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* I can’t watch it because I’m too busy. If you’re watching, tell us what is going on in comments…
…Adding… I was asked by a GMA producer to help prepare Diane Sawyer for today’s show. I was reluctant, but she convinced me that Sawyer was serious about doing a hard-hitting interview. We’ll see what happens.
*** UPDATE *** The governor’s new PR firm knows how to lead reporters around by the nose. The question about whether the governor would choose Oprah appeared to be planted with Sawyer ahead of time. Sawyer asked about his choices and said she had heard some things, the governor asked her what she’d heard and she said “Oprah.” The media responded predictably. From USA Today…
Television host Oprah Winfrey was one of the people Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Monday that he considered appointing to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Obama.
The embattled governor, whose impeachment trial was slated to begin Monday, told ABC’ sGood Morning America in an interview that the idea of nominating the talk show host came to him as he explored potential candidates for the job that federal prosecutors allege he tried to sell to the highest bidder.
So far, the Tribune and the Sun-Times are both leading with the Oprah angle. But scan down a bit and you’ll find more. Tribune…
“[Prosecutors] took snippets of conversations completely out of context…,” Blagojevich said. “When the whole story comes out you’ll see that the effort was to work for a senator who could best represent Illinois.”
“Help me with context, help me with the context that explains: ‘I got this thing and it’s bleepin’ golden. I’m just not giving it up for bleepin’ nothing,’ ” Sawyer said.
Blagojevich repeated he couldn’t go into details and that he wished the Illinois legislature’s impeachment process would let him present exculpatory evidence and witnesses.
Blagojevich looked surprised when he heard that ABC had state Sen. Matt Murphy (D-Palatine) at the ready to respond to the governor’s allegations that the trial is unfair. “The suggestion that this is somehow unfair to the governor is the most self-serving, ludicrous statement I have ever heard in my life,” Murphy said in a brief back-and-forth with Blagojevich.
Trib’s Swampland…
Towards the end of the interview in what appeared to be a surprise to the governor, Sawyer introduced Illinois state Sen. Matt Murphy to confront Blagojevich. “It’s another self-serving statement,” he said of the governor’s comments. Murphy added that the impeachment trial rules were fair and patterned on those used in the U.S. Senate trial of President Bill Clinton for his actions in covering up his affair with Monica Lewinsky and noted that Clinton was acquitted.
“That’s an inaccurate statement. The fact is President Clinton could’ve called witnesses if he was allowed to and he did.” Blagojevich then launched into a defense, warning that if “they can do it in Illinois, they can do it here in New York and in other states when governors fight for the people against lawmakers who thwart efforts to expand healthcare, who want to raise taxes on people, and who thwart efforts to be able to go out and create jobs…”
*** UPDATE 2 *** From Baltimore Sun media critic David Zurawik…
But for all the talk by the news divisions of “exclusives” and “firsts,” giving Blagojevich air time isn’t about journalism. In fact, the reason he will be all over the tube is that he has hired a PR firm, and they have launched a massive media blitz on his behalf.
So, why are the networks and cable channels going along with the campaign and featuring the man charged with trying to sell the Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama?
Because you don’t know what bizarre statement is going to come out his mouth next, and he often sounds like a crazy man. If anyone didn’t already know that, Friday’s news conference with all his strange talk of “cowboys ropin’ steers…and herdin’ cattle” provided more than enough evidence. He somehow sees himself as a cowboy that the Illinois Senate is trying to “hang.”
Blagojevich is a TV freakshow. Watching him is like watching Tammy Faye Bakker or Kato Kaelin. It makes for great live TV but in the end, it’s a meaningless diversion from the real stories of the economy and war that need to be covered.
So, don’t be fooled by the networks, cable channels, anchors and interviewers as to what they are selling with Blagojevich today and tonight. It’s mainly trash.
Exactly.
* More…
* Senator Oprah?
* Blagojevich makes TV rounds as impeachment trial set to begin
* NY Post: Blago: I considered appointing Oprah
* Blagojevich Considered Winfrey for Obama’s Senate Seat .
*** UPDATE 3 *** Durbin on the publicity blitz…
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, calling corruption charges against Gov. Rod Blagojevich a “great embarrassment,” said Sunday that the governor should appear in the Capitol for his impeachment trial, not under the bright lights of New York television programs.
Durbin, a Democrat like Blagojevich, said it is up to the governor if he wants to appear Monday on “Good Morning, America,” ‘’The View” and “Larry King Live,” the same day the state Senate will convene a tribunal on whether to remove him from office.
