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Blagojevich back on TV * UPDATED WITH VIDEO & Press Release *

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[Updated and bumped up]

* In case you care…

Rod Blagojevich will appear on NBC’s ‘Today’ show Thursday morning, according to the PR firm that represents the former Illinois governor.

This is his first interview since a federal judge denied Blagojevich’s request to travel to Costa Rica for the upcoming NBC reality show ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here’ that begins in June, says Glenn Selig, the former governor’s spokesman and founder of The Publicity Agency.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Video…

*** UPDATE 2 *** He just can’t let it go. From a press release…

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich delivered a suprise during an appearance this morning on NBC’s ‘Today’ show by announcing he would be heading to L.A. to promote the upcoming reality program ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here.’

Earlier this week, a federal judge in Chicago said he would not alter the former governor’s bond allowing him to travel to Costa Rica to participate in the show.

“He’s mindful and respectful of the court’s ruling that he can’t leave the country but we’re still exploring ways for him to be part of the show,” says Glenn Selig, Blagojevich’s publicist and founder of the PR firm, The Publicity Agency. “He wants to be supportive of the program.”

Selig declined to elaborate on the options being explored.

The former governor will attend a press event for NBC this Friday, April 24.

Blagojevich had hoped to earn a salary for appearing on the program that airs in June, in addition to raising money for his favorite charity.

Charity?

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 2:10 pm

Comments

He’s not a flight risk and he hasn’t found guilty of a crime. I don’t understand why the judge would prevent him from putting food in his daughters mouths. It seems vindictive and unnecessary.

Comment by anon Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 7:52 am
Rod certainly is not a celebrity by any means other than in his own little mind, but he is a disgraced governor of Illinois.
If you need a job you should go out and interview for one like every man, woman & child who needs employment.
Times are tough Rod, grow some onions.

Someone should clue him in on the difference.

celebrity
1. A famous person.
2. Renown; fame.
These nouns refer to a widely known person: a social celebrity; the heroes of science; a theatrical luminary; a big name in sports; a notable of the concert stage; a personage in the field of philosophy.

disgraced
1. Loss of honor, respect, or reputation; shame.
2. The condition of being strongly and generally disapproved.
3. One that brings disfavor or discredit: Your handwriting is a disgrace.
4. To bring shame or dishonor on: disgraced the entire community.
5. To deprive of favor or good repute; treat with disfavor: The family was disgraced by the scandal.

Comment by iMAGINE Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 8:56 am
If Blago’s broke who’s footing the bill for Glenn Selig - The Publicity Agency? Grampa Mell

Comment by As you were. Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 9:07 am
He said it (again?), “… I never intended to violate any law.” He said it twice.

Comment by Cheswick Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 9:26 am
Maybe I’m seeing the past through rose-colored glasses, but wasn’t there a time when at least network news shows had some credibility?

Why is Rod newsworthy for “Today.” He’s not. But he is an excuse to do a “news” segment that flogs the NBC show he won’t be able to appear on.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 10:05 am
I’m deeply uncomfortable with his using his family as an empathy shield.

The “I’m just trying to put food on the table for my family” defense — in this particular case, at least — is despicable.

Comment by Macbeth Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 10:06 am
Didn’t Milorad do some Golden Gloves Boxing in his younger days? Maybe he suffered a head injury and his current behavior is a result.

Comment by Dan S, a Voter and Cubs fan Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 10:06 am
“I know what the truth is concerning me.”

How could any political party twice nominate a man who thinks like this? This statement seems to indicate a man capable of defining truth to such a degree that although everyone says that something isn’t true, it is true if he defines it as such. That is just plain crazy.

You cannot expect success or leadership from someone capable of thinking like this. With his definition of truth, nothing can be really true.

Rod Blagojevich was a poor state legislator, and a do-nothing US Representative, (he only accomplishment was naming a post office), yet he was nominated for Illinois’ highest elected office - twice. Why was he nominated by the Illinois Democratic Party? How did he get the endorsements of so many Illinois Democratic Party leaders and office holders? How did he get the confidence and insider support of Barack Obama? What are these people’s standards for office, if Rod Blagojevich received their endorsements? How could Michael J. Madigan be Rod Blagojevich’s campaign Co-Chair? Is party loyalty valued over what Blagojevich’s re-election meant to Illinoians?

