I would be surprised if it were not at the very least an ethics violation if Rahm were offered a quid pro quo and did not report it.
Y-not on December 14, 2008 at 8:23 PM

FYI, In trying to answer my own question, I found that Volokh Conspiracy has a post with one opinion on this issue here.

If there really have been crimes committed, we can easily survive this (lesser) process.

Arbalest on December 14, 2008 at 7:56 PM

I would be surprised if it were not at the very least an ethics violation if Rahm were offered a quid pro quo and did not report it. Isn’t he still a Congressman?

I don’t know if Obama is still subject to Senate rules or if there are other ethics rules that apply to a POTUS-elect. Is he still a licensed lawyer? As such, would he be required to report an attempted illegal act as an officer of the court?

1. Axelrod’s casual televised interview statement on 11/23 that Obama (or Obama’s representative) spoke with Blago (or Blago’s representative) about Obama’s successor. The 12/11 WFLD report seems to confirm this.

This statement was made on 11/23, before any of the current excitement. Judging by Axelrod’s demeanor at the time, it seems clear that Axelrod was telling the truth.

It seems that the only reasonable doubts are:
a. Whether any criminal activity can be proven
b. Who can be proven to be involved

.
2. What sort of, and perhaps how many, indictment(s) of Barak Obama would be sufficient to keep him from being sworn in?

Could Biden be sworn in as VP, then hold power until the Obama issues are resolved?

I see some value in Obama serving 1461 days in office, as he is likely to severely damage the Left, and end any question of legitimacy of Socialism, any of the 60’s ideas, etc. Unfortunately, we have to suffer the whole time.

The Blago scenario looks to be quite serious; offering the position of US Senator to the highest bidder seems easily as serious as obstruction / conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice, and easily on par with Watergate.

Buying and selling offices: this spells the end of the US. We need to handle this situation now, while it only involves a Senator (1 or 50), and before claims of immunity can be raised

.
If there’s stuff on the tapes, and enough details get leaked, then political intercession will be difficult. We survived Watergate (during wartime, and involving a sitting president, not one in waiting).

If there really have been crimes committed, we can easily survive this (lesser) process.

He then claims that his office “had no involvement in any deal-making around my Senate seat.” If that’s true, then what was Emanuel discussing with Harris — and how did Blagojevich know that they wouldn’t give him anything but their appreciation?

I assume he is parsing out that sentence to mean that since no deal was struck (the appointment didn’t occur), there was no deal-making.

Words mean things.

Still, it’s nice to know there’s stuff on tape.

Also, I find it funny/interesting that Blago was apparently speaking in code (using abbreviations like “Fifth CD” to describe the “fifth congressional district”). That he should make that effort to protect Emmanuel suggests that they were actively bargaining, not that he made a play and Emmanuel flatly rejected it, imho.

LOL!!! Are those Hawaiian balls oppose to Mexican balls -co hones?

katy on December 14, 2008 at 10:03 AM

Obama spent quite some time in Hawaii,I thought it was fitting.

Explains why the Obama camp is so reluctant to say anything. They don’t know what’s on the tapes. Can’t hang themselves by saying nothing.

GarandFan on December 14, 2008 at 2:39 PM

I was wondering if any of those audios released were those of a conversation just before something really damning was said. IOW, someone could hear the audio and think “Oh Cr-p,.. I mentioned a dollar figure right after that”

That would surely shake the old tree and rattle the bushes.
ie Flush the game.

I wonder if team O is using focus groups to try to figure out the best spin. I’d LOVE to be on one of those…

Good times. Good times.

The classically corrupt governor of Illinois will hopefully do us all a favor and say goodbye to his office tomorrow…

A simple question which I can’t answer myself: Who were the real estate agents who took commissions from Barack Obama’s purchase of the home next door to the Rezko’s? And do any of those agents have a personal relationship with the current Governor of Illinois?

unclesmrgol on December 13, 2008 at 10:06 PM

.
Why can’t you answer it yourself? It’s no secret that it is none other than… */drumroll/* Blago’s wife Patti. It’s been reported in numerous venues. Pssst…rumor has it that Obama’s staff is stocking up on diapers at this time. My *fingers are crossed* for those who predict it may bring Obama down quickly.

If you listen very carefully, I think you can hear the sounds of the bus engine idling…

*shiver*

PackerBronco on December 14, 2008 at 11:26 AM

Speaking of lies and common sense, remember when Barry said he was going to go through any proposed budget, line by line? I guess that was after he said he would use public financing for his campaign and also give all citizens a check from “Big Oil” windfall profits.

…just one little corner of the Democrat Party, namely NBC, has the ability to destroy anything and anybody who gets within 100 miles of Obama.

jay12 on December 14, 2008 at 12:03 PM

I’m afraid it’s much more extensive than that.

It is time that conservatives, Republicans and all their groups, including the South, the Reaganites, and the Limbaugh lovers, realize that just one little corner of the Democrat Party, namely NBC, has the ability to destroy anything and anybody who gets within 100 miles of Obama.