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Hard Right
14 years ago
The smoking Rod. That just sounds wrong.
Missy
14 years ago
Gov Bags and Obama just hate each other. Yeah, right! Rahm, Wilhelm and Axelrod are tap, tap, tap dancing.
From Jake Tapper:
“But there remain questions about how Blagojevich knew that Mr. Obama was not willing to give him anything in exchange for the Senate seat — with whom was Blagojevich speaking? Did that person report the governor to the authorities?
And, it should be pointed out, Mr. Obama has a relationship with Mr. Blagojevich, having not only endorsed Blagojevich in 2002 and 2006, but having served as a top adviser to the Illinois governor in his first 2002 run for the state house.
That 2002 endorsement came at the same time that Axelrod had such serious concerns about whether Blagojevich was ready for governing he refused to work for his one-time client.
According to Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., Mr. Obama’s incoming White House chief of staff, Emanuel, then-state senator Obama, a third Blagojevich aide, and Blagojevich’s campaign co-chair, David Wilhelm, were the top strategists of Blagojevich’s 2002 gubernatorial victory.
Emanuel told the New Yorker earlier this year that he and Obama “participated in a small group that met weekly when Rod was running for governor. We basically laid out the general election, Barack and I and these two.”
Wilhelm said that Emanuel had overstated Obama’s role. “There was an advisory council that was inclusive of Rahm and Barack but not limited to them,” Wilhelm said, and he disputed the notion that Obama was “an architect or one of the principal strategists.”
(An Obama Transition Team aide emails to note that Emanuel later changed his recollection of this story to Rich Miller’s “CAPITOL FAX,” saying, “David [Wilhelm] and I have worked together on campaigns for decades. Like always, he’s right and I’m wrong.”)
Either way, others now around Obama were less enthusiastic about Blagojevich at the time, namely David Axelrod, Obama’s senior campaign adviser who will soon be a senior adviser at the White House.
Axelrod had worked for Blagojevich in his past races for the House, but he declined to work on his gubernatorial run.
“He had been my client and I had a very good relationship with him, but I didn’t sign on to the governor’s race,” Axelrod told the New Yorker. “Obviously he won, but I had concerns about it…I was concerned about whether he was ready for that. Not so much for the race but for governing. I was concerned about some of the folks — I was concerned about how the race was being approached.”
On the Chicago TV show “Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz” on June 27, 2002, state Sen. Obama said, “Right now, my main focus is to make sure that we elect Rod Blagojevich as Governor, we…”
“You working hard for Rod?” interrupted Berkowitz.
“You betcha,” said Obama.
“Hot Rod?” asked the host.
“That’s exactly right,” Obama said.
In 2004, then-Gov. Blagojevich enthusiastically endorsed Obama for the Senate seat after he won the nomination, and Obama endorsed Blagojevich for his 2006 re-election race in early 2005.
In the Summer of 2006, then-U.S. Sen. Obama backed Blagojevich even though there were serious questions at the time about Blago’s hiring practices.
At the time, numerous state agencies had had records subpoenaed, with U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald telling authorities he was looking into “very serious allegations of endemic hiring fraud” with a “number of credible witnesses.”
In an interview with the Chicago Daily Herald in July 2006, then-Sen. Obama said, “I have not followed closely enough what’s been taking place in these investigations to comment on them. Obviously I’m concerned about reports that hiring practices at the state weren’t, at times, following appropriate procedures. How high up that went, the degree at which the governor was involved, is not something I’m going to speculate on.
“If I received information that made me believe that any Democrat had not been acting in the public interest, I’d be concerned,” Obama said.
That said, Mr. Obama said, “If the governor asks me to work on his behalf, I’ll be happy to do it.”
Apparently the governor did. At the Illinois State Fair in August 2006, Obama spoke on Blagojevich’s behalf.
“We’ve got a governor in Rod Blagojevich who has delivered consistently on behalf of the people of Illinois,” Obama told the crowd.”
Marc Ambinder has Senator #1 as big Obama name Valerie Jarrett, Senator #5 is Jesse Jackson Jr. and #3 is Lisa Madigan, daughter of IL Speaker. Much more:
(UPDATE: An Obama Transition Team aide says that Axelrod misspoke on Fox News Chicago.)
Soooo… find another route.
Missy
14 years ago
You really took a hachet to Tapper’s entry, that’s not all he had in his blog today, is it sanjay? As soon as my comment get’s out of moderation we will all see what Tapper has.
Like I always say: Like attracts like. Obama is a liar, a manipulator, a cheater, a flip flopper, a crook and a fraud. And so are his friends and associations. Why should it surprise us? No surprise there. No wonder Obama was so afraid of Sarah Palin, she wanted to end up the corruption in Washington and take down the good old boy network.
Sanjay: Are you really so naive to believe that Axelrod misspoke?
I find that difficult to believe.
But let’s put the speculation to rest and hire a Special Prosecutor to investigate.
Since Obama claims he has nothing to hide I’m sure he would be willing to answer questions before a grand jury.
Since he has not been inaugurated YET, there should be no problem with any Executive branch conflicts.
