Up next, Rod to confront lawmaker who drafted the laws for impeachment and back and forth with him...
How Ironic
· 11 months ago
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.
Little Egypt
· 11 months ago
Loved the clip of Mayor Daley calling him Cukoo.
How Ironic
· 11 months ago
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)
Little Egypt
· 11 months ago
It was a lot of the usual "Healthcare for all, jobs for all, no new taxes."
How Ironic
· 11 months ago
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".
wndycty
· 11 months ago
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.
Phill
· 11 months ago
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....
bored now
· 11 months ago
can new york keep him?
serious question: how much is it costing illinois for this criminal to go to new york?
Stayathomemom
· 11 months ago
I am starting to feel bad for Blago. He is getting beat up by his own party.
Little Egypt
· 11 months ago
Murphy said "Well let me digest that big red herring he just served for breakfast."
How Ironic
· 11 months ago
Interview over. Matt Murphy did pretty good for himself. Gov didn't get the free pass he was hoping for.
Rich Miller
· 11 months ago
bored now, let's forget about the editorial comments for the moment. Live-blogging only, please. Thanks.
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.
Little Egypt
· 11 months ago
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.
Little Egypt
· 11 months ago
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).
Little Egypt
· 11 months ago
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.
BehindTheScenes
· 11 months ago
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!)
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."
James the Intolerant
· 11 months ago
Does anyone know if there is a link to watch the View on my computer?
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."
formerGOPer
· 11 months ago
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.
Deep South
· 11 months ago
Yeah, what was the Oprah thing? Coo-coo!
Oberon
· 11 months ago
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.
Amy
· 11 months ago
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.
He Makes Ryan Look Like a Sain
· 11 months ago
He looked like a deer in the headlights when they brought in Murphy. Classic.
Hunterdon
· 11 months ago
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.
Watching Rod with 3-d glasses
· 11 months ago
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.
wordslinger
· 11 months ago
Again, he admits that he's the voice on the tapes. That'll save some time at his trial.
Holdingontomywallet
· 11 months ago
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.
wordslinger
· 11 months ago
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.
Fan of the Game
· 11 months ago
===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.
wordslinger
· 11 months ago
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?
2ConfusedCrew
· 11 months ago
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?
Anonymous
· 11 months ago
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.
Ghost
· 11 months ago
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.
Anonymous
· 11 months ago
Is this a fundraising tour? Does he get paid for these appearances?
Concerned Voter
· 11 months ago
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
Anonymous ZZZ
· 11 months ago
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.
Wumpus
· 11 months ago
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?
Phineas J. Whoopee
· 11 months ago
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.
Concerned Observer
· 11 months ago
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.
Fed-up
· 11 months ago
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!
wordslinger
· 11 months ago
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
Larry Mullholland
· 11 months ago
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.
Cranky Old Man
· 11 months ago
I did notice that he didn't mention JCAR, flu vaccines, etc, etc. He's on the Today show right now.
Cranky Old Man
· 11 months ago
Over. Nothing new.
Phineas J. Whoopee
· 11 months ago
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?
BigDog
· 11 months ago
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.
Stayathomemom
· 11 months ago
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.
Concerned Observer
· 11 months ago
Rich, you're right about the O question being planted, or at least about it seeming that way.
Beyond Embarrassed
· 11 months ago
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
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.
PPHS
· 11 months ago
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?
Steve
· 11 months ago
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.
You Go Boy
· 11 months ago
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.
scoot
· 11 months ago
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.
You Go Boy
· 11 months ago
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.
Conservative Republican
· 11 months ago
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.
wordslinger
· 11 months ago
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.
Ghost
· 11 months ago
Somewhere in a law office Genson is sitting behind a desk laughing his *bleep* off.
Secret Square
· 11 months ago
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?
VanillaMan
· 11 months ago
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 4x8 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.
Cranky Old Man
· 11 months ago
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."
Watching Rod with 3-d glasses
· 11 months ago
Here we go, The View is on...
Phineas J. Whoopee
· 11 months ago
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.
John Ghrist
· 11 months ago
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.
wordslinger
· 11 months ago
- 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.
pontiacstaff
· 11 months ago
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.
northernwatersports
· 11 months ago
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....
All Comments
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.
Gov disagrees. Says Clinton could call witnessess. (blahblah)
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".
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.
That interview if over now, will be interesting to see the comments now, if any....
serious question: how much is it costing illinois for this criminal to go to new york?
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/US/story?id=6730...
AMEN, preach it Rodney. We will definitely see more of the truth then.
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).
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."
Most likely, here:
http://abc.go.com/daytime/theview/video
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog...
"The Governor is serving us too much Red Herring for breakfast."
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
Good thing the state is flush with money, LOL
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?
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.
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.
He's on the Today show right now.
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/01/blag...
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?
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.
Everything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
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 4x8 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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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....