Rod Blagojevich, Barack Obama, all your secrets are belong to us

[PJABBER]

“Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive”

So said Sir Walter Scott not so long ago, and so go the shenanigans of Illinois politics, whence from the Great Obama comes.

While we await the coming of the Big O to the witness stand, a redacted document has been easily un-radacted and some familiar names become apparent for all to ponder.

Redactions Revealed: The Six Secrets You Need to Know From the Obama Subpoena Request

Ward Room
NBC Chicago
April 22, 2010

Former governor Rod Blagojevich's defense team asked Thursday to issue a trial subpoena to the President of the United States of America.

The motion, intended to be heavily redacted, was improperly edited -- the full document was easily viewable if the text is copied and pasted to another document.

Below, the six revelations the redacted portions were meant to conceal.

1. Obama may have lied about conversations with convicted fraudster Tony Rezko

Blagojevich's lawyers allege that Rezko admitted breaking the law by contributing "a large sum of cash" to a public official. Blagojevich's attorneys say that public official is Obama. Obama said that Rezko never relayed a request from a lobbyist to hold a fundraiser in favor of favorable legislative action. But the point may be moot: regardless of Obama talking/not talking to Rezko, Blagojevich's attorneys say that Obama refused the request regardless.

Redacted portion:

However, the defense has a good faith belief that Mr. Rezko, President Obama’s former friend, fund-raiser, and neighbor told the FBI and the United States Attorneys a different story about President Obama.

In a recent in camera proceeding, the government tendered a three paragraph letter indicating that Rezko “has stated in interviews with the government that he engaged in election law violations by personally contributing a large sum of cash to the campaign of a public official who is not Rod Blagojevich. … Further, the public official denies being aware of cash contributions to his campaign by Rezko or others and denies having conversations with Rezko related to cash contributions. … Rezko has also stated in interviews with the government that he believed he transmitted a quid pro quo offer from a lobbyist to the public official, whereby the lobbyist would hold a fundraiser for the official in exchange for favorable official action, but that the public official rejected the offer. The public official denies any such conversation. In addition, Rezko has stated to the government that he and the public official had certain conversations about gaming legislation and administration, which the public official denies having had.

Redacted footnote: The defense has a good faith belief that this public official is Barack Obama.

2. Obama may have overtly recommended Valerie Jarret for his Senate seat

Blagojevich's defense team basically alleges that Obama told a certain labor union official that he (Obama) would support Valerie Jarrett's candidacy for the Senate seat. Jarrett, referred to as "Senate Candidate B", is now a senior advisor to the president.

Redacted portion:

Yet, despite President Obama stating that no representatives of his had any part of any deals, labor union president told the FBI and the United States Attorneys that he spoke to labor union official on November 3, 2008 who received a phone message from Obama that evening. After labor union official listened to the message labor union official told labor union president “I’m the one”. Labor union president took that to mean that labor union official was to be the one to deliver the message on behalf of Obama that Senate Candidate B was his pick. (Labor union president 302, February 2, 2009, p. 7).

Labor union official told the FBI and the United States Attorneys “Obama expressed his belief that [Senate Candidate B] would be a good Senator for the people of Illinois and would be a candidate who could win re-election. [Labor union official] advised Obama that [labor union official] would reach out to Governor Blagojevich and advocate for [Senate Candidate B].. . . [Labor union official] called [labor union president] and told [labor union president] that Obama was aware that [labor union official] would be reaching out to Blagojevich.” (Labor union official 302, February 3, 2009 p. 3).

3. A supporter of President Obama may have offered quid pro quo on a Jarrett senate appointment

Redacted portion: Supporter of Presidential Candidate Obama is mentioned in a phone call on November 3, 2008, having offered “fundraising” in exchange for Senate Candidate B for senator (Blagojevich Home Phone Call # 149).

