ABC: Candidate who allegedly offered Blago money for Senate seat is Jesse Jackson Jr
posted at 1:05 pm on December 10, 2008 by Allahpundit
Better and better. Yesterday he was shocked, shocked to find influence peddling going on. Today? Meet “Senate Candidate 5″:
Chicago Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL) is the anonymous “Senate Candidate #5″ whose emissaries Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich reportedly claimed offered up to a million dollars to name him to the U.S. Senate, federal law enforcement sources tell ABC News.
According to the FBI affidavit in the case, Blagojevich “stated he might be able to cut a deal with Senate Candidate 5 that provided ROD BLAGOJEVICH” with something “tangible up front.”
Jackson Jr. said this morning he was contacted yesterday by federal prosecutors in Chicago who he said “asked me to come in and share with them my insights and thoughts about the selection process.”
Jackson Jr. said “I don’t know” when asked if he was Candidate #5, but said he was told “I am not a target of this investigation.”…
“It is impossible for someone on my behalf to have a conversation that would suggest any type of quid pro quo or any payments or offers,” Jackson Jr. told ABC News. “An impossiblity to an absolute certainty.”…
The FBI says in an October 31, 2008 conversation, Blagojevich described an approach from an associate of Senate Candidate 5: “We were approached ‘pay to play.’ That, you know, he’d raise me 500 grand. An emissary came. Then the other guy would raise a million, if I mad him (Senate Candidate 5) a Senator.”
Fancy that: Another Democratic politician whose cronies allegedly took it upon themselves, completely on their own initiative, to throw money around on their boss’s behalf. Fred Baron did the same thing for John Edwards, you’ll recall, shoveling money to Silky’s mistress for months purely out of the goodness of his heart, unbidden by his political patron. Liberals sure do have amazing friends.
It sounds like they’re talking about campaign fundraising here, not money in briefcases being passed under the table, which presumably makes this the sort of routine backscratching scumbaggery extolled by Axelrod in his 2005 op-ed rather than an actionable offense. Use your office to line your own pockets and you go to jail; use it to line your campaign’s pockets and you’re just practicing Illinois politics. Although didn’t the feds record Blago at one point whining that he felt “stuck” in the governor’s job and wanted something that was more prestigious or more lucrative? For which office was he planning to run that he needed Jackson to fundraise for him?
ABC also notes that Blago and Jackson met just two days ago, at which point Blago said he was close to making a decision. Exit question: Is that why Fitzgerald arrested him now? Byron York studied the timeline and speculates that the Tribune’s story on December 5 about wiretapping spooked Blagojevich into clamming up, putting the investigation at a dead end. I’m skeptical; given how reckless and stupid he is, he’d have started talking again and Fitzgerald surely knew it. I wonder if in fact the feds didn’t move in because they were worried that the appointment was imminent and knew that having this news break after the fact would surround the appointee with a royal political clusterfark.
Update: If you missed Jim Lindgren’s timeline this morning connecting news items on Obama’s preference for the Senate seat to the details of the FBI complaint, make time to read it. It sure sounds like someone within Team Barry got nervous. But who, and why?
Blowback
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One has to wonder why those under the bus have yet to turn on hussein. Surrounded by corruption for most of his life you know he’s bound to go down at some point.
Sorros has a lot of power.
christene on December 10, 2008 at 2:49 PM
If Blago wants to run president, he can wait 20 years, like Joe Biden did after his plagurism scandal. Then everyone will forgotten about this. Of course, don’t count on the MSM to ever bring it up.
MedSchoolCatholic on December 10, 2008 at 2:52 PM
Boy oh boy, I am not surprised one bit and all this is happening before the Messiah is sworn in. This is a real joke with all the dirty politics, filthy corruption going on inside DC. I’m just glad all this is coming out in the open and many more will follow. I just want to see justice being served and throw them all in jail where they belong.