“But Barbara Walters is not on his jury,” Durbin said at a Sunday news conference, referring to the veteran newswoman who co-hosts “The View.”
“I would think he’d be better advised to be in the Illinois state Senate tomorrow at noon to defend himself,” Durbin said, explaining that 59 Illinois state senators are expected to be present at the trial.
*** UPDATE 4 *** I forgot to link to the GMA video. Here it is. More here.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:28 am
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Up next, Rod to confront lawmaker who drafted the laws for impeachment and back and forth with him…
Comment by Phill Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:30 am
Diane Sawyer is giving it too him pretty good.
She isn’t having any of the “rules are against me”. He keeps bringing it up, and she keeps going back to the tapes. Gov doesn’t look too happy.
Also, segment was to end @7:20. She asked him right before they ended if he could stay after 7:30. I missed the name, but apparently one of the framers of the “rules” has agreed to a live interview from Springfield.
He is going to rebut the Gov’s assertations that the trial is unfair, and “fixed”.
Needless to say, the Gov agreed to stay on after the break, but if looks could kill, Diane was dead.
I’ll post more after that section. It’s on now.
Comment by How Ironic Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:31 am
Loved the clip of Mayor Daley calling him Cukoo.
Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:31 am
Matt Murphy is up right now. “Another Self-Serving statment by the Gov. We patterend the rules after Clinton”.
Gov disagrees. Says Clinton could call witnessess. (blahblah)
Comment by How Ironic Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:32 am
It was a lot of the usual “Healthcare for all, jobs for all, no new taxes.”
Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:36 am
Now Gov is fired up. Pointing at Diane. Hair still perfect.
Matt responds: “Lets all try to get through all the red herring that was just served for breakfast”
“We have lowered the bar for introducing evidence. This process is more fair.”
Gov didn’t have as good a show as I think he was expecting. I hope he gets skewered on “The View”.
Comment by How Ironic Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:36 am
Not much back and forth. They let Rod pretty much run off at the mouth, more of the same stuff, tho the lawmaker got in a couple of good points.
That interview if over now, will be interesting to see the comments now, if any….
Comment by Phill Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:36 am
LOL. . .I think Murphy being on GMA was an ambush that Rod was not told of in advance.
I have one problem: I think ALL OF THE SENATORS need to be very careful doing any press prior to the impeachment. I know this is a political not criminal proceeding, but the Senators should have the appearance of being impartial. Murphy came off as a prosecutor not a juror. For Murphy to call Rod’s statements self serving is not good in my opinion. Let the House members take on Rod in the press this week, the Senate needs to be quite until this is over. Murphy can have his victory lap after they impeach him.
Comment by wndycty Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:36 am
can new york keep him?
serious question: how much is it costing illinois for this criminal to go to new york?
Comment by bored now Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:36 am
I am starting to feel bad for Blago. He is getting beat up by his own party.
Comment by Stayathomemom Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:36 am
Murphy said “Well let me digest that big red herring he just served for breakfast.”
Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:37 am
Interview over. Matt Murphy did pretty good for himself. Gov didn’t get the free pass he was hoping for.
Comment by How Ironic Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:37 am
bored now, let’s forget about the editorial comments for the moment. Live-blogging only, please. Thanks.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:38 am
Video:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/US/story?id=6730220&page=1
Comment by Anonymous Coward Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:38 am
In the first segment, I thought Diane grilled him ilke a cheeseburger about the tapes. He wanted to drift off that comment but kept saying when we see the tapes in their entirety, we will see the truth.
AMEN, preach it Rodney. We will definitely see more of the truth then.
Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:39 am
I hope this ABC interview was a taste of what he cna expect from The View. Worse yet is Larry King. He’s sitting for the entire hour of Larry King.
Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:40 am
I will say he was on time and it looked like he actually had to wait for Diane Sawyer. Don’t ya love it.
Another thought. Perhaps if he had hired this PR firm on day one, he would have at least shown up on time to all of his meetings/events (like Senator Demuzio’s funeral).
Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:41 am
Oh, one other thing. In the second segment, he kept referencing how he created health care by going around the legislature and a couple of other things by going aorund the legislature. Apparently he doesn’t realize that it is exactly those things he did going around the legislature that now has his butt in a sling.
Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:43 am
Saw/heard nothing new. Quoted poetry again. Didn’t answer most questions. I also wonder how many state assets were used to support him on this media blitz (staff, troopers, aircraft, etc…) If he couldn’t handle Diane’s questions on GMA, it will be fun to see how he deals with 4 questioners on “The View” - although 3 of the 4 of them will probably join in his defense. You go Elizabeth!)
Comment by BehindTheScenes Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:50 am
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2009/01/blagojevich_tells_nbcs_today_s.html
Added Blagojevich, “There is old gospel song, ‘One Day at a Time Sweet Jesus. With something like this, you take one day at a time. And then you trust in the truth And then you trust in a fair system of justice. And I still believe in America. I still look at the U.S. Attorneys and the federal investigators and all of those who have been pursuing me for four years, I still see them as the good guys. But I see me as one of them. I see us on the same side.”
Comment by Anonymous Coward Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 7:59 am
Does anyone know if there is a link to watch the View on my computer?
Comment by James the Intolerant Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:05 am
Oprah was considered for Senate? this is new.
Comment by Amy Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:06 am
@James
Most likely, here:
http://abc.go.com/daytime/theview/video
Comment by Anonymous Coward Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:07 am
Here is a good summary of the GMA interview with Blago.
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2009/01/oprah_was_mulled_for_senate_se.html
Comment by Mike Murray Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:15 am
The classic line (not word for word) of the interview from some Republican counter-pointer.
“The Governor is serving us too much Red Herring for breakfast.”
Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:15 am
Larry King’s program has a website asking for viewers questions here: http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5.lkl.html
I already submitted a link to Friday’s Question of the Day but more people submitting questions would make it stand out more. A good one would be about admitting going around the legislature, isn’t that the bulk of the impeachment charges.
Comment by formerGOPer Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:20 am
Yeah, what was the Oprah thing? Coo-coo!
Comment by Deep South Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:21 am
The poetry was the same old Kipling we’ve heard before, but this time in response to a question about his wife’s role as “Lady Macbeth.” Poetry fills time and avoids answering the question, a nice dodge. And, of course, her language on the tapes regarding the Tribune editorial staff were “taken out of context!” I’m looking forward to the dual appearance on The View to see whether Patti lets Rod defend her or she speaks up for herself and her husband, especially if they push. I don’t think they’ll be either kind or sensitive.
Comment by Oberon Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:21 am
dual appearance on the View? based on the View’s treatment of John and Cindy McCain, and Cindy McCain’s response, the View should be fun to watch for this visit. the women of the View do not hold back.
Comment by Amy Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:24 am
He looked like a deer in the headlights when they brought in Murphy. Classic.
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:29 am
Diane Sawyer quoted from the infamous tapes “I’ve got this thing, it’s (bleeping) golden….” etc. and asked Rod directly “Did you say this?”. Rod’s response, of course, “Well, I can’t get into specifics here…” “DID YOU SAY THIS?” is a simple enough question. Went unaswered.
Comment by Hunterdon Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:30 am
He’s getting no softball questions, thanks to burning ABC and giving NBC a scoop yesterday. Did ABC pay for his flight or did he take the state plane? ABC should have gotten an MOU.
Comment by Watching Rod with 3-d glasses on Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:32 am
Again, he admits that he’s the voice on the tapes. That’ll save some time at his trial.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:38 am
Diane Sawyer did a good job cutting him off when he avoided a question and when he tried to go into his prepared talking points. Blago stuck to his prepared game plan (I assume) and didn’t answer any questions about quotes from the tapes. “The View” is a different forum and he may be more comfortable speaking with them. If he gets comfortable and lets his guard down there may be some good Blagospeak coming out of the speakers.
Comment by Holdingontomywallet Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:42 am
Diane Sawyer did a pretty good job. Although I don’t have a clue as to what Blago’s trying to accomplish, he didn’t not come off well.
It will be interesting to see as the day goes on how he holds up. He has a pretty wearying media schedule.
Dude, you’re facing a criminal trial. And you’re talking. Bizarre.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:42 am
===the women of the View do not hold back.===
The women on “The View” are about half nuts, but they will grillthe governor mercilessly for trying to sell Obama’s Senate seat. They may give him a break when he talks about trying to bring universal health care to Illinois.
Comment by Fan of the Game Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:45 am
He said he won’t quit without a fight. Yet he mounts no defense at his trial.
He says the trial is unconstitutional. But he hasn’t challenged it in federal court, or even laid the basis to challenge it.
What’s the point of going to the national media? Softer questions?