4. Obama maintained a list of good Senate candidates

Redacted portion: President-elect Obama also suggested Senate Candidate A to Governor Blagojevich. John Harris told the FBI and the United States Attorneys that he spoke to President’s Chief of Staff on November 12, 2008. Harris took notes of the conversation and wrote that President’s Chief had previously worked as Blagojevich's press secretary. Obama agreed of Staff told Harris that Senate Candidate A was acceptable to Obama as a senate pick. (Harris handwritten notes, OOG1004463) President’s Chief of Staff told the FBI that “he could not say where but somewhere it was communicated to him that” Senate Candidate A was a suggested candidate viewed as one of the four “right” candidates “by the Obama transition team.”

5. Rahm Emanuel allegedly floated Cheryl Jackson's name for the Senate seat

Redacted portion:

President’s Chief of Staff told the FBI that he had a conversation discussing the Senate seat with Obama on December 7, 2008 in Obama’s car. President’s Chief of Staff told the FBI “Obama expressed concern about Senate Candidate D being appointed as Senator.

[President’s Chief of Staff] suggested they might need an expanded list to possibly include names of African Americans that came out of the business world. [President’s Chief of Staff] thought he suggested Senate Candidate E who was the head of the Urban League and with President’s Chief of Staff’s suggestion.

6. Obama had a secret phone call with Blagojevich

Redacted portion:

President-elect Obama also spoke to Governor Blagojevich on December 1, 2008 in Philadelphia. On Harris Cell Phone Call # 139, John Harris and Governor’s legal counsel discuss a conversation Blagojevich had with President-elect Obama. The government claims a conspiracy existed from October 22, 2008 continuing through December 9, 2008.6 That conversation is relevant to the defense of the government’s theory of an ongoing conspiracy. Only Rod Blagojevich and President Obama can testify to the contents of that conversation. The defense is allowed to present evidence that corroborates the defendant’s testimony.

 

[Greenman]

Hope and change, conspiracy and fraud, pretty much the same thing in politics.

 

[MikeMike]

Hello Chicago, We would like to say that your ways of Politics are still known...

 

[Lemon law]

Sounds like ole blago is getting desperate, his shotgun attacks against Obama have zero to do with his own guilt or innocence, but some how if Blago can sufficiently muddy the waters, he can escape.

Even if it delights the GOP, there is zero chance the GOP will defend Blago, and he loses his last friend in the democratic camp.

Justice delayed may be justice denied, and no one ever said US justice is swift, but the ring closes as the game ends for Blago. And the only remaining question is what Blago's inmate prison number will be when Blago finally goes to the slammer.

 

[irishScott]

Sounds like ole blago is getting desperate, his shotgun attacks against Obama have zero to do with his own guilt or innocence, but some how if Blago can sufficiently muddy the waters, he can escape.

Even if it delights the GOP, there is zero chance the GOP will defend Blago, and he loses his last friend in the democratic camp.

Justice delayed may be justice denied, and no one ever said US justice is swift, but the ring closes as the game ends for Blago. And the only remaining question is what Blago's inmate prison number will be when Blago finally goes to the slammer.

How poetic.

 

[Double Trouble]

Sounds like ole blago is getting desperate, his shotgun attacks against Obama have zero to do with his own guilt or innocence, but some how if Blago can sufficiently muddy the waters, he can escape.

Even if it delights the GOP, there is zero chance the GOP will defend Blago, and he loses his last friend in the democratic camp.

Justice delayed may be justice denied, and no one ever said US justice is swift, but the ring closes as the game ends for Blago. And the only remaining question is what Blago's inmate prison number will be when Blago finally goes to the slammer.

Be that as it may, Obama surely doesn't come out of this smelling like a rose if even half the allegations are true, and his carefully crafted image of the new bringer of change to DC is surely tarnished. Just goes to show that he's just another hypocritical slimy scummy politician, just like the rest of 'em.

