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* As I told you yesterday, Gawker has uncovered e-mails from media outlets to then Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s press secretary pleading for interviews with the governor the day after his arrest. This one from the CBS Early Show is breathtaking…
There is far too much hearsay going around and in our opinion [Blagojevich’s] perspective is clearly being ignored. We want to provide the platform for the Governor to be able to set the record straight, something he has not been able to accomplish thus far and we hope he considers coming on the program to clear his own name.
Oy.
There were several pretty straightforward requests submitted to Blagojevich’s press office. Not everyone was so much of a suck-up. But, still…
The most pathetic request comes from Pat Curry, the news assignment editor for WGN, a local Chicago station. He wasn’t even asking for an interview with Blagojevich—he wanted Guerrero himself to come on, and delivered a masterwork of flattery and faux sympathy. “I wouldn’t expect you to be able to comment on a federal investigation, and could easily brush that off,” Curry wrote, signing off with, “Humbly, Pat Curry.”
And, of course, there was the “incredible offer” from Don & Roma’s producer.
So far, it doesn’t appear that any “news” stories have been written about this Gawker piece.
* The Question: It’s December, 2008. Rod Blagojevich has just been arrested. You’re a TV news producer. What would your e-mail to the Blagojevich press office say?
Snark heavily encouraged.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 12:35 pm
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Previous Post: Rod Blagojevich’s defiantly naive brother
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We would greatly like to have you on our show. We know this is a stressful time, but we feel that all people have a right to tell their story.
Signed, Producers of “Guilty as He&&”
Comment by Pat collins Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 12:48 pm
Has nothing to do with this, but a similar thing happened with the press and governor sanford. I’m not sure anyone cares, but it looks ugly for the press when you read it.
Comment by Shore Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 12:53 pm
Please come on our show to tell your story. Since we weren’t around during the Nixon demise… you and he being so similiar … we thought we could kill two birds with one stone! You are his protege, right? Sincerely, Dr. Jeckle/Mr. Hyde Productions.
Comment by SouthernIL Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 12:55 pm
Let’s mutually debase ourselves whenever it is most convenient for you.
Comment by Way South of the Border Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 1:01 pm
See you at the arraignment!
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 1:09 pm
Governor,
We would like to have you on to boost our ratings, opps I mean so you can tell your story.
We will do what it takes, you want to sing love me tender, sure. Want to do a Jay Leno impersination, fine. Want to be a guest on Wipeout, heck ya. Want the hosts to act like you are the mother of a missing attractive woman, you bet.
We will do what it takes.
Comment by OneMan Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 1:15 pm
David Gregory to Blagojevich Press Secretary:
Left you a message. Wanted you to hear directly from me that I want to have the Gov on Sunday on Meet The Press.
I think it’s exactly the right forum to answer the questions about his trip [to Argentina] as well as giving him a platform to discuss the economy/stimulus and the future of the party. You know he will get a fair shake from me and coming on MTP puts all of this to rest.
… So coming on Meet The Press allows you to frame the conversation how you really want to…and then move on. You can say you have done your interview and then move on. Consider it.
(Oops. Wrong Governor.)
Comment by Rob_N Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 1:18 pm
Gov. Blagojevich,
You love being on TV as much as we love being on TV. Come join us on TV and we’ll talk down about the people who aren’t on TV. See you soon,
Hugs and kisses
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 1:18 pm
First, Rich, that’s a great shoutout to Gawker. Deadspin is a wonderful blog.
Second, I would tell Blago, “You are not welcome. Your scandal may be interesting, but after seeing enough of your other appearances, you are not interesting and your ability to put together a coherent thought is just not there.”
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 1:21 pm
Mr. Blagojevich,
I’m a producer on a TV show that can be loosely categorized as ‘news’. Let’s set two things straight right off the bat: I’m motivated by ratings, you’re motivated by your ego. I’d love to have you come on the show and spout off on any and all topics that pop into your head. In fact, I encourage you to make the most dramatic and grandiose statements you can muster. They say sex sells, but we both know that raving lunacy sells better. You’ll have an open mic, and I’ll have ad revenue. Now that’s a ‘bleeping golden’ opportunity no court can derail.
Yours truly,
Comment by Examination Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 1:23 pm
To: Lucio
FR: Me
RE: Interview.
Would love to have your Boss on the show at your earliest possible convenience - ASAP, STAT. Will send a car but we don’t pay for interviews. But I think I can hook you up with a block party. Please ask him to wear a jogging outfit. Do you think he would mind being interviewed in the fetal position?
Comment by And I Approved This Message Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 1:24 pm
We just wanted to know if the governor might be interested in coming on our show. We believe that he has a unique perspective on the realities of government that our listeners would really appreciate. We have a premium slot available for him following an interview with the author of a book called “Sasquatch: The New Evidence”.
Thanks for your consideration.
“Coast to Coast A.M.”
P.S. if the governor can’t make it, can you at least send his hair?
Comment by HoosierDaddy Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 1:30 pm
Rod,
We would love to have you stop by and talk to the editorial board here at the Tribune. That way we can get our stories straight.
Comment by dupage dan Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 1:34 pm
I have an idea on how we both can monatize the news of the day. Give me a call.
