Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich?

Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (Full Version)

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celticlord2112 -> Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 7:23:58 AM)
Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? It's too soon to call this "Appointmentgate"--but Watergate started smaller than this and brought down a President.

SilverMark -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 7:25:48 AM)
Only in your wildest dreams CL!....lol

celticlord2112 -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 7:33:06 AM)
To be sure, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald went out of his way to say that he "found no evidence" that Dear Leader was involved in Blagojevich's tawdry schemes. However, some of the released recording transcripts indicate Blagojevich did contact Dear Leader's transition team, apparently to negotiate a quid pro quo for appointing a specific person to fill the Senate seat. While Blagojevich's price tag was apparently rejected, it will be interesting to see what manner of discussions did take place with the transition team.

servantforuse -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 7:38:08 AM)
If he were a republican the press would be wetting their pants. This will not be a problem for the anointed one..

housesub4you -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 7:41:49 AM)
You state it was rejected. So now rejecting to be apart of it is cause to say maybe he is involed? granted the GOV did contact members of Obama's team and they said NO, but you want to know in what manner they said NO? Huh, in what manner did anyone on Bushs staff or Bush himself answer questions from the people looking into their wrong doings?

SilverMark -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 7:49:45 AM)
Aside from Ms. Jarrett being a candidate there are no ties found so far to Obama. The Gov. seems to be a bit of a renegade and is not closely aligned to Obama or most of the Democrat Party in Il. He has a history of being a d bit distant from the rest of the party. Or so it is reported.

Mercnbeth -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 7:55:32 AM)
*~ Fast Reply ~* Who knows? At the very least, if coverage is given the same slant as any other he's received going into the election, he'll have the support of the media. However, as the Clinton Administration example provides, the media does turn quickly and trip all over each other if they see a scandal brewing. Considering PE Obama's liberal backers are a tad concerned about him already, it won't take much for them to start cutting him to pieces. At worst it was a missed opportunity for PE Obama. His reaction was "sadness". What about anger? He's already more 'right' than McCain could have been. He's got Senator Clinton dead ended into the Secretary of State job. In this he had a great opportunity to 'put up' an example that it's not politics as usual with direct criticism of a corrupt politician. (Excuse the redundancy.) Look, PE Obama has enough on his plate. He didn't need this. However, to claim that he never talked, even casually to the person who will be appointing his successor, seems to be silly. Same party, same fund raising get togethers, same morning after celebration, and not even a passing; "Hey Gov, who do you have in mind to replace me?" Seems counter intuitive to the forward thinking, intelligent persona that PE Obama represented as a candidate. Will he hang Axelrod out to dry? Pulling out the old "mis-spoken" semantic reference to lying, IS politics as usual. The side show will and the person effected the most by this seems to be Jesse Jackson Jr. Apparently he and his backers were the highest bidder, at least that is the story going around. Even if he wasn't naming him would now be tainted. Hope dad Jess kept his receipt and can get a refund if he did make a DP on the payment. It's usually not the crime so much as the cover up that brings problems. PE Obama could have put some distance between him and the governor with a good emotional tirade against political corruption in general and the governor's alleged actions in specific. No big deal that he took this path unless doing down the road we get more disclosures involving Rezko and some of the other usual suspects involved in Illinois politics. I think he missed an opportunity to, at least, be tainted less.

celticlord2112 -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 7:56:50 AM)
quote: You state it was rejected. So now rejecting to be apart of it is cause to say maybe he is involed? It may very well be that Dear Leader is not involved. However, the fact that Blagojevich was negotiating (or attempting to negotiate) with others over whom should be named to fill the Senate vacancy raises some very intriguing questions about what manner of communications took place--and why did Valerie Jarrett take herself off the short list of candidates to fill the seat, shortly after it seems Blagojevich wrote off the notion of getting any quid pro quo for appointing her? What if, for example, it comes to light that Rahm Emmanuel, John Podesta, or others close to Dear Leader knew of Blagojevich's "pay for play" scheme and kept mum? While Blagojevich and Dear Leader do not have much love for each other, there are some interconnects between the two. Analysis: Scandal threatens to dog Obama quote: There were signs the continuing investigation could still involve Obama. It appears that Obama friend Valerie Jarrett, an incoming senior White House adviser, is the person referred to repeatedly in court documents as "Candidate 1." That individual is described as a woman who is "an adviser to the president-elect" and as the person Obama wanted appointed to the Senate seat. Court papers say that Candidate 1 eventually removed herself from consideration for the Senate seat. quote: Obama's circle of major Illinois political allies and supporters is largely separate from Blagojevich's, with two major exceptions. Both Obama and Blagojevich got extensive money and support from Chicago businessman Antoin "Tony" Rezko, who is awaiting sentencing after being convicted in June on charges of using clout with Blagojevich's administration to help launch a $7 million kickback scheme. And Obama is close to Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, who has been the governor's staunchest legislative ally. At least one top aide to Obama, Michael Strautmanis, previously worked for Blagojevich. Obama has appointed Strautmanis to serve in a top post in the White House. The Chicago native was legislative director and counsel to Blagojevich when the governor was a member of Congress and then helped Blagojevich win the governorship in 2002. There is no indication that Strautmanis is involved in the case. Had Dear Leader agreed to Blagojevich's price tag, there would be no question of his involvement in the governor's corruption. Merely refusing to pay the price, however, is not the same as "no involvement."