 

[Blackjack200]

Be that as it may, Obama surely doesn't come out of this smelling like a rose if even half the allegations are true, and his carefully crafted image of the new bringer of change to DC is surely tarnished. Just goes to show that he's just another hypocritical slimy scummy politician, just like the rest of 'em.

What allegations? That he suggested someone for the senate seat? That he had a phone conversation with Blagojevich? woooooo.

 

[Double Trouble]

What allegations? That he suggested someone for the senate seat? That he had a phone conversation with Blagojevich? woooooo.

Nothing rising to the level of criminal, but certainly unsavory, and certainly casting doubt on the whole "change" and "transparency" mantra. For example, having discussions with Rezko about gaming legislation and other issues when the president flat out said that never happened, trying to influence the choice of replacement senator when he said he didn't etc.

It's not that any of those things are criminal or illegal, it's just that it further undermines his notion that he's somehow different than all the other scum we're used to having in office. He's not.

 

[jackschmittusa]

It's bad that Obama had an opinion of who might be a good Senator?

That there was someone that he could support?

I know that critical thinking is alien to many on the right, but do you really want brain dead politicians who have no opinions?

 

[Double Trouble]

It's bad that Obama had an opinion of who might be a good Senator?

That there was someone that he could support?

I know that critical thinking is alien to many on the right, but do you really want brain dead politicians who have no opinions?

Stay with us here, you're lagging behind. Nothing wrong with having an opinion on who the successor might be... but he said he was not involved in the process at all and did not have input into who would take the position. If the allegation is true, then he's been lying. There's a surprise, a politician lying

Further, the dealings with Rezco also appear to be much more extensive than he had previously admitted to. Basically, lots of shenanigans, business as usual in DC and politics in general.

 

[HumblePie]

Stay with us here, you're lagging behind. Nothing wrong with having an opinion on who the successor might be... but he said he was not involved in the process at all and did not have input into who would take the position. If the allegation is true, then he's been lying. There's a surprise, a politician lying

Further, the dealings with Rezco also appear to be much more extensive than he had previously admitted to. Basically, lots of shenanigans, business as usual in DC and politics in general.

And he may not have talked with him. Perhaps an aid spoke with Blago? Or perhaps he didn't remember the conversation because, you know, politicians talk to LOTS of people all the time. He more than likely thought it was a routine call and just didn't think anything of significance of it and completely forgot about it. Whoohoo! some conspiracy.

Then again, maybe he's secretly trying to turn this country into the old USSR and this is a pure indicator to that direction... or not.

Talk about grasping for straws here.

Also, another point to think about, when someone big goes down, they try to bring down as many people as they possibly can with them. It is just the way it is. They throw out accusation after accusation, some of them are fact but many are just pure fiction. They do this with "bigger" fish in hope that something may get found and they can use a plea to get out or at least a lesser conviction for whatever brought them in.

 

[Zargon]

Further, the dealings with Rezco also appear to be much more extensive than he had previously admitted to. Basically, lots of shenanigans, business as usual in DC and politics in general.

someone half of IL already knew to be true.

as if their real estate swap BS wasnt enough of a red flag

 

[Double Trouble]

And he may not have talked with him. Perhaps an aid spoke with Blago? Or perhaps he didn't remember the conversation because, you know, politicians talk to LOTS of people all the time. He more than likely thought it was a routine call and just didn't think anything of significance of it and completely forgot about it. Whoohoo! some conspiracy.

Then again, maybe he's secretly trying to turn this country into the old USSR and this is a pure indicator to that direction... or not.

Talk about grasping for straws here.

Also, another point to think about, when someone big goes down, they try to bring down as many people as they possibly can with them. It is just the way it is. They throw out accusation after accusation, some of them are fact but many are just pure fiction. They do this with "bigger" fish in hope that something may get found and they can use a plea to get out or at least a lesser conviction for whatever brought them in.

