We know there were contacts, the only question is their propriety. In case you’re suspicious, Fitzgerald has indeed confirmed that he asked The One to hold off on releasing the report until next week, when Obama will be vacationing in Hawaii and the world will be busy with Christmas. If Fitz’s job was in doubt before, it’s in less doubt today.

Not that it much matters to the case against Blago, given how many witnesses have come forward since he was pinched, but the Tribune might have gotten Jesse Jackson Jr off the hook here by exposing the feds’ wiretapping before a final meeting about the Senate seat between Blago and one of Jackson’s cronies could be arranged. Good work, boys. Another dynastic travesty we’ll be living with forever.