The other party isn’t so innocent either so maybe there’s a chance for a third party perhaps? We’ll have to wait and see.
corvettelady on December 10, 2008 at 2:57 PM
The boy’s a regular drip of the old co*k, just not as crafty a hustler.
nimrod on December 10, 2008 at 2:59 PM
He may need this for his administration…
right2bright on December 10, 2008 at 2:59 PM
Since Blago has not been indicted, but Hussein has called for his resignation, let’s see if the extends the same courtesy to JJJ.
Personally, I’m waiting for the race card to be played.
madmonkphotog on December 10, 2008 at 3:02 PM
In the Tribune’s latest online article on this topic, it reads:
… I can’t stop laughing when I re-read the phrase “newly hired attorney” in that last line. How stupid does he think people are? Wait, don’t answer that last question.
furytrader on December 10, 2008 at 3:13 PM
Juan Williams on Fox actually mentioning the shady real estate deal with Obama/Rezko. That’s rich Juan! Where were you during the campaign? You’re an embarassment!
Mr_Magoo on December 10, 2008 at 3:15 PM
Because Blago was getting close to naming a replacement in the Senate. They actually did let the guy hang himself for an entire month and only moved in when it became obvious that the process was ending.
Illinidiva on December 10, 2008 at 3:18 PM
This big stinky onion has just begun peeling…
LadinPlaid on December 10, 2008 at 3:20 PM
Chicago politics coming to the White House!!
Change!!! Change!!! Change!!!
lavell12 on December 10, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Shep Smith… “Obama in NO way has been implicated in ANYthing.”
Keep peddling, Shep! You tool.
Y-not on December 10, 2008 at 3:33 PM
You don’t have to be the target to take a hit. Sometimes you miss the target and hit what’s nearby. You still go down.
Rocks on December 10, 2008 at 3:35 PM
I took my money over to old Blago,
The governor of Illinois in Chicago.
He said he could cut through all the political jive.
And that’s how I got the title of
Senate Candidate Number 5.
(sung to the tune of Love Potion Number 9)
Pass the Popcorn.
kingsjester on December 10, 2008 at 3:41 PM
From Obama team re today
faraway on December 10, 2008 at 3:48 PM
big pimpin
custer on December 10, 2008 at 3:59 PM
Have always loathed jackson pere and am not surprised that he and his cohorts would want to get jackson fils into a position that he does not deserve by bribing his way in. The media won’t go after obama on this but am glad it will further taint the jacksons. Amen.
lostinfrance on December 10, 2008 at 3:59 PM
The money quote from JJJr’s attorney ……
Translation ….. no direct talks with Jesse Jr., only talks with rep for Jesse Jr., plausible deniability for Jesse Jr.
Jesse Jackson Jr. Rep, meet the big bad bus.
fogw on December 10, 2008 at 4:01 PM
“JJJ never authorized any one to speak on his behalf in the Senate seat appointment.”
“Some one could have represented Jessie Jackson Jr. without JJJ’s permission or knowledge in negotiating a quid pro quo (pay to play) scheme”………..Jackson’s Attorney James Montgomery just said in the news conference.
Question #1: Why send your newly appointed attorney out to “set the table” and then sit down and have your own news conference?
Question #2: Who’s this “some one” gonna be?
Rovin on December 10, 2008 at 4:06 PM
From Obama team re today
President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden will both be in Chicago hosting private meetings. There are no public events scheduled.
faraway on December 10, 2008 at 3:48 PM
with the Honorable Governor of Illinois?
Under the radar, or under the bus?
Steve Z on December 10, 2008 at 4:10 PM
Same page here fogw…..JJJ’s found a pigion to throw under his own bus. Anyone on JJJ’s staff has to feel really nervous right about now…..
Rovin on December 10, 2008 at 4:12 PM
Ahh… for the good ole days, those simpler times, when all we had to worry about was proof of citizenship.
faraway on December 10, 2008 at 4:18 PM
I’ve been mulling this scenario since you posted it earlier. However I’m puzzled as to why Fitzy didn’t let it play out seeing as how the seat would not have been allowed to be taken over by a criminal. I personally think it should have been able to play out in order to nail all concerned.