You’re all for finding out the truth right?
bill-tb
14 years ago
I suspect a few people called before the grand jury will help with memories, right Scooter? Start with the mis-spoke and move from there.
Craig
14 years ago
I have a few posts stuck in spam in different threads, can someome look into this?
Scrapiron
14 years ago
“I suspect a few people called before the grand jury will help with memories, right Scooter? Start with the mis-spoke and move from there.”
I have the Slick Willie legacy saved on my computer. I’ll have to look but I think they (Slick and the Weasel) lied or said I don’t remember over a thousand times to a Grand Jury.
I expect no less from Hussein O if or when he’s called to answer for his misdeeds.
Found the Legacy page:
Number of times that Clinton figures who testified in court or before Congress said that they didn’t remember, didn’t know, or something similar.
Bill Kennedy 116
Harold Ickes 148
Ricki Seidman 160
Bruce Lindsey 161
Bill Burton 191
Mark Gearan 221
Mack McLarty 233
Neil Egglseston 250
Hillary Clinton 250
John Podesta 264
Jennifer O’Connor 343
Dwight Holton 348
Patsy Thomasson 420
Jeff Eller 697
I agree that the immediate appointment of a special prosecutor would in order. Neither Obama in particular nor the country in general need months of festering speculation and accusations, such as those already beginning to fly.
– Larry Weisenthal/Huntington Beach, CA
Kwame
14 years ago
Simple, inane, ineffective politics: stain via association. This tactic failed during the campaign and it will fail now. Republicans just don’t learn. Hardball politics is dead. I know this is a partisan website, so the response might lure you to overestimate its effectiveness, but it won’t work. The media won’t bite on the attempt to connect the two and neither will the public. For one, it’s too early, and two, the connection, as small as it is, is not criminal.
The strategy going forward ought to be a reshifting to the centre and the creation of a situation of pragmatism in d.c. From there, the ideological stances of the right can be more effective as they are more personal. just bloody evolve them, and stop acting like low-level primates who can’t think strategically.
SoCal Chris
14 years ago
[Asked what contact he’d had with the governor’s office about his replacement in the Senate, President-elect Obama today said “I had no contact with the governor or his office and so we were not, I was not aware of what was happening.”]
Something about this sounds strangely familiar…I know! Clinton saying, “I did not know that woman.”
I think this is just the tip of the iceberg, folks.
I love it when a liberal is aghast that conservatives would be upset about something like this, but if the accused had a R next to his name you could bet they would be freaking out.
Kwame: Perhaps you are unaware that many Obama voters were totally unaware of the character questions surrounding Obama’s associations. See the poll taken of Obama voters outside a polling place if you need proof.
These voters knew every false rumor about Sarah Palin but had no clue who Bill Ayers was. I doubt they knew who Rezko or Blogojevich is either.
As for this “can’t we all get along” B.S. you people have some nerve. You spent eight years spitting poison at Bush and now that you won we’re supposed to just forgive and forget?
I don’t think so. You made this bed. Now LIE in it.
Craig
14 years ago
How can it be that some Americans are still not convinced that Obama is a crook? I am stunned at the naivety of some people here. When you hang around with the worst bums and crooks, you are a crook and a bum. How hard is that to understand?
Craig: When Bill Clinton was running for office the Jennifer Flowers scandal broke. It didn’t bother people enough not to vote for the creep. It was only later that they learned that once a sexual predator always a sexual predator.
These Obamatons who don’t think that character and Obama’s shady associates matter much may change their tune once all the skeletons come out of the White House closet.
Hard Right
14 years ago
Kwame the obamabot, nice try at spin, but not good enough. It was guilt by participation and cooperation. Enjoy your alternate universe while you can because it’s going to collapse.
Lastly, I agree with Mike. Your kind spit hatred at Bush simply for being alive and denying you your “birthright”–power. We have not forgiven and will return the favor in spades.
SoCal Chris
14 years ago
Hey, maybe we should get the bumper sticker that says, “I will give your President the same respect you gave mine.” 🙂
Craig
14 years ago
I found this today on American thinker.com There is a good article about Obama and his answer about the Blagojevich Relationship. I though to give you an excerpt here because a part of it is really funny.
IS OBAMA CAPABLE OF GIVING A STRAIGHT ANSWER?
“… Are we going to start the Reverend Wright denial runaround? “I didn’t know. I didn’t hear it. I heard only a bit and it didn’t sound totally criminal. I can’t disown him because he got me started in Illinois politics. Even my grandmother committed some crimes.”
Why all the circumlocution? It appears to be Obama’s first response to even the simplest questions. During an interview last Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Tom Brokaw asked a simple yes-no question: “Have you stopped smoking?” Obama’s convoluted reply could have been a satirical sketch on “Saturday Night Live.”
“I have.” (So far that seems to be “yes.”) “What I said was that there are times where I have fallen off the wagon.” (Doesn’t that mean “no”?)
Even Brokaw couldn’t resist, “Wait a minute. That means you haven’t stopped.”
“Fair enough,” Obama said. (Yes I lied and you caught me?) “What I would say is that I have done a terrific job under the circumstances…” (I still smoke, but I am terrific?)
