The Odd Triple
posted at 8:27 am on February 26, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
Send to a Friend |
printer-friendly
The Times of London follows the money in the journalistic tradition of Watergate and finds a strange connection between Tony Rezko, Barack Obama, and Nadhmi Auchi. The latter, one of Britain’s richest men, has a long history of shady financial dealings as well as numerous connections to Saddam Hussein, who he helped to power. According to the Times, Auchi sent a lot of money to Rezko just before his wife bought property adjacent to the Obamas in a land deal that has already raised a lot of eyebrows:
A British-Iraqi billionaire lent millions of dollars to Barack Obama’s fundraiser just weeks before an imprudent land deal that has returned to haunt the presidential contender, an investigation by The Times discloses.
The money transfer raises the question of whether funds from Nadhmi Auchi, one of Britain’s wealthiest men, helped Mr Obama buy his mock Georgian mansion in Chicago.
A company related to Mr Auchi, who has a conviction for corruption in France, registered the loan to Mr Obama’s bagman Antoin “Tony” Rezko on May 23 2005. Mr Auchi says the loan, through the Panamanian company Fintrade Services SA, was for $3.5 million.
Three weeks later, Mr Obama bought a house on the city’s South Side while Mr Rezko’s wife bought the garden plot next door from the same seller on the same day, June 15.
Why is this important to the land deal?
Mrs Rezko paid the asking price for the garden but the Obamas bought the house for $1.65 million, - $300,000 less than the asking price. The sellers deny they offered the Obamas a discount on the house because the garden had fetched full price from Mrs Rezko.
They took 15% less than the asking price? That’s a rather remarkable discount. And how exactly did the Rezkos afford to buy the adjacent plot? It cost $625,000, and they needed to make a $125,000 down payment on the land. Yet at the time, Tony Rezko had “no income, negative cash flow, no liquid assets, no unencumbered assets [and] is significantly in arrears on many of his obligations” — according to a sworn court statement a year later. His wife had an income of $37,000 and assets of around $35,000.
How could they qualify for a mortgage on the adjacent plot? Where did they get the money for the down payment? More importantly, why did Auchi lend so much money to Rezko, when Rezko had been in such financial straits? And why was Auchi so interested in Rezko in the first place?
Let’s take another look at Auchi:
Auchi’s brother was among the many Baathists killed by Saddam, but the execution did not inhibit Auchi’s business dealings with Iraq which, he says, didn’t stop until the Gulf war of 1991. His first coup in the West was to broker a deal to sell Italian frigates to the Iraqi Defence Ministry, for which he received $17m in commission. Italian investigators claimed that a Panamanian company owned by Auchi was used to funnel allegedly illegal payments. Auchi denied he had done anything wrong.
In the mid-1980s he got to know Pierfrancesco Pacini Battaglia, a man whose role in directing money to politicians led Italians to call him ‘the one below God’. Saddam Hussein had ordered the construction of a pipeline from Iraq to Saudi Arabia. Battaglia and Auchi secured the contract for a Franco-Italian consortium. In a statement to New York lawyers Battaglia alleged he knew how. ‘To acquire the contract it was necessary, as is usual, especially in Middle Eastern countries, to pay commission to characters close to the Iraqi government… In this case, the international intermediary who dealt with this matter was the Iraqi, Nadhmi Auchi.’ Auchi has denied any wrong-doing.
Nick Cohen suggests that Britain only extradited Auchi to France to face fraud charges in 2003 because our invasion of Iraq had ended his usefulness as an expert on the Hussein regime for MI-6. In any case, Auchi also allegedly had a hand in defrauding the UK’s National Health System after his fleecing of the French oil company Elf.
Rick Moran pines for the late Mike Royko, who would have known exactly what to do with these connections:
At this point, unless there is a deliberate, concerted effort by the large media outlets to allow this story to die once Rezko is convicted, I find it probable that other revelations are yet to come that will show Obama to be just another machine politician, skirting the edge of ethics and the law – perhaps even going over the line and engaging in criminal activities.
Obama is not the Agent of Change. He is a calculating politician who plays the game the same way politicians have been playing it for hundreds of years – receiving money in exchange for favors from government for his friends and cronies. And if Mike Royko were alive, one has to believe that despite agreeing with his politics, Royko would have been relentless in taking Obama down, hammering away in his own inimitable style at the influence selling, the sweetheart deals, the pay for favors, and all the rest of this sleazy mess.
No Royko today. But we have an army of bloggers who can push this story into the mainstream and force the media to expend the resources necessary to get to the bottom of the Rezko-Obama enterprise. True, like Whitewater it is a very complex story and there is very little ease in the telling. But given the stakes, an effort should be made nonetheless.
There seems to be a lot more to Rezko than just slumlording. When a figure like Auchi gives a low-rent figure like Rezko that kind of money, he’s not looking to expand tenement ownership.
Cross-posted at Captain’s Quarters.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Well, now you have to admit that Obambi the Prophet does have experience in foreign affairs! /Mr Lynn
MrLynn on February 26, 2008 at 8:31 AM
OK, NYT–you went after McCain with a lot less evidence than this. Let’s see your front page story.
jgapinoy on February 26, 2008 at 8:33 AM
I suspect there’s a great deal more to the Rezko-Obama slime than has yet been uncovered. Obama is mired in this sleaze, and the GOP should be throwing it at him every time he mentions change. He represents corruption and shady dealing every bit as much as Clinton.
Great to read the lowdown on the Iraq aspect - thanks for posting Ed. Looks like Rezko’s chums are major league players in the corrupt Arab world.
Pax americana on February 26, 2008 at 8:36 AM
That must have been some sub-prime mortgage to get $625K worth of real estate on a $37K income.
highhopes on February 26, 2008 at 8:42 AM
So,in a way this stinks to high heaven so to speak,
and this mess sounds alot like ConHillary when she
got her hand stuck in the money jar,trying to explain
the $100,000 cattle futures she made,and the stench
of the White water land deal/fraud episode!
Well,its good to see the apple doesn’t fall to far from
Liberal Party tree!
canopfor on February 26, 2008 at 8:49 AM
The story will die of journalistic starvation, as no one in the Drive-By media will have the courage to perform true investigative journalism. In predictable fashion, they will circle the wagons around him. Obamassiah is unassailable. Resistance is futile.
NemoParticularis on February 26, 2008 at 8:51 AM
All you need to know about Obama.
JustTruth101 on February 26, 2008 at 8:55 AM
I just don’t see an Obama connection yet. Rezko and Auchi look shady but how does BHO figure in? But I do wonder how someone on a state legislator’s salary could afford a $1.65 million house.
snaggletoothie on February 26, 2008 at 8:57 AM
The MSM opened its eyes to this two years ago, then rolled over and went back to sleep.
southsideironworks on February 26, 2008 at 8:58 AM
Maybe Obama got the 15% Messiah discount. I hear having Jesus 2.0 move into your neighborhood is good for property values.
Sugar Land on February 26, 2008 at 8:59 AM
Me smells the odor of the Clintons in this!
Golfer_75093 on February 26, 2008 at 9:01 AM
Nibras Kazimi has more here.
Big S on February 26, 2008 at 9:01 AM
Patience Pax. Let the Dems nominate him first, then release the hounds.
pistolero on February 26, 2008 at 9:03 AM
“Maybe Obama got the 15% Messiah discount. I hear having Jesus 2.0 move into your neighborhood is good for property values.”
You get free loaves, fishes and some great wine. What’s not to love?
NoDonkey on February 26, 2008 at 9:04 AM
Not while I’m alive it’s not. This man is not fit to be our President
Pax americana on February 26, 2008 at 9:15 AM
Obama-nation
HunnyWaggin on February 26, 2008 at 9:19 AM
That’s a lot of CHANGE.
HOPE the media overcomes its love for O enough to do its job for US.
profitsbeard on February 26, 2008 at 9:23 AM
Rest assured that Jim Ruttenberg and his hit team at the NY Times has no interest in pursuing the Rezko-Obama angle. When they have pointed out anything less than glowing about Obama, the Times reporters do so in a way that makes the readers know that the Times reporters support Obama regardless of what they have to write about Obama. Their articles about holes in the Obama as Messiah story are always understated and restrained and buried. In contrast, you could sense the loathing that these four reporters have for McCain. What really feeds the Times reporters’ loathing of McCain is most based on contempt for anyone who would actually serve in the VietNam war (aside from John Kerry) and McCain’s years in the military. But Obama was after all a “community organizer” (whatever that is). And the Times reporters will protect Obama at all costs to their own integrity.
Larraby on February 26, 2008 at 9:26 AM
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Rezko_friend_scrubs_evidence_of_2004_0130.html
This was in 2005. Barack Obama was elected to the US Senate in 2004.
HMMMMM.
amkun on February 26, 2008 at 9:30 AM
The media has explained Obama’s purchase of a $1.65M house as coming from the proceeds of his book. To me, the Rezko issue, along with the 1960s terrorist issue, shows that Obama doesn’t seem to make very good decisions - or at least he has no idea how other people will interpret them. Again, though, at least based on the information provided, it is not enough to derail his campaign - not by a long shot. Still, the idea that Rezko “just happened” to buy the plot adjacent to his house shows is extremely fishy.
furytrader on February 26, 2008 at 9:31 AM
We may not have Mike Royko, but we have Claudia Rossett.
A British-Iraqi billionaire [Auchi via Fintrade] lent millions of dollars to Barack Obama’s fundraiser…
Before we even get into complicated land deals, it seems to me that that in itself is a red flag. The first question is, Why? The second question is, Is it even legal to take loans from foreign sources for campaigns?
Paging John McCain-Feingold.
Buy Danish on February 26, 2008 at 9:31 AM
Yep. Compare, contrast : Obama and Rezko and Auchi (and Saddam Hussein) to McCain and Iseman. Which of these stories is more suspicious and, if true, more damaging to the US’s interests should he become president? The one with a senator diddling an intern or the one with a senator who has connections with Middle Eastern foreign interests during a time of war? Yet, which one was reported on by the NYT?
So, why did Obama not support the Iraq invasion again?
amkun on February 26, 2008 at 9:35 AM
Second look at sub-prime mortgages!
Seixon on February 26, 2008 at 9:35 AM
With Obama not supporting the Iraq invasion, Auchi (who was very firm in oil in Iraq) would not be able to make the profits from oil, pipelines, Saudi government, etc. Think about it. Obama said no (I think he was one of 3 demo’s who did if I remember right)to the war, not thinking that everyone would say yes and took money to say no, knowing that his friend Auchi would lose money which would mean less for Mr B.O.
upinak on February 26, 2008 at 9:40 AM
There’s some good info there. Too bad they call the hospital “his” hospital and use the phrase “terrorizing patients” (which I realize is just echoing the O’s own words). There’s plenty there on its own merit without going over the top like that.
Buy Danish on February 26, 2008 at 9:46 AM
Yeah, before we all start jumping up and down because we found a smoking gun, we need to step back and look at this story with a wary eye. Lot’s of sleazy Rezko/Auchi accusations, but few Obama connections other then ‘hmmmmmm’.
Limerick on February 26, 2008 at 9:50 AM
Well, it was kind of a throw-away line, but yeah, you have a point that it would make more sense for Obama to vote yes and then work to get Auchi contracts in some fashion.
Still, though. The Dems are poised to nominate a man named Hussein who may or may not be (and even if so, very tenuously at best) connected to Saddam Hussein during a time when we are at war in the country he led. You couldn’t make this stuff up if you tried.
Maybe Bob Kerrey was right.
amkun on February 26, 2008 at 9:51 AM
I like this Captain. He brings the win.
Here’s hoping this as well as his ideology gets the exposure it deserves. Anything to weaken the man as a candidate in meaningful ways is a good thing.
spmat on February 26, 2008 at 9:53 AM
Let’s see: Obambi mixed up with international arms dealers and Saddamites. Manchurian Candidate, anyone? /Mr Lynn
MrLynn on February 26, 2008 at 9:53 AM
Aiham Alsammarae, an ex-Minister of Energy in Iraq (post-war) keeps coming up in these stories. He’s linked to Rezko and Auchi, and has been in trouble in Iraq for allegedly embezzling reconstruction funds. See the comments in Nibras Kazimi’s post from my earlier comment, and go from there.
Big S on February 26, 2008 at 9:55 AM
Duh. Never mind about the loan to his campaign, I misread something earlier.
fwiw, Here’s an earlier piece from the Times Of London about Obama, Rezko and Auchi (Feb 1, 2008):
Obama bagman is sent to jail over $3.5m payment by British tycoon
Buy Danish on February 26, 2008 at 9:59 AM
Yea, lets see where this goes….But if the gun isn’t smoking..does it count if it’s still warm?
CBarker on February 26, 2008 at 9:59 AM
What should be done is find out who Auchi works with, contracts, businesses, enterprizes and then go from there and work on the people… more people who are affluent will be connected to those in high government seats, more often then not. If you do that, you can probably guess how many other interesting tidbits you can find concerning Auchi and some US Government Employees.
upinak on February 26, 2008 at 10:00 AM
How awesome is it that Patrick Fitzgerald is U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois? Fitzmas, anyone?
Big S on February 26, 2008 at 10:07 AM
The Republican machine will do well with this information.
TroubledMonkey on February 26, 2008 at 10:08 AM
I HOPE you made the deposit, so they can CHANGE the price.
marklmail on February 26, 2008 at 10:08 AM
BigS you must be kidding. You really expect Fitzgerald to investigate any of this stuff?
Great post Captain Ed, and good finds on the other articles and blogs everybody. It’s a huge story and hopefully will be simple enough to understand for voters. It’s pretty damned clear to me.
funky chicken on February 26, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Hillary, you’ve been handed a lifeline. Grab it and pull for all it’s worth. Raise this issue in the debate and force all the network “Fact Checkers” and “Truth Squads” to look into it.
Dudley Smith on February 26, 2008 at 10:10 AM
CBarker oh, that gun is smoking all right. Hillary hasn’t used it because she has her little Hsu/Chi-Com problem.
funky chicken on February 26, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Funky, I really doubt anything is going to stop him now. Anyone who is for B.O. will say it was a conspiracy, it was put on to the internet, it is all about race blah blah blah. I wouldn’t be suprized if they said B.O. is innocent even if he did take that money!
upinak on February 26, 2008 at 10:13 AM
white guilt will only last so long when the facts come out.
TroubledMonkey on February 26, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Well, he’s in the middle of the Rezko matter. Poke around in the intertubes, and you’ll see his name a lot in that context. I’ve seen him quoted as saying he doesn’t care if the investigation causes problems for candidates in this campaign. In my comment above, I was just referring to the fact that the Democrats are going to have a hard time saying any of it is politically-motivated after lionizing Fitzgerald for so long.
Big S on February 26, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Anybody looking at foxnews.com?
Mansion ‘mistake’ piles the pressure on Barack Obama
But notice it is a Times Online link?!?
upinak on February 26, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Yeah, but it’s the London Times.
Sloan Morganstern on February 26, 2008 at 10:27 AM
about bloody time someone reported this story. thanks ed.
zane on February 26, 2008 at 10:27 AM
upinak, I can’t imagine that more than about 40% of voters would be so desperate to be followers of, and believers in Obama that they would willfully ignore such obvious stuff. That assumes that the information gets out to the public, which is going to be the job of the GOP as the media ain’t gonna help….
I can only be grateful that Dohrn, Ayers, and Rezko are melanin-challenged individuals which means their attachments to Obama will be fair game.
It is a real shame that so many on the right let their Clinton DS blind them to the Obama problem for so long….
funky chicken on February 26, 2008 at 10:37 AM
The US papers will ignore this. This information has been floating around for months, with more facts per square inch than, say, the 9-year-old friendship rumor of McCain.
They love Obama, have endorsed him, and want him to win.
PattyJ on February 26, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Nice to see you on Hot Air Ed!
Richard Disney on February 26, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Anyone wondering how the Obama’s found out this house was for sale in the first place?
According to this website:
Sitting on the Commission of Chicago Landmarks board, Michelle knew of a permit, waiting for review and approval to sell, for a designated Historical Georgian revival home built in 1910…
There follows a lot of details about how the property was subdivided so the Obamas could afford to buy it, all the permits needed, and so forth.
It goes on to say:
All that needed to be done, in the name of the doctor, on the Kenwood property was completed by March 2005, and the house was finally listed. Michelle Obama resigned her seat on the Chicago Commission on Landmarks at the same time.
But according to the Chicago Tribune, Barack Obama has a different, albeit fuzzy, explanation of how they heard of the property:
Riiiiighht. (Makes me think of Rush’s parody of Hillary where she says she can’t remember because her mind is jello).
Note also that Rezko agreed to pay for the fence around Obama’s house, but the company who built the fence was never paid because Rezko was indicted shortly thereafter.
One would think that Obama, who peddles the audacity of hope, would step in and pay the guy for his work on his property, who is no doubt hoping to be paid.
Buy Danish on February 26, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Obama said it was a “boneheaded” thing to do. He dismisses it in a cheery, childish and self-deferential way that is appealing. You want to forgive him and mother him, this skinny little earnest black/white boy with the big ears. Urkel should play him for sure in the movie.
JiangxiDad on February 26, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Every high profile minority gets issued a pass for indiscretions such as this. Remember the crack head Barry, where is he now? How about Jesse Jackson?
Even the new Obama dressed as Osama pictures get tagged as being motivated by racism. Pictures of Dukakis in a tank are Dukakis being stupid. Pictures of Kerry in the sperm suit are Kerry being stupid. Pictures of Obama as Osama are raaaaaaaacist. The Messiah can NEVER be pictured in a way that brings dishonor upon him. I expect the call to soon go out, “Behead those who insult the Messiah!”
Alden Pyle on February 26, 2008 at 11:16 AM
OK, NYT–you went after McCain with a lot less evidence than this. Let’s see your front page story.
jgapinoy on February 26, 2008 at 8:33 AM
Don’t hold your breath my hotair friend.
Great job Cap’n…I’m looking forward to more red meat from you on this and many other topics.
Christine on February 26, 2008 at 11:20 AM
It’s even more stinky fishy than that. The Chicago Tribune covered this story way back in November 2006. Indeed Obama purchased the house for $300,000 below asking price. That same day Rezko, who was a Chicago real estate big shot, bought the adjoining empty lot at its price point. The two parcels used to be the same property, but the seller decided to split them. So for some odd reason (cough, cough), on the same day the seller gave the customer buying the house a huge discount, he was able to get asking price for an empty lot. Then, a few weeks later, Obama purchased a small portion of the empty lot from Rezko for $60,000 above its value. The ostensible reason was to put up a fence (of solid gold no doubt).
So to my (admittedly) cynical eye, this kinda looks like Obama paid Rezko $60K in return for the sweet deal he got the house. What’s more, if you read the description of this house (96 year old Georgian mansion with 1,000 bottle wine cellar, etc.), you’ll see that in 2005’s real estate market, knocking off $300K was a bit unusual to say the least.
As a footnote, Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass made this comment on the story:
Amazing. btw…Don’t bother looking for the original column on the Trib website. It’s seems to be one of a select few that’s missing from the archive.
scatbug on February 26, 2008 at 11:28 AM
So Obama is just another politician…is this really news to anyone with more than 2 braincells to rub together?
I’m not saying the American Sheeple are stupid, but the American Sheeple are stupid.
beefytee on February 26, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Obama can be in bed with whatever underworld figure - it does not matter - he is a Democrat. Republicans won’t try to censure him, the Bush DOJ won’t try to prosecute him. He will probably lose his law license in the state of Illinois (maybe Arkansas too) at the most for 5 years, that’s about it.
jimbo2008 on February 26, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Yet more proof that the media is in the tank for Obama. I’ve seen many articles on Rezko, but this is the first time I’ve seen an international connection. Leave it to a British paper to do a critical piece on a liberal US candidate. You guys are a joke! Is journalistic integrity even taught in journalism schools anymore? Oh wait, forget I asked.
kongzilla on February 26, 2008 at 12:04 PM
on Forbes list of wealthiest:
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/10/GMF8.html
could this purchase be connected in some way to Rezko and obama?
jp on February 26, 2008 at 12:06 PM
And on the same day no less. Pure coincedence, right?
cannonball on February 26, 2008 at 12:10 PM
It will be interesting to see if the DNC superdelegates read about this case. It would certainly make me vote for Hillary….the Hsu case is “old news” by now, but the Rezko thing is heating up at a very bad time for Obama.
And it’s gonna be a lot easier to deny knowing much about a guy who showed up with campaign donations than to denky knowing much about a guy who helped you purchase your primary residence……
funky chicken on February 26, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Buy Danish, I’m sending your comment to Rich Lowrey at NR mag. Not that I love the mydd website, but it could be correct.
funky chicken on February 26, 2008 at 12:13 PM
the underlying problem here is if we can convince the moderates that Obama is shady. All this type of stuff will be framed as racist smears by the media, if the moderates buy it we are screwed.
jp on February 26, 2008 at 12:14 PM
They’ll just pass it off as this being at the owener’s request for convenience sake. I would not be be surprised if they closed at the same time, or nearly, and at the same closing firm.
MarkABinVA on February 26, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Are closing firms listed as public information in real estate closings?
MarkABinVA on February 26, 2008 at 12:22 PM
The meta story here goes back to the uneasy truce between Hillary and Rupert Murdoch in 2006, when Murdoch pissed everybody off by hosting a fundraiser for HRC.
Just helping the old gal out a bit, I guess.
vinman on February 26, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Hmmmmmm.
Rezko firm wins $150M Iraqi power plant contract (By Sandra Jones July 29, 2005)
Iraq. Auchi. Any dots to connect?
Buy Danish on February 26, 2008 at 12:41 PM
A Chicago politician who is only 80% corrupt is considered clean, white as snow. The more that comes out, the more Obama doesn’t appear Presidential,though for some strange reason, he does seem perfect for the Senate.
Doug on February 26, 2008 at 12:52 PM
http://fallbackbelmont.blogspot.com/2008/02/rezko-auchi-and-obama.html
funky chicken on February 26, 2008 at 12:56 PM
In general, it seems to be good political hygiene for a rich, foreign criminal to come to the end of his life shortly after having been discovered interfering in the Americans’ politics. However, such a case is a matter for the judgment of prudent men “on the spot,” so I have no particular recommendation.
Kralizec on February 26, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Yeah, this probably has something to do with that Alsammarae (Al Samara’i) guy that hangs out with Rezko, Auchi, and (IL Gov.) Rod Blagojevich. He was Electricity Minister in the provisional government.
Rezko Watch is the place to go for info on connections. The article you linked says:
Alsammarae was minister until May 2005, which is right around the time that article was written. He was probably the one mentioned in the passage above.
Big S on February 26, 2008 at 1:01 PM
Here’s some info on Obama’s real estate agent:
I wonder what Rezko was hoping to get for this attempted good deed.
Buy Danish on February 26, 2008 at 1:13 PM
Thanks!
Buy Danish on February 26, 2008 at 1:30 PM
Correction - Donna Jackson was not Obama’s agent. She was the sellers agent.
Buy Danish on February 26, 2008 at 1:36 PM
A. The Obama connection is easy and well documented. Rezko — presently in Federal custody on election fraud charges and awaiting trial — was an early and longtime fundraiser for the otherwise unknown Obama. The Chicago/Democrat/Crook County community holds their collective breath, praying that no further news comes out about their (illegal?) activities before the election.
2. The House: two ways. Obama had already cashed in on his national notoriety with a book deal, and had a few hundred grand to put down. And his wife gets paid over $300,000/year by the University of Chicago, apparently for the use of her name, as she obviously doesn’t do any work there.
I have an industry friend who claims to have been involved in the house deal and that there was nothing shady. I beg to differ: they got a $900,000 discount from the list price in a very hot market and a very hot neighborhood, for starters, mostly because Rezko got the seller to split the parcels, bought the vacant land, sold Obama the part he really wanted (leaving the other parcel very hard to develop), and shielding the home from a noisy, busy street with an unimproved lot full of buffering trees.
Nice. And the guy who did this for Obama is now in jail. Chicago politics as usual.
Jaibones on February 26, 2008 at 1:45 PM
Funky, yes I agree with you on Clinton. But when I talk of B.O., I am talkling of the 30 and under crowd, who listen without thinking and have no understanding. I am just past it by a hair, but I still look at everyone (including some of my friends) and wonder why. My Friends who talk to me about B.O. still can’t give me a stand on where he is.
upinak on February 26, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Says Dudley Smith,
.
Not likely. People who keep skeletons in glass closets have to be careful of throwing stones. /Mr Lynn
MrLynn on February 26, 2008 at 2:01 PM
The deciders are never gonna let these stories out. They covered for the Clintons, just think how far they’ll go to cover the Obamessiah
Iblis on February 26, 2008 at 2:01 PM
So it’s ok to place a bunch of innuendo in this post (and for the Times of London), but it’s not ok for the New York Times…
PresidenToor on February 26, 2008 at 2:34 PM
There is gonna be more and more stuff coming out on Berry in the next few months. I have always said you don’t get far in South Chicago politics and not have something to hide. I find myself being pulled in by his charm till my brain fully processes what he is saying. I fortunately do not suffer from the white guilt that many of my age range find themselves experiencing right now. I am not a Dem so I guess it explains my ability to see through the mysticism.
TroubledMonkey on February 26, 2008 at 2:40 PM
I believe we have a lib troll here: PresidenToor. Yep, looking at his website shows he is way in the tank for Obama.
Dude, here’s the short and sweet: This is facts, names, and dates. The NYT published innuendo that has pretty much been universally reviled, even by the leftists (sane ones, that is, though I don’t suppose there are many of them left).
Vanceone on February 26, 2008 at 2:56 PM
Great work, Ed. This Rezko land deal is old news, but the Auchi angle gives it new life. I had read that Obama was “recruited” by Rezko while in law school. Rezko is going down hard here in Chicago, but the local papers only speak of Rezko’s contact with our Governor. Nothing sticks to Obama. I’m afraid you are preaching to the choir here.
p.s. Great to read some familiar names from CQ that made the jump. : )
Angry Dumbo on February 26, 2008 at 4:23 PM
While this looks suspicious, without more detail and investigation I cannot see that this is an accusation that independent voters will take too seriously. Some proof that Rezko paid off the sellers to take a 15% reduction in price would be nice.
but absent any proof of connection to Rezko, it is a guilt by association (literally!) accusation that doesn’t do much for me. And I am definitely not a Obama supporter.
I suspect that Hussein is clean in this regard–I think the Clintons would have dug up something by now.
iconoclast on February 26, 2008 at 4:25 PM
I doubt I’m liberal, knowing myself that is, but how can one ever know one’s self.
In anycase, what I don’t understand here is that Auchi and Rezko may have a connection, but is there a connection between Auchi and Obama.
Or is it just because Auchi had connections to Saddam, and oh hey look Obama must be Muslim, that therein Obama must have some evilness in him.
I can understand the point of discrediting Rezko even further, but bringing Auchi into the mix, without what qualifications he has towards Obama seems disingenuous.
Further, I don’t support Obama on many issues, like taxes and spending. But I do on healthcare, foreign policy, and military activities. So I must be one of those liberals that favors tax cuts, limited spending, oh and most of ones right to life.
PresidenToor on February 26, 2008 at 4:37 PM
To take a turn from the Libs: FOLLOW THE MONEY!
SeniorD on February 26, 2008 at 5:05 PM
If you’re not too shy, try asking yourself for your phone number. It could lead to meeting yourself for coffee or dinner. Try not to drink too much because if you hookup with yourself on the first date, then you’ll never get past how slutty you were with yourself.
TRANSLATION: My fears that the Illuminati-owned media-military-industrial complex would not allow Ron Paul to become president were obviously real; my only hope is to vote for change by electing the agent of change I have always hoped for.
ScottMcC on February 26, 2008 at 5:23 PM
Why do you feel the need to parse my words?
PresidenToor on February 26, 2008 at 5:45 PM
Twasn’t a feeling–it was analysis. It’s what grown ups do.
ScottMcC on February 26, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Then you should join us in trying to be one.
PresidenToor on February 26, 2008 at 6:01 PM
Come back and lecture me on maturity when you figure out self-awareness, slick.
ScottMcC on February 26, 2008 at 6:55 PM
Barry Obama must be the neat freak, because Sen Biden said he was clean and articulate, Tony Rezko must be the dirty one. So what does that make Nadhmi Auchi in this series The Odd Triple? Any ideas?
USMCDevilDog on February 27, 2008 at 12:06 AM
Tony, Pacini, Rezco…reads like an episode of the Sopranos.
labrat on February 27, 2008 at 12:25 AM