Reuters today went right to work on distancing Barack Obama from accused Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Its piece, "Obama seen untouched by Illinois governor charges," starts:
President-elect Barack Obama's decision to keep a distance from his state's governor, who was arrested on corruption charges on Tuesday, should enable him to escape becoming tainted by the scandal, analysts said.Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich stands accused of trying to sell the president-elect's vacant U.S. Senate seat for financial and other personal benefits for himself and his wife, among other charges.
And who precisely are these analysts expecting Obama to avoid the connection?
The first one cited is "political scientist Dick Simpson of the University of Illinois in Chicago." Although it's not reported, Simpson is a former Chicago Democratic alderman who ran in two Democratic primaries for Congress and has been "an Alternate Delegate Candidate in Bill Bradley's Presidential campaign in 2000, Chairman of the Issues Committee for Carol Moseley Braun's Presidential Campaign and as a surrogate speaker for John Kerry for President in 2004."
The next analyst used by Reuters is also a Democrat:
"Obama had the good sense to stay far, far away from Blagojevich and all of his people," said Democratic consultant Dane Strother.
Exhausting its investigative resources, Reuters found yet another authority to quote:
Jay Stewart, director of the Better Government Association, a Chicago watchdog group, agreed: "This is all about Rod, it's not about the president-elect," he said.
Stewart, as it turns out, served for a year as general counsel to Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn. Stewart's former boss was quoted two years ago as saying of Blagojevich:
"He's always been a person who's honest and one of integrity. I have confidence the governor does the right thing all the time."
Gathering insightful analysis from unbiased, objective analysts, Reuters tells us Obama is seen as untouched by the latest Illinois Democratic scandal.
So now we can get back to important business, like thanking Obama for all that hope and change the Nation is reveling in.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Obama untouched
December 9, 2008 - 23:34 ET by merlin61This is an ongoing investigation, and Fitzgerald
asked for more people to come forward. I believe
this is just the tip of the iceberg, and won't be
surprised if Pres.-Elect gets "touched" by this
fiasco.
Obama has been cleared??? Thank God!!!
December 9, 2008 - 23:34 ET by bpjamboy, nice to know that the media has already jumped into the tank at the first sign of any trouble with The Messiah.
I guess we can expect that even if Michelle Obama deals crack it will have no 'impact' on The Messiah. Nothing can be blamed on him and there is a parking lot full of school buses that Barry can use to throw his former friends, pastors, mentors, advisors, etc. under.
I hope this somehow comes
December 9, 2008 - 23:43 ET by Clear thinkerI hope this somehow comes crashing down around Obama's big ears. Let's be patient and see who's willing to go against the Messiah. If they live long enough.
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Ah yes...circle the wagons
December 9, 2008 - 23:41 ET by bigtimerAh yes...circle the wagons boys...we have The Untouchable One to remain just that.
....Untouchable.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
bt... If you are correct,
December 9, 2008 - 23:47 ET by Clear thinkerbt...
If you are correct, then we need to pray that these wagonneers get taken down also! On a scale of 1-10 of how trustworthy our media has become, I would rate them about a negative 5.
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The purpose of the media
December 10, 2008 - 09:45 ET by KC MulvilleExactly, bigtimer. Proves again that the media doesn't see its purpose as reporting the facts and then hosting a forum for opinion. The media sees its task as imposing their opinion, whatever the facts.
The facts in this case (possible collusion, even if unwitting) are never going to see the light of day. The purpose of these reports is to frame the public's attention, and to mold a narrative that leads away from Obama.
Hate to say I told ya so, but...
December 9, 2008 - 23:42 ET by RESTLESS 1I told ya so. (Not that this was very hard to predict). :)
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
RESTLESS... You get props
December 9, 2008 - 23:50 ET by Clear thinkerRESTLESS...
You get props for predicting this one, but even you must admit... this was an easy one!
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§Ct,Rt...Bad News...
December 9, 2008 - 23:55 ET by TheSterThe MSM gave this 12 hours of coverage. They see no Evil.
