Video: Hillary Clinton’s photo op with a slumlord
posted at 10:35 am on January 25, 2008 by Bryan
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During the last Democrat debate, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama got into a tussle over, on the one hand Hillary having worked in the Wal-Mart board of directors, and on the other hand, Obama’s 17-year relationship to Tony Rezko. Rezko is about to stand trial for fraud. Well, a photo of Hillary and Bill Clinton with Rezko has surfaced. Matt Lauer confronted Hillary Clinton with the photo this morning.
She says she hasn’t had any relationship with Rezko…but Bill infamously claimed not to have had sexual relations with that woman. There’s no reason anyone should take the Clintons at their word. One photo is not a big deal; presidents end up posing for photo ops with all sorts of people with whom they don’t have any actual relationship. But if it turns out that the Clintons have accepted campaign cash from Rezko in the current campaign or have had any relationship with him in the past, it will be a big deal.
Update (AP): Would Hillary have brought up Rezko at the debate (and allegedly told Edwards there’s more to come about him and Obama) if she knew her hands were dirty, though? Her team must have researched this.
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whoops…
Wade on January 25, 2008 at 10:36 AM
that’s hilarious.. hillary’s pissin in the wind.. she must reek..
whiskeytango on January 25, 2008 at 10:43 AM
The picture is titled “Portrait of Three Crooks”
JayHaw Phrenzie on January 25, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Hillary is strangling one of her staffers right about now.
p0s3r on January 25, 2008 at 10:44 AM
The list of criminal donors to their cause is a long one.
They are
possiblythe dirtiest politicians in the history of the planet.TheSitRep on January 25, 2008 at 10:45 AM
According to Open Secrets, Rezko gave money to a lot of people, Republicans included. The picture doesn’t make her look good, but there’s probably no scandal there.
Still, this is the Clintons, so…
Slublog on January 25, 2008 at 10:46 AM
only works to benifit her, Obama is a friend of rezkos for 17 years.
zane on January 25, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Sorry. As much as I can’t stand the Hilldabeast, so far this is nothing. They’ve taken pictures with literally tens of thousands (if not more) people over the decades. It’s part of the job. Surely not everyone was pristine clean.
If this is all that can be found, then it’s a no-go. If there’s more, then bring it on. Whatever it takes to bring her down, as long as it’s legit. Of which there is surely plenty.
nukemhill on January 25, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Check out the wikipedia page
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoin_Rezko
I’m guessing some Obama supporter put up that pic.
Lance Murdock on January 25, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Wouldn’t be hillarious if, after some digging, Rezko’s name was linked to things like “Whitewater” or knew a girl named “Lewinsky”. Seems like the kind of guy the Clintons would love to have spent a night in the Lincoln Bedroom of the White House.
Planet Boulder on January 25, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Ummm…seee what haad happened was…
JVelez on January 25, 2008 at 10:55 AM
The Hillary camp is better at Mutually Assured Destruction, and she can always cry. So yes, Hillary brought up Rezko, then threatened both Obambi and Edwards that there’s more to come about him even though her hands were dirty.
Why? The MSM has covered for her before, continues to do so, and will continue to do so in the future.
Note too that Obama setup Hillary nicely, provoking her carefully prepared reference to Rezko, but Obama wasn’t ready to mention Hsu.
And neither candidate will admit to taking millions from George Soros for fear of cutting off the spigot of dirty money.
DANEgerus on January 25, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Rezko is actually connected with some rather big names here in Illinois, including our illustriously useless Governor, Rod “Blago” Blagojevich. That they have now placed Hill The Shill with this guy, this is BIG news.
pilamaye on January 25, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Not a Hillary fan, but so far this doesn’t mean anything. My niece has a picture with the Laura Bush and a picture with W from when she was a white house intern last year, and it was the first time she’d ever met either one and perhaps 10 words and a handshake was exchanged, and that was it. No way either one woud recognize her name or her face.
BUT this incident clearly demonstrates media manipulation: If this was a republican, the picture would be on the front page of the New York Times every day with calls for a special investigator, independent counsel, calls for the R’s resignation, and more dirt digging than a dung beetle does on a hot summer day.
Now that Hillary is no longer the media darling and they are pushing for Obama since he’s even leftier, this gets some press play.
JustTruth101 on January 25, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Meh, she probably genuinely didn’t remember him. That’s like trying to say that Bush was in bed with Abramoff because he was in a photo with him once. In a word–stupid.
I had my picture taken with Sean Hannity once (though now I’m embarrassed by him). Do you think he knows me? No.
DaveS on January 25, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Good one.
Ian on January 25, 2008 at 11:03 AM
I’m willing to give Clinton some latitude because it is probably true that she has taken countless photos like the one with Rezko.
