Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is expected Tuesday to name former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate, CNN affiliates the Chicago Tribune and WLS-TV reported, citing sources familiar with the decision.
www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/30/illinois.senate/index.html
UPDATE:
Quinn is calling for Blago's immediate removal. This state is a freak show.
Also, obviously Burris is insane or corrupt or senile (sorry, but it could be true). Otherwise why would he go along with this craziness?
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Transcendental Invocation
This is an amazing article which puts into words my conflicted but optimistic feelings about the Warren pick. What I find so refreshing about it is that it was such a big surprise. And no one can quite understand why he did it and Obama ain't talking. Wow, a man with a plan. A man who doesn't make the safe or predictable choice. A man who we all connected with over the last two years and his message of change. A man with vision. Let the moment be what it will and see what happens.
Here are some cliff notes:
In fact, the predictable back-and-forth between left and right around this issue leads me in moments when my worser angels -- you know, the less-than-angelic angels -- of my nature have my ear to wonder whether or not we just got Souljahed out. Would Obama step on our tails to make us squeal in order to look "normal" to the pro-America parts of the country?
Another alternative: If the campaign revealed anything about the president-elect, it is his use of existing dynamics to his own advantage, knowing when to get out of the way of -- or lend a hand to -- Nature as she takes her course. The leaders of the religious right are far less dangerous to the rest of us when sniping among themselves. Could it be that, in elevating Warren so high above the rest, Obama has tossed an apple of discord over the right fence, a clever bait of distraction?
Here are some cliff notes:
In fact, the predictable back-and-forth between left and right around this issue leads me in moments when my worser angels -- you know, the less-than-angelic angels -- of my nature have my ear to wonder whether or not we just got Souljahed out. Would Obama step on our tails to make us squeal in order to look "normal" to the pro-America parts of the country?
Another alternative: If the campaign revealed anything about the president-elect, it is his use of existing dynamics to his own advantage, knowing when to get out of the way of -- or lend a hand to -- Nature as she takes her course. The leaders of the religious right are far less dangerous to the rest of us when sniping among themselves. Could it be that, in elevating Warren so high above the rest, Obama has tossed an apple of discord over the right fence, a clever bait of distraction?
The sage Todd Gitlin urges us to voice our complaint and move on. But moving on doesn't move me. I want my transcendent moment. First, it seems, I'll have to transcend my damn self.
In an otherwise critical post, Guardian America editor Michael Tomasky warily suggests an outside chance that Warren's stance might change through the experience of calling the blessing on the Obama presidency:
Maybe having given this "Holocaust denier" [Obama] his high-profile blessing will require over time that Warren moderate his views and his public posture, and maybe that would lead some portion of his flock to do the same.
An artist friend who wished not to be named ("Call me Wes and keep me out of that mess!") took it one step further. "How do you know, Adele, that that moment, when that man is on that stage, lookin' out on all those people -- how do you know that will not be his transcendent moment? Think of all the people he could move."
From your lips, Wes, to the ears of all that is Divine. Divisions -- especially over what God wants us to do -- are rarely overcome with an argument or a handshake. That's why our better angels have wings; to help us rise above. Here's to transcendence all around.Monday, December 29, 2008
Lunchtime Roundup
Back to the grindstone for a couple days. While celebrating the holiday, I completely missed the development of the horrific violence going on in Southern Israel and Gaza. Short of ceasing all arms dealing with Israel, which we would never do, I'm not sure the U.S. can do anything to halt the bloodshed. For what it's worth, W. blames Hamas, and while Barack has been pretty silent on the matter, he's also been critical of Hamas in the past. No one can deny that a country facing rocket attacks has to do something, but this full-scale invasion is sickening.
The biggest domestic story on the blogs I read is how W. let industries essentially run OSHA. We've got less than a month of him, people.
Nothing much new on the Blago stand-off, but the Gov is trying to use the report by Barack's team to show that he, too, is clean.