Crysis OVER!!!
Go Home..There's NOTHING to see HERE!!!
Ster.
My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives.
Ster... Let's pray there
December 9, 2008 - 23:59 ET by Clear thinkerSter...
Let's pray there was an awful lot of Red Bull being passed around. I'm hoping that today's indictments gives wings to Obama's downfall.
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§Ct...My Prediction for Fitz!!!!
December 10, 2008 - 00:07 ET by TheSterObama will FIRE all US Attorneys in order to mask the Firing of Fitz.
The MSM will cover for him.
The BHO Justice Dept will assign a DEMOCRAT US Attorney for Chicago.
GAME OVER!!
Am I wrong????
Ster.
My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives.
Demand independent
December 10, 2008 - 00:29 ET by NL207Demand independent prosecutor. The Dem scum did that for Valerie Plame affair. The potential corruption of a President-elect certainly warrants the same treatment.
Too easy
December 9, 2008 - 23:59 ET by RESTLESS 1but I'll take what I can get. :)
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
Restless
December 10, 2008 - 00:27 ET by shawn228First of all If Obama did anything unethical he should be called on it, If he did anything illegal he should be punished for it.
The thing is, this just happened today and we have not even had a statement from Obama yet. I do predict that there is a possibility that he could be in hot water since Axelrod said Obama had contact with the Governor in the past and the Obama camp says different.
Even though I voted for McCain it did not matter to me much who got elected as long as we might have a chance to unite out country. Kind of sad that some folks are almost clapping with glee, that there might be a off chance that this could bring down his Presidency before he even starts, kind of like sharks smelling blood in the water. As usual with Democrats or Republicans its always partisan politics over uniting our country. Sad!
He had my vote
Axelrod
December 10, 2008 - 00:34 ET by Mike BatesI do predict that there is a possibility that he could be in hot water since Axelrod said Obama had contact with the Governor in the past and the Obama camp says different.
Axelrod now says he misspoke. Cool
Shawn
December 10, 2008 - 00:41 ET by RESTLESS 1I didn't say that obama is guilty of anything. What I am saying is that if he is, we will not know, at least for 4-8 years because the media will not pursue this vigorously if it looks like it could be bad for "that one".
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
What I am saying R1.......
December 10, 2008 - 00:47 ET by shawn228Is that is kind of premature saying you were right, when the story just broke this morning, I already saw one article on ABC today questioning the relationship between the governor and Obama.
He had my vote
Did you read the article here Shawn?
December 10, 2008 - 00:57 ET by RESTLESS 1Reuters is already circling the wagons. The rest won't be far behind. We have seen enough to know the M.O. of the msm.
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
Did you read the article here Shawn?
December 10, 2008 - 01:01 ET by Mike BatesHold it, RESTLESS 1. You mean that's a requirement around here?
Aargh!
Mr. Bates, I am even more
December 10, 2008 - 01:56 ET by JerMr. Bates, I am even more curious whether you and other commenters have read the actual 78-page criminal complaint.
If so, you should realize that the evidence set forth relating to Obama can only be construed as exculpatory in nature. If you haven't, I would recommend you suspend the revelry and do so.
I'm fully aware that further information could become public regarding conduct by the President-elect that would prove at best embarrassing and at worst felonious. But unless and until such eventuality, the partying seems a tad premature.
Jer
Try following the link......
December 10, 2008 - 03:15 ET by old crofrom dbo a few comments down. You recommend the suspension of revelry? You command the suspension of revelry? I see no revelry, only "Ohhbama's chickens, have come home to roost".
old cro...
December 10, 2008 - 03:59 ET by JerI didn't command anything, o c. However, pursuant to your suggestion, I did follow the link and read the article. Even if Michelle Obama is the "specifically named individual" [and that is yet to be verified], it would appear that Blagojevich made a serious miscalculation if he thought that would facilitate a quid pro quo from Obama. But as I noted in an earlier post: We'll just have to see how it all plays out.