Tom Lifson asks for Obama to get his story straight. Terrific as he is, Obama may not be capable of a straight answer.”
How many “associations” are we going to ignore and simply just let a CHICAGO THUG and Michelle Angela Davis Obama waltz in and DISGRACE THE WHITE HOUSE? We have one last chance to contact the Electoral College to stop the constitutional crises that will result if Barack Obama gets sworn in without meeting the presidential requirement of being a natural born US citizen.
The letters will be sent FedEx to all 538 members of the Electoral College and will be delivered Friday morning, giving each elector the weekend to consider the constitutional issues raised by Obama’s presidency.
Remember: We are not responsible whether they listen or they fail to listen, but we ARE responsible to deliver the message [Read Ezekiel 2 & 3]
Warpublican Review
14 years ago
“These voters knew every false rumor about Sarah Palin but had no clue who Bill Ayers was. I doubt they knew who Rezko or Blogojevich is either.”
If they don’t know – it’s because they didn’t care. There was a major Bill Ayers story in the NY Times a week before the election. rezko was brought up by Hillary and McCain – Ayers was brought up in the debate, Wright was a media frenzy leading up to O’s speech in Philly – not to mention, what exactly would you have tainted Obama with? That he bought a property with rezko? That he worked on a board with Ayers? That he lived in the same state as Blog? If you bothered to do any leg work, you’d have found that Obama’s associations were just that – associations with Chicago players – but no implications of wrong doing on Obama’s part…
“Number of times that Clinton figures who testified in court or before Congress said that they didn’t remember, didn’t know, or something similar.”
I don’t know how old you are, but google REAGAN and IRAN -CONTRA and see how many times the Gipper couldn’t remember a thing – even with his Parkinson’s it was QUITE a stretch – particularly after his VP – Bush I – directly contradicted him – as did Ollie North…
Warpublican Review
14 years ago
“How many “associations” are we going to ignore and simply just let a CHICAGO THUG and Michelle Angela Davis Obama waltz in and DISGRACE THE WHITE HOUSE? We have one last chance to contact the Electoral College to stop the constitutional crises that will result if Barack Obama gets sworn in without meeting the presidential requirement of being a natural born US citizen. ”
Disgrace the White House – AFTER Geroge Bush? Please – first you have to open the windows and air out the stink that he and his criminal associates left behind…
Steve Rowland
14 years ago
Anyone read “The Case Against Barak Obama”? It was all in there months ago, just not this specific development.
Obama came of the old time Chicago machine. Who’s to say that he wasn’t the ‘highest bidder’.
Warpublican Review
14 years ago
““I have.” (So far that seems to be “yes.”) “What I said was that there are times where I have fallen off the wagon.” (Doesn’t that mean “no”?)”
Does it? if one quits – but stumbles – does that mean he’s not quit? Have you ever been hooked on cigarettes?
Even Brokaw couldn’t resist, “Wait a minute. That means you haven’t stopped.”
“Fair enough,” Obama said. (Yes I lied and you caught me?) “What I would say is that I have done a terrific job under the circumstances…” (I still smoke, but I am terrific?)”
Obama lied and was caught? – after HE DECLARED (without promtping) that he’s fallen off the wagon? So which was the lie – that he quit or that he fell of off the wagon? And – considering he quit under the duress of a presidential campaign – it is pretty amazing. Either you’ve never smoked – or you’re extraordinairly disciplined – either way, you’re pretty judgemental and quick with a smear…
Warpublican Review
14 years ago
“Obama came of the old time Chicago machine. Who’s to say that he wasn’t the ‘highest bidder’.”
he didn’t have any money back then…
Hard Right
14 years ago
War, you’re just smelling the clinton stink. Bush was far more honest than the clintons.
Warpublican Review
14 years ago
“War, you’re just smelling the clinton stink. Bush was far more honest than the clintons.”
You think so? As far as I can see, his administration was rank with corruption – just not the sexual kind – so he got a pass from the right…Though i admit the Clinton’s were pretty greasy…
SoCal Chris
14 years ago
@Warpublican Review:
[Disgrace the White House – AFTER Geroge Bush? Please – first you have to open the windows and air out the stink that he and his criminal associates left behind…
You think so? As far as I can see, his administration was rank with corruption – just not the sexual kind – so he got a pass from the right…]
Hey War, what kind of criminal associates and administrative corruption are you speaking of?
CHICAGO, ILL. — Now that Barack Obama will be moving to the White House, his seat in the U.S. Senate representing Illinois will have to be filled.
That’s one of Obama’s first priorities today.
He’s meeting with Governor Rod Blagojevich this afternoon in Chicago to discuss it.
Illinois law states that the governor chooses that replacement.
Appears Axelrod was right. Even the “gov” has the meeting on his web site.
Skeptic
14 years ago
“He didn’t have any money back then.” Somebody was bankrolling his activities back then. Funny nobody has ever reported who he was working for when he was a “Community Organizer.” Usually “community Organizers” (Agitators) are bankrolled by someone with deep pockets who doesnt’ want to be identifified. Did BO ever hold down a job other than as a paid agitator? Maybe his anonymous backers paid his “dues.” After all, wasn’t there a deal with one of Blag’s bag men on that house deal?