No one is willing to tell us. After his arrest, all these people scrambled in every direction away from the same guy they promoted to be our governor. They want us all to forget. They want Illinoians to see them as victims too, as though decades of public service and political power was useless in the face of Rod Blagojevich.

We still depend on the political parties to choose our leaders. On Election Day we pick one of them. They gave us George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich. This kind of result demands accountability of some kind from these two lousy political organizations.

Or their nominations are meaningless.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 10:27 am
Vman, as per usual a very valid point.

Comment by Dan S, a Voter and Cubs fan Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 10:49 am
It seems that Blago has an ongoing problem with bugs. In terms of a reality show, I’m curious to see which show he’ll end up on. I don’t think Gene Simmons or Ozzie Osbourne have theirs anymore. But if one of them could be revamped that would be fun to watch.

Comment by illini fan Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 11:10 am
He is nothing but a crook and a thug. Yes, I know he hasn’t been convicted yet, but there isn’t much room for doubt. NBC is really reaching for the bottom.

Comment by lincolnlover Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 11:16 am
Blago’s appearance on the Today Show WAS a reality show. Did you notice the deer in the headlights look when Meridith said something to the effect that by appearing on the media so much leads some people to think of you as a “fool?”

Regarding the use of his daughters as a reason to seek opportunities to provide for his family is, in my opinion, lower than a snake’s belly in a wheel rut. Sorry dude, that dog don’t hunt. What about the hundreds of state employees who you put out of work (especially older ones near retirement)? Are their families of any less value?

Comment by If It Walks Like a Duck... Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 12:06 pm
Twit:

Gov. Blagojevich in LA participating in the promotion of ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’

Comment by Anonymous Coward Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 1:40 pm
VM has 20/20 hindsight vision.

Comment by HV in HP Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 2:17 pm
Charity starts at home, right?

Comment by The Doc Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 2:17 pm
==“He wants to be supportive of the program.”
==

Does that mean he’ll give them $1 million on the spur of the moment while he’s out there?

When it’s all done, will he get Richard Hatch’s old jail cell? And will they team up afterwards to make a new reality show called “Survivor: Club Fed”?

Comment by Anon Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 2:21 pm
=== Charity? ===

Patti

Comment by Ghost Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 2:21 pm
Charity?

You’ve got to be kidding me.

This is the first time I’ve heard “charity” mentioned in close proximity to Rod Blagojevich. I’m sure the “charity” he’s championing is a noble one, but come on … charity? Are you kidding me?

Comment by Macbeth Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 2:22 pm
I think there should be a reality TV show right here in Chicago called “Chicago Politics Gone Wild” Blago can be the reporter interviewing the contestants and in order for the person to win he or she must have given Blago the most money.

Comment by Boscobud Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 2:26 pm
Atta boy, Vanilla Man! Couldn’t had said it better myself even if I tried.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 2:29 pm
VM has 20/20 hindsight vision.

You must be new here.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 2:29 pm
SO NBC is using a criminal who faces 325 years in the fed prison to promote a reality show?

Comment by scoot Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 2:34 pm
Yes VM has 20/20 hindsight. Most of us do. What sets VM apart from most is he saw this coming, saw the greed and the corruption, saw Blago buying a second term, preached against it, and still Blago was put back into office. VM has a perfect right to be preaching and the rest of us who saw this man for who he was and voted GOP or Green did as well.

As for the interview today on NBC, am I the only one who noticed that conspicuously absent from Blago’s diatribe was the word “Patti”? He referred to “my children” and “my family” but never referred to “my wife”. Just an observation. May be nothing, but then again, may be something.

Comment by Little Egypt Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 2:36 pm
Has anyone reached out to local or national NBC stations? I think this shows poor taste on their part. Perhaps a group movement might make them reconsider.

Comment by Sewanee Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 2:52 pm
Again a remote site at Starved Rock… It would promote state parks and he can have challenges like going two weeks without hair products, bug eating, trying to find a park ranger, having to clear trails, getting sharp blows to the groin administered by capfax commenters, etc.