No revelry? I've seen plenty of it in this and related threads.
Jer
Yes I did read the article Restless
December 10, 2008 - 01:03 ET by shawn228It sure did not seem partisan toward Obama at all. Yes I admit the media is tilted to the left, but one day is still too early to declare you were right.
He had my vote
Obama aint out of the woods
December 9, 2008 - 23:54 ET by NL207Obama aint out of the woods yet. Blagojevich hasn't made his plea deal yet. If Bush has any stones at all, that deal ought to be made before innauguration.
Another Vast Right Wing
December 9, 2008 - 23:55 ET by Clear thinkerAnother Vast Right Wing conspiracy. Don't you just love it?
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Spin Machine coming on line
December 9, 2008 - 23:55 ET by doug1950The sweat pumps must be fairly burning up. This probably is scaring the baheebadus out of the liberals. They are trying to create distance between Obama and this slug but they have been involved in each others campaigns for years and travel the same circles for crying out loud. Their camp is now denying even knowing who the Governor is, contradicting previous statements made just last month. One of Obama's main characters/advisors said on National television that Obama and the Governor had talks already about his possible replacement. Now denying they ever had talks. They are using the old Sgt Schultz defense.
doug... Exact reason
December 10, 2008 - 00:02 ET by bigtimerdoug...
Exact reason Durbin is calling for special elections...they are all scared shiteless that are in the know..which is all sleaze in Ill.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Michelle Obama Angle
December 10, 2008 - 00:05 ET by dboPresident-elect Barack Obama's decision to keep a distance from his
state's governor...should enable him to escape becoming tainted by the scandal, analysts
said
On the contrary, I think the good stuff is just about to start. According to one blogger, Michell Obama is the "specifically named individual" on page 64 of the affidavit. Seems like the Zero's spouse was the recipient of a little pay and play herself.
http://www.noquarter...
dbo... wow... I never
December 10, 2008 - 00:19 ET by bigtimerdbo...
wow...
I never take anything you say lightly...and I am certainly not now.
By the way...I could not bit help to wonder if any of Michelle's job had any pay to play involvement when they were mentioning Mercy Hospital today, I couldn't help myself...I realize it is a different hospital an all that jazz.
Either way, it is going to be interesting...another thing, Rezko is about to be sentenced soon, in as matter or less than two weeks I think.
Blogo, Rahm, O, Resko, Levine... on and on were all close.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
No addition to Mount Rushmore
December 10, 2008 - 00:30 ET by dbobt,
I think this story has legs. The Zero has already been caught in one contradiction and he has a lot more explaining to do. The MSM will have egg all over their collective faces. One minute comparing him to Lincoln and now this.
dbo...Speaking of just
December 10, 2008 - 00:41 ET by bigtimerdbo...
Speaking of just your words here regarding Lincoln...that tickled me today when Fitz said "Lincoln would be rolling over in his grave" or something to that effect...
Oh yeah, this story has legs...it is going to be interesting how much the filthy in the bag msm is going to carry this though.
I still feel Fitz had to get this out now though, before he was fired by the O team...they know he has a lot, they have to..now it will be very interesting what they do from here after he is sworn in.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
OH WOW !!!!
December 10, 2008 - 01:06 ET by MrShyThat is TOTALLY plausible... Wow, wow. This is going to verrrrrrry interesting in the coming days.
You're the next contestant on...
THE MESSIAH IS... LEFT !!
Associates
December 10, 2008 - 08:22 ET by NonanonWith all of the different Obama campaign branches doing all they can to insulate Obama from yet another problem, are we ever going to know just who the close associates of Obama are? We keep getting told these people doing these wrong things are but very distant connections, so it is logical to ask just who is close to Obama. Maybe with him being all-powerful, he doesn't need anyone to help him. The ego for such beliefs is definitely there. This is sounding like the third term of Clinton what with the cabinet members Obama picked and even with the excuses put forth when bad stuff is brought to light. The media's role now is even more evasive and protective of Obama than it was of Clinton.
What Does Blagojevich Have on Obama?
December 10, 2008 - 00:36 ET by Capt.AmericaIt will be interesting to see what Blagojevich has on Obama if anything and whether he will use it to save his own butt. That land deal with Tony Rezco would be a nice start since Blagojevich was close with him as was Obama. Obama may not sleep too well tonight.
A Republican
December 10, 2008 - 00:43 ET by RR GOPA Republican president-elect would already have been hammered over this big time...even he came from an adjoining state, he would be linked because all of this would be just too close for comfort. Shoot, even being in the same party and a thousand miles away in a different state it wouldn't matter.
Obama's associations with these people are deep-they're the ones who were instrumental in getting him elected all the way up the line, but we're suppose to ignore it all because he's going to 'fix the economy', make friends with the terrorists and the Russians and bring world peace.
One of the 24% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 89% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
Here's what I want to
December 10, 2008 - 01:05 ET by Gary P JacksonHere's what I want to watch.......
During the Valerie Plame nonsense, the left all but made virgin sacrifices to Fitzgerald. He was revered as an honest man.
If Fitzgerald really takes on Obama, how long will his lofty status as a democrat favorite remain?
Not very long Gary
December 10, 2008 - 01:07 ET by shawn228Even though I am slightly left of center, I admit that the far left are nothing but raving lunatics and love to find blame for anyone but themselves.
He had my vote
Gary...
December 10, 2008 - 02:05 ET by JerMy recollection concerning the Plame "nonsense" is that the right seemed to regard Fitzgerald as little more than a Democratic hack--even though his closest friends said even they were unaware of his party affiliation and that he appeared to be a highly principled independent.
Jer
If your recollection...
December 10, 2008 - 02:37 ET by old crois of someone keeping an investigation going after knowing who leaked the name (the whole purpose of the investigation) of the so called "spy" to get an indictment, any indictment, on anyone inside the current administration (target Karl Rove), then I would say the right was correct, he is a democrat "hack". Time will tell if the Fitz does the same type of "investigation" and follows the leads where they go, if he is even allowed to, or if he shuns any Ohhbama associations.
Phelpsonian
December 10, 2008 - 02:35 ET by easygoerIn his entire political life, Obama somehow managed to swim in a culture of corruption and never got bit. What character this man has.
Isn't it amazing at how
December 10, 2008 - 05:47 ET by Jack BauerIsn't it amazing at how "INCURIOUS" President-derelect Obama is?
He never seems to know anything about his own immediate political circle. Everything and everyone passes this glib guy by.
Of course, that would be merely an interesting footnote, if he didn't also happen to be the next President.
"Hamas is a terror group who likes killing Jews... NO WAY. I never knew that Biden. "
"Tony Rezko was a CROOK. You're shittin' me Axelrod..."
"We landed on the moon in 1969. You expect me to believe that Ms Gorelick..."
Glory glory... America has a President whose motto is "What you don't know, can't hurt you! Especially if you have the press in your pocket!"
It is the time tested and
December 10, 2008 - 10:18 ET by doug1950It is the time tested and worn "Sgt Schultz" defense. Hillary used it very successfully when she had to testify as well, only with a twist..."I don't recall and I don't know"
As far as special
December 10, 2008 - 06:00 ET by ConservativeRexAs far as special prosecuters go, never forget that Kenneth Starr was the left's hero going after Republicans, I for one will never forget it.
As soon as he set his sights on the impeached one , he was vilified in the press and by every democrat who could talk.
If they appoint this Fitz fella, rest assured, he will be the worst lawyer since Kenneth Starr, in liberal circles.
Remember, that every time a liberal blinks it's a new day. There is nothing in the past, and why do you ask?
Reuters needs new glasses
December 10, 2008 - 06:19 ET by Indiana JoeYeah, Obama is completely "untouched" by this scandal in his home state, by the top politician in his own party machine. Sure. Uh-huh.