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:46 am
Sawyer did fine. Prep must have helped
Meanwhile CLTV has some raw video of Blagoof leaving a hotel with that mope Sam Adam Jr guess he is still on the case.
looks like they are riding in a car with IL plates
ISP must have drove out ahead…Did he take state plane?
Comment by 2ConfusedCrew Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:48 am
Sawyer doing decent job, maybe due to being burned as stated above. As for his “testicular virility”, where is he today instead of facing his accusers? Trying to chum up to the likes of the View panel….what a POS.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:48 am
I was unimpre3ssed with Murphy, I think he blew several opportuntities to drive home key points. Murphy cam across too defensive. When the Gov complained about the rules not letting im call witneeses Murphy should have noted that he can call witnesses; but like any proceeding it is not an unrestricted right; then followed up by noting that the Gov did not seek to subpeona a single witness nor to have the charges dismissed.
Interestingly, I think the quote about how he worked around the legislature to spend state funds could be submitted to the impeachment trials as evidence against the Gov. he is basicaly admitting a portion of the charges in a reocded video statement. They may not be able to compel him to speak, but if h chooses to get up and confess to his crimes on tv no reason they cant admit it into evidence.
Comment by Ghost Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:50 am
Is this a fundraising tour? Does he get paid for these appearances?
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:50 am
While Blago was setting up his insanity defense, I mean “defending” himself, who is paying for him and his entourage to go on this media blitz?
Good thing the state is flush with money, LOL
Comment by Concerned Voter Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:53 am
I love Rod’s statement that he considered Oprah for the Senate seat but was concerned that it would come off looking like a “gimmick.” Because, of course, we all know Rod would never do anything as a gimmick.
Comment by Anonymous ZZZ Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:54 am
Maybe it is only on my tv or I am hoping for this: Rod got on tv dressed in Blackface and began singing Old Time Spirituals and talked more about lynching.
I do have concern that they are impeaching him before the criminal trial. I do not see how this can be fair. Am I becoming Bill?
Comment by Wumpus Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:55 am
What’s the point of going to the national media? Softer questions?
He is trying to influence a jury pool and, in his own warped mind, I’m sure he dreams of hoards of body snatched Illinois citizens storming the Capitol demanding jusitice for our hero.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:57 am
No, Wump, you’re just not looking at the big picture. He’s not being impeached solely for the Senate debacle. He just wants you to THINK that’s the case.
I haven’t seen/heard all of it yet, but I think Sawyer did a fine job at the start, at least. She was the right person from GMA to do this interview, and she DID ask hard, direct questions.
“I can’t get into specifics”…priceless.
Comment by Concerned Observer Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 8:59 am
Phineas - he is not trying to influence the jury pool because he believes a jury will vindicate him and then when Quinn and the legislature vote a tax increase he can say I told you so and thereby propel himself (in his mind) into the White House as a vicitm of the system and saviour to health care and ethics reform. What a goof!
Comment by Fed-up Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:00 am
Trial’s a long way off. Who’s going to remember what was said today? Except the feds, if he let’s something slip, like admitting it’s his voice on the tapes
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:00 am
Rich, I would like to ask him why he insists on “fundamental fairness” before his ouster when he himself provided NO fairness when he targeted his own employees to fire in his first days in office.
Comment by Larry Mullholland Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:02 am
I did notice that he didn’t mention JCAR, flu vaccines, etc, etc.
He’s on the Today show right now.
Comment by Cranky Old Man Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:05 am
Over. Nothing new.
Comment by Cranky Old Man Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:07 am
Word, this is only the beginning. He will be on the air every chance he gets from now till the fed trial. Probably doing his own radio show, ect. I see he is trying to get on Oprah. At this point he has nothing to lose. I guess a better response is he is trying to sway public opinion. Of course, by the time the federal trial comes along he will have made so many misstatements he will have convicted himself, but really, what does he have to lose?
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:10 am
I’m wondering if he’ll start trying to out others that have gotten their hands dirty when he begins realizing that he’s going down and looking at hard prison time. Seems like a squealer to me, and mix in his ego and I don’t see him going away without trying to pull lots of others down with him. Should be an interesting ride, once all this smokescreen B.S. is over with.
Comment by BigDog Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:15 am
Blago is one smart man. Look he is on Good Morning America, The View, and Larry King. He is getting all kinds of media coverage. He is playing the “poor me” card and doing it on national TV.
Comment by Stayathomemom Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:16 am
Rich, you’re right about the O question being planted, or at least about it seeming that way.