Finally, there are some concerns floating around about some poor moves by Barack. First, there's the whole Rick Warren thing, about which, my feelings are clear. Second, Paul Krugman mentioned last week that while there's nothing really wrong with the Obamas renting a posh Hawaiian house for their vacation, it does strike an odd note during a financial meltdown. Now, Lynn Sweet is miffed about his closed transition meetings. He's still wildly popular, but things can change fast. Hopefully, he'll get his groove back starting Jan. 20.
The biggest domestic story on the blogs I read is how W. let industries essentially run OSHA. We've got less than a month of him, people.
Nothing much new on the Blago stand-off, but the Gov is trying to use the report by Barack's team to show that he, too, is clean.
Finally, there are some concerns floating around about some poor moves by Barack. First, there's the whole Rick Warren thing, about which, my feelings are clear. Second, Paul Krugman mentioned last week that while there's nothing really wrong with the Obamas renting a posh Hawaiian house for their vacation, it does strike an odd note during a financial meltdown. Now, Lynn Sweet is miffed about his closed transition meetings. He's still wildly popular, but things can change fast. Hopefully, he'll get his groove back starting Jan. 20.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Morning Roundup
My apologies to all Sassy readers and writers who've been enjoying the Barack pic, but here are some quick news tidbits from the last couple days.
In yet another way that Barack's election is changing the world for the better, European countries are showing more willingness to accept Guantanamo prisoners to help Barack close that horrible blight.
In other Barack news, he'll be swearing on the same Bible as Lincoln did at the inauguration. I find that cool, but the Washington Monthly's expecting two negative reactions: 1) the nerve of him using Lincoln's Bible! and 2) what, no Koran?
I suppose this shouldn't be surprising, but conservative radio hosts and folks like Rove are arguing that the economy's not all that bad, but the liberal media is saying it is to help out Barack. It must be nice to not have to worry about actual truth when writing/reporting.
New Census data is out with implications for Congress and Electoral votes. Interesting tidbit: for the first time since the early 1970s, Florida lost population. I, for one, am happy anytime Florida loses a little influence.
For those of you traveling today, be safe and have a great holiday!
In yet another way that Barack's election is changing the world for the better, European countries are showing more willingness to accept Guantanamo prisoners to help Barack close that horrible blight.
In other Barack news, he'll be swearing on the same Bible as Lincoln did at the inauguration. I find that cool, but the Washington Monthly's expecting two negative reactions: 1) the nerve of him using Lincoln's Bible! and 2) what, no Koran?
I suppose this shouldn't be surprising, but conservative radio hosts and folks like Rove are arguing that the economy's not all that bad, but the liberal media is saying it is to help out Barack. It must be nice to not have to worry about actual truth when writing/reporting.
New Census data is out with implications for Congress and Electoral votes. Interesting tidbit: for the first time since the early 1970s, Florida lost population. I, for one, am happy anytime Florida loses a little influence.
For those of you traveling today, be safe and have a great holiday!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Papa Paul says it's all going to be OK
in 2010.
This absolutely boggles the mind. I hope these guys are shamed into returning much of this money.
Rahm to be absolved by Barack. Maybe a teeny conflict of interest here but I'm still willing to give O the benefit of the doubt.
Sassy spent Sunday watching this nightmare.
Krugman Update:
hallelujah!!!!
Politico reports that on Bill Press’s radio show today, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman was asked about “whether or not he was ‘in communications’ with the Obama administration regarding the economy, he declared: ‘Yes… I am. And that’s all I care to talk about.’” For at least three years, Krugman has been warning about the dangers of ballooning housing prices and the trade deficit. “One way or another, the economy will eventually eliminate both imbalances,” he wrote in August 2005. Read more at Krugman’s blog here.
This absolutely boggles the mind. I hope these guys are shamed into returning much of this money.
Rahm to be absolved by Barack. Maybe a teeny conflict of interest here but I'm still willing to give O the benefit of the doubt.