IMHO
thomasaur on December 10, 2008 at 4:24 PM
Jessie Jackass Sr. should have some “victim’ rymes to chant by now, unless of course he was the money man. On second thought, he should at least have some raceism rymes to chant.
saiga on December 10, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Fitz had to pull the trigger because the Tribune leaked on Nov 5th that his phones were tapped.
The Tribune held the info to get Obama elected. On Nov 5th, they knew it would help Obama to let his people know to watch their tongue.
faraway on December 10, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Maybe it wasn’t someone on his staff. Maybe it was Jesse Jackson Sr. who was negotiating the deal for his kid. Junior can say Daddy went in there without my knowledge or authorization.
Daddy’s already under the bus since he said he wanted to cut Obama’s nuts off, so he had every reason to try and swing a play-for-pay deal. That’s the only way Junior gets in. Obama would never approve, and probably didn’t. Hence Brago calls Obama a MFer.
fogw on December 10, 2008 at 4:26 PM
He was running out of runway. Christmas time then the inaguration, then he is out when the new team comes in. He had to make hay with the little sunshine he had left.
saiga on December 10, 2008 at 4:28 PM
I am wondering about those schools that were going to be renamed. Maybe they should rename Nixon Elementary.
faraway on December 10, 2008 at 4:29 PM
In JJ Jr’s meeting with Blago, what was the most bribe-like exchange? I wish JJ Jr would answer that. Simple question. I don’t know JJ Jr, but what kind of person must he be, raised by the race-hustler JJ? Not much of one, I’m sad to say. Oh, the short kid with a controversial name isn’t taking any questions.
Paul-Cincy on December 10, 2008 at 4:29 PM
JJJ: “I’m outraged that this senate seat could be put up for sale——-governor should resign—I did not initiate or authorize anyone to plead my case”
“I did not know the governor was resorting to extortion”
“I met with the governor for the first time in four years on Tuesday”
“On my attorney’s advice, I will not be taking any questions”
C’mon JJJ, tell us what you and Blago cooked up????
Rovin on December 10, 2008 at 4:29 PM
Jesse will be getting a lot of text messages from his little sis in the Federal Pen
faraway on December 10, 2008 at 4:30 PM
Just heard his presser….LIAR!!!
Nice campaign speech…….Hope & Change second edition.
(gag)
BigWyo on December 10, 2008 at 4:32 PM
Sniff, sniff…
Smells like…
CULTURE OF CORRUPTION!!!
hawkdriver on December 10, 2008 at 4:33 PM
I heard that last night. He was appalled wasn’t he? What a dip$hit.
Oink on December 10, 2008 at 4:35 PM
stolen line
Stonewall Jackson
faraway on December 10, 2008 at 4:35 PM
WHAT…What do you mean…does he have kin in jail?
saiga on December 10, 2008 at 4:35 PM
I’ll admit it. When I see a DEMs in trouble over some corruption I am gleeful, and when REPUBs get into trouble I’m disappointed, given my view that, overall, they are a better lot of human beings.
Third party? I’d be up for that if it was clean (is that possible?) they had principles I agreed with, and they could actually win!
Red State State of Mind on December 10, 2008 at 4:39 PM
[[The other party isn’t so innocent either so maybe there’s a chance for a third party perhaps? We’ll have to wait and see.
corvettelady on December 10, 2008]]]]
http://www.constitutionparty.com/
Goodeye_Closed on December 10, 2008 at 4:39 PM
I listened to Jackson on the radio. What a gag-fest. The tearful description of the email from his “little sister” (how old is she, anyway?) was a nice touch.
capitalist piglet on December 10, 2008 at 4:40 PM
Fair enough
thomasaur on December 10, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Not yet…….
drjohn on December 10, 2008 at 4:42 PM
What about his little sister? What’s the deal.
saiga on December 10, 2008 at 4:43 PM
I wish I could draw political cartoons; but since I can’t maybe someone out here will pick up the idea. Picture Obama and his close advisers sitting in an old bus, with the Chicago machine coming at them, looking a whole lot like the scene from the movie “Jaws”, with the caption, “I think we’re going to need a bigger bus”.
MikeA on December 10, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Now we know why Rahm Emmanuel was appointed. He has to keep this mess cleaned up.
faraway on December 10, 2008 at 4:43 PM
MamboCandidate Number Five/Paul Strater
Christien on December 10, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Me thinks he protesth too much…………….
Seven Percent Solution on December 10, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Can Congress impeach a President-elect?
:-D
drjohn on December 10, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Because the citizens of IL as well as the press would be outraged if Fitzgerald allowed Blago. to complete his scheme. What is Fitz going to do? Come back three months later and say my bad! The IL Senate seat has been auctioned off to the highest bidder, and y’all have been represented by a crook for the last three months. It would have been a massive loss of confidence in the system.
Illinidiva on December 10, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Jr. misspoke.
Juan Williams was amazed that Hannity didn’t take the Obama “camp’s” statement that Axelrod misspoke at face value. Williams said you had to, as they were honorable men. Made me laugh.
JiangxiDad on December 10, 2008 at 1:19 PM
“But Brutus says he was ambitious, and Brutus is an honorable man.”
–Marcus Antonius, as portrayed by William Shakespeare
Brutus was also an assassin. Now what does that say about Axelrod, Juan?
We all know that Obama is ambitious…
Steve Z on December 10, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Also, MSM. Hey, these are the things yours guys do, because they think they can get away with it, because you almost completely insulate them.
DO YOUR JOBS!
Quit sending teams of hacks to Wasilla to go through Sarahs Palin garage when you can see the garage in plain view there in Illinois.
hawkdriver on December 10, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Er, Sarah’s “garbage”…
hawkdriver on December 10, 2008 at 4:47 PM
Mama don’t let your babies grow up to be Chicago pols
Don’t let ‘em bribe Senators and drive them old trucks
Make ‘em be doctors and lawyers and such
faraway on December 10, 2008 at 4:47 PM
What about Jackson’s little sister.
saiga on December 10, 2008 at 4:48 PM
It seemed to me that he was overly morally indiginant as a premptive move. If he’s so damned innocent why does he refuse to answer media questions on the advice of his attorney? Jesse Jackson Sr. made quid pro quo into an art form as he extorted money from companies. Are we really to believe that Jackson Jr. is the only innocent politician involved in the Chicago political mafia?
This is utterly disgusting and will be a giant cloud over the Obama administration. It’s a taste of what will happen when the bastard takes office and he sheds all pretense of being distant from Rezko, Ayers, Emanuel, Wright, Jackson, Farakhan, and all the rest of the primordial scum that has been part of Obama’s closest advisors and allies from the beginning.
Mark my words- Obama will go down in history has having the most corrupt administration ever. He’s already proven he has no ethics or principles by the way he took bribes from Rezko. This pay for play scandal is just the beginning of the rot that will infest this administration from the very first second.
highhopes on December 10, 2008 at 4:48 PM
“Plausible deniability”. Dem politicos have that down to a science.
ddrintn on December 10, 2008 at 4:50 PM
The indictment has Blago commenting that Obama’s preference doesn’t bring anything to the table. There had to be communication between the Governor and the bastard-elect even if through a third party (my guess is that it is Emanuel which brings up even more complications for the bastard’s attempts to distance himself from the scandal).