kittinSol -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 7:57:04 AM)
The sharks of tabloid politics will take a bite at anything to feed their reactionary beliefs.

slvemike4u -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 7:58:58 AM)
Fast reply ,and based solely on what is now being reported(unless you know things we don't CL)Absolutely and unequivicably YES he can and will escape the "taint".Of course there are those who will attmpt to link the PE to this but as of yet thre is no basis at all for such a linkage,despite the hopes of some.

housesub4you -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 8:02:44 AM)
Dealing in the World of "What If's" is nothing more than tabloid crap "had Dear Leader agreed" Yea but the point is HE DID NOT, you'er just throwing mud and hoping something sticks, and for the people you mentioned, there are very few people in this state that approve of our GOV on any level, that is why he is the lowest rated GOV in the USA. Keep dreaming, but hell even Daley kept his distance from the GOV

celticlord2112 -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 8:05:58 AM)
quote: Absolutely and unequivicably YES he can and will escape the "taint". He won't, because, once again, Dear Leader's response is an amoral, spineless, tap-dance around the issue. However, much as I might hope otherwise, I doubt very seriously that Dear Leader's inaugural address will be an invoking of his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.

celticlord2112 -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 8:11:06 AM)
quote: you'er just throwing mud and hoping something sticks Actually, the "mud" is being thrown by the Associated Press and TIME magazine. Yeah, I do hope it sticks. I hope Dear Leader is exposed for the lying, corrupt, useless political hack that he is. I doubt anything in this little scandal will result in Dear Leader's impeachment, indictment, and removal from office, but I have no hesitation in saying that it would be a blessing for this country if this little scandal accomplished exactly that. Edited to add ABC to the list of mudslingers: Questions Arise About the Obama/Blagojevich Relationship

housesub4you -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 8:15:44 AM)
So as long as our President is on tape lying, your Ok with that. But with nothing proving the President Elect is lying, you have a problem with him, because you think he is, but have no proof, but choose to ignore any of Bushes statments over the last 8 years, or the wiretaps, or well you know the list. But those are ok because he is a republican?

celticlord2112 -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 8:25:42 AM)
quote: But those are ok because he is a republican? Are Dear Leader's corrupt ways ok because he is a Democrat? Frankly, I don't give a damn about his party affiliation. It's the damage he plans to do to this country that alarms me.

housesub4you -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 8:29:49 AM)
cause in the last 8 years, there has been no damage done to this country? At least I can admit when someone in the party I support is wrong, seems others can't At this time there is no connection between Obama and Blag. But go ahead and play "What if" I voted for this dam Governor, and can't wait till they throw his ass in jail. Can you please list the "corrupt ways" and base them on facts, not hearsay or "What if's"

celticlord2112 -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 8:35:43 AM)
quote: At this time there is no connection between Obama and Blag. Other than Dear Leader having been a top strategist on Blagojevich's 2002 campaign, and endorsing him in 2006 despite allegations concerning him. From ABC News: quote: 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. quote: 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."

Musicmystery -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 8:37:55 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: celticlord2112 To be sure, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald went out of his way to say that he "found no evidence" that Dear Leader was involved in Blagojevich's tawdry schemes. However, some of the released recording transcripts indicate Blagojevich did contact Dear Leader's transition team, apparently to negotiate a quid pro quo for appointing a specific person to fill the Senate seat. While Blagojevich's price tag was apparently rejected, it will be interesting to see what manner of discussions did take place with the transition team. Nope. In fact, the prosecutor made clear "Candidate 1," clearly Obama's choice, took herself out of running when so approached, and the Governor is recorded as saying if they didn't want to pay, then bleep them. Understood you'll be digging at every little morsel you can find, but on this one, you're barking at the moon. Further, Obama has distanced himself from the governor for the past few years--no love lost there. The real story and outrage is the arrogance--and criminal pursuits--of the governor himself. On that, wail away.

housesub4you -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 8:38:45 AM)
Yea, but where is the corruption you speak of??? I grow tired of the broken record CL, I get it, you hate any and all Dems and no GOP'er can do anything wrong.

celticlord2112 -> RE: Can Obama Escape the Taint of Blagojevich? (12/10/2008 8:48:00 AM)
quote: Yea, but where is the corruption you speak of??? Taking campaign contributions from foreign nationals. Doing business with Tony Rezko and helping that crook use government money to build uninhabitable slums. Consorting with known terrorists. Getting in bed with Blagojevich himself. All well documented in even mainstream press, btw.

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