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 2:54 pm
Can no one put Rod and Drew Peterson together for a show? Given the level of vulgarity in reality TV, and the fact they share a flack, isn’t that a natural?

How about a morning chat show (or with Drew, maybe that should be a “mourning” chat show): “Morning Dew with Rod and Drew.” Coffee, calls and calamity!

Or with their mutual law enforcement backgrounds, how about a show with Rod and Drew as a couple of Private Eyes who were forced out of their former jobs after being wrongly accused, and work together to solve mysteries to make ends meet while seeking to clear their names.

Every week, Rod would find a mysterious envelope containing $25,000. And Drew could have a new wife who disappears during every show.

“The Milo/Drew Mysteries.”

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 2:56 pm
I will be in Starved Rock in a couple of weeks and would like to volunteer for the groin kicking contest.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 2:56 pm
I do believe in the innocent until proven guilty requirement of our Judiciary Sytem but when you are dealing with a patholodgical liar it ’s hard not to bring reality into the thought process. Like Letterman told him “You look guilty as Hell”.

Comment by Dan S, a Voter and Cubs fan Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 3:12 pm
Charity:

The Fabulously-Haired Former Governor Defense Foundation. Really, it’s the top charity in Chicago. What, you’ve never heard about it?

Comment by South Side Mike Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 3:18 pm
=== VM has 20/20 hindsight vision. ====

VM, in between his support of Obama and silk screening of organic t-shirts for the green party, has taken an occasional moment in the past to comment negatively on blago.

Comment by Ghost Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 3:21 pm
Cute. But you still are not getting one of those hot selling, “Obama Bows To ME!” organic t-shirts.

You know, the ones made by hand by unshaven organic Northampton Amherst coeds.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 3:27 pm
I thought the judge refused his request to go to Costa Rica because he wanted Rod to concentrate on his defense and to take seriously the mounds of evidence against him. By Rod going to LA isn’t he thumbing his nose at the judge?

Comment by casual observer Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 3:35 pm
I’m holding out for an organic sweater knitted from Rich’s beard hairs which have fallen out naturally.

Comment by Ghost Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 3:38 pm
Rich,

A good QOTD might be: If you were an NBC executive, what kind “reality” show would you design for Blago?

Comment by Anon Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 3:58 pm
I almost choked when he talked about the ’supersensationalism that the media likes to do’, and how the public shouldn’t jump to conclusions about his guilt. This from a guy who sought out this, his fourth thousandth TV interview to talk about his future on reality TV shows. Unbelievable!

Comment by Quizzical Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 4:00 pm
wordslinger - thanks for the laugh

Comment by Maggiemae Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 4:13 pm
And guess what, no sooner did Blago make the news again than Drew Peterson also did again, with the Savio family filing suit against him. Now that wasn’t of his doing, but still, am I the only one who notices a pattern here — every time Blago makes headlines Peterson does something right afterward to also make headlines?

Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 4:16 pm
I loved the part where he said he had been looking forward to going into the jungle and creating a community with the other contestants and then governing them. Jeez. Would there have been an election first or was he just going to declare himself king.

Why doesn’t he just set up a little playhouse in the basement and boss the kids dolls and stuffed animals around for a while.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 4:17 pm
Maybe Blagojevich should quite looking for the fast big money, sell his home (downsize) maybe move to the south side of town, and live like most of the people in this state, him and his wife could go to a regular paying job, arrange for daycare for the kids, just like a regular family in Illinois.
Could Rod go teach at a law school, or work for a law firm doing research? He is a lawyer, he can use that skill?

Comment by Third Generation Chicago Native Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 4:32 pm
I think United State’s District Court Judge Zagel will have a profund reality show for Blago. The grand prize is an all expense paid trip to a Federal Prison, not of his choice.

Comment by What's in a name? Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 4:42 pm
I was going to suggest a “Get Me Outta Here” reality show in downtown Springfield, but OneMan’s Starved Rock idea is really much better.

Comment by Cheswick Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 5:23 pm
Rod’s favorite Charity is Rod and Rod only. Look at his past “charitable contributions” - it was ridiculous - virtually nothing contributed vs the salary he was pulling down NOT to mention the other “funny money” he was getting on the side! What a bunch of crap!