Comment by Concerned Observer Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:25 am
Well, it’s official. The new, dynamic, charismatic president is from Illinois and I couldn’t be more embarrassed to be from this state. This guy made a complete ass of himself on national television…as usual. For the next week and a half to two weeks, however long the senate takes, I am officially from nebraska if asked. And Kipling has got to be rolling in his grave
Comment by Beyond Embarrassed Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:28 am
The look on Diane’s face is priceless:
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/01/blagojevich-takes-case-to-good-morning-america.html
Comment by Anonymous Coward Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:29 am
I like how he blames “politicians”…like he isn’t one himself. I know, I know, this has worked for him in the past, but don’t the people see through that now? God, I hope so.
Comment by Concerned Observer Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:30 am
Hopefully, the networks paid for his transportation and hotel room. I think that would be normal.
I used to drink. I always had the most “remarkable” ideas during that time period. (not). But, for the life of me, I never would have thought of Oprah for senate.
Governor, are you high?
Comment by PPHS Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:31 am
Two phrases Rod used repeatedly, phrases which struck me as highly ironic:
He was trying to “leverage a result” in choosing a new senator…Can’t you imagine John Gotti using that phrase proudly, sounding all sophisticated when discussing his crimes. Love those euphemisms!
“The fix is in” — in reference to the strong likelihood that the senate will convict him. Funny how he doesn’t appreciate that most Illinois residents DO believe that impeachment is a good fix for a foolish, arrogant, corrupt governor who just won’t quit. Yes, governor, many of us are hoping that the “fix” will soon be implemented.
Comment by Steve Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:31 am
Blago as Gary Cooper…(quick, hand me the stomach distress bag!) At “High Noon”, Cooper went out to the street to face his adversaries…where does Rod go? To The View…(with the ‘football’ at the ready). At CAN and WILL get worse, I guarantee.
Comment by You Go Boy Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:38 am
In my opinion the Oprah angle is a sham…she was never in contention…or we would all know about it from the affidavit or the recorded conversations. It’s all a headline grabber & just more of Blago being Blago.
Comment by scoot Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:38 am
Continuing on the cowboy theme, my Latin teacher, Father Dempsey would tell class regularly: “I’ll give you enough rope to hang yourselves”. Unwittingly, thats what the PR firm and the enabler media are doing presently to Wacko.
Comment by You Go Boy Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:41 am
Phineas is right. The Blago PR campaign is all about contaminating the jury pool. That’s why he is not answering direct questions on the facts (which will continue to be his MO on the View and Larry King). Sure his criminal trial is maybe a year off (if he is ever indicted), but this is national network television. He is reaching a larger Illinois audience on earned media than he has ever reached. Something with someone might potentially stick, and when you have the opportunity to do so, unlike 99% of all the other criminal defendants, you might as well try since, as Matt Murphy said, your liberty is at stake.
Comment by Conservative Republican Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:41 am
Phineas, he’s got everything to lose. There’s a reason why the Constitution bestows the right against self-incrimination and defense lawyers tell you to keep your mouth shut:
Everything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:42 am
Somewhere in a law office Genson is sitting behind a desk laughing his *bleep* off.
Comment by Ghost Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:44 am
Hang in there folks… by this time next week, “embattled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich” will have become “FORMER Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.” My, that sounds a lot better doesn’t it?
Comment by Secret Square Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:46 am
Today, Rod Blagojevich is doing what he had hoped to be doing as a presidential candidate, enjoying a national media blitz. As a Congressman, Blagojevich became infected with Potomac Fever, and believed the timing was right for him to reach for a higher public office in 2002, in order to position himself as a Democratic candidate for president in 2008.
He saw the Illinois governor’s office as a stepping stone from which to lauch that White House dream. He campaigned, and continues today, to campaign as a national aspirant with his populist rhetoric concerning health care, education, anti-tax stand, and providing for the needy. He sees himself as the Ronald Reagan of Democrats. He carefully balanced his social agenda with conservative pro-family stands, such as his ill-fated violent video game legislation.
Blagojevich never thought of actually being the governor of Illinois, as much as he thought of himself as a presidential candidate. His actions, words and policies come right off of a faux-Reagan 4×8 card. His massive political warchest was created in presidential-candidacy proportions, as he raised over $2,000 per hour instead of governed so that that warchest could be filled. Blagojevich dealt with the Devil himself to accomplish this goal. He stayed in Chicago in order to keep the money tap on, and used the excuse that state capitol, Springfield, was too corrupted and tainted from which to govern.
