On CNN Newsroom this morning, CNN White House correspondent Elaine Quijano discussed with anchor Betty Nguyen Barack Obama's pledge to disclose any contacts between his staff and Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich pertaining to his naming a replacement to Obama's Senate seat:
QUIJANO: But, Betty, the question remains, when is it exactly that the president-elect and his team will disclose what contacts there actually were between their camp and people within the governor's office? What is taking so long? The president-elect said yesterday his staff was looking into it and would release that list in the coming days. So we continue to wait for that -- Betty.
Hold it a minute. Barack Obama didn't originally promise on Friday to supply that information. He made that commitment on Thursday and CNN aired his statement live:
I have never spoken to the governor on this subject. I'm confident that no representatives of mine would have any part of any deals related to this seat. I think the materials released by the U.S. attorney reflect that fact.I've asked my team to gather the facts of any contacts with the governor's office about this vacancy so that we can share them with you over the next few days.
So it's been two days of waiting for that disclosure, not - as indicated by Elaine Quijano - just one. Others on CNN have also voiced mild frustration with how long it's taking to get the information out. On Lou Dobbs Tonight yesterday, CNN congressional correspondent Jessica Yellin noted that:
There are lots of questions at this point and frustration because Barack Obama has not revealed all that he could about who on his team may have had any contact. This really is Barack Obama's style and I guess something we're all going to have to get used to.He collects the facts, he gets everything in a row, and he releases it on his timetable. They think they really do have one chance to take a bite at this apple, to get it all out there, and they want to have all the information when they do, so we, in the meantime, are left to wait, wonder, and feel a little frustrated. Lou.
For months we've heard how efficient the Obama campaign is, how perfectly it functions. It was, we were told, quick and nimble in responding to any challenge. The day after the election, NPR's Don Gonyea hailed Obama's "well-organized, well-funded and well-disciplined organization that always seemed to know how to respond to crises."
So why the delay and hesitation now? It reminds me of another president who, a decade ago, started being asked questions about a possible scandal. Said Bill Clinton:
We are working very hard to comply and get all the requests for information up here, and we will give you as many answers as we can, as soon as we can, at the appropriate time, consistent with our obligation to also cooperate with the investigations.And that's not a dodge, that's really why I've – I've talked with our people. I want to do that. I'd like for you to have more rather than less, sooner rather than later. So we'll work through it as quickly as we can and get all those questions out there to you.
It's already been more than two days and Obama hasn't responded. How long does it take to gather information from a relatively small number of trusted aides? Longer than Elaine Quijano realizes, apparently.




















Editor at Large
Comments Policy
As the World Turns...It's
December 13, 2008 - 15:36 ET by bigtimerAs the World Turns...It's always spin with the dems...always will be.
The talking heads will soon be joining the ranks of their other leftist brethren.... what's the big deal...instead of demanding answers as were promised...and they certainly would be 24/7 if this was any republican in any capacity, plus they would be investigating all they could by themselves...breathlessly reporting with glee...no spin on it.
Parse all you want, we understood very well what O said...and O will do as O wants...he's special, he's The Chosen One.
Words do or don't matter when they come out of his mouth...just depends on who the listeners are...and what they want to hear.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
So special, bigtimer
December 13, 2008 - 23:59 ET by Mike Bates. . . he's special, he's The Chosen One.
You're right about that, bigtimer. I heard yesterday that there's been a delay in setting up his inauguration platform.
Seems they had to order more kneelers.
Mike...Well I'm sure the
December 14, 2008 - 00:06 ET by bigtimerMike...
Well I'm sure the O/Clinton machine have named Monica Lewinsky as head person in charge of that little detail.
After all...they owe her.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Ministering to Lewinsky, bigtimer
December 14, 2008 - 00:10 ET by Mike BatesThat was all a misunderstanding. Clinton was merely ministering to a troubled young person. Probably while carrying that big Bible he used to lug around when the heat was on.
And don't forget, when
December 14, 2008 - 10:04 ET by motherbeltAnd don't forget, when Clinton was asked about Lewinsky, he said (paraphrasing) that he had directed his staff to gather the information to get it to the American people "sooner rather than later."
Now why would his staff have to gather information for him to answer whether there was anything between him and Monica?
interesting choice of words...
December 13, 2008 - 15:46 ET by i was just thinking"I am confident that no representatives of mine would have any part of any deals related to this seat."
Doesn't exactly sound like a denial, does it? Perhaps a little hedging, just in case?
Think back... 2001... Enron... Ken Lay and George W. Bush...
Bush: "If they [Enron] came to this administration looking for help, they didn't find it."
Sen. Fritz Hollings: "It's like saying 'I did not have business relations with that man, Ken Lay.' "
The MSM and dims were up-in-arms over their imagined Bush-Enron connection. Obama, however, in no way could have known about what his political colleague, the governor of his state, was up to. Maybe he really didn't... but doesn't it almost demand a thorough investigation? After all, as the Dims told us about Reagan's supposed "October Surprise" (sending Bush Sr. to make a deal for the release of our hostages in Iran, I believe it was), it doesn't matter whether or not it's true, it's the seriousness of the charge that is important!
My goodness, how the standards have changed in just 8 short years!
"I am confident that no
December 13, 2008 - 17:19 ET by celator"I am confident that no representatives of mine would have any part of any deals related to this seat."
This sentence will come back to haunt Obama for a long time. Even worse, it's an example of how spinning and obfuscating come so easily to him when he senses he's in a jam. He's not even sworn in yet and he's in a mess.
Well, this is a guy that made it through life by BSing everyone around him, so what else can we expect?
