Breaking: Obama calls for Blago’s resignation
posted at 12:40 pm on December 10, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
Well, well, well. It didn’t take long for Barack Obama to throw his former political ally Rod Blagojevich under the bus. Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs announced just a few minutes ago that Obama wants Blagojevich to resign as governor of Illinois:
President-elect Barack Obama is calling for Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to resign. Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs says the president-elect agrees with other prominent politicians that “under the current circumstances, it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois.”
Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday, accused of scheming to enrich himself by selling Obama’s vacant Senate seat. The governor has authority to appoint the replacement. He denies any wrongdoing.
Obama had tried to avoid commenting on Blagojevich’s options yesterday, preferring to remain aloof and let the process work itself out. Within 24 hours, Obama apparently changed his mind. Why? Perhaps David Axelrod’s remarks from last month unnerved the President-elect, and he decided that he had to get significant distance from Blagojevich.
I’ll credit Obama with doing the right thing, however he arrived at that conclusion. It would have been easy for him to just keep repeating the mantra about allowing the process to conclude.
Will Blagojevich resign? I doubt it. The man revealed in those transcripts has enough chutzpah to ride out the public condemnation, and nowhere else to go anyway.
Blowback
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Obama’s first priority for the newly nationalized auto industry will be to make a bigger bus, with more room underneath.
/
Count to 10 on December 10, 2008 at 12:42 PM
F$*@ You!!! What are you going to give me to resign?
BacaDog on December 10, 2008 at 12:42 PM
The wheels on the bus……..
dinkyjackson on December 10, 2008 at 12:43 PM
+100
Ed Morrissey on December 10, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Perfect! Now Blago has extra incentive to rat out Barack Hussein Obomber.
james23 on December 10, 2008 at 12:44 PM
So let it be written, so let it be done.
Weebork on December 10, 2008 at 12:44 PM
There is plenty of room, right next to “gay rights” and comprehensive immigration reform.
Theworldisnotenough on December 10, 2008 at 12:44 PM
The Tuesday night focus groups/finger in the wind results are in.
Brat on December 10, 2008 at 12:44 PM
He’ll resign after he appoints Wright or Ayers to the Senate…
ninjapirate on December 10, 2008 at 12:44 PM
jmo, but it appears to have dawned on him just how freaking bad rod’s actions look at the moment …
Buckaroo on December 10, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Blagojevich just may have some company under that bus shortly.
The news just broke here in Chicago that it was Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. who offered to raise over a million bucks for Blago in exchange for B.O.’s coveted Senate seat.
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/ConductUnbecoming/Story?id=6431739&page=1
This thing is getting better by the hour.
pilamaye on December 10, 2008 at 12:45 PM
The more things change, the more the same they are.
When in doubt, vote ‘present’.
petefrt on December 10, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Da-Thunk, Da-Thunk!
This road sure is geting bumpy! Did you hear a scream?
upinak on December 10, 2008 at 12:46 PM
“BacaDog on December 10, 2008 at 12:42 PM”
Heh …
/”It’s a governorship! you don’t just f***ing give it away!”
:-)
Buckaroo on December 10, 2008 at 12:47 PM
.
He could be Sweetheart of the Cell Block.
ronsfi on December 10, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Of course he called for his resignation . . . but they need another bus because it’s getting very crowed under this one. Obama has already shown on numerous occasions that he will do anything and say anything to cover his butt.
rplat on December 10, 2008 at 12:49 PM
hahahahahahaha
scalleywag on December 10, 2008 at 12:50 PM
This isn’t anywhere near over.
Chirp…chirp.
Long federal sentences have a way of bringing out the truth.
Ask Rezko.
Oh and stay tuned.
artist on December 10, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Hey Blago,
I think there’s room for you in the Rezko Penal Choir!
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on December 10, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Popcorn. Stat.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on December 10, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Because Obama’s the used car salesman of politics. Saying anything to make the sale that he’s a “good guy.” Too bad it makes him look like a spineless weinie.
mjk on December 10, 2008 at 12:51 PM
wow, just wow.
scalleywag on December 10, 2008 at 12:52 PM
When does Axelrod get his subpoena from Patrick Fitzgerald?