We know today that reality awaiting the new Governor Blagojevich didn’t afford his White House dreams. His plan was to squeeze the last amount of state funding from a House of Credit and like a house of cards, the spending he pursued to pad his resume created fiscal turmoil and fell apart as he waited for his Big Opportunity. Additionally, Blagojevich discovered that the job was too big for him and his White House dreams. Instead of governing, Blagojevich campaigned. This negligence resulted in consequences that derailed his presidential time schedule and he fell from political grace as the Illinois economy mauled him.
By 2005 when he wasn’t rescued by Senator John Kerry from this situation, Blagojevich gambled on salvaging his White House aspirations and held onto Office. But by this time, Blagojevich was in a hole. He didn’t learn his job, and like a kid who didn’t do his homework discovering a test on his desk the next morning, Blagojevich wasn’t prepared when his job got tougher.
But today, Rod Blagojevich is on national television. He is salvaging those White House dreams. The glow he once had, has faded to a glow similar to a squashed firefly’s. Due to circumstances beyond his control, he is not prepared as a presidential candidate. Today Rod Blagojevich is making his debut on national television and his blitz includes all the Big Names. He had craved this national exposure for over a decade, now he has it - in the worst way.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:56 am
Starting next week (hopefully), an old joke will be changed from president to gov.
Every morning at 9AM a gentleman goes to the govs office and asks for Mr. Blago. He is told that Blago is no longer gov. This goes on for weeks. Finally the person at the desk asks if the gentleman understands and why he keeps coming back. The gentleman replies, “I just like hearing it.”
Comment by Cranky Old Man Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 9:59 am
Here we go, The View is on…
Comment by Watching Rod with 3-d glasses on Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 10:01 am
Word, I think he knows that by the time this thing goes to trial the evidence will be so stacked against him that facts won’t matter. His own statements during this media frenzy will be the most easily discreditable by his own defense attorneys by the sheer incredulous nature of them. Comparing himself to Gandhi and Mandela seem to guarantee that.
My point is, he has chosen this misguided direction so he might as well go all out. Of course, you are correct about what he should have done, however, he is way past that option now.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 10:05 am
Why is all of this attention being given to this political crook? I kept telling the media back in May of 2004 after he and his cronies took my job at IDOT that he was no good. People voted for him anyway. The Dem’s backed him up, because they did not want to lose the office. It always seems like those who have been caught at their own nasty games, then run to the media to try and convince the public that they didn’t do anything wrong. Blago is turning the media into a circus. I have lost all respect for talk shows that are giving this creep all of this free time. If he was being framed or really felt that he was not guilty, he should be down in Springfield right now explaining all of this to the Senate.
No media people are giving me a free forum to tell how the governor and his people took my job, messed up my retirement, kept me from getting another state job, caused me to lose my house, go bankrupt and wrecked my life. I never voted in a state primary and just did my job. That wasn’t good enough for the gov and his cronies.
Comment by John Ghrist Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 10:07 am
- I think he knows that by the time this thing goes to trial the evidence will be so stacked against him that facts won’t matter.–
Not sure what you mean there. In a criminal trial, facts will mean everything, and the feds will have to prove their case. He’s already given them that he’s the voice on the tapes.
If he didn’t take the chance of talking before the House or Senate, why do it here? The more he yaps, the more chances he takes in helping the feds prove their case.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 10:17 am
I, too, overwhelmingly agree that the ‘Oprah for Senator’ comment was a ‘plant.’ Another distraction. It only came out now after he hired a PR firm. But the media seems to buy this story, too.
Comment by pontiacstaff Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 5:17 pm
wndycty said “I think Murphy being on GMA was an ambush…I think ALL OF THE SENATORS need to be very careful doing any press prior to the impeachment. Murphy came off as a prosecutor not a juror. For Murphy to call Rod’s statements self serving is not good in my opinion… Murphy can have his victory lap after they impeach him.”
Quite observant! Is it anywonder that the GOP has Murphy out in every single news outlet and story about the impeachment. Seems that Murphy is seeking something bigger (going after the ’self-serving Stroger?) I heard today that the local Palatine (Murphy’s) Township Board of Supervisors was changing a regular meeting in the near future (to attend a big republican fundraising event?) Can someone confirm that, or does it just seem coincidence….
Comment by northernwatersports Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 11:36 pm