Comment by Black Robe Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 1:43 pm
Guv, just a note to let you know we will be interviewing you as an empty chair - you will be told to remain silent if guilty for each embarrassing question we ask. Tune in, it will be a real hoot!
Comment by A Citizen Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 1:57 pm
I would be a TV news producer with some integrity and not bother with him.
Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 2:03 pm
Lucio,
Please tell the Gov we would love to give him an opportunity to set the criminal record… I MEAN record straight. He needs to show the citizens his true stripes… I MEAN colors. I can arrest… I MEAN attest that by shedding light on the facts of the case he can convince Crook county… I MEAN Cook County voters that he is innocent. So, we would love to take the GOV in for questioning… I MEAN an interview…
ohhh who am i kidding?!?
Lucio, please get your guilty corrupt boss in here before WGN scoops us.
Sincerely,
Paul the pathetic Producer
Comment by A Moderate's Moderate Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 2:03 pm
Lucio,
Please tell the Gov we would love to give him an opportunity to set the criminal record… I MEAN record straight. He needs to show the citizens his true stripes… I MEAN colors. I can arrest… I MEAN attest that by shedding light on the facts of the case he can convince Crook county… I MEAN Cook County voters that he is innocent. So, we would love to take the GOV in for questioning… I MEAN an interview…
ohhh who am i kidding?!?
Lucio, please get your guilty corrupt boss in here before WGN scoops us.
Sincerely,
Pathetic Producer
Comment by A Moderate's Moderate Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 2:06 pm
Nobody can top Andy Shaw’s…
To: Lucio
Re: Holy [Bleep]!
Give me a [bleeping] call when you have a [bleeping] minute.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 2:08 pm
Governor, we implore you to come before our student body and once again explain how a “C” student can so embarass not only themselves but the whole State of Illinois. We sorely need you as you epitimize a good example of a bad example. Your’s Truly, The Youth of our great state.
PS Please feel free to sneak out through the back door of the auditorium when you leave.
Comment by Justice Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 2:17 pm
I’m going the Andy Shaw route. But only if I’m Andy [bleeping] Shaw.
That method doesn’t work so well if you’re just Pat Curry. At least not yet.
Comment by Just a Reader Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 2:43 pm
To:Lucio
From:produce me
Hey, you know I don’t get paid jack and I really need this. Get Rod on the show and we’ll throw marshmallows instead of softballs. We’ll make you look bleeping golden. Just give me a reference when that Inside Edition staffer calls. Next time Rod visits Hollywood I’ll hook you up! Maybe someone will finally hire me as a reporter!
Comment by sad Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 2:45 pm
To: Lucio
Re: [Bleeping] Golden Opportunity
We have a [bleeping] golden opportunity, for the Governor, absolutely [bleeping] golden! In addition we’d love to make a sizeable donation to Friends of Blagojevich. Are non-sequentially numbered bills still preferred?
Comment by Njardar Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 2:53 pm
Gov. we know you like attention. We’ll give it to you. In fact we won’t ask any questions just sit in front of the camera and talk. You only have one minute however. Talk as much as you want on our tape for a minute. Sounds good?
Comment by Levois Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 3:08 pm
TO: Governor’s Office
From: State Journal Register
RE: Interview
This is to request an interview with the Honorable Rod Blagovich regarding his recent meeting with US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. the paper will pay travel expenses and one nights lodging at the Best Western near Lincoln’s Tomb. We would like to conduct this interview on site at the Tomb,so that while the Govenor is speaking, the public and see Lincoln’s bronzed sculpture spining around a la Linda Blair.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Comment by Honest Abe Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 3:43 pm
ps typos and mispelling intentional..it is the SJr-R.
Comment by Honest Abe Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 3:44 pm
TO: Gawker/Lucifer
FROM: Andy Shaw
RE: Blagoof Interview
I know you and Slick Willie and Fumbles Harris are busy with the G, but if can use your one call please ask Blagoof to turn up for an interview
P.S. if you don’t to set this up please just leak a bunch of emails 10 months later, just before the Blagoof book goes on sale.
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 3:58 pm
YOU MAY ALREADY BE A WINNER!
The Governor’s name has been drawn for a grand prize that could be worth millions!* Call us at 312-555-1212 as soon as possible to speak to our prize distribution team. We are standing by the phones - right now! We believe this is the deal of a lifetime!
Don’t hesitate!
CALL US NOW!
*The actual amount may vary, depending on the quality of the responses to questions that will be submitted to the Governor while on air. Creative, memorable, or shockingly true answers will increase the amount offered.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 3:59 pm
Governor:
We’ve got this TV show and it’s F*ING Golden! We’re not going to just give this interview away!
——–
PS - That quote from Andy Shaw is better than anything he’s said since taking the job at the BGA.
Comment by siriusly Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 4:39 pm
We’ve got proof that the Madigans set you up. Come on our show and we’ll play the tapes for you.
We also have millions of funds we need to transfer from a Nigerian banking executive. Please provide routing numbers.
Comment by siriusly Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 4:41 pm
Rod: We have the best hair & makeup people in the time zone. We’ll make you look like the million bucks you’ll need to pay your defense team.
Comment by Boone Logan Square Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 6:18 pm
WWF is looking for new talent…
Comment by Hollis Elmore Friday, Sep 4, 09 @ 7:10 pm