That's Not the Rod Blagojevich I Thought I Knew....

UPDATE: Joe Scarborough rips the media a new one on the Obama-Blagojevich connection.

The Chicago Way...

Obama on Blagojevich:

“Obviously like the rest of the people of Illinois I am saddened and sobered by the news that came out of the US attorney’s office today, but as this is a ongoing investigation involving the governor I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to comment on the issue at this time.”

Obama on the Reverend Wright:

“Yesterday we saw a very different vision of America… I am outraged by the comments that were made, and saddened over the spectacle that we saw yesterday. The person I saw yesterday was not the person that I met 20 years ago. His comments were not only divisive and destructive but I believe they ended up giving comfort to those who prey on hate.”

Obama on Tony Rezko:

“I’m saddened by today’s verdict, this isn’t the Tony Rezko I knew, but now he has been convicted by a jury on multiple charges that once again shine a spotlight on the need for reform.”

Obama on Father Phleger:

“…That is why I am deeply disappointed in Father Pfleger’s divisive, backward-looking rhetoric, which doesn’t reflect the country I see or the desire of people across America to come together in common cause.”

Oooop, wrong picture, that's Obama with prisoner #64538, Ally and former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.


Obama on William Ayres:

"This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood, who’s a professor of English in Chicago"

Obama on PLO Spokesman Rashid kahlidid:

"I do know him because I taught at the University of Chicago. His kids went to the Lab school where my kids go as well. He is a respected scholar, although he vehemently disagrees with a lot of Israel's policy."

Etc...etc...

Meanwhile, Univision has a good article on the close relationship between Obama and Blagojevich.

That's Rham Emanuel, Obama's Chief of Staff. Emanuel now represents the same Congressional district that Blagojevich represented. Tapped by the Feds 21 times discussing appointment to Obama's Senate seat with Blagojevich's team.

UPDATE: The Chicago Sun Times is reporting that Federal Agents have Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel on tape discussing Obama's senate seat 21 times with Blagojevich team! I suppose that wouldn't be a big deal had Obama himself not initially denied any contacts with Blagojevich on the matter. Since his original denial, Obama has switched to "there was no inappropriate contact". It's beginning to smell a lot like "I did not have sex with that woman" or "it depends on what the meaning of the word is is."

UPDATE: Obama's Chief operative is coming under pressure to resign after being caught on tape discussing Obama's Senate seat appointment with Blagojevich. I find this unfair that a staffer for Obama would be asked to take the bullet for Obama himself, whom Emanuel was merely working for. It was Obama himself who said that he and his staff had no contact with Blagojevich on the appointment, which contradicted earlier interviews with top advisor David Axelrod and now the FBI taped conversations of Rahm Emanuel.

I recently received a comment on one of my posts complaining about my assertion that Obama and Blagojevich were political Allies. The commenter demands that I remove the headline, and posted a rambling screed on his own blog defending Obama and his links to Blagojevich.


Of course, I am not the only one who is familiar with the relationship. Here are a few astute observers. Feel free to google "Blagojevich Obama Allies" for thousands of results:

Illinois Governor and Obama Ally Arrested
How Chicago shaped Obama
7 Questions For Obama About Blagojevich
Blagojevich, the Stupidest Governor, Puts Obama in a Bad Light.

Of course, both are the product of the corrupt Chicago political machine. Below is a fun video of Obama endorsing Blagojevich. Obama: "Right now my MAIN FOCUS is that we elect Rod Blagojevich as governor". Moderator: Are you working hard for Rod? Obama: "YOU BETCHYA!" Enjoy:
He's not just endorsing him, he's his "Main Focus" and he is "working hard" for him.

Of course, Obama has now thrown Blagojevich under the bus like the long list other other inconvenient friends. When asked, Obama's basic answer is 'Blagojevich who?' And his blogging supporters echo the sudden amnesia... But the record of their political alliance is clear, extensive and irrefutable. The Koolaid drinkers not withstanding.