The thing about being a Don in the Chicago political mafia is that there are many underlings to do the bidding of principle thugs like Obama. There is no way that the man wasn’t involved in the discussions. It is reprehensible that the bastard continues to lie but just the beginning of the corruption to come once the bastard takes office.
highhopes on December 10, 2008 at 4:53 PM
I’ll give you the first part of your post but the last sentence made me laugh out loud.
thomasaur on December 10, 2008 at 4:54 PM
I say we not wait for facts to develop. Let’s just take a play from the Dem playbook and hang this all on Obama and scream it every day and night for the next 4 years. Maybe get some wako looking hag to play the Cindy Sheehan role and hang out in the street in from of the Obama house in Chacago. Obama lied-Chacago died. Somebody put that to music please.
MikeA on December 10, 2008 at 4:56 PM
[[[I say we not wait for facts to develop. Let’s just take a play from the Dem playbook and hang this all on Obama and scream it every day and night for the next 4 years.
MikeA on December 10, 2008]]]]
Boy that would be instant karma/justice for the last eight years!
Goodeye_Closed on December 10, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Since nobody else has said it….
The ACORN doesn’t fall very far from the tree.
Kafir on December 10, 2008 at 5:01 PM
There once was a man from Chicago, who everyone called the Blago. He was bought and paid for, but it always seemed he wanted more. When he was finally busted and the case was cracked they found he was owned by a president named Barack.
The jig was up, the cuffs were on and still he kept his frat. He lied, denied and said its ok cause Im a democrat. We are allowed special priviledges, this is the Chicago way its done. The he laid under the wheels while Obama revved up the engine.
Im not guilty Blago said, power just gives me a thrill. Rezko sang like a bird, but I am just road kill. Step down said Obama, stop all the fuss, just lay there quietly while I run over you with my bus.
Jesse Jr. was in with you and now I know he’ll talk too, so listen up quick have I gotta a deal for you two. Blago’s under the front wheel, Jackson’s under the back, you know I never knew anything you two were doing right?–Sppllaaattt!
canditaylor68 on December 10, 2008 at 5:01 PM
iowahawk‘s nailed it again.
“Da Siddy Dat Wirx”
jaime on December 10, 2008 at 5:04 PM
What about Jessie jACKSON’S SISTER? Is she in jail?
saiga on December 10, 2008 at 5:05 PM
All the connections to Obama WILL result in a cloud of corruption hang over the entire administration from the very beginning. I say we take full advantage of the fact, including bringing up Axlerod on charges of “mispeaking.” After all, Fitzgerald scapegoated Scooter Libby for forgetting a months-old private conversation. Why not use Axlerod as the seed corn to bring down an administration that has proven itself corruptable before even taking office.
highhopes on December 10, 2008 at 5:09 PM
It would have been a massive loss of confidence in the system.
Illinidiva on December 10, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Oh h*ll, I’ve lost all confidence in our government long, long ago. I do not trust anyone in our govt., the Fed Reserve, Banks, etc., as they do not care about the American People period!! All they care about is power & greed for themselves, regardless how much it’s ruining our economy and country. They don’t give a damn!! Our forefathers must be spinning in their graves.
corvettelady on December 10, 2008 at 5:11 PM
You have to read it with Jesse’s special cadence:
If you want to receive
a senate seat
you must believe
you have to cheat
lie
bribe
connive
to derive
that which we were deprived!
Now that Limey
prosecutor Fitz
who’s in with the Hymies
jibby jabbing so’mo’b*tch
gonna steal his nuts
putz
batterup on December 10, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Jesse, Jr. was apparently the choice of 2/3 of the Illini voters, so he would have been the logical choice for Blago if he wasn’t trying to sell the seat.
But now, Jesse, Jr. may lose a good bit of that popularity, particularly while his handlers and supporters are seen entering and exiting the Federal Courthouse from Grand Jury testimony.
And he may not even be electable by the time the special election rolls around.
molonlabe28 on December 10, 2008 at 5:13 PM
That’s as good as any other suspicion. And since I don’t believe in the tooth fairy, neither am I willing to put Fitz — or the DOJ bureaucrats who might have warned Obama off on this in an effort to keep their jobs — on a pedestal.
The Blago case needs a special prosecutor.
Nichevo on December 10, 2008 at 5:17 PM
Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a seat in senate ?
My friends all gone to White house , I must make amends.
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,
So Lord, won’t you buy me a seat in senate ?
the_nile on December 10, 2008 at 5:21 PM
very good! Can you do a J Jackson Haiku?
Red State State of Mind on December 10, 2008 at 5:23 PM
MM links to the fact that right now in Chicago, no less,
INC on December 10, 2008 at 5:25 PM
a Jessie Jackson involved in a shakedown? Naaaaaa. No way.
marklmail on December 10, 2008 at 5:29 PM
Let’s roll! Everything is Obama’s fault, no matter what where or who, let’s make bumper stickers, billboards, have songs fests, get some goon to make a film… everything they did to Bush we do to Obama in spades. Oops. Is that racist? Aw to hell with it I don’t care anymore.
MikeA on December 10, 2008 at 5:35 PM
Not until the new book comes out—-”All the Presidents Men–Redux”
And where’s the metaphors people????? Obama-Blago-Gate?
Rovin on December 10, 2008 at 5:35 PM
Yeah… Bad choice of words. Most IL residents don’t have much confidence in their gov’t right now. :)
Illinidiva on December 10, 2008 at 5:38 PM
Both stories started with a plumber
faraway on December 10, 2008 at 5:38 PM
The seat was supposedly the affirmative action seat, so he probably would have gotten it anyway. Now he can kiss any career promotion hopes good-bye.
Illinidiva on December 10, 2008 at 5:39 PM
Get used to it, America!
You are getting just a foretaste of what the next four years are going to hold!
This is the kind of stuff we of Illinois have to put up with DAILY!
pilamaye on December 10, 2008 at 5:39 PM
If anyone has any proof that the Squid character is an attorney, please go to the last birther’s thread and help him/her.
It gets deep sometimes.
IlikedAUH2O on December 10, 2008 at 5:40 PM
My coalition
rainbow gives power to the son
but it’s not teh ghey
how’s that?
batterup on December 10, 2008 at 5:49 PM
The One promised to do something about racism today. The penal system was prominent in His remarks and seems to stay with him. He and Rev. Wright were against “three strikes and you gone” so maybe they will work together. I can’t wait to see what he is going to do about the obvious lack of justice in our society. Look how OJ just got locked up again! Racists!
He may want to wait till his four million or so supporters are through the winter party that is scheduled to begin January 20th or so. I’m preparing myself for the sights of the aftermath and looking at historical photos. The media reports will be as sanitized as a surgeon’s tool.
Troy, Rome, Woodstock….
IlikedAUH2O on December 10, 2008 at 5:51 PM
Jesse Jackson’s son
Is Candidate Number 5?
Blagojevich rocks!
Christien on December 10, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Now I’m wondering if there’s someone out there, completely unbeknownst to me, who is offering someone a million dollars to advance my career. I guess we can be surprised by things like this sometimes, eh?
ddrintn on December 10, 2008 at 6:32 PM
Obama’s payback for Jesse Sr’s “cut his n*ts out” comment??
ex-Democrat on December 10, 2008 at 6:48 PM
Talk about the luck of the Irish. Pat Quinn has officially hit the jackpot. Doesn’t he get to fill two high profile slots now, Lt Governor and the crowned jewel, the Illinois Senate seat? And somewhere else Sharpton is doing backflips.
LevStrauss on December 10, 2008 at 7:01 PM
ya know, I was going to do a 12 days of fitzgerald thingie, but i think i may have to actually wait the entire 12 days.
For example:
yesterday he brought me a govenor up a shit creek
today he brought me 2 jacksons lawyering up
what will tommorow bring??
UNREPENTANT CONSERVATIVE CAPITOLIST on December 10, 2008 at 7:34 PM
Check out Iowahawk. You just had to know he’d have a field day with this material. The man is golden. Truly, set up for weeks of fun!
BREAKING: Feds Seize Blagojevich eBay Account
Y-not on December 10, 2008 at 7:41 PM
Hell when you are a thieving Democrat Liberal a million just means another days thievery to make it up. You know sell another state contract or something.
Rick007 on December 10, 2008 at 8:00 PM
From what I understand, Fitz could not be dismissed by the new team while an investigation is ongoing.
onlineanalyst on December 10, 2008 at 8:11 PM
He’s a jolly good felon!
I’m a jolly good felon!
We all is jolly good felons!
And if you don’t agree
You die!
Coronagold on December 10, 2008 at 8:11 PM
One of my old DEA colleagues used to tell the story of when he was an agent in Newark during the Watergate scandal (before Nixon resigned). On one occasion, he and a partner were at the local women’s jail interviewing a prisoner about a drug case. Sometime during the interview, the topic of Watergate came up, and my colleague asked the woman if she thought Nixon was involved or had knowledge of the criminal activities. The woman’s answer was classic:
“I may not have a whole lotta education, honey, but I know one thing; you don’t get to be queen of the whores by bein’ no virgin.”
This has all been brought back to me in the last 36 hours following the arrest of Illinois Governor Rod Blagoyevich on federal corruption charges. Speculation is rampant over how much involvement Barack Obama did or didn’t have with Blagoyevich in naming a replacement for his Senate seat. The central point at this juncture is taped conversations where Blagoyevich refers to “Candidate number 1″, who Obama was recommending but not promising anything other than “appreciation” (which in politics can be a loaded term).
While no smoking gun has come out against Obama, it is obvious to any savvy observer that Obama is the one person who has risen to the highest level out of the old Chicago Democratic machine of politics. Fairly or unfairly, a lot of people are wondering-especially today- if he could have risen to where he is with clean hands.
Yesterday, he was asked if he had had contact with Blagoyevich regarding the Senate seat replacement. He stated that he had not. Then it was revealed that David Axelrod was on video November 23 advising reporters that the two were in contact regarding the replacement. Avelrod has now issued a statement to the effect that he misspoke.
Today, the LA Times asked Obama pointedly if he or any of his Representatives-including Rahm Emanuel- had discussed the matter of a Senate replacement with Blagoyevich. Obama cut the question off and stated that it would not be appropriate to talk about the matter.
Red flag? Possibly.
In fairness, I should add at this point that what Blagoyevich is quoted as saying on the tapes about Obama has to be considered exculpatory since the Governor explicitly stated that the Obama people were not willing to give money to get their preferred candidate selected (“Candidate number 1″). Yet, Obama could (and probably will) find himself being subject to an interview by the FBI and/or called to testify. If so, he needs to tell the truth-or become part of a cover-up (if there is anything for him to cover up).
And finally, today, Jesse Jackson Jr. appeared at a press conference with his attorney. He confirmed that he was “Candidate number 5″, but vigorously denied being part of any “pay for play” scheme or having done anything illegal. He said he wrongfully assumed that he would be judged solely on his merit and qualifications for the Senate seat.
Isn’t that the way it’s always done in Illinois politics? I’m also wondering how Jackson knew he was “Candidate number 5″ and not possibly “Candidate 2, 3, or 4″.
Only time will tell if Governor Blagoyevich is the “Queen of the Whores”, or if it goes higher.
gary fouse
fousesquawk’
gary fouse on December 10, 2008 at 9:25 PM
I’m almost positive Daddy Jackson shook down a beer company and got Junior a beer distributorship. Ya know kind of like the way Cindy McCain made her millions.
But I guess, since it’s a Dem, that beer truck don’t count.
Knucklehead on December 10, 2008 at 9:53 PM
Are you serious? Did Cindy’s father shake down someone to get the beer distributorship?
Red State State of Mind on December 10, 2008 at 10:03 PM
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