Sassy spent Sunday watching this nightmare.
Krugman Update:
hallelujah!!!!
Politico reports that on Bill Press’s radio show today, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman was asked about “whether or not he was ‘in communications’ with the Obama administration regarding the economy, he declared: ‘Yes… I am. And that’s all I care to talk about.’” For at least three years, Krugman has been warning about the dangers of ballooning housing prices and the trade deficit. “One way or another, the economy will eventually eliminate both imbalances,” he wrote in August 2005. Read more at Krugman’s blog here.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Weekend Roundup
I am SO looking forward to this election:
Sen. Joseph Lieberman appears to be paying a high price for his embrace of Sen. John McCain in the presidential race. This is the highest disapproval rating in any Quinnipiac University poll in any state for a sitting U.S. Senator - except for New Jersey's Robert Torricelli, just before he resigned in 2002. Among those who say they voted for Sen. Lieberman in 2006, 30 percent now say they would vote for someone else if they could.
Nate is predicting a Franken lead at the end of the day. Oh Nate, whatever happened to us?
Andrew Sullivan makes the case for Rick Warren and moral legitimacy. I have to say, it's persuasive. It does make me think that we need to reconsider our knee-jerk reactions as Democrats and start to develop a new paradigm for governing and good citizenship.
I don't have a strong opinion yet about Caroline Kennedy except on the personal level I really like her. But I do have a problem with political dynasties and the established party system. Barack almost didn't make it to the Illinois Senate because of cronyism and all that sh**. However, she is a true progessive and that makes me happy.
Finally, I'm really not sure what to say about the auto bailout, BofA layoffs, California's budget disaster, Madoff's house of cards, or that our new Veep thinks the economy is "tanking". I'm just going to ignore this nightmare and enjoy the holidays. Luckily, our current president keeps opening his big, stupid mouth and reminding all of us, on his way out, how grateful we should be for our new President--concern about Cabinet picks aside.
Can you imagine Barack saying that being president made him sleepy?:
Sen. Joseph Lieberman appears to be paying a high price for his embrace of Sen. John McCain in the presidential race. This is the highest disapproval rating in any Quinnipiac University poll in any state for a sitting U.S. Senator - except for New Jersey's Robert Torricelli, just before he resigned in 2002. Among those who say they voted for Sen. Lieberman in 2006, 30 percent now say they would vote for someone else if they could.
Nate is predicting a Franken lead at the end of the day. Oh Nate, whatever happened to us?
Andrew Sullivan makes the case for Rick Warren and moral legitimacy. I have to say, it's persuasive. It does make me think that we need to reconsider our knee-jerk reactions as Democrats and start to develop a new paradigm for governing and good citizenship.
I don't have a strong opinion yet about Caroline Kennedy except on the personal level I really like her. But I do have a problem with political dynasties and the established party system. Barack almost didn't make it to the Illinois Senate because of cronyism and all that sh**. However, she is a true progessive and that makes me happy.
Finally, I'm really not sure what to say about the auto bailout, BofA layoffs, California's budget disaster, Madoff's house of cards, or that our new Veep thinks the economy is "tanking". I'm just going to ignore this nightmare and enjoy the holidays. Luckily, our current president keeps opening his big, stupid mouth and reminding all of us, on his way out, how grateful we should be for our new President--concern about Cabinet picks aside.
Can you imagine Barack saying that being president made him sleepy?:
In the interview, Bush said he did not regret his wartime decisions.
"I was a wartime President and war is very exhausting. War is hard for a country. And, you know, I made the decision that we were going to win.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Extra Extra: B.O. Defeats B.H.O.!
Onion headline: "Barack Obama Defeats Barack Hussein Obama'
Not the most original thing they've done, but still pretty good:
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/91294
Not the most original thing they've done, but still pretty good:
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/91294
Sassy is displeased
About this and this.