Ron
14 years ago
To Hard Right:
Apparently Alberto Gonzales has slipped your mind…and Scotter Libby was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice. David Safavian was also convicted as well. That’s only to name a few. And yes I realize that every administration has corrupt officials. That’s our modern day politicians for you.
You asked so I’m answering.
Ron
Hard Right
14 years ago
You’ll have to pick some other ones. Alberto wasn’t guilty of anything other than being targeted by the dems for doing his job. Scooter got popped for allegedly lying to investigators about the Plame issue. Scooter wasn’t corrupt, but stupid or had a poor memory. David Safavian, guilty as charged.
Got any others?
Craig
14 years ago
Alberto Gonzales:
Where do you see corruption? Is the fact that Gonzales was an early advocate of the controversial Patriot Act or because he authorized the use of military tribunals to try terrorist suspects? Is that where you see corruption?
I personally agree with him on both issues. There is no corruption there as I see it.
Scotter Libby:
So he obstructed the investigation by lying about how he learned about Plame and whom he told.
Big deal! Obama lies all the time and gets away with it. He even lies about his POTUS eligibility.
David Safavian:
He was accused of working as a lobbyist but the court overturned all four convictions.
SoCal Chris
14 years ago
[@Neo:
Ill. governor meeting with Obama today
By Carol Sowers
Wednesday, November 05, 2008 at 10:39 a.m.
CHICAGO, ILL. — Now that Barack Obama will be moving to the White House, his seat in the U.S. Senate representing Illinois will have to be filled.
That’s one of Obama’s first priorities today.
He’s meeting with Governor Rod Blagojevich this afternoon in Chicago to discuss it.
Illinois law states that the governor chooses that replacement.]
The link above is no longer available on the internet. Now, you will see this from KHQA:
“KHQA Clarification
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 4:04 p.m.
KHQA TV wishes to offer clarification regarding a story that appeared last month on our website ConnectTristates.com. The story, which discussed the appointment of a replacement for President Elect Obama’in the U.S. Senate, became the subject of much discussion on talk radio and on blog sites Wednesday.
The story housed in our website archive was on the morning of November 5, 2008. It suggested that a meeting was scheduled later that day between President Elect Obama and Illinois Governor Blagojevich. KHQA has no knowledge that any meeting ever took place. Governor Blagojevich did appear at a news conference in Chicago on that date.”
?
Craig
14 years ago
O Boy! Texas darlin had the link and the picture of Obama meeting with Blagojevich on November 5 to discuss his vacant seat. Go and see it. But guess what, it has been removed since on the Internet.
Ill. Governor meeting with Obama today
By Carol Sowers
Wednesday, November 05, 2008 at 10:39 a.m.
CHICAGO, ILL. — Now that Barack Obama will be moving to the White House, his seat in the U.S. Senate representing Illinois will have to be filled.
That’s one of Obama’s first priorities today.
He’s meeting with Governor Rod Blagojevich this afternoon in Chicago to discuss it.
Illinois law states that the governor chooses that replacement.
There’s already been speculation about his selection…from Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. of Chicago’s south side who co-chaired Obama’s presidential campaign, to recently-retired state senate president Emil Jones, to the governor himself.
It’s likely the governor will make his decision quickly so the new senator will get some seniority before newly-elected senators take office in January.
Part of the timing depends on when Obama officially vacates his senate seat
.
KHQA’s Alexis Hunt is speaking with Illinois Senator John Sullivan today about his thoughts on that replacement process, his time working with Obama in the state senate, and if there’s a chance Sullivan might play a role in the Obama administration. Watch KHQA News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. tonight to hear what he has to say.
Hmmm, missed the fact Safavian got his convictions overturned. Some charges were thrown out completely. He’s getting a new trial on other charges. It seems the judge excluded expert testimony for the defense. Or in other words, it wasn’t a fair trial.
I’ve already posted this but perhaps I need to again:
Date: Dec. 2, 2008
Craig
14 years ago
By Alexis Hunt
Saturday, November 08, 2008 at 9:48 p.m.
QUINCY, IL — Now that Barack Obama will be moving to the White House, his seat in the U.S. Senate representing Illinois will have to be filled.
Obama met with Governor Rod Blagojevich earlier this week to discuss it. Illinois law states that the governor chooses that replacement. There’s already been speculation about his selection…from Congressman Jesse Jackson, Junior to Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth.
SoCal Chris
14 years ago
@Mike’s America:
Well, bust my britches, you DID already post that, Mike! I hadn’t noticed the date on that photo earlier, (Dec. 2nd), so thanks for reiterating the point!
Yes sir, Obama definitely spoke with Mr. Blago after the election…perhaps he’ll now say he didn’t really talk with Blago, just shook hands, etc., etc.
Is it just me, or does anyone else think Blago has a strange resemblance to a gopher?
The smoking Rod. That just sounds wrong.