Sigh... stay with us here: notice I said if the allegations are true. I don't know that they are, but they seem very plausible. Either way, I find some of the information that was supposed to be redacted rather interesting.

 

[Moonbeam]

I think he got a blow job from an intern too.

The Republicans have a strategy. Make being President of the US such an unpleasant job to have that only assholes like them who wallow in pig shit every day can handle it. Make sure that nobody decent ever wants that job.

When you have an enemy that will not yield you destroy them mercilessly and without compromise until they do, and this is what needs to be done to the Republicans. They need to have their heads shoved in pig shit till they turn away from their Pig Devil and open their arms to the real God.

 

[cubeless]

I think he got a blow job from an intern too.

The Republicans have a strategy. Make being President of the US such an unpleasant job to have that only assholes like them who wallow in pig shit every day can handle it. Make sure that nobody decent ever wants that job.

When you have an enemy that will not yield you destroy them mercilessly and without compromise until they do, and this is what needs to be done to the Republicans. They need to have their heads shoved in pig shit till they turn away from their Pig Devil and open their arms to the real God.

oh shit... he found us out... i figured that this was a new enough strategy that it would at least hold for one election cycle... damn...

but remember that we be fighting with the merciless power of our combined hate, so we'll be ready to wrestle to the death when we see you coming to visit us at the pig sty...

 

[Double Trouble]

I think he got a blow job from an intern too.

The Republicans have a strategy. Make being President of the US such an unpleasant job to have that only assholes like them who wallow in pig shit every day can handle it. Make sure that nobody decent ever wants that job.

When you have an enemy that will not yield you destroy them mercilessly and without compromise until they do, and this is what needs to be done to the Republicans. They need to have their heads shoved in pig shit till they turn away from their Pig Devil and open their arms to the real God.

Wait.. Moonie, you're blaming the republicans for this? This is between Blago and Obama -- the repubs have nothing do to with it. The information coming out is just shedding light on some of Obama's dealings, and it's not as pretty as he'd have us believe.

 

[HumblePie]

Sigh... stay with us here: notice I said if the allegations are true. I don't know that they are, but they seem very plausible. Either way, I find some of the information that was supposed to be redacted rather interesting.

Great, just state there are allegations. That doesn't change anything really, because when it comes to allegations I think it's part of the job description. I just get amused with PJABBER basically inferring the whole thing is true and Obama should be outed for it.

 

[Moonbeam]

Wait.. Moonie, you're blaming the republicans for this? This is between Blago and Obama -- the repubs have nothing do to with it. The information coming out is just shedding light on some of Obama's dealings, and it's not as pretty as he'd have us believe.

Thank you. Consider what I said a gratuitous insult then, a sort of drive by preemptive slap in the face in case any Republican slop eaters try to pass it on for general pig consumption here on P & N. Blago is a Democrat and therefore of upstanding character so of course, now that I know, I have to believe him.

Now if he were a Rig, that's a Dig at Republican Pigs, I would expect him to broadside any pig around him, were he, so to speak, to feel himself, as it were, drowning in his own self created pig shit.

 

[Sinsear]

Gotta love the 5th comment down on the article: "This is all Bush's fault."

 

[Moonbeam]

Great, just state there are allegations. That doesn't change anything really, because when it comes to allegations I think it's part of the job description. I just get amused with PJABBER basically inferring the whole thing is true and Obama should be outed for it.

It's what he does. He can't defend anything he says, he just throws shit against the wall and watches hoping something will stick and the general aroma of stink he creates leaves unconscious impressions along the smoke must mean fire lines. And of course, because he has no real center, he does it while touting the latest vintage of wine or fancy meal, as if a pig at a kings table is transmogrified.

 

[jhbball]

“Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive”

So said Sir Walter Scott not so long ago, and so go the shenanigans of Illinois politics, whence from the Great Obama comes.

While we await the coming of the Big O to the witness stand, a redacted document has been easily un-radacted and some familiar names become apparent for all to ponder.

