Video: The surreal, race-baiting Blagojevich press conference; Update: No seat for Burris, says Obama; Update: Blago’s General Counsel quits
posted at 4:39 pm on December 30, 2008 by Allahpundit
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A transmission from Bizarroland, where Blago’s only option to make sure Illinois has two Senators in January is to appoint someone himself rather than resign now and let the lieutenant governor make the appointment. I’m giving you four and a half minutes of lowlights, but if you can’t spare the time, skip ahead to 3:25 and watch Rep. Bobby Rush — a former Black Panther and the only person to defeat Barack Obama in an election — stoop to some of the most exquisite race-baiting you’ll ever see. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but the word lynch makes a cameo. Or rather, its first cameo; a second followed shortly thereafter.
Below that you’ll find Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn responding to Blago by tearing him to pieces.
Update: Another plot twist: The Illinois secretary of state says he won’t certify the appointment. Does he have to?
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Update: I told you what it would take to give Reid racial cover on this, right down to the complimentary pat phrase that would be used to describe Burris. And now, right on cue, here it is:
“Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat,” Obama said in a statement. “I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy.”
Durbin chimed in, saying the appointment “will lead nowhere.” On to the Supreme Court!
Update: In court, the smart money’s on Blago and Burris.
Update: Tough day for Blagojevich: His General Counsel’s resigned, presumably to help the feds build a case against him.
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Let the games begin!
t.ferg on December 30, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Affirmative action is alive and well.
paustin110 on December 30, 2008 at 4:42 PM
We should never elect chicago politicians to the presidenc…oh…
lorien1973 on December 30, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Actually Reid and Obama are probably thrilled Blago did them this last favor and appointing a democrat. They can cry how they opposed it too. They were starting to sweat about the possibilities of a special election (especially since there is going to be one anyway for Emanuel’s house seat, adding a Senator to that would be no big deal).
Mr. Joe on December 30, 2008 at 4:44 PM
It truly was the best press conference of my life. Burris and Blago’s barely suppressed grins, “you’re the Senator” and the final cherry on top of Rush’s fine-tuned race-baiting
lodge on December 30, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Uhm. You obviously haven’t heard that Obama is a virgin from a city of whores.
misterpeasea on December 30, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Breitbart has a story where the Illinois Sec. of State is saying he will refuse to ‘certify’ the appointment.
No one seems to know what that means.
Skandia Recluse on December 30, 2008 at 4:45 PM
oh, boy..this is gonna be great!
popcorn, get yer popcorn.
DrW on December 30, 2008 at 4:46 PM
burris for senate?
i thought the Giants suspended him for the season?
DrW on December 30, 2008 at 4:47 PM
Holy crap!! I just listened to that Bobby Rush dude speak. First there should be subtitles for whatever he is saying. Sounds like he is trying to talk with a mouthful of mashed potatoes. I would pay good money to watch him and Barney Frank debate.
MDWNJ on December 30, 2008 at 4:49 PM
From this nest sprung our next CiC. Some snake pit.
Entelechy on December 30, 2008 at 4:50 PM
Judas Priest – is Bobby Rush drunk off his ass or does he always sound like that?
BuzzCrutcher on December 30, 2008 at 4:50 PM
How drunk was Bobby when he did this? If that’s his normal voice holy crap how do people take him seriously he sounds like he has had 20 too many.
theguardianii on December 30, 2008 at 4:52 PM
I am sure glad we elected Barack Obama President. Let the post-racial political era begin!
sayabule1 on December 30, 2008 at 4:52 PM
Jeesh, I love to hear that idiot tell three different continents Merry Christmas in their native tongue.
It’s like he’s not even in America anymore.
God I love post-modernist politicians. How much did this chump pay to be a Senator???
Kill me now.
benrand on December 30, 2008 at 4:52 PM
Don’t worry, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid promised us that they would end the “culture of corruption” in Washington, D.C. I am sure glad that they are not asleep at the switch.
sayabule1 on December 30, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Bobby Rush sounds like the wino character on Richard Pryor’s “That Nigga’s Crazy” album from the 70’s.
thomasaur on December 30, 2008 at 4:53 PM
I wonder if Blago is going to be able to record a tax loss for giving away a Senate seat that was worth at least a million dollars to him?
progressoverpeace on December 30, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Remember, these are Barack Obama’s Chicago buddies. This is the cess pool are President-elect was baptized in…
sayabule1 on December 30, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Don’t worry about it, Barack. Have another drink and please play a few rounds of golf on the taxpayer. Not much going on in the world today…LOL!
sayabule1 on December 30, 2008 at 4:56 PM
You forgot the Bobby Rush quote…
“Roland Burris does not have one iota of taint on him.”