Vilsack has an exhibited an interest and tolerance in genetically modified food, pissing off the organic food movement.(although he does support alternative fuels) And Salazar. Give me a break--he's a rancher with ties to the mining industry. Plus all the people who have come out so far to support this appointment are Republicans.
I know that Obama is a moderate, but this is a bit hard to stomach.
Oh, and Barack is Time's Person of the Year. Well, duh.
Vilsack has an exhibited an interest and tolerance in genetically modified food, pissing off the organic food movement.(although he does support alternative fuels) And Salazar. Give me a break--he's a rancher with ties to the mining industry. Plus all the people who have come out so far to support this appointment are Republicans.
I know that Obama is a moderate, but this is a bit hard to stomach.
Oh, and Barack is Time's Person of the Year. Well, duh.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Barack's ball squad
Now that Arne Duncan is going to be Secretary of Education, it looks like Obama is going to have a pretty good group of hoopsters around him. And Michelle's brother Craig was one of the best players in Princeton history (perhaps second after Bill Bradley).
Monday, December 15, 2008
"So What?"
W. used that question a couple times recently. First, after the press conference resumed and he was asked about the shoe attack, he replied, "So what if the guy threw a shoe at me?" He compared it to protest. Now, I still have a problem with the POTUS being somehow assaulted. Sure, the worst case would have been a broken nose from a shoe heel and, yes, he's done more than enough to deserve it, but I still want our president, whoever he or she may be, to be safe.
W. also said "So what?" in an interview about the war as a whole that goes a long way toward explaining why that guy threw his shoes. Reporter Martha Raddatz challenged him on his point about battling al-Qaeda in Iraq by mentioning that they weren't in Iraq before our invasion. His reply, "Yeah, that's right. So what?" He doesn't care so long as they're getting theirs somewhere. Unreal.
It's always a little shocking when I am reminded how little he cares about people and the consequences of his actions. His nonchalance about starting a horrible war under false pretenses is horrifying. I can't imagine what it's like to be a victim of his crimes. It's easy for me to be alarmed by the shoe throwing from the safety of my office. And, I can't believe that he's just going to go off into retirement and not be held to account.
W. also said "So what?" in an interview about the war as a whole that goes a long way toward explaining why that guy threw his shoes. Reporter Martha Raddatz challenged him on his point about battling al-Qaeda in Iraq by mentioning that they weren't in Iraq before our invasion. His reply, "Yeah, that's right. So what?" He doesn't care so long as they're getting theirs somewhere. Unreal.
It's always a little shocking when I am reminded how little he cares about people and the consequences of his actions. His nonchalance about starting a horrible war under false pretenses is horrifying. I can't imagine what it's like to be a victim of his crimes. It's easy for me to be alarmed by the shoe throwing from the safety of my office. And, I can't believe that he's just going to go off into retirement and not be held to account.
Washington State Capitol Holiday Display Mess
This is awesome. I guess it all started with a traditional nativity scene on the grounds of the WA capitol. An atheist group asked if they, too, could put up a display. Not wanting to exclude any groups, WA said sure. That opened the floodgates. A number of groups asked to put up displays, from the serious, a Buddhist display; to the ridiculous, a "Festivus" pole and a Flying Spaghetti Monster display; to the downright scary, a conservative Christian group wanted to put up a sign reading "Santa Claus will take you to Hell."
So, the state threw up it's hands and banned all new holiday displays. We live in a very silly country.
So, the state threw up it's hands and banned all new holiday displays. We live in a very silly country.
Morning Roundup
The shoe throwing incident has me conflicted. For one, it's an embarassment to W., which I support. At the same time, I have to admit that he handled the whole thing very well. But, I'm also disturbed that the POTUS was basically assaulted. That's just not good.
But, I'm back to being outraged at W. after reading that the Bushies quietly rewrote the bailout bill to pretty much strip out the executive compensation limits.