You need a hobby.

 

[CrackRabbit]

You need a hobby.

This is his hobby.

 

[Double Trouble]

All they are right now is allegations, but some of them can be (have been?) corroborated by at least some evidence. For example, there are records of cell phone calls etc.

Blago is scum and always has been (how the heck did that weasel get elected anyway?), but that doesn't mean the information in the trial can't be true.

Remember when Canseco released his book with allegations? Everyone said it was tripe and full of lies... but in the end most of it proved to be true.

 

[PJABBER]

You need a hobby.

Thanks CrackRabbit (LOVE the moniker!) This IS now one my hobbies, intermittent as it may be!

My flight to Iceland today got canceled so I am now watching the world turn, even here in the cauldron of discontent that is ATP&N.

I get a special sense of satisfaction in tweaking the noses of all "progressives", fascists and communists that may cross my path. That I can do so with an erudite wit is especially delicious. How sad that few can match the discourse with any semblance of repartee.

When I see the powers that be eating their own, a shiver runs up my leg for something is right in the world.

The problem with posting a thread like this is that it pre-supposes an understanding of the issues being raised. In the early hour that I posted I failed to include my customary explanatory WOT, which would connect the dots for the simpletons and offer them yet another !!AHA!! moment to bring up in conversation at the collective consciousness raising they are running late for.

Mea culpa!

While I cannot adequately console The Moonbeam crying in his thin soup of self-hate and sorry unexamined hatred for the Republican Party, I can offer a well written article that lays out exactly how this affects not only the criminal trial facing Blagojevich but also why it draws in a whole host of characters currently residing in the White House, including the Chief Resident and, maybe, just maybe, the TPOTUS.

Enjoy!

Blagojevich sends not-so-subtle message to Obama

John Kass
The Chicago Tribune

April 23, 2010

Rod Blagojevich finally made good on a promise: He put President Barack Obama right in the middle of Blagojevich's own political corruption case.

And now it's finally clear why, from the moment of Blagojevich's arrest in December 2008, White House spinners loudly portrayed our former Gov. Dead Meat as some drooling, raving lunatic.

A lunatic is not to be believed, and Dead Meat will continue to be characterized as such by Obama defenders. But raving lunatics care little for their own survival. And in an amazing defense motion filed Thursday, Blagojevich proved once again that he is quite sane.

He wants Obama to testify in his federal criminal case.

The feds allege that Blagojevich conspired to sell off Obama's old U.S. Senate seat, among other charges.

Obama's former patron and real estate fairy, the convicted influence peddler Tony Rezko, is a key player in the government's case. Blagojevich's aim is to undercut what Rezko has told investigators.

And now Blago wants the president to do the undercutting from the witness stand, with the nation riveted to his every recollection of his days in Chicago politics, hanging with Tony and the guys, with the midterm November elections approaching.

"President Obama has pertinent information as to the character of Mr. Rezko," the Blagojevich filing states.

"President Obama can testify to Mr. Rezko's reputation for truthfulness, as well as his own opinion of Mr. Rezko's character. Based on the relationship that President Obama and Mr. Rezko had, President Obama can provide important information as to Mr. Rezko's plan, intent, opportunity, habit and modus operandi."

Though Thursday's new information is quite fascinating, remember that it comes from the same defense team that has turned the case into a circus from day one.

And demanding the president take the stand in a corruption trial is all three rings, and the dozens of tiny little clowns pouring out of the diminutive car, and the bearded lady. Oh, and let's not forget the dog-faced boy.

Thursday's filing quotes an account by Rezko suggesting that when Obama was an Illinois state senator, his campaign received political cash from Rezko. It also points to assertions by Rezko insinuating that he and Obama had conversations about a casino deal in Rosemont that Rezko stood to make a killing on.

"Rezko has stated to the government that he and the public official [believed to be Obama] had certain conversations about gaming legislation and administration, which the public official denies having had," the filing states.

