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He’ll never understand until he’s behind bars - and maybe not even then

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* This will be devastating

The former law school roommate, longtime friend and onetime chief of staff to Rod Blagojevich is now taking a new role against the former governor: federal witness.

While Lon Monk showed up in federal court Thursday to plead not guilty to a wire fraud charge, a federal prosecutor said a plea deal is due in short order.

Monk was one of Blagojevich’s closest confidants. You can put it on the board. Blagojevich is going away for a very long time.

* So, you think the Blagojevich show is a circus now? Just wait until these two gentlemen are fully on board with his legal defense team

Sam Adam Jr. and his father, veteran Chicago lawyer Sam Adam Sr., are in line to join attorney Sheldon Sorosky in the governor’s corner. The younger Adam aided Blagojevich during impeachment proceedings in Springfield, and the father and son advised him during his media blitz earlier this year.

“We’re assembling the team right now,” the younger Adam said Thursday. “I am honored to have been asked to represent the governor, and we’re going to fight.”

The younger Adam would bring the somewhat bombastic style he has become known for at Chicago’s Criminal Courts Building to the more mannered halls of the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. He may be best known for his fiery work on the team that won the acquittal of R&B superstar R. Kelly on child pornography charges last year.

The story notes that the two will join the team if Blagojevich’s federal judge allows them to tap Blagojevich’s campaign fund for legal fees. Adam Jr., however, said at least once that he would represent Blagojevich for free.

* And speaking of circuses

NBC executives have asked Patti Blagojevich to act in her husband’s stead and become a contestant on the reality show “I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!”

But a defense lawyer, who did not want to be named, said the couple will heed their attorneys’ warnings and not allow Patti to do the show. The attorney said the two were told: “They both should follow Judge [James] Zagel’s sage advice regarding Costa Rica.”

Actually, the judge’s advice was to take some time and think about his predicament. He’s obviously not listening

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich eagerly became a Hollywood high-flyer, but his hair paid the price.

During filming Thursday of a promotional spot for the NBC reality series “I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!” Blagojevich was strapped into a harness and hoisted in front of a blank “green screen” to simulate a parachute jump.

Wind machines mussed his famous mop of hair for the spot filmed at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, standing in for the Costa Rican jungle.

Video of the moron…


* Related…

* Being gov and reality are similar, ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich says

* Stephen Baldwin Joins ‘Celebrity,’ and Blago May Not Be Gone Yet

* I’m a taxpayer … please get me out of here

* Blagojevich Editorial Cartoons

* Blagojevich’s ex-chief of staff pleads not guilty

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 9:48 am

Comments

  1. The man has no shame. I don’t even know what else to say……

    Comment by Toni H. Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 9:57 am

  2. I saw that clip last night, and it made me queasy. This guy was our governor? Good lord, heavens above! Blagojevich knows no shame.

    Way back when he appeared on Letterman, I critiqued Blagojevich for failing to become a lovable, but crazy uncle figure. A rouge. A Clintonesque clown capable of being a lovable scamp. It seems that his publicity team is either coming around, or has finally talked Blagojevich into attempting this role, now.

    But the facts keep coming, and they are exposing Blagojevich not as a lovable, but crazy uncle, but as a despicable weazel. So now that he is finally harnessed above a wind machine, clowning before a green screen and becoming a reality TV star, it is too late for him.

    I hope Monk received justice for his part of this governmental crime against us too. He may flip, but he still owes us. He better sing many very pretty tunes before he should get any breaks.

    Adam Jr. deserves Blagojevich, and vice versa. They are both over their heads and clueless.

    Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:02 am

  3. What an idiot! Enough said.

    Comment by iMAGINE Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:05 am

  4. Monk was one of Blagojevich’s closest confidants. You can put it on the board. Blagojevich is going away for a very long time.

    Sorry, but it only takes one juror who is enjoying free bus rides to keep him free. I think this is what ex gov nutcase is banking on with his apparent lack of care about his present circumstances

    Comment by Hank Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:08 am

  5. This has to stop. The parish priest, the family doctor…someone needs to intervene and get this guy some professional help. The PR creep should be charged with malpractice. Rod is dangerously out of control.

    Comment by And I Approved This Message Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:10 am

  6. As a condition of any plea deal, perhaps Monk and Harris, or some other close associated of His Hairness, ought to write a book called “Governor Elvis: What Happened?”

    Comment by Secret Square Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:14 am

  7. And I Approved is dead on. Rod’s problem has ceased to be funny. His brother and anyone else that might be able to convince him, need to intercede. But, I have said that for 6 months.

    I realize it is difficult to commit someone in IL., but this guy may hurt himself or his family. It is happening every day.

    Comment by PPHS Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:21 am

  8. He’s going to be on Don Wade & Roma’s show (AGAIN!) on Monday morning. Mental note: listen to WGN Monday morning…

    Comment by Anon in BB Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:27 am

  9. He’s preparing to act out the phrase “Twisting in the wind” as he will most certainly be doing throughout his trial. And still another idiom…..”Send in the clowns!”

    Comment by Justice Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:28 am

  10. Maybe the legal strategy is now: How could an ADD goofball like that be a scheming, venal criminal?

    It’s akin to the tactics of Vincent “The Chin” Gigante, head of the Genovese crime family, who used to walk around Greenwich Village in his bathrobe muttering to himself. The idea was for “The Oddfather” to appear to be mentally incompetent to avoid prosecution.

    It worked for a while. What finally got him? Secretly recorded conversations of him discussing crimes that were corroborated by his former top guy.

    Nice try, Rod.

    Comment by wordslinger Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:30 am

  11. Thanks Rich, I guess I need to get some software to take advantage of the green screen video now…

    Comment by OneMan Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:31 am

  12. Wow.

    That video is hard to watch.

    Comment by Macbeth Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:32 am

  13. I am embarrassed for him.

    Comment by Shelbyville Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:35 am

  14. - Shelbyville - Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:35 am:

    I am embarrassed for him.

    I am embarrassed of him.

    Comment by Fan of the Game Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:42 am

  15. I’ll say it again, he is fully aware of what he is doing, and lack of dignity cannot be equated with lack of sanity. Maybe he is trying to build an eventual case for a non compos mentis defense. I can’t that flying any further than his thwarted plane trip to Costa Rica.

    Comment by Captain Flume Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:49 am

  16. The younger bombastic Adam said “I am honored to have been asked to represent the governor, and we’re going to fight.” Well now, he’s not honored enough to represent Blago without being allowed to tap Blago’s campaign fund for legal fees!

    Apparently being honored means being paid as well. Jeez, this trial is going to be the mother of side shows. My money is on the judge who should have a pretty short fuse when putting up with the younger Adam’s antics in court.

    Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:54 am

  17. He’s going for the insanity plea.

    Comment by Third Generation Chicago Native Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 10:58 am

  18. TMZ twit:

    http://www.tmz.com/2009/04/24/blagojevichs-hair-care-mystery-revealed/

    Comment by Anonymous Coward Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 11:03 am

  19. I’m sorry!

    Comment by Bill Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 11:04 am

  20. That’s not really him, is it??????

    Comment by One of the 35 Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 11:12 am

  21. Twit:

    Fmr Gov blagojevich to appear at press event for NBC that begns in 30 minutes in Pasadena, Calif

    Comment by Anonymous Coward Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 11:15 am

  22. Well the Blago Show jumped the shark. We already knew the man would do anything for money-but really…this.

    “Video of the moron” lol-too funny!

    Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 11:15 am

  23. Bill that is almost a good as your “oops”

    Comment by Leave a light on George Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 11:23 am

  24. Oy, gevalt. This guy really is meshugana.

    Comment by dupage dan Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 11:32 am

  25. Last summer I was delteted from a comments section on the State Urnil Register website for suggeting that Milorad was building an insanity defense, I think I had it nailed. What a public nusance.

    Comment by Dan S, a Voter and Cubs fan Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 11:44 am

  26. Look at this TMZ clip carefully. http://www.tmz.com/videos?autoplay=true&mediaKey=a6d36a51-7be4-4d04-9c9b-fd1fbd24f06f

    Does it look like the tall guy palms the short guy some bills in the short guy’s right hand, then as the short guy puts Blago into the back seat of the car, the short guy gives the bills to Blago? Call me crazy, but I wouldn’t put anything past this guy to pick up some extra cash.

    Comment by Just My Opinion Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 11:51 am

  27. Bill “I’m sorry!”

    I need that on a T-Shirt. ROFL

    Comment by Speaking at Will Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 11:51 am

  28. I don’t think that parachute is going to open. Splat.

    Comment by Truth Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 11:51 am

  29. Use that video with the song “It’s a small world” for the weekend closing

    Comment by Boscobud Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 12:34 pm

  30. video of the moron…..OOOOOO…….MMMMMM……GGGGGG!!!!!!

    this just gets better and better, and worse and worse. it’s going to make an amazing movie and i don’t even think we’re near done yet writing the script of weirdness.

    when the going gets weird, the weird get pro. ahh, Hunter Thompson.

    Comment by Amy Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 12:38 pm

  31. Does NBC not realize that they are rubbing our noses in it? Do they care? The scum does rise to the top in these executive suites.

    Comment by vole Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 12:50 pm

  32. From Rod’s PR crew

    “show would be a departure from things that ’sucks and are scary’”

    ‘Sucks and is Scary’ describes his governance style as well..

    Comment by OneMan Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 1:29 pm

  33. ===While Lon Monk showed up in federal court Thursday to plead not guilty to a wire fraud charge, a federal prosecutor said a plea deal is due in short order.====
    I wonder how much of the plea bargaining has to do with the conversations with Burris? Of course, I am sure the thought of Roland looking out from under the bus is an easier mental picture for him compared to imagining his old buddy Rod.

    Comment by Been There Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 1:37 pm

  34. (1) it is amusing to see the rats (you know who you are) jumping over and over again from USSBlago. Don’t worry, no matter how many times you jump from the ship, the voters will remember that you were on the ship.

    (2) Rich’s logic can be taken one step further, when Blago relaizes that he is dead meat, he will also cooperate with the investigations. And, hahahahaha, a lot of you must be scared by that proposition.

    Comment by pmels Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 2:02 pm

  35. === he will also cooperate with the investigations. And, hahahahaha, a lot of you must be scared by that proposition.===

    Yeah, because his word is so trustworthy.

    Please.

    Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 2:03 pm

  36. Amy, if only Hunter Thompson were still around to chronicle “Fear and Loathing in Illinois”… the Rod saga was made for someone like him.

    Comment by Secret Square Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 2:14 pm

  37. Secret Square -

    I think the good doctor would have said,
    “When the going gets weird the weird turn pro and the pro’s become Illinois Governor’

    Comment by OneMan Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 2:23 pm

  38. I can’t stop watching this goofy video-it is cracking me up. And now the return of the Adam family. It really is a gonzo journalists dream. A plethora of weirdness calling for the right writer to fully embrace.

    Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 2:28 pm

  39. Nobody went out on a more disturbing note than HST!

    Comment by Vote Quimby! Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 2:37 pm

  40. As someone who skydived, I can only hope. his actions would have caused him to tumble out of control, not fall. shortly there after, as his parachute opened, it would have become a death shroud as he made the last few thousand foot plunge.

    we can only hope.

    rich try posting the audio from blood upon the risers.

    Comment by Todd Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 2:45 pm

  41. If Blago really wants to do a reality TV show, why not just do his life from now through the trial. He’d make a fortune. Just put the cameras in the house and let ‘em roll. They’ve already reached the freak family level so why not let it roll?

    Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:21 pm

  42. History has a way of repeating itself, and this is not the first time that the Addams Family has provided criminal representation for a troubled elected official.

    Someone should ask former State Rep. Pat Bailey what she thinks of Sam Adams.

    Comment by Merry-Go-Round Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:23 pm

  43. Who else could almost hear the Hawk announcing when reading the 2nd line…

    “You can put it on the board………YESSSSSSSSS!”

    Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 3:40 pm

  44. “The younger Adam aided Blagojevich during impeachment proceedings in Springfield.” They forgot to add “though not very competently, as he apparently didn’t know the difference between a criminal trial and an impeachment hearing.”

    Comment by Secret Square Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 4:02 pm

  45. I don’t understand- why is he shooting a promo for a show he can’t star in?

    “Sorry, but it only takes one juror who is enjoying free bus rides to keep him free.”

    Well, one juror who is enjoying free bus rides AND can’t separate that enjoyment from the facts of the case (And even THAT wouldn’t produce an acquital). Voir dire and judge’s instructions are going to make it pretty tough for such a person to get seated on the jury.

    “when Blago relaizes that he is dead meat, he will also cooperate with the investigations.”

    There’s not a whole lot the feds want from him besides maybe just giving up. You gotta remember, this is a former governor we’re talking about. There’s no one else for him to roll over on, we’re already at the Capone level.

    Comment by colby Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 4:17 pm

  46. Secret Square: can’t you just picture Hunter with a bottle of some drink and a great big gun in the woods in Southern Illinois, car filled with all sorts of illegal substances, perhaps the large lawyer with him, writing magic? Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail indeed. and Hunter could write all about the Olympics quest in Illinois too! Matt Taiibi is a loathesome sexist toad, but he is a Hunter wannabe. perhaps Matt can come to Illinois and write something for Rolling Stone.

    Comment by Amy Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 4:19 pm

  47. If you hang someone out to dry, you abandon them when they are in trouble. This stunt proves it, however in the words of Steve Martin in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: “Ha, you did it to yourself!”

    Comment by If It Walks Like a Duck... Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 6:08 pm

  48. As to representation by the Adams Family now that the money may be available. Not so fast, Jr. talked a little too much and had meetings that will be outside the attorney client privilage. He is a potential witness and I would not be surprised to a see a motion to disqualify as at least Jr. could be potentially called as a witness.

    Second, Judge Zagel and 219 S. Dearborn, are not the same as Cook County Courts. Antics not allowed and rigorous knowledge of the law required. Prosecutors and Zagel will eat Jr. alive.

    Comment by been there before Friday, Apr 24, 09 @ 11:57 pm

  49. Been There, that sounds about right to me. Federal Court with Judge Zagel is a whole different ballgame than 26 and Cal.

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 27, 09 @ 2:50 pm

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