Merry Fitzmas, ho ho ho!
james23 on December 10, 2008 at 12:52 PM
The Axel rod broke.
Schadenfreude on December 10, 2008 at 12:52 PM
What he’s always wanted. A position in the BO administration……… Referee of the Hillary and Susan Rice jello wrestling matches at State.
/sarc
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on December 10, 2008 at 12:53 PM
I submit Blago as Exhibit A as to why the 17th Amendment continues to be a bad idea.
Kid from Brooklyn on December 10, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Obama may have just screwed the pooch. If Blagojevich has anything on “The One”, this will make Nixon/Frost look like Gilligan’s Island.
PappaMac on December 10, 2008 at 12:53 PM
That would actually be pretty awesome. They’d be so toxic that Republicans could pick up the seat in 2010.
BadgerHawk on December 10, 2008 at 12:54 PM
I am selling popcorn balls for this. All different types and flavors. 1 lbs is 5 dollars, 3 lbs (large bag) is 10.00. There is a Blago flavored one what has a bitter after taste. And a Obam flavored bag.. that start sweet, goes sour and then tastes like garbage. It is a big hit with the liberals.
I am such a capitalist.
upinak on December 10, 2008 at 12:54 PM
+1
What really is kind of mind-boggling, but not really surprising at the same time? Blago before getting arrested had a 4% approval rating. Blago had a lower approval rating than Congress. I say had because it’s probably even lower today. There are more people who believe that the moon landing was faked – at 6% – than people who thought Blago was doing a good job.
Suihei Deloi on December 10, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Dude. Bad visual. Not cool.
BadgerHawk on December 10, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Like everything else in this magic time, Barack’s Magic Bus can accommodate even more people under the bus than aboard it if necessary.
eeyore on December 10, 2008 at 12:57 PM
F$*@ You!!! What are you going to give me to resign?
BacaDog on December 10, 2008 at 12:42 PM
How about 10 years?
You know, “Blagojevich” sounds a lot like “prison bitch”…
loudmouth883 on December 10, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Okay, so who will be left without Tire Tracks across the face & chest by 2012? The list is getting smaller every day. I predict Jesse Jackson Jr. is going to get a set to match his Daddys real soon.
portlandon on December 10, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Three words of advice for Blago: Turn State’s Evidence
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on December 10, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Blago may not have the goods to hit back directly at Obama over this — and no doubt, many in the big media would automatically say he’s lying if he did claim Barack had some prior knowledge of any shady deals — but he may be able to run the gubernatorial bus’ tires over a few of Obama’s aides and possible future appointees as part of a deal with Fitzgerald to cause the incoming administration problems (and while the big media will fight to their last shred of credibility to protect Barack, they won’t go the distance to do the same for any lower level staffers who might be tied into the scandal, unless they see the Chicago media defending them).
jon1979 on December 10, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Blago & JJ jr both under the bus? Aw cool, double prizes!
Alden Pyle on December 10, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Hey, will Blago release the “confidential” paper work for Obama in the Library?
upinak on December 10, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Barack’s Magic Bus:
Blago: I want it, I want it, I want it….
Barack: You can’t have it!
PappaMac on December 10, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Movie: Enemy at the Gates
Scene: Krushchev hands Stalin’s most unfavorite general a loaded gun.
Dialogue: “The Boss wants your resignation.”
Ironic when life imitates art…
Bruno Strozek on December 10, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Blago has to have gotten an “offer he just can’t refuse”.
the_nile on December 10, 2008 at 1:01 PM
…raised to the umpteenth power
LimeyGeek on December 10, 2008 at 1:01 PM
Now I know what I’m going as for next Halloween! I’m going to dress as a bus driver, put a cigarette in my mouth, and go as the president!
InCali on December 10, 2008 at 1:02 PM
And get the “Ron Brown/Vince Foster” treatment? Not on your life, pal. Badda-bing.
TMK on December 10, 2008 at 1:03 PM
Breaking: Vashta Nerada calls for Barry’s resignation.