"President Obama is the only one who can testify as to the veracity of Mr. Rezko's allegations above."

It's no secret that some in journalism get offended when anyone dares mention that the president was involved in Chicago politics. But the filing is not only a legal document, it's a political message from Blagojevich to Obama. So allow me to translate the Chicago Way.

"Dear Barack, my old friend. I want you to use all your powers, all your skills, to make me an offer I can't refuse. I'm Mr. Celebrity-get-me-out-of-here, and you better get me out of here. Thanks, Rod."

The most interesting portions of the filing were supposed to be kept secret. Whole sections were redacted (i.e., blacked out) and remained so for hours.

But there appears to have been a clerical error. And Rich Miller of The Capitol Fax Blog revealed a way to unlock the redacted parts. So we followed Mr. Miller's easy instructions, pressed a few keys on the computer, and presto!

All the redacted material was magically reinstated.

U.S. District Judge James Zagel surely isn't happy. He hauled lawyers from both sides into his chambers for a little private chat Thursday evening. There were no reports of piteous shrieks emanating from behind closed doors, but I've got to think that Blago's guys left the room whimpering and biting their lips.

While this is believed to have been a technical glitch by the defense, the thing is, this is Chicago. Do you believe in coincidence?

It's not good for Obama. But whether you agree or disagree with his politics, it's clear that he's in a difficult position.

His former close buddy, Rezko — "That's not the Tony Rezko I know" — still swings like some albatross from his neck, and it's getting quite stinky. It's hard to transcend the old politics of the past with that dead bird weighing you down.

And his political guys, who were sent from Mayor Richard Daley's City Hall to run his administration, have served him poorly. They shouldn't have let this get anywhere near the president.

In January 2009 — just weeks after the FBI came knocking at his door — Blagojevich threatened to bring everyone down with him.

As he was being booted from the governor's office in his impeachment trial, Dead Meat complained that he wanted to call witnesses to clear his name.

"I'm talking about every single witness named in the criminal complaint," Dead Meat said. "I'm talking about (White House Chief of Staff) Rahm Emanuel, and Sen. (Dick) Durbin … and others who were engaged in conversations with me on a variety of different things, all appropriate and all legal, and I'd like every one of them to testify under oath here at this impeachment trial."

Dead Meat said then the witnesses were necessary so that he could clear his name. And now, he wants Obama on the stand.

Does Dead Meat really want the ultimate witness, or is he merely playing a dangerous game of "Let's Make a Deal"?

 

[CrackRabbit]

Thanks CrackRabbit (LOVE the moniker!) This IS now one my hobbies, intermittent as it may be!

My flight to Iceland today got canceled so I am now watching the world turn, even here in the cauldron of discontent that is ATP&N.

I get a special sense of satisfaction in tweaking the noses of all "progressives", fascists and communists that may cross my path. That I can do so with an erudite wit is especially delicious. How sad that few can match the discourse with any semblance of repartee.

When I see the powers that be eating their own, a shiver runs up my leg for something is right in the world.

The problem with posting a thread like this is that it pre-supposes an understanding of the issues being raised. In the early hour that I posted I failed to include my customary explanatory WOT, which would connect the dots for the simpletons and offer them yet another !!AHA!! moment to bring up in conversation at the collective consciousness raising they are running late for.

Mea culpa!

While I cannot adequately console The Moonbeam crying in his thin soup of self-hate and sorry unexamined hatred for the Republican Party, I can offer a well written article that lays out exactly how this affects not only the criminal trial facing Blagojevich but also why it draws in a whole host of characters currently residing in the White House, including the Chief Resident and, maybe, just maybe, the TPOTUS.

Enjoy!

Ah yes, another snide, intellectually dishonest, wall of text from our resident continent hopping troll.

You need another hobby, like birdwatching, in a remote area without internet access. :awe: