Ah, Illinois, land of Lincoln, and land of bigtime political corruption. Poor Rod Blagojevich is nothing new for Illinois; he just happened to get caught -- on tape no less. Now one question that needs an answer: how did Blago know that Obama was refusing to deal for the Senate seat? Obviously he had been talking to folks on the president-elect's team, if not the president-elect himself. This fact was confirmed on November 23rd by
David Axelrod, Obama's campaign chairman, when he said the governor had, indeed, talked to the president-elect about filling his senate seat. Ah...but that fact is inconvenient now in light of the scandal; so drop it down the memory hole and tap dance away from the truth. Axelrod now claims he misspoke and Obama denies any conversations with the gov. It's shuck and jive time.
No surprise. Remember, Obama was trained according to Saul Alinsky's ethics. The end justifies the means and lying is perfectly acceptable when necessary to accomplish the desired goal. At this point, the goal is obviously to put as much distance as possible between Obama and the scandal.
But Blagojevich obviously knows more than what he's said so far (although his foul mouth has certainly said plenty) and does anyone think he will go down quietly? There is no honor among thieves nor among corrupt politicians. Obama will sacrifice Blagojevich in a heartbeat just has he has others if he can. But if the governor has any hard evidence of Obama involvement watch for a deal -- a pardon perhaps after Obama becomes president and maybe an appointment down the line?
One thing's for sure -- political watchers who enjoy scandals will have plenty to keep them riveted in the days and weeks ahead. The cover up has already started and the inauguration is still five weeks away. Rush and Sean will have plenty of fodder for their radio shows if they aren't forced off the air by the (UN)fairness Doctrine.
As for us ordinary folk -- tighten your seat belts and check the air bags.