Thoughts on Obama and the Blagojevich Scandal

A question was raised about my seeming silence on the recent scandal involving the governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich. Why, the question is, have I not commented on it, since I was so active in blogging about Obama before the election. Well, as for this scandal, I've seen nothing worth commenting on. There are those, mainly at Fox and the Wall Street Journal, which have pounced on this -- suggesting that since Illinois Politics is corrupt, then surely the President-elect must be tainted. Well, so far I've seen nothing that suggests that he was involved in anything illegal or even seedy. The wiretaps of the governor's phone calls show that Obama's people weren't going to give him anything other than appreciation if he appointed someone to their liking. Now, being that this is the President-Elect's Senate seat it's not surprising that his staff sent over some suggested candidates. Rahm Emmanuel apparently did this. But no quid pro quo's were given.

So, ultimately we have a nut case governor, but unless you're wanting to make something out of nothing, then this is no more a distraction than tempest in a teapot.

With that said, don't expect any comments from me unless something breaks that suggests a real scandal is brewing.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I was having fun with you Bob.. PLEASE don't take it personally.
As for my quick take.. I agree and disagree. Do I think Obama was involved, negotiating a deal or anything like that.. no way. If so, Lord help us all. Did they make deals in the past..sure.. and I am sure the Gov thought he could cash in. Rahm was involved.. he was on the tape. To what degree.. great question. If I had to guess.. I would probably say he called the guy and said look, no deals.. here is who we would like to see.

Is Illinois corrupt.. you better believe it. How many governors have now been arrested? Its why there was such shock and awe that Obama raised up so clean. Do I think he is corrupt.. no, and I hope not. But the state has a long history.. from the Daly's to today.

-Chuck
Robert Cornwall said…
I agree that there is corruption in Illinois politics, but I get frustrated with those who are so set on undermining Obama that they'll take people off on wild goose chases.

Oh well I guess this is a diversion from the reality of our situation.
Anonymous said…
Well, a real scandal is brewing, but not for Obama. Unfortunately, it seems that Blagojevich has tainted Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr.--whether or not he did anything wrong.

BTW, Illinois is not alone in such corruption. Louisiana, Arizona, and Alaska could all give it a run for its money.

There is something almost refreshing about Blago's scandals. They're almost old-fashioned--just about money. Bad, yes. But nowhere as bad as the Scooter Libby case, the last high profile case tackled by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald--and he was commuted by Bush. And the fraud that Wall St. continues to perpetuate on the people makes Blago's look tame.

And, no prostitutes or pages or minors were involved.

Is it sad that our politics is so bad that these absences are notable? You Betcha!
Anonymous said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
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Robert Cornwall said…
I wanted to speak to Michael's comments about Jesse Jackson, Jr. He seems to have fallen into this pit, though there's no evidence yet that he did anything wrong. It did, however, damage for now his possibilities for appointment to the Senate.

But he's young and has time to emerge vindicated.

But you're right about this scandal, it's old school.

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