Gov Bags and Obama just hate each other. Yeah, right! Rahm, Wilhelm and Axelrod are tap, tap, tap dancing.
From Jake Tapper:
“But there remain questions about how Blagojevich knew that Mr. Obama was not willing to give him anything in exchange for the Senate seat — with whom was Blagojevich speaking? Did that person report the governor to the authorities?
And, it should be pointed out, Mr. Obama has a relationship with Mr. Blagojevich, having not only endorsed Blagojevich in 2002 and 2006, but having served as a top adviser to the Illinois governor in his first 2002 run for the state house.
That 2002 endorsement came at the same time that Axelrod had such serious concerns about whether Blagojevich was ready for governing he refused to work for his one-time client.
According to Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., Mr. Obama’s incoming White House chief of staff, Emanuel, then-state senator Obama, a third Blagojevich aide, and Blagojevich’s campaign co-chair, David Wilhelm, were the top strategists of Blagojevich’s 2002 gubernatorial victory.
Emanuel told the New Yorker earlier this year that he and Obama “participated in a small group that met weekly when Rod was running for governor. We basically laid out the general election, Barack and I and these two.”
Wilhelm said that Emanuel had overstated Obama’s role. “There was an advisory council that was inclusive of Rahm and Barack but not limited to them,” Wilhelm said, and he disputed the notion that Obama was “an architect or one of the principal strategists.”
(An Obama Transition Team aide emails to note that Emanuel later changed his recollection of this story to Rich Miller’s “CAPITOL FAX,” saying, “David [Wilhelm] and I have worked together on campaigns for decades. Like always, he’s right and I’m wrong.”)
Either way, others now around Obama were less enthusiastic about Blagojevich at the time, namely David Axelrod, Obama’s senior campaign adviser who will soon be a senior adviser at the White House.
Axelrod had worked for Blagojevich in his past races for the House, but he declined to work on his gubernatorial run.
“He had been my client and I had a very good relationship with him, but I didn’t sign on to the governor’s race,” Axelrod told the New Yorker. “Obviously he won, but I had concerns about it…I was concerned about whether he was ready for that. Not so much for the race but for governing. I was concerned about some of the folks — I was concerned about how the race was being approached.”
On the Chicago TV show “Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz” on June 27, 2002, state Sen. Obama said, “Right now, my main focus is to make sure that we elect Rod Blagojevich as Governor, we…”
“You working hard for Rod?” interrupted Berkowitz.
“You betcha,” said Obama.
“Hot Rod?” asked the host.
“That’s exactly right,” Obama said.
In 2004, then-Gov. Blagojevich enthusiastically endorsed Obama for the Senate seat after he won the nomination, and Obama endorsed Blagojevich for his 2006 re-election race in early 2005.
In the Summer of 2006, then-U.S. Sen. Obama backed Blagojevich even though there were serious questions at the time about Blago’s hiring practices.
At the time, numerous state agencies had had records subpoenaed, with U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald telling authorities he was looking into “very serious allegations of endemic hiring fraud” with a “number of credible witnesses.”
In an interview with the Chicago Daily Herald in July 2006, then-Sen. Obama said, “I have not followed closely enough what’s been taking place in these investigations to comment on them. Obviously I’m concerned about reports that hiring practices at the state weren’t, at times, following appropriate procedures. How high up that went, the degree at which the governor was involved, is not something I’m going to speculate on.
“If I received information that made me believe that any Democrat had not been acting in the public interest, I’d be concerned,” Obama said.
That said, Mr. Obama said, “If the governor asks me to work on his behalf, I’ll be happy to do it.”
Apparently the governor did. At the Illinois State Fair in August 2006, Obama spoke on Blagojevich’s behalf.
“We’ve got a governor in Rod Blagojevich who has delivered consistently on behalf of the people of Illinois,” Obama told the crowd.”
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/12questions-arise.html
Marc Ambinder has Senator #1 as big Obama name Valerie Jarrett, Senator #5 is Jesse Jackson Jr. and #3 is Lisa Madigan, daughter of IL Speaker. Much more:
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/
I’m in time out again. P&T.
Tapper updated his piece with:
Soooo… find another route.
You really took a hachet to Tapper’s entry, that’s not all he had in his blog today, is it sanjay? As soon as my comment get’s out of moderation we will all see what Tapper has.
Ohhhh… sorry Sanjay… That must mean that there is no relationship between Obama and Blogojevich then right?
Come on… You really believe Axelrod “misspoke?”
How convenient!
No, of course there is a relationship.
But you must establish facts that Obama is implicated; all the rest is empty speculation.
I mean that’s the game isn’t it: to get the other guy.
More here:
http://firedoglake.com/2008/12/09/axelrod-backtracks-statement-that-obama-had-talked-to-blagojevich-about-senate-seat/#comments
Like I always say: Like attracts like. Obama is a liar, a manipulator, a cheater, a flip flopper, a crook and a fraud. And so are his friends and associations. Why should it surprise us? No surprise there. No wonder Obama was so afraid of Sarah Palin, she wanted to end up the corruption in Washington and take down the good old boy network.
Sanjay: Are you really so naive to believe that Axelrod misspoke?