Gonna be a weird four years.
"I am confident that no
December 14, 2008 - 07:42 ET by motherbelt"I am confident that no representatives of mine would have any part of any deals related to this seat."
Can you say Plausible Deniability?
Fritz Hollings
December 13, 2008 - 23:55 ET by Mike BatesOne of the few things I liked about Hollings was his acerbic wit. Almost 20 years ago on a Sunday morning talk show, Sam Donaldson asked Hollings where he got the fancy suit he was wearing.
The same place you bought your wig, Sam, was his answer.
Mike
December 14, 2008 - 00:11 ET by bigtimerOMG...ROFL...
I can just hear him saying that in that deep voice of his...
This memory of yours you are relating is priceless..for those of us who have followed both of them.
Thanks Mike.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Thanks, bigtimer
December 14, 2008 - 00:14 ET by Mike BatesRecalling all that stuff is one of the (few) benefits of being older than dirt.
I'm with ya there
December 14, 2008 - 00:16 ET by bigtimerI'm with ya there Mike.
You sir... are not alone.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
While we wait here's
December 13, 2008 - 15:53 ET by MidAmericaWhile we wait here's some theme music...
Hey MA....good
December 13, 2008 - 16:09 ET by bigtimerHey MA....good pick!
The 12th of Never also works for me.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Theme music, MidAmerica
December 14, 2008 - 00:00 ET by Mike BatesAnd maybe "That'll Be the Day."
Since the media is trying
December 14, 2008 - 01:05 ET by MidAmericaSince the media is trying to say Gov. Rod is crazy this could be his theme song....
MA... hehe..haha...hoho...
December 14, 2008 - 01:13 ET by bigtimerMA...
hehe..haha...hoho...
I love it...fits appropriately too!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Plane Crazy!
December 14, 2008 - 01:32 ET by bigtimerJust for the heck of it...here is another speaking of Crazy...this is for us old-timers who may also enjoy the good-old days.
Plane Crazy.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Don't want to hear from Obama;
December 13, 2008 - 16:06 ET by JPR1don't want to wait for Fitz to chip away at it; want to hear from Blago.
The man wants money. Money, money, money. We need an enterprising "journalistic" organization to pony-up. Maybe the Enquirer can dig deep; forego some payments to paparazzi for a few months. Harris might be a cheaper buy. Offer them something to look forward to when they've served their terms.
Somebody on Bamis team was working on a deal, just give us a name.
"I want you to listen to me, I did not have-----"
December 13, 2008 - 16:41 ET by Roscoe MendagoExplain to me why this urgent, hand wringing attitude wasn't anywhere to be seen prior to the election? There are any number of chisel chested crooks, bombers, racist reverends and communist inspired influences on Obama. This didn't raise any red flags, at least not to the MSM? Now there's a question as to why he isn't calling hourly press conferences and telling all? He's the proverbial equivocator he's proved that through out the whole election process, for whatever reason a straight answer is tough for him. Leaves one to wonder, is this Clinton redux, or worse?
Clinton redux, Roscoe?
December 14, 2008 - 00:03 ET by Mike BatesLeaves one to wonder, is this Clinton redux, or worse?
I think it's possible he's another Clinton. But without the morals.
Oh! Bama
December 14, 2008 - 07:14 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsI think it's possible he's another Clinton. But without the morals.
You mean like, ummm, Satan?
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
This IS the dreaded next
December 14, 2008 - 09:42 ET by billbThis IS the dreaded next Clinton administration, with a black figurehead.
CNN
December 13, 2008 - 17:35 ET by jaywlJust caught a segment on CNN pushing the idea that Blago is insane. You know the drill. Sen Stevens is a crook. Sen Craig a hypocrite and petty criminal. Libby a perjurer. Democrat Blago is ill. He has a emotional problem that causes him to explode in rage and curse. I seem to recall another Chicago pol named Rostinkowski with age related problems or was it a fondness for drink? Anyway, the libs will keep bringing this up. Poor Blago, born with a genetic nasty tongue in his mouth!
Poor Blago, born with a
December 13, 2008 - 17:44 ET by bigtimerPoor Blago, born with a genetic nasty tongue in his mouth!
Lets hope that nasty tongue does some wagging, he and his spouse both...who happens to have the same genetic problem.
They better be doing some fast talking quick...before they become mum, permanently.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Blago
December 13, 2008 - 19:33 ET by jaywlI told my wife just today that the first time I saw this guy I thought he was nothing but a real scumbag. He'll sing.
Insane Blagojevich
December 13, 2008 - 23:48 ET by Mike BatesJust caught a segment on CNN pushing the idea that Blago is insane.
Yep, that ol' nuts (Blago) 'n' sluts (Mrs. Blago) routine has won rave reviews among many Demos in the past.
Jessica
December 13, 2008 - 20:00 ET by mom_roxMichael, the reporter was Jessica Yellin, not Jennifer.
Dang, mom_rox
December 13, 2008 - 21:31 ET by Mike BatesI just hate it when the computer makes a mistake like that.
Thanks!
michael,
December 13, 2008 - 23:41 ET by mom_roxand I had thought that you must know another blonde named Jennifer and just got your blondes mixed up ;)
By golly, mom_rox
December 13, 2008 - 23:46 ET by Mike BatesYou're right about my knowing so many blondes named Jennifer. Of course, they're all at least 30 years younger than I, but hope springs eternal as they say.
When Quijano was questioned
December 14, 2008 - 09:39 ET by billbWhen Quijano was questioned about the delay in info from Barack, she said that this is the way he operates and "we'll just have to get used to it." Sort of like Clinton being late for every appointment except his dates with MONICA!