Comment by Toni H. Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 5:48 pm
LOL
I like it!
The Milo/Drew Mystery series..
Give them space of FOX NEWS in the same time slot as Nancy Grace

Comment by one day at a time Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 6:01 pm
The charity of his choice wouldn’t be named “Friends of Blagojevich”, would it?

Comment by cover Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 6:02 pm
I saw this clip this morning and I was picturing my grandmother watching Rod on a reality show. she loves him for getting her free bus and train rides.

Comment by Paul Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 6:23 pm
These people have no shame…

http://www.prnewschannel.com/absolutenm/templates/?a=1363&z=4

Comment by Anonymous Coward Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 6:43 pm
Rod’s current action, flying out to L.A. has basically told Judge Zagel he doesn’t take any of his legal problems seriously.
Simply unbelievable!
NBC is really scraping the bottom of the barrel with Rod Blagojevich.

Comment by Chillout Cafe' Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 6:43 pm
NBC-Universal owns one of those wrestling or ultimate fighter shows… put Rod in a cage match.
Two. Men. Enter.
One. Man. Leaves.
These are the laws of Bartertown!

Comment by Gregor Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 6:48 pm
For $80 grand an episode, I’d eat bugs.

Comment by Northside Bunker Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 7:05 pm
Comments on a Hollywood Reporter article relaying details of the show revealed an outraged and disgusted American public. Readers reflected that “crime pays” and one angry user suggested, “Put Blago in jail already, that way we can have an NBC show called, ‘I’m a crooked politician that’s repeatedly taken advantage of by my cell mate … now get me outta here!’” Another concluded, “I feel everyone would be better off without this garbage (the person and the show).”

Comment by iMAGINE Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 7:50 pm
why doesn’t Blago just go away. he has a never ending capacity to try to cut a quick deal, take an easy route, etc. he has a law degree - use it to support his family.

Comment by always anonymous Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 7:52 pm
What a spud this guy is. I was going to make some H.L Menken-like quote about how dumb the american people are until I realized that, if this guy was the governor of e.g. Delaware, I might spend 2 minutes of my time watching him on TV too, just to see a corrupt loser politician in action. So, good for you Citizen Blag. Hope you make a lot of money so that you’re judgment worthy for the criminal fine in addition to the substantial prison sentance.

Comment by Bobs yer Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 8:59 pm
And Gregor
OneMan would leave….

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 9:33 pm
Lest we forget
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.

——————————————————————————–

Other Related Qualities:

Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them
Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them
Authoritarian
Secretive
Paranoid
Only rarely in difficulty with the law, but seeks out situations where their tyrannical behavior will be tolerated, condoned, or admired
Conventional appearance
Goal of enslavement of their victim(s)
Exercises despotic control over every aspect of the victim’s life
Has an emotional need to justify their crimes and therefore needs their victim’s affirmation (respect, gratitude and love)
Ultimate goal is the creation of a willing victim
Incapable of real human attachment to another
Unable to feel remorse or guilt
Extreme narcissism and grandiose
May state readily that their goal is to rule the world

(The above traits are based on the psychopathy checklists of H. Cleckley and R. Hare.)

——————————————————————————–

NOTE: In the 1830’s this disorder was called “moral insanity.” By 1900 it was changed to “psychopathic personality.” More recently it has been termed “antisocial personality disorder” in the DSM-III and DSM-IV. Some critics have complained that, in the attempt to rely only on ‘objective’ criteria, the DSM has broadened the concept to include too many individuals. The APD category includes people who commit illegal, immoral or self-serving acts for a variety of reasons and are not necessarily psychopaths.

Comment by 2ConfusedCrew Thursday, Apr 23, 09 @ 10:04 pm
Its a bird! Its a plane! Its super slime in super denial! Good 2 see him dangle like those he fired for no reason. Hey VM, you talking about Blago or Obama? Description seems to fit either. Regardless, well said.

Comment by Belle Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 8:21 am
I try not to touch Obama. People are still too emotional over him to point out his dozens of gaffes and embarrassments.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 12:31 pm