Barrack on December 30, 2008 at 4:57 PM
Erick at RedState says:
He doesn’t have a link up to the relevant section of the Illinois constitution on that though. It’s a good thing I stocked up on popcorn over Christmas.
meltenn on December 30, 2008 at 4:57 PM
Free Rodney Blago!
Firebird on December 30, 2008 at 4:58 PM
What’s been overlooked so far….Burris. What does it say about Roland Burris’ character that he is so willing to put himself into the middle of this debacle?
Unfortunately, this is the sad state of politics in this country.
dugan on December 30, 2008 at 4:59 PM
And, clearly, Blago is outmaneuvering the Illinois legislature and judiciary, here. I bet the Precedent-Elect is nervous watching Blago’s moves, now.
progressoverpeace on December 30, 2008 at 4:59 PM
IL: Black (check)
NY: Kennedy (check)
faraway on December 30, 2008 at 5:00 PM
All of a sudden, Blago’s concerned about Illinois voters getting fairly represented.
Barrack on December 30, 2008 at 5:00 PM
The citizens called Blago and said “This seat is F%$@! worth somethin’”
faraway on December 30, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Yep … and it’s only going to get worse. The Founders are turning over in their graves.
progressoverpeace on December 30, 2008 at 5:02 PM
I liked Pat Quinn doing that John Wayne kinda thing. And, yeah, what’s Bobby Rush smokin’? He sounds like Barney Frank on crack.
califcon on December 30, 2008 at 5:02 PM
Seriously, before you step up to the mike to give a press conference they should make people take a breathalizer test. Sounded to me like Bobby knocked back a few.
milwife88 on December 30, 2008 at 5:03 PM
“Barney, may I be Frank?”
“Careful, Bobby, don’t Rush to judgment.”
Barrack on December 30, 2008 at 5:04 PM
Can you Hot Air guys keep it down!?!
Obama is trying to putt.
Firebird on December 30, 2008 at 5:04 PM
Your Pfleger moment, courtesy of Bobby Rush: “He’s black! He’s entitled!”
James on December 30, 2008 at 5:06 PM
Bobby Rush doesn’t sound smart enough to pour piss out of a boot with the directions written on the heel. And that guy is a Congressman?
txsurveyor on December 30, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Well, what’s the difference….
We have a president-elect that was voted for based on the color of his skin, not by his qualifications.
I will tell this blowhole Bobby Rush that he is guilty of
reverse racism. We need quality criminals representing us, not just criminals chosen by their skin color.
HornetSting on December 30, 2008 at 5:08 PM
Ted Kennedy is readying the welcome party.
Oh boy this is fun! Man, Rush needs to come back to the microphone tomorrow. Between this and the “Magic Negro” brouhaha it’s like Christmastime. Oh wait, it is.
rbj on December 30, 2008 at 5:09 PM
Ew! He must not know Barney Frank.
HornetSting on December 30, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Pitiful! Just pitiful…
BoomJunkie on December 30, 2008 at 5:10 PM
That’s why he’s the Precedent-Elect.
progressoverpeace on December 30, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Burris grinning like a maniac made it even better, for me
lodge on December 30, 2008 at 5:11 PM
I won’t say things are bad in the Land of Lincoln, but the Detroit Lions look at Illinois politics and say, “Man, that’s a mess!”
radjah shelduck on December 30, 2008 at 5:11 PM
What, no “Happy Kwanzaa,” Blago?
Just what kind of a racist are you?
ToddonCapeCod on December 30, 2008 at 5:12 PM
So how much did Roland pay Blagojevich for this appointment?
What gives with a Black referencing Afghan-Americans in the Senate? /I know!
maverick muse on December 30, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Well one thing is for sure Blago has proven that he has a bucket of balls and enough hair on his a$$ to weave an afgan to attempt this kind of stunt.
milwife88 on December 30, 2008 at 5:13 PM
And hey, hotair folks, before you criticize Burris, remember he went to Southern Illinois University! I don’t want any of you dumping on a fellow Saluki!
radjah shelduck on December 30, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Hand-to-hand combat in the trenches. Democratic politics has turned into a blood sport. Does it get any better than this.
Well, yes, maybe. Time for Mr. Shipley to turn the Chicago Machine to the spin cycle.
Yoop on December 30, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Oh man, what would be better than having Bobby Rush, Ted Kennedy, and Barney Frank singing Christmas carols together. They could be like the new Rat Pack. I would definitely buy the album.
MDWNJ on December 30, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Yeah – good luck with that.
The only mention in the IL constitution is below:
What’s rather sadly hilarious is that the IL Legislature did everything they could do to stop a vote for a recall amendment come to the voters in November ‘08.
My state senator, Heather Steans, noted that the constitution incorporated enough power to the assembly to rid our state of bad apples.
Hm.
Note II: On November’s ballot was a vote to have a Constitutional Convention to rework the existing Constitution. The same “it would be way too expensive to give the voters of Illinois a voice in their government” argument was used – among other rather confusing verbiage coming from our “elected” officials.
It didn’t pass – go figure.
Honestly, the only thing newsworthy in this entire affair is that anyone is surprised at what’s been going on.
This is how IL politics works. City to State.
Note III: All of this is based on what Fitz has released since the election. He’s got three years worth of investigation results that we haven’t seen, yet.
yo on December 30, 2008 at 5:14 PM
Has Bobby had a stroke or something? Or did he always sound like that?
“iota of taint”
Too many jokes.
baldilocks on December 30, 2008 at 5:14 PM
That presser was like watching the Crazy Train make stops at Bedlam, St. Elizabeth’s, Bellevue, and Loony-Land City Center. Are we sure Fellini didn’t direct that?
Wineaholic on December 30, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Mudbone!
baldilocks on December 30, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Blago provided a nice bit of anti-corruption smoke and mirrors for Reid & The One.
I also think it’s part of his defense strategy. If he is going to try to argue that he was doing nothing wrong the best place to start wouldn’t be to NOT make an appointment.
He probably spent days trying to find someone remotely plausible that he had never tried to sell the seat to and was not going to be on tape.
Stephen Macklin on December 30, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Man, that’s pure boffo-at-the-boxoffice comedy gold!
Is Blags always so weirded out, or is he using some strange South American herb these days? All that was missing were occasional fits of drooling and uncontrollable twitches….
Bobby Rush, graduate of the Jesse Jackson School of Elocution, actually said “lynching.” Man, how ’60s of him.
I think this is some Hollywood fake. It’s too strange even for politicians.
MrScribbler on December 30, 2008 at 5:16 PM
this is a 3 ring circus. glad Im not from Illinois.
becki51758 on December 30, 2008 at 5:16 PM
This is absolutely INSANE!!!!!
MsUnderestimated on December 30, 2008 at 5:18 PM
If someone wrote a movie script with this same exact thing happening…
…it would be rejected out of hand for being too crazy!
I’m hoping that this is just a taste of the things to come with Democrats in power.
In 2 years all a Republican will have to do to win an election is say “I’m not a Democrat.”
Religious_Zealot on December 30, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Bobby “Mushmouth” Rush, this guy is a Fat Albert character.
MDWNJ on December 30, 2008 at 5:19 PM
thick as thieves in the Banana Republic that gave us our current President-Elect.
rob verdi on December 30, 2008 at 5:20 PM
all i know is that jesse white is a solid gold good guy amidst the filth of illinois politics.
eh on December 30, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Mudbone is a GREAT name for this guy, baldi.
HornetSting on December 30, 2008 at 5:22 PM
I give it an 8 out of 10. Good but not the best shot available.
Next, batter up, batter up, who is up next?
tarpon on December 30, 2008 at 5:22 PM
this is what he does in his spare time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iQyPB89i_M
eh on December 30, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Thnx baldi,
I had forgotten his name. I can’t help but wonder what Richard would have had to say about this crap.
thomasaur on December 30, 2008 at 5:22 PM
“I am a member of Congress, and I have access to the best medical care in the nation,” said Rush, 61, who continues to struggle with his speech since doctors removed a half-inch tumor near his jaw five months ago. “I can’t be satisfied until every American has access to the same kind of care.”
http://tinyurl.com/8dadh3
yanked from Ace’s comments:
http://minx.cc/?blog=86&post=280375#c3720063
RiteWingFascist on December 30, 2008 at 5:23 PM
How many times must we be reminded that Illinois is the “Land of Lincoln?” They have to keep falling back on this like it matters, like it somehow balances out what we are seeing in Illinois today. How pathetic.
Mark1971 on December 30, 2008 at 5:24 PM
Mudbone!! HEH!!!
‘you can see him if ya go down there…He’s the Polar Bear…with little baby feets!!!’
Good stuff…
BigWyo on December 30, 2008 at 5:24 PM
Jesse’s got his pluses, that’s for sure. And, he may not be as dirty as Blago; but, he’s still elbow deep into the tax payer cookie jar.
Those tumblers aren’t free.
yo on December 30, 2008 at 5:25 PM
Bobby Rush, graduate of the Jesse Jackson School of Elocution, actually said “lynching.”
MrScribbler on December 30, 2008 at 5:16 PM
He did? For the life of me, even though forewarned of it, I still couldn’t tell.
Oh, and “Ding! Fries are done!”
James on December 30, 2008 at 5:25 PM
The ultimate defiant, provocative insult is Blagojevich himself staying in office.
Since an IL special election MUST take place for the US Congressional seat made vacant by Emanuel, Gov. Blagojevich may as well have issued an executive order for Obama’s vacant US Senate seat be placed upon the same ballot for an election vote to determine the will of the people, particularly considering his impeachment in progress, not to mention his “promise” to do so now broken.
maverick muse on December 30, 2008 at 5:25 PM
I’ve been seeing Pryor in my mind imitatating barry with his white guy voice for months.
thomasaur on December 30, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Just when I thought it couldn’t get better than Blago, Bobby Rush makes an appearance. This is great.
