Pressure builds on Obama to release his Blagojevich contacts

Las Angeles Times ^ | 12/13/2008 | Andrew Malcolm

[PasorBob]

From a practical point of view, if everything is above board, what's to hide?

From a political communications and PR point of view, the atypically clumsy silence and delay creates doubts among even some Democrats, an information vacuum that opponents seek to fill with items like this video below and that has turned what could have been a one- or two-day state scandal story into nearly a week-long saga now involving a new national leader who promised to change the way the people's business is done.

All of which also distracts from the message the Obama camp would prefer be focused on: the formation of a talented new Cabinet before Obama escapes Chicago's frigid South Side to Hawaii for the holidays. The scandal is now certain to be a major topic today on the Sunday morning political talk shows as listed here.

The Illinois legislature meets this week to begin preparations for impeachment of Blagojevich and a costly special statewide election to fill Obama's ex-seat. The Tribune story is here. (See video below.)

[PasorBob]

Lisa Madigan is trying to bypass the legal procedures for removing a governor and invoke an obscure clause used in emergencies to remove elected officials who suffer from illness.

She was after the Senate position herself. Maybe she has cut a deal with the Lieutenant Gov. to appoint her if she gets Blago outa the way?

[PasorBob]

Obama and his gang will keep their mouths shut until they find out what Fitzgerald has on tape.

It is a mess for Obama. He can't throw Rahm under the bus unless he wants Rahm squealing too

[PasorBob]

You have a corrupt press covering for a corrupt politician. Don’t expect much.

That was Blago's big mistake. He went after the editorial board at the Trib. Now they are actually doing real investigative journalism that could lead anywhere.

[bray]

Actually the Tribune has been reporting all along but the Mainstream ignored it. Google Rezko and all you get is Tribune articles.

Part of the reason it is just coming now is that it took a year to get Rezko and now he is singing like a canary to avoid sentancing. How this doesn’t aim right at Obama is questionable. Him and Blago are both Rezko pols.

Pray for W America and our Troops

[PghBaldy]

If so, Emanuel (:)...responding not with a criticism based on the inappropriateness of Blago's request but rather on the "high price" which Obama was not willing to pay YEP. How else to explain the repeated contacts between SEIU/Rahm etc with Blago?

[PghBaldy]

http://www.debbieschlussel.com/archives/2008/11/exclusive_did_n.html

[tflabo]

That was Blago's big mistake. He went after the editorial board at the Trib.

Let's not forget that the Chicago Tribune is in dire financial straits and will want to sell lots of newspapers....scandals sell and this one could be BIG! Hang on Blago..fight cabbage boy, fight.....

[MissDairyGoodnessVT]

I really love this pic.It’s been uppermost in my mind for ages even if it is p-shopped.A glimpse of the future?
Priceless!!!