinocchio.
Comment by Captain America Sunday, Nov 2, 08 @ 10:01 am
Stoger’s attack on Marin as an agent of Claypool is another milestone in bad public relations for a true genius in bad PR.
Ala Dale Carnegie,I think the title of Stoger’s memoirs should be How to Lose Frienda and Alienate People.
Todd -we’ll see you in 2010 for a final reckoning!
Comment by Captain America Sunday, Nov 2, 08 @ 10:14 am
Captain America,
Why does Stroger or anyone for that matter HAVE to accept that he feels Carol MArin attacks him unfairly. I happen to agree with him about the media beating up on him. He has done nothing that EVERY politician has done or is currently doing. Actually if you look at what is happening They have done some good. Marin pushes the Friends and Family argument which in truth doesn’t have much bite…just bark. Lets see her do a stroy on the MAyor. When you see her go after Stroger only, we shouyld be able to question her motives..that makes for responsible jounalism.
Comment by BlackILDem Sunday, Nov 2, 08 @ 1:22 pm
==I just stayed back and hoped he would move on quickly.==
That sounds like the ILGOP
Comment by Vote Quimby! Sunday, Nov 2, 08 @ 2:31 pm
Davis missed the obvious question - “Why don’t you stay in Springfield instead of using the plane to commute from your home to the capitol?”
Comment by David Sunday, Nov 2, 08 @ 4:17 pm
Carol Marin is fine as a columnist, if that’s your taste. You dont’ see it so much now, but for a while she was bigfooting on every big story some of the excellent reporters at the Sun-Times were breaking. When you had a 10-paragraph story and three bylines and two contributors, you knew someone was just along for the ride.
Comment by wordslinger Sunday, Nov 2, 08 @ 8:13 pm
Since when has King/Emperor/Czar (take your pick) Blago needed legislative approval to do anything? He’s taken the Executive Order to another level.
Comment by State Mope Sunday, Nov 2, 08 @ 8:27 pm
The retribution that a President Obama will take on his critics will be akin to the manner in which our Governor has reacted to non-Blagojevich Democrats. There will Obama Democrats and ONLY Obama Democrats (Obamacrats) running the show.
Did he ever quit smoking, by the way?
Comment by Captain Flume Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 8:50 am
And where’s the evidence of that, CF?
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 9:00 am
“His campaign slogan used to be “Change We Can Believe In.” Now it is “Change We Need.” I just get nervous when a candidate whose election is nearly touted as a foregone conclusion, gets more aggressive in his assertions about what he says we “need.” No hard evidence, just a weird feeling, like the one I had when our Governor was elected the first time.
Comment by Captain Flume Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 10:01 am