CarolynM on December 30, 2008 at 5:29 PM
Does anyone know how much Burris paid for the seat? Blago don’t do nothin’ for free.
Hollowpoint on December 30, 2008 at 5:30 PM
Ha Baldi – first LMAO of the day!
rhodeymark on December 30, 2008 at 5:30 PM
Penny for Obama’s thoughts. Give me your best shot.
“Hope & Change was for real? The media in my crotch are really irritating. Damn, must keep them there so much longer now”.
Entelechy on December 30, 2008 at 5:32 PM
He is more upright than most everyone else in IL, but he did get really burned a few years back for giving his daughter, who was I believe in her 20s, an promotion to a post she didn’t deserve.
The Secretary of State certifies the election results, but his signature on an appointment is basically “honorary.”
Illinidiva on December 30, 2008 at 5:34 PM
My obvious first question is what was the final bid for that seat?
Isn’t it wonderful that the Democrats can boast of including among their Senators both a Black Panther and a Ku Klux Klansman! If that’s not a celebration of diversity, well, I don’t know what is. I wonder what the Panther and the Klansman will chat about in the Senate cloakroom? Maybe it will be about how they both pulled one over on the system, huh?
Perhaps we should all be thankful another Illinois Senate seat wasn’t open for Bill Ayers or Pastor Wright to fill. Or maybe we should be thankful that with Blago, Rush, and possibly Senator Al Franken, the Democrats seemed determined to beclown themselves.
Tantor on December 30, 2008 at 5:34 PM
LMAO I love Blago, he just gave the dems the finger, and he smiled as he did it. Tamara said, ‘innocent until proven guilty’, he is going along as if nothing happened, and probably lovin’ every minute of it. Glad I got a BIG bag of popcorn….this is to much fun huh???
clinker46 on December 30, 2008 at 5:34 PM
Bobby Rush is a loudmouth thug who somehow got himself elected to Congress. Since that time, he has been a loudmouth thug Congressman. ’nuff said.
pilamaye on December 30, 2008 at 5:35 PM
Ah, centers of urban liberalism, so free from vice and corruption!
Dr. Manhattan on December 30, 2008 at 5:35 PM
Glad you think this is a barrel of laughs. For us who happen to live in Illinois, this is getting to be downright embarrassing, and frankly, it is now starting to seriously piss us off.
pilamaye on December 30, 2008 at 5:36 PM
fify
califcon on December 30, 2008 at 5:38 PM
At least you don’t have to go to the movies to be entertained. I live in NM, home of the assclown senator that wants to reinstitute the fairness doctrine and Bloated Bill Richardson.
HornetSting on December 30, 2008 at 5:38 PM
Aww,..that worn out race card. Get over it, almost 2009 that card is over played and played out, deal a new one.
christene on December 30, 2008 at 5:38 PM
Ah no, christene. We have a chocolate city, New Orleans. We will now have a chocolate nation and senate, according to Mr. Taint Rush.
HornetSting on December 30, 2008 at 5:40 PM
hey who was the congresswoman who was totally slurring-her-speech drunk on the floor when she gave some trenchant anti-war speech?
eh on December 30, 2008 at 5:41 PM
I got you all beat i live in NJ. The armpit of America. And where a gay ex govener with a family and kids had to resign.
MDWNJ on December 30, 2008 at 5:41 PM
Amusing thing is that Hope! and Change! ran against Bobby Rush in 2000 before he turned into the Messiah. Everyone was rooting for Hope! and Change! to win because he would have been a big step up for that district. At least, Hope! and Change! is more subtle about his race baiting.
(P.S. As a corollary, if Hope! and Change! had won Rush’s seat, he’d probably be an unknown member of the IL House Delegation rather than the President Elect, which I’m sure that we can all agree would be a VERY GOOD THING).
Illinidiva on December 30, 2008 at 5:41 PM
Let your legislators know that if they don’t grant you the right for a special election, you’ll recall them. I like that you’re mad. The citizens of this country need to take back their government, from the left, to the right.
Entelechy on December 30, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Yep, you win.
HornetSting on December 30, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Yeah!!! What did i win Jaeger? LMAO
MDWNJ on December 30, 2008 at 5:43 PM
oof! i feel small right now. have to go retract something i just wrote.
eh on December 30, 2008 at 5:43 PM
No Yegar for you, Jersey! How about a shot of Jack…
HornetSting on December 30, 2008 at 5:44 PM
F.U. Bobby — I’d happily go on record to deny this stooge a senate seat.
D2Boston on December 30, 2008 at 5:44 PM
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