While on the topic of W.'s awfulness, Newsweek has an article about an intelligence employee who leaked the NSA wiretaps to the NYT. Naturally, he's being tormented by the Feds for being a whislte-blower.
In news of other Repugnancy, Rove is trying to make the fight against Eric Holder a rallying point for the GOP. He hasn't been successful at much lately, though.
Going from the nefarious to the ridiculous, in an article about Blago, the NYT notes that he refers to his favorite comb as "The Football," as in the briefcase that contains nuclear launch codes.
On a promising note, Obama's defense folks are talking the talk about trying to cut back on the Pentagon's largesse. We'll see if it actually happens.
In more Obama news, he's planning an honest to goodness whistle-stop tour before the Inauguration. Cool.
Finally, some great news: the members of the Electoral College will be meeting in state capitols today to officially elect Barack!
But, I'm back to being outraged at W. after reading that the Bushies quietly rewrote the bailout bill to pretty much strip out the executive compensation limits.
While on the topic of W.'s awfulness, Newsweek has an article about an intelligence employee who leaked the NSA wiretaps to the NYT. Naturally, he's being tormented by the Feds for being a whislte-blower.
In news of other Repugnancy, Rove is trying to make the fight against Eric Holder a rallying point for the GOP. He hasn't been successful at much lately, though.
Going from the nefarious to the ridiculous, in an article about Blago, the NYT notes that he refers to his favorite comb as "The Football," as in the briefcase that contains nuclear launch codes.
On a promising note, Obama's defense folks are talking the talk about trying to cut back on the Pentagon's largesse. We'll see if it actually happens.
In more Obama news, he's planning an honest to goodness whistle-stop tour before the Inauguration. Cool.
Finally, some great news: the members of the Electoral College will be meeting in state capitols today to officially elect Barack!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Detroit Bailout Failure
UPDATED INTRO: Since Krugman's still in Sweden getting his Nobel, I'm practically panicked about where to look for a sound analysis.
Okay, I'm leaving up my previous post, which features a fake ad mocking the Big 3 bailout, for posterity's sake, but it certainly appears that the failure of the bailout package could mean nasty, nasty ripple effects for the economy as a whole, with the large auto parts supplier industry getting hit first. Yikes.
Right off the bat, markets worldwide are falling rapidly because of the failure. So far today, the Dow's down about 80 points.
Now, people are asking about next steps. The White House is saying that it may use some of the Wall Street bailout package to help Detroit.
People are also looking at why the bailout failed. Basically, some financially conservative hardliners, on both sides of the aisle, voted it down because they wanted to see a quick reduction of wages and benefits to the level of non-union car factories in the "right to work" South. As Kevin Drum points out, it really came down to timing. Detroit and the UAW agreed to the cuts, but DeMint and Co. wanted them to hit 18 months sooner.
TNR is drawing comparisons to, you guessed it, the Depression. Their point is that the economy was nudged to a complete failure by incremental blows landed by ideologists.
Okay, I'm leaving up my previous post, which features a fake ad mocking the Big 3 bailout, for posterity's sake, but it certainly appears that the failure of the bailout package could mean nasty, nasty ripple effects for the economy as a whole, with the large auto parts supplier industry getting hit first. Yikes.
Right off the bat, markets worldwide are falling rapidly because of the failure. So far today, the Dow's down about 80 points.
Now, people are asking about next steps. The White House is saying that it may use some of the Wall Street bailout package to help Detroit.
People are also looking at why the bailout failed. Basically, some financially conservative hardliners, on both sides of the aisle, voted it down because they wanted to see a quick reduction of wages and benefits to the level of non-union car factories in the "right to work" South. As Kevin Drum points out, it really came down to timing. Detroit and the UAW agreed to the cuts, but DeMint and Co. wanted them to hit 18 months sooner.
TNR is drawing comparisons to, you guessed it, the Depression. Their point is that the economy was nudged to a complete failure by incremental blows landed by ideologists.
