Genson (Blago’s mob lawyer) knows Chicago. They are working on reasonable doubt and jury nullification. Burris said he hadn’t spoken to Blago until 48 hours ago. This is probably true. This means that Burris isn’t on any of the tapes.
Reasonable doubt: “I may have mentioned something that sounded like “pay for play”, but when I acted, I acted in the best interest of Illinois by appointing someone with no quid pro quo involved. There is no thought crime in my America!
Jury nullification: They will seek a Chicago venue with minority jury members and go for the idea that if you convict Blago, you eliminate Burris, the first African-American elected nationwide!
I think you’re spot on with your analysis.
Huh? Although your first two points about Burris not being on the tapes, and reasonable doubt make sense, your third point makes zero sense.
We have exactly two federal offices that are filled by nationwide elections, president and vice president. If you mis-typed Burris when you meant Obama, it's true he is the first (half) black elected nationwide, but even if Blago is convicted (he has to be indicted first, but hasn't been), that will not eliminate Obama's presidency.
Blago is appointing Roland Burris to fill the now-vacant junior senate seat for one state, Illinois. Even if you mis-typed "nationwide" while meaning "statewide," that doesn't compute since Obama was elected senator in an Illinois statewide election.