I find that difficult to believe.
But let’s put the speculation to rest and hire a Special Prosecutor to investigate.
Since Obama claims he has nothing to hide I’m sure he would be willing to answer questions before a grand jury.
Since he has not been inaugurated YET, there should be no problem with any Executive branch conflicts.
You’re all for finding out the truth right?
I suspect a few people called before the grand jury will help with memories, right Scooter? Start with the mis-spoke and move from there.
I have a few posts stuck in spam in different threads, can someome look into this?
“I suspect a few people called before the grand jury will help with memories, right Scooter? Start with the mis-spoke and move from there.”
I have the Slick Willie legacy saved on my computer. I’ll have to look but I think they (Slick and the Weasel) lied or said I don’t remember over a thousand times to a Grand Jury.
I expect no less from Hussein O if or when he’s called to answer for his misdeeds.
Found the Legacy page:
Number of times that Clinton figures who testified in court or before Congress said that they didn’t remember, didn’t know, or something similar.
Bill Kennedy 116
Harold Ickes 148
Ricki Seidman 160
Bruce Lindsey 161
Bill Burton 191
Mark Gearan 221
Mack McLarty 233
Neil Egglseston 250
Hillary Clinton 250
John Podesta 264
Jennifer O’Connor 343
Dwight Holton 348
Patsy Thomasson 420
Jeff Eller 697
I agree that the immediate appointment of a special prosecutor would in order. Neither Obama in particular nor the country in general need months of festering speculation and accusations, such as those already beginning to fly.
– Larry Weisenthal/Huntington Beach, CA
Simple, inane, ineffective politics: stain via association. This tactic failed during the campaign and it will fail now. Republicans just don’t learn. Hardball politics is dead. I know this is a partisan website, so the response might lure you to overestimate its effectiveness, but it won’t work. The media won’t bite on the attempt to connect the two and neither will the public. For one, it’s too early, and two, the connection, as small as it is, is not criminal.
The strategy going forward ought to be a reshifting to the centre and the creation of a situation of pragmatism in d.c. From there, the ideological stances of the right can be more effective as they are more personal. just bloody evolve them, and stop acting like low-level primates who can’t think strategically.
[Asked what contact he’d had with the governor’s office about his replacement in the Senate, President-elect Obama today said “I had no contact with the governor or his office and so we were not, I was not aware of what was happening.”]
Something about this sounds strangely familiar…I know! Clinton saying, “I did not know that woman.”
I think this is just the tip of the iceberg, folks.
I love it when a liberal is aghast that conservatives would be upset about something like this, but if the accused had a R next to his name you could bet they would be freaking out.
http://firedoglake.com/2008/12/09/blagojevich-criminal-exposure-a-family-affair/#comment-1753934
Kwame: Perhaps you are unaware that many Obama voters were totally unaware of the character questions surrounding Obama’s associations. See the poll taken of Obama voters outside a polling place if you need proof.
These voters knew every false rumor about Sarah Palin but had no clue who Bill Ayers was. I doubt they knew who Rezko or Blogojevich is either.
As for this “can’t we all get along” B.S. you people have some nerve. You spent eight years spitting poison at Bush and now that you won we’re supposed to just forgive and forget?
I don’t think so. You made this bed. Now LIE in it.
How can it be that some Americans are still not convinced that Obama is a crook? I am stunned at the naivety of some people here. When you hang around with the worst bums and crooks, you are a crook and a bum. How hard is that to understand?
Craig: When Bill Clinton was running for office the Jennifer Flowers scandal broke. It didn’t bother people enough not to vote for the creep. It was only later that they learned that once a sexual predator always a sexual predator.
These Obamatons who don’t think that character and Obama’s shady associates matter much may change their tune once all the skeletons come out of the White House closet.
Kwame the obamabot, nice try at spin, but not good enough. It was guilt by participation and cooperation. Enjoy your alternate universe while you can because it’s going to collapse.
Lastly, I agree with Mike. Your kind spit hatred at Bush simply for being alive and denying you your “birthright”–power. We have not forgiven and will return the favor in spades.
Hey, maybe we should get the bumper sticker that says, “I will give your President the same respect you gave mine.” 🙂
I found this today on American thinker.com There is a good article about Obama and his answer about the Blagojevich Relationship. I though to give you an excerpt here because a part of it is really funny.
IS OBAMA CAPABLE OF GIVING A STRAIGHT ANSWER?
“… Are we going to start the Reverend Wright denial runaround? “I didn’t know. I didn’t hear it. I heard only a bit and it didn’t sound totally criminal. I can’t disown him because he got me started in Illinois politics. Even my grandmother committed some crimes.”
Why all the circumlocution? It appears to be Obama’s first response to even the simplest questions. During an interview last Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Tom Brokaw asked a simple yes-no question: “Have you stopped smoking?” Obama’s convoluted reply could have been a satirical sketch on “Saturday Night Live.”
“I have.” (So far that seems to be “yes.”) “What I said was that there are times where I have fallen off the wagon.” (Doesn’t that mean “no”?)