It was worth a shot…
Vashta.Nerada on December 10, 2008 at 1:05 PM
I’ll give him credit for this. It was the right thing to do. Now if he wouldn’t have denounced him…different story.
nazo311 on December 10, 2008 at 1:05 PM
I dunno, but if he has the medical transcripts from
Michael’sMichelle’s Copenhagen operation, now is the time to drop that dime.Alden Pyle on December 10, 2008 at 1:06 PM
NBC News is also saying it’s Jesse Jackson Jr. but is emphasis that it was the emissary that made the the offer.
terryannonline on December 10, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Don’t you think Blago will try and sell his resignation for a plea deal to avoid prison?
t.ferg on December 10, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Hate to burst your bubble, but………..
You won’t have the corn to make your popcorn balls. When PEBO
takes control, I mean, sworn into office, corn will be grown for ethanol for fuel. You will be rationed how much corn you will be able to produce and buy. I hope you are planning on selling your popcorn balls for $50-$200./sarc
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on December 10, 2008 at 1:07 PM
Yeah really. Who knew Obama was going to be Ralph Kramden.
“One of these days
AliceBlago..one of these days…POW! to the MoonAliceBlago!portlandon on December 10, 2008 at 1:07 PM
OPIE (Office of the President Elect) says they have an opening for the following:
Presidential Bus Driver
Will be responsible for driving Messiah One on a regular route between Chicago and Washington DC, with occasional trips to Hawaii. Must be adept at opening doors quickly while the bus is moving.
faraway on December 10, 2008 at 1:07 PM
Bus?
No way, the way things heading, Obama needs a super aircraft carrier.
Sir Napsalot on December 10, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Second.
All in favor say “Aye”.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on December 10, 2008 at 1:08 PM
… go round and round…
… all through Chi-town…
newton on December 10, 2008 at 1:09 PM
“It was the right thing to do”
It was the EASY and expedient thing to do.
artist on December 10, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Is anyone watching how Hillary’s Senate seat is getting filled in New York? Is Gov. Patterson taking payments or since the economy is bad can you put a Senate seat on Lay-A-Way?
portlandon on December 10, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Popemobile.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on December 10, 2008 at 1:10 PM
The presidential Bus Driver will also be responsible for selling ads for the outisde of the bus, because those things are f$%?!! valuable.
faraway on December 10, 2008 at 1:11 PM
I found a new bus for Barry – more clearance:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7923369@N02/468244170/
Vashta.Nerada on December 10, 2008 at 1:12 PM
If Blago resigns on Obama’s advice, and Jesse Jackson Jr. doesn’t get that Senate Seat, Obama had better “gird his loins” (literally) against Big Daddy, who is already on record as wanting to cut Obama’s nuts off.
Obama & Co. have managed to out-scandal the Clintons, and he hasn’t even taken office yet!
Steve Z on December 10, 2008 at 1:12 PM
Barry, can you say “I don’t know him” three times?
Limerick on December 10, 2008 at 1:12 PM
Can Jesse Jackson Jr now be charged with conspiracy to bribe a public official? Might that make him a bit more willing to share other things with Fitz?
a capella on December 10, 2008 at 1:13 PM
Since Obama’s performance so far looks like a bad movie, I say it best mirrors “Snakes on a
PlaneBUS“portlandon on December 10, 2008 at 1:13 PM
The operation where “Jamal” had the full cut’n'tuck?
LimeyGeek on December 10, 2008 at 1:13 PM
Phew! I feel so relieved, even though I never doubted that Lightworker was above reproach in this matter.
Signed,
Loyal Obamapologist
/sarc
Y-not on December 10, 2008 at 1:13 PM
Totally awesome.
SlimyBill on December 10, 2008 at 1:14 PM
How about a bradley first… THEN an airplane. He has to run over them first before he takes off. Might wanna beat the mound down a little so the plane doesn’t flip on take off.
upinak on December 10, 2008 at 1:15 PM
You can all have your fun, but this is a sad day for America.
BBBRRRAAHHHHHHAAAAAHHHHHH
jay12 on December 10, 2008 at 1:15 PM
Speaking of planes, what happened to his campaign plane, O Force One?