That being said, it was insane for her to bring him up by name when she also had dealings with the man. This is why you have a staff to check stuff out before you open your mouth and insert your foot. Now, going into South Carolina’s primary, Clinton is having to spin her dealings with yet another crook instead of pandering for the black vote which was clearly her original plan.
highhopes on January 25, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Rezko has a history of donating to pretty much anyone. Bush, Gore, Kerry, Durbin, Braun, Jesse Jr., etc.
Link
HT
yo on January 25, 2008 at 11:06 AM
I still don’t understand why Hillary has walked away clean from the Hsu scandel. I guess no one wants to talk about dirty money. Wonder what that means(wink). Will the GOP also stay away from it as an issue in the general if she gets the nod?
a capella on January 25, 2008 at 11:09 AM
She looks wrecked!
Tru2my2 on January 25, 2008 at 11:11 AM
I think there’s a lot more to be discovered here.
You don’t get your picture taken with both Hill and Bill, posing with a flag in the background, just because you showed up at the White House one day or attended some kind of political event. That’s nowhere close to resembling some kind of impromptu photo shoot for a nobody who just wandered into their proximity.
That’s payback for sumpin folks.
fogw on January 25, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Is your niece a slumlord? This is Bill and Hillary Clinton not W and Mrs. Bush. If I remember correctly, Bill had connections with interns and your nieces picture with Clenis would take on a different persona. I think your point is moot.
This is just more of Cankles and Clenis hypocrisy no mater what the connection, it is a connection and based on their prior affiliations with people like ‘The Hsu’, they need to called to answer for all their connections. I am sure in the general election if Cankles is still around she will be taken to the carpet.
Vince Foster was unavailable for comment
Wade on January 25, 2008 at 11:26 AM
she is talking to a lib so he isn’t gonna push the subject either but I promise she knows more then she is letting on we all know that
Nascar70 on January 25, 2008 at 11:26 AM
The Clintons have so much dirt on them that even they must forget where it all is at times. It would take a full-time team to research all their in-house corruption. I suspect there is very little left that they can accuse others of doing that they don’t have a hand in themselves. The thing that really gets me is that the voters don’t seem to care about that.
TX Mom on January 25, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Wait a second, if Hillary couldn’t see the picture, how could she deny she knows him.
Heading out for some Orville Redenbachers.
swami on January 25, 2008 at 12:00 PM
fogw on January 25, 2008 at 11:12 AM
You don’t get politics, I guess. That could be payback from some congressperson who got an extra invite to a White House function.
For the love of God, people, quit saying’ unsubstantiated stupid crap.
DaveS on January 25, 2008 at 12:27 PM
From the FEC (this isn’t the whole thing. jsut parts I pasted)
REZKO, ANTOIN
WILMETTE, IL 60091
REZKO FOODS
OBAMA, BARACK
VIA OBAMA FOR ILLINOIS INC
12/31/2002 500.00 23020031833
12/31/2002 1000.00 23020031833
03/31/2003 -500.00 23020170813
03/31/2003 500.00 23020170813
10/03/2003 10000.00 24020030218
REZKO, ANTOIN S
CHICAGO, IL 60610
REZMAR INC
KERRY, JOHN FORBES
VIA KERRY COMMITTEE
11/09/1998 1000.00 99020031403
REZKO, ANTOIN S
WILMETTE, IL 60091
BUSINESS CONSULTANT
BOXER, BARBARA
VIA FRIENDS OF BARBARA BOXER
10/06/2004 2000.00 24020942578
REZKO, ANTOIN S
WILMETTE, IL 60091
REZKO FOODS/EXECUTIVE
KERRY, JOHN F
VIA JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
04/12/2004 2000.00 24961471336
REZKO, ANTOIN S. MR.
CHICAGO, IL 60610
REZMAR CORP./CHAIRMAN
GORE, AL
VIA GORE 2000 INC
04/03/2000 1000.00 20990123721
REZKO, ANTOIN S. MR.
GLENVIEW, IL 60025
REZMAR CORPORATION/CHAIRMAN
BUSH, GEORGE W
VIA BUSH FOR PRESIDENT INC.
10/20/1999 1000.00 20990021495
REZKO, ANTOINE
CHICAGO, IL 60610
REZMAR CORP./CHAIRMAN
OBAMA, BARACK H
VIA OBAMA FOR CONGRESS 2000
09/01/1999 1000.00 20990033251
REZKO, TONY MR.
WILMITTE, IL 60091
SELF-EMPLOYED
BUSH, GEORGE W
VIA BUSH-CHENEY ‘04 COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE INC.
12/19/2003 2000.00 24990268810
REZKO, TONY MR.
WILMITTE, IL 60091
SELF-EMPLOYED/BUSINESSMAN
BUSH, GEORGE W
VIA BUSH-CHENEY ‘04 (PRIMARY) INC
12/09/2003 4000.00 24990263675
12/19/2003 -2000.00 24990263676
VinceP1974 on January 25, 2008 at 12:28 PM
This looks like a reception line photo from the early days of the Clinton era. Hillary has what looks to this untrained eye to be an early-90’s doo.
Prior commenters are quite right: somewhere somehow Rezko gave enough money to some candidate or committee to earn himself a spot in a major-donor reception. Most likely, the dude stood in line with the other fat cats till his place was up, then got prolly 10 seconds to say hello before getting photog’d and shuffled back to his seat.
Or, maybe not. Call the FEC and ask them to run a donor-lookup on Rezko as far back as their records go. They will fax results to you within 24 hours: (800) 424-9530. Or if youre in Washington, its (202) 694-1000.
BP is your “might be nothing, might be something”, referencing Dan Hill, friend and consigliere to 9/11 hero Rick Rescorla? If so, fine work.
Mike D. on January 25, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Being seen or photographed with suspicious people is not a universal no-no? Come back, Tom DeLay.
whitetop on January 25, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Hillary is
stranglingcankling one of her staffers right about now.p0s3r on January 25, 2008 at 10:44 AM
max1 on January 25, 2008 at 1:13 PM
First Rule in Political Sh!t-Slingin’: Don’t throw it into the fan you’re standing in front of.
franksalterego on January 25, 2008 at 1:18 PM
Yeah, but it is not a relationship unless Bill had sex with him…ménage à trois, the thought makes me go blind, and a new meaning to “slum lord”.
right2bright on January 25, 2008 at 1:29 PM
I love it when people who accuse people of saying stupid crap say stupid crap themselves.
So you think it could be a payback from some congressman. Not sure? Maybe it was? Taking a guess are you? Can you substantiate that?
Hey douchebag, you’ve got no more inside information than I do.
One thing I do know for certain is we always have to question the lying and deceiving Clintons. That’s always a good start for any speculation.
fogw on January 25, 2008 at 1:44 PM
It doesn’t matter any attack on Obama is racist.
roux on January 25, 2008 at 1:51 PM
WAKE UP, PEOPLE! We are talking about the Clintons. Pay to play is the name of the game. This guy Rezko ponied up enough to get both Hill & Bill to stand at attention in a solo shot. That comes with a sizeable price tag. Have you all forgotten so soon? The Clintons….
thegreatbeast on January 25, 2008 at 2:07 PM
Move along, folks. Nothing to see here.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 25, 2008 at 2:09 PM
By now I am sure that all those in connection with the photograph are now some how unavailable for comment.
drjeep on January 25, 2008 at 2:16 PM
It may be only a photograph. But anytime the Clintons open their mouths to defend themselves, they may as well be saying blah blah blah…. for all I care I don’t trust them, never will.
4shoes on January 25, 2008 at 2:19 PM
I wish I could find the picture of Hillary, Chelsea & Bill with Arafat in 1998, and both Hill and Chelsea are wearing full head scarves.
I’d run that shot in EVERY ad I did were I advising her opponents.
Alden Pyle on January 25, 2008 at 2:51 PM
Here’s a link to Lynn Sweet’s blog at the Chicago Tribune detailing Hillary donor, Myron Cherry, who has been named in the Rezko indictment:
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2007/06/sweet_blog_special_clinton_oba.html
Sensible Mom on January 25, 2008 at 3:13 PM
You mean like they researches Chinatown and Hsu?
RightWinged on January 25, 2008 at 3:26 PM
To the untrained eye, it looks like a real “gotcha,” but anyone who has ever had their photo taken like that with anyone famous knows, that there was probably a line of people going up one by one for photos with Bill and Hillary as part of some event… happens all the time. I have one of me and the present Governor of Massachusetts (spare me!) that was taken at a civic event that my company was sponsoring… I am sure (and I pray) that he has no recollection of me. This is not a news item.
D2Boston on January 25, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Hillary: B Hussein Obama’s illinois congressional run was financed exclusively by Tony Rezko..who is a crook who has family members in lebanon that are Hezzbollah members!
Of course he buys favors from me too….but make no mistake about it..I, Hillary Clinton, am owned exclusively by Saudi muslim terrorists not shi’ite muslim terrorists! Don’t forget it.
HaraldHardrada on January 25, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Rezko is a guy that cashed in on his minority status in the city of Chicago. He lives in Wilmette. This is one of the wealthiest areas per capita in the entire country. His money is made in some of the poorest areas of Chicago.
Nobody makes money from poor neighborhoods in Chicago while living in posh Wilmette without the approval of the Daley Machine.
I’m a little surprised Rezko isn’t a banker.
gabriel sutherland on January 25, 2008 at 4:50 PM
Look at how she refers to Tony Rezko, when attackign Obama: She just refers to him as “Rezko,” like he’s a mafia don…. like “Capone,” or “Dillinger” or “Gotti.”
I got another one for you, Hillary: “Hsu!”
ToddonCapeCod on January 25, 2008 at 5:10 PM