Even Brokaw couldn’t resist, “Wait a minute. That means you haven’t stopped.”
“Fair enough,” Obama said. (Yes I lied and you caught me?) “What I would say is that I have done a terrific job under the circumstances…” (I still smoke, but I am terrific?)
Tom Lifson asks for Obama to get his story straight. Terrific as he is, Obama may not be capable of a straight answer.”
How many “associations” are we going to ignore and simply just let a CHICAGO THUG and Michelle Angela Davis Obama waltz in and DISGRACE THE WHITE HOUSE? We have one last chance to contact the Electoral College to stop the constitutional crises that will result if Barack Obama gets sworn in without meeting the presidential requirement of being a natural born US citizen.
AMERICA IS CALLING – SHE NEEDS US NOW: PLEASE SIGN THE LETTER TODAY! Deadline is Thurs Dec 11 @ 1pm (EST), takes 30 seconds, FOR THE COST OF A COUPLE PACKS OF SMOKES LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!
http://moniquemonicat.wordpress.com/2008/12/10/%E2%80%A2-urgent-sign-fedex-letter-to-electoral-college/
The letters will be sent FedEx to all 538 members of the Electoral College and will be delivered Friday morning, giving each elector the weekend to consider the constitutional issues raised by Obama’s presidency.
Remember: We are not responsible whether they listen or they fail to listen, but we ARE responsible to deliver the message [Read Ezekiel 2 & 3]
“These voters knew every false rumor about Sarah Palin but had no clue who Bill Ayers was. I doubt they knew who Rezko or Blogojevich is either.”
If they don’t know – it’s because they didn’t care. There was a major Bill Ayers story in the NY Times a week before the election. rezko was brought up by Hillary and McCain – Ayers was brought up in the debate, Wright was a media frenzy leading up to O’s speech in Philly – not to mention, what exactly would you have tainted Obama with? That he bought a property with rezko? That he worked on a board with Ayers? That he lived in the same state as Blog? If you bothered to do any leg work, you’d have found that Obama’s associations were just that – associations with Chicago players – but no implications of wrong doing on Obama’s part…
“Number of times that Clinton figures who testified in court or before Congress said that they didn’t remember, didn’t know, or something similar.”
I don’t know how old you are, but google REAGAN and IRAN -CONTRA and see how many times the Gipper couldn’t remember a thing – even with his Parkinson’s it was QUITE a stretch – particularly after his VP – Bush I – directly contradicted him – as did Ollie North…
“How many “associations” are we going to ignore and simply just let a CHICAGO THUG and Michelle Angela Davis Obama waltz in and DISGRACE THE WHITE HOUSE? We have one last chance to contact the Electoral College to stop the constitutional crises that will result if Barack Obama gets sworn in without meeting the presidential requirement of being a natural born US citizen. ”
Disgrace the White House – AFTER Geroge Bush? Please – first you have to open the windows and air out the stink that he and his criminal associates left behind…
Anyone read “The Case Against Barak Obama”? It was all in there months ago, just not this specific development.
Obama came of the old time Chicago machine. Who’s to say that he wasn’t the ‘highest bidder’.
““I have.” (So far that seems to be “yes.”) “What I said was that there are times where I have fallen off the wagon.” (Doesn’t that mean “no”?)”
Does it? if one quits – but stumbles – does that mean he’s not quit? Have you ever been hooked on cigarettes?
Even Brokaw couldn’t resist, “Wait a minute. That means you haven’t stopped.”
“Fair enough,” Obama said. (Yes I lied and you caught me?) “What I would say is that I have done a terrific job under the circumstances…” (I still smoke, but I am terrific?)”
Obama lied and was caught? – after HE DECLARED (without promtping) that he’s fallen off the wagon? So which was the lie – that he quit or that he fell of off the wagon? And – considering he quit under the duress of a presidential campaign – it is pretty amazing. Either you’ve never smoked – or you’re extraordinairly disciplined – either way, you’re pretty judgemental and quick with a smear…
“Obama came of the old time Chicago machine. Who’s to say that he wasn’t the ‘highest bidder’.”
he didn’t have any money back then…
War, you’re just smelling the clinton stink. Bush was far more honest than the clintons.
“War, you’re just smelling the clinton stink. Bush was far more honest than the clintons.”
You think so? As far as I can see, his administration was rank with corruption – just not the sexual kind – so he got a pass from the right…Though i admit the Clinton’s were pretty greasy…
@Warpublican Review:
[Disgrace the White House – AFTER Geroge Bush? Please – first you have to open the windows and air out the stink that he and his criminal associates left behind…
You think so? As far as I can see, his administration was rank with corruption – just not the sexual kind – so he got a pass from the right…]
Hey War, what kind of criminal associates and administrative corruption are you speaking of?
So War, who was corrupt in the Bush admin?
I wonder exactly what “at no time” means …
Appears Axelrod was right. Even the “gov” has the meeting on his web site.