That's why David Axelrod had to "retract" that statement Obama made on Sunday about how closely he had worked with Blago. How do you "retract" what was a simple statement of fact?
Easy; change the fact, and make the statement "inoperative."
There, that should do it.
"Meet the new boss, same as the old boss..." - The Who
Well, that photo gives me
December 10, 2008 - 07:28 ET by msh1973Well, that photo gives me the creeps. I said this before...Obama is made of teflon, nothing sticks. All he has to say is "that isn't the man I knew" and the msm believes him. The silence is deafening.
Axelrod
December 10, 2008 - 07:42 ET by Redrowan2000Axelrod "Misspoke"
Axelrod never said that he spoke to the governor!Axelrod never said that he spoke to the governor!Axelrod never said that he spoAxelrod never said that he spoke to the governor!ke to the governor!Axelrod never said that he spoke to the governor!Axelrod never Axelrod never said that he spoke to the governor!said that he spoke to the governoAxelrod never said that he spoke to the governor!r!Axelrod never said that hAxelrod never said that he spoke to the governor!e spoke to the governor!Axelrod never said that he spoke to the governor!Axelrod never said that he spoke to the governor!Axelrod never said that he spoke to the governor!Axelrod never said that he spoke to the governor!Axelrod never said that Axelrod never said that he spoke to the governor!he spoke to the governor!Axelrod never said that he spoke to the governor!Axelrod never said that he spoke to the governor!
"Don't let the bastards grind you down."
Red
Black KNight
December 10, 2008 - 08:02 ET by 10ksnookerIt's a mere scratch I tell you.
Don't let anybody fool you all the seat are for sale
December 10, 2008 - 08:30 ET by Chattychitoyou know that this is also taking place for the Clinton seat as well. But the Democrates are just sending a warning shot to Obama to get him on track with what they want him to do or they will unleash the dogs just as they did to Blago.
will the Kennedy's pay more for the seat than the other?
Thr Republicans that were caught in corruption charges were only caught because they were drawn in by seeing the Dem's get away with corruption for so long and figured they could to. without realizing they were being set up for a fall to destroy the Republican party's Reputation. but that is the socialist way corruption for them only is ok but for all others it is taboo.
Tony Rezco
December 10, 2008 - 09:53 ET by clubchamp6Hey isn't that BHO's real estate buddy Tony Rezco in the picture w/ Blago. Yeah BHO is not involved in dirty Illinois politics. Illinois politics is dominated by Dems and they are dirty as hell.
The state is virtualy bankrupt. Now it is coming to the national stage. Be ready to take care of yourself only for the next 4-8 years. We are going to have to be selfish to get through these times. I have to go now there is a commercial on offering 4 coins with Barrack on them offered by Montell "pass the bong" Williams.
What a great Christmas scratch that Holiday present they will make.
Have a good day all
One LIIIIIIITLE question...
December 10, 2008 - 11:53 ET by NBFBest line in all of the coverage thus far:
But there remain questions about how Blagojevich knew that Mr. Obama was not willing to give him anything in exchange for the Senate seat -- with whom was Blagojevich speaking? Did that person report the governor to the authorities?
source:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/12/questions-arise.html
***
Boycott Bailout Recipients
Hand in the cookie jar
December 10, 2008 - 12:09 ET by SamBlagojevich even blasted the incoming president over the choice of new senator, saying, he didn't want to give "[this] motherf- - -er [Obama] his senator. F- - - him. For nothing? F- - - him."
-from http://www.nypost.co...
I think that quote in interesting because it looks like Blagojevich is pissed Obama wants to pick his sucessor without paying. Which I think implies Obama knew Blago expected something in return.
I'm Waiting
December 10, 2008 - 14:25 ET by GreenhornetI am not a fan of Patrick Fitzgerald over what he did needlessly to Scooter Libby. On the other hand, he is a relentless and supposedly nonpartisan detective. Stand by for more of the iceberg to reveal many surprises. This thing is just starting, and that joke of a president-elect isn't immune yet.