Brat on December 10, 2008 at 1:16 PM
The “original stain” on the The Office of the President Elect.
faraway on December 10, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Obama is positioning himself as not involved. The press is attempting to credit him for shining the light on corruption in Chicago.
He has gone from feeling sad, to calling for resignation.
As Rod and Resko’s lungs collapse from the weight of the Obama bus, they may feel they have nothing to lose by bringing him down with a tiny dose of the truth.
At least we’ll have some entertainment while Babylon burns.
Dorvillian on December 10, 2008 at 1:17 PM
You can all have your fun, but this is a sad day for America.
BBBRRRAAHHHHHHAAAAAHHHHHH
jay12 on December 10, 2008 at 1:15 PM
They were caught.
It is a GOOD day for America.
artist on December 10, 2008 at 1:18 PM
“The press is attempting to credit him for shining the light on corruption in Chicago.”
Please tell me you’re joking.
Lie to me if you must.
artist on December 10, 2008 at 1:19 PM
Guess you missed the “BBBRRRAAHHHHHAAAAAHHHHH”
jay12 on December 10, 2008 at 1:19 PM
The most corrupt Office of the President Elect ever.
faraway on December 10, 2008 at 1:20 PM
He won’t resign, but he’ll sing. Beware of people who have nothing to lose any more.
Entelechy on December 10, 2008 at 1:21 PM
This is part of the agreement with Blago to keep his mouth shut. Blago is threatening to bring the Messiah down because they met Nov 5.
notagool on December 10, 2008 at 1:21 PM
Where is Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. when you need him?
faraway on December 10, 2008 at 1:22 PM
I dunno….I kinda like the way we can crucify these corrupt bastards and not fear for our lives.
LimeyGeek on December 10, 2008 at 1:22 PM
RMN didn’t say a thing about Blago being a Democrat and they didn’t say a word about Axe saying that about Hussein and Blago talking about his seat… Trying to cover up already..
reshas1 on December 10, 2008 at 1:22 PM
Paging Jack Ruby.
JiangxiDad on December 10, 2008 at 1:23 PM
Or I should say, covering for him already.
reshas1 on December 10, 2008 at 1:23 PM
The One has special protective powers here. The thugs may need pardons, the media are his devoted ring kissers and the country is afraid of what his fans will do if he gets what he will probably deserve.
They could put every politically active Democrat in most major cities in jail. Why pick on Blago?
IlikedAUH2O on December 10, 2008 at 1:23 PM
Great logo, though!
He did win Advertising Age‘s Marketer of the Year award. (Beat out Apple.)
Y-not on December 10, 2008 at 1:24 PM
Priceless.
“Honest, Pa, I didn’t know Blago (and Ayers, and Wright…) was like that….”
cs89 on December 10, 2008 at 1:25 PM
They never met, and didn’t know…heh – please note the date of the linked article.
Where are the
clownstrolls? How come they’re conspicuously missing from threads like these?Entelechy on December 10, 2008 at 1:25 PM
busy in transition team.
JiangxiDad on December 10, 2008 at 1:26 PM
I will not celebrate until I see BHO in prison shackles. Obama is at the root of all this corruption. You know it. I know it. We just don’t have the power to prove it.
jay12 on December 10, 2008 at 1:27 PM
fify.
I detected a couple on other threads, earlier in the day. They retreated when the talking points they got yesterday no longer fit the situation.
Y-not on December 10, 2008 at 1:28 PM
The lefties, righties, and in between who voted for O get exactly what they asked for. Oh, the sadness!
OPIE
(Office of the President Elect)–Office of the President I Elected
Enjoy him, and the circus which follows. I am, for sure, were it not at the expense of our still beloved, America, and the children’s future.
Entelechy on December 10, 2008 at 1:28 PM
Good point, makes you wonder just who’s trying to get what over that seat too.
scalleywag on December 10, 2008 at 1:29 PM
Here’s a bus that ought to get Obama at least through inauguration.
eeyore on December 10, 2008 at 1:29 PM
Nah, just changing diapers…
Identity politics overlooked everything. Love is always blind.
Entelechy on December 10, 2008 at 1:30 PM
The Ehud Olmert of Illinois politics!
Hilts on December 10, 2008 at 1:30 PM
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