“He didn’t have any money back then.” Somebody was bankrolling his activities back then. Funny nobody has ever reported who he was working for when he was a “Community Organizer.” Usually “community Organizers” (Agitators) are bankrolled by someone with deep pockets who doesnt’ want to be identifified. Did BO ever hold down a job other than as a paid agitator? Maybe his anonymous backers paid his “dues.” After all, wasn’t there a deal with one of Blag’s bag men on that house deal?
To Hard Right:
Apparently Alberto Gonzales has slipped your mind…and Scotter Libby was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice. David Safavian was also convicted as well. That’s only to name a few. And yes I realize that every administration has corrupt officials. That’s our modern day politicians for you.
You asked so I’m answering.
Ron
You’ll have to pick some other ones. Alberto wasn’t guilty of anything other than being targeted by the dems for doing his job. Scooter got popped for allegedly lying to investigators about the Plame issue. Scooter wasn’t corrupt, but stupid or had a poor memory. David Safavian, guilty as charged.
Got any others?
Alberto Gonzales:
Where do you see corruption? Is the fact that Gonzales was an early advocate of the controversial Patriot Act or because he authorized the use of military tribunals to try terrorist suspects? Is that where you see corruption?
I personally agree with him on both issues. There is no corruption there as I see it.
Scotter Libby:
So he obstructed the investigation by lying about how he learned about Plame and whom he told.
Big deal! Obama lies all the time and gets away with it. He even lies about his POTUS eligibility.
David Safavian:
He was accused of working as a lobbyist but the court overturned all four convictions.
[@Neo:
Ill. governor meeting with Obama today
By Carol Sowers
Wednesday, November 05, 2008 at 10:39 a.m.
CHICAGO, ILL. — Now that Barack Obama will be moving to the White House, his seat in the U.S. Senate representing Illinois will have to be filled.
That’s one of Obama’s first priorities today.
He’s meeting with Governor Rod Blagojevich this afternoon in Chicago to discuss it.
Illinois law states that the governor chooses that replacement.]
The link above is no longer available on the internet. Now, you will see this from KHQA:
“KHQA Clarification
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 4:04 p.m.
KHQA TV wishes to offer clarification regarding a story that appeared last month on our website ConnectTristates.com. The story, which discussed the appointment of a replacement for President Elect Obama’in the U.S. Senate, became the subject of much discussion on talk radio and on blog sites Wednesday.
The story housed in our website archive was on the morning of November 5, 2008. It suggested that a meeting was scheduled later that day between President Elect Obama and Illinois Governor Blagojevich. KHQA has no knowledge that any meeting ever took place. Governor Blagojevich did appear at a news conference in Chicago on that date.”
?
O Boy! Texas darlin had the link and the picture of Obama meeting with Blagojevich on November 5 to discuss his vacant seat. Go and see it. But guess what, it has been removed since on the Internet.
Ill. Governor meeting with Obama today
By Carol Sowers
Wednesday, November 05, 2008 at 10:39 a.m.
CHICAGO, ILL. — Now that Barack Obama will be moving to the White House, his seat in the U.S. Senate representing Illinois will have to be filled.
That’s one of Obama’s first priorities today.
He’s meeting with Governor Rod Blagojevich this afternoon in Chicago to discuss it.
Illinois law states that the governor chooses that replacement.
There’s already been speculation about his selection…from Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. of Chicago’s south side who co-chaired Obama’s presidential campaign, to recently-retired state senate president Emil Jones, to the governor himself.
It’s likely the governor will make his decision quickly so the new senator will get some seniority before newly-elected senators take office in January.
Part of the timing depends on when Obama officially vacates his senate seat
.
KHQA’s Alexis Hunt is speaking with Illinois Senator John Sullivan today about his thoughts on that replacement process, his time working with Obama in the state senate, and if there’s a chance Sullivan might play a role in the Obama administration. Watch KHQA News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. tonight to hear what he has to say.
Go see the picture of that document that has been removed from internet, it is right here on texasdarlin:
http://texasdarlin.wordpress.com/2008/12/10/did-obama-and-blagojevich-meet-nov-5/#comments
Hmmm, missed the fact Safavian got his convictions overturned. Some charges were thrown out completely. He’s getting a new trial on other charges. It seems the judge excluded expert testimony for the defense. Or in other words, it wasn’t a fair trial.
So Ron, anyone else?
Did Obama meet with Blago after the election?
I’ve already posted this but perhaps I need to again:
Date: Dec. 2, 2008
By Alexis Hunt
Saturday, November 08, 2008 at 9:48 p.m.
QUINCY, IL — Now that Barack Obama will be moving to the White House, his seat in the U.S. Senate representing Illinois will have to be filled.
Obama met with Governor Rod Blagojevich earlier this week to discuss it. Illinois law states that the governor chooses that replacement. There’s already been speculation about his selection…from Congressman Jesse Jackson, Junior to Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth.
@Mike’s America:
Well, bust my britches, you DID already post that, Mike! I hadn’t noticed the date on that photo earlier, (Dec. 2nd), so thanks for reiterating the point!
Yes sir, Obama definitely spoke with Mr. Blago after the election…perhaps he’ll now say he didn’t really talk with Blago, just shook hands, etc., etc.
Is it just me, or does anyone else think Blago has a strange resemblance to a gopher?