A Little Humor on a Day of Yet More Bad Economic News
To everyone in the Sassy community who works for BOA, my fingers are crossed for you.
Anyhow, in the spirit of distraction, here's a new ad for the Big 3. Although, given that the bailout failed, it's a little premature. Another example of poor planning by Detroit, I guess.
Not sure if you can read the fine print. It says: "You probably thought it was a smart idea to buy a foreign import of superior quality, with better mileage and resale value. Maybe you even thought that years of market share loss might prod us into rethinking our process and redesigning our products with better quality in mind. But you forgot one thing: We spend a shitload of money on lobbyists. So now you're out $25 billion, plus the cost of your Subaru. Maybe next time, you'll buy American like a real man. Either way, we're cool."
Anyhow, in the spirit of distraction, here's a new ad for the Big 3. Although, given that the bailout failed, it's a little premature. Another example of poor planning by Detroit, I guess.
Not sure if you can read the fine print. It says: "You probably thought it was a smart idea to buy a foreign import of superior quality, with better mileage and resale value. Maybe you even thought that years of market share loss might prod us into rethinking our process and redesigning our products with better quality in mind. But you forgot one thing: We spend a shitload of money on lobbyists. So now you're out $25 billion, plus the cost of your Subaru. Maybe next time, you'll buy American like a real man. Either way, we're cool."
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Obama Address Blago Scandal (Again)
Doubtlessly, some idiot somewhere will still scream that Barack hasn't officially "denounced" Blago, but he did directly address the issue today and directly answer questions about it in his press conference about health care policy.
Morning Roundup
Here's what's going on in non-Blago news today:
Looks like the Senate GOP might just block the auto industry bailout. I've looked to Krugman for help on this one, but he's in Sweden accepting some award. Dammit! What am I supposed to think? I seem to remember, though, that while he was a little skeptical of bailing out Detroit, he did think that failures by such large businesses right now could be really bad.
Barack picked his energy/environment team. I can't say I've heard of any of them, but his Energy pick, Steven Chu, is a Nobelist. Nice to have a respect for science in the White House again.
On that topic, the politcal hack W. put in charge of NASA, Mike "The Jury's Out on Global Warming" Griffin, is petulantly refusing to work with the Transition Team.
W. also made a mockery of Human Rights Day, yesterday, by giving the Presidential Citizens Medal to Chuck Colson. Colson, as Nixon's Special Counsel, hired thugs to beat up peace protestors and Daniel Ellsberg, and plotted to raid or firebomb the Brookings Institution.
But, let's end on a good note: the nation's very pleased with Barack's work so far. A number of polls show him having a tremendous approval rating.
Looks like the Senate GOP might just block the auto industry bailout. I've looked to Krugman for help on this one, but he's in Sweden accepting some award. Dammit! What am I supposed to think? I seem to remember, though, that while he was a little skeptical of bailing out Detroit, he did think that failures by such large businesses right now could be really bad.
Barack picked his energy/environment team. I can't say I've heard of any of them, but his Energy pick, Steven Chu, is a Nobelist. Nice to have a respect for science in the White House again.
On that topic, the politcal hack W. put in charge of NASA, Mike "The Jury's Out on Global Warming" Griffin, is petulantly refusing to work with the Transition Team.
W. also made a mockery of Human Rights Day, yesterday, by giving the Presidential Citizens Medal to Chuck Colson. Colson, as Nixon's Special Counsel, hired thugs to beat up peace protestors and Daniel Ellsberg, and plotted to raid or firebomb the Brookings Institution.
But, let's end on a good note: the nation's very pleased with Barack's work so far. A number of polls show him having a tremendous approval rating.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Blago and Barack
Having been raised on All The President's Men, today's press seems to be itching for a good presidential scandal. Not one involving lying about intelligence, torturing people, eroding the Constitution, and breaking laws all over the world. Where's the fun in that? No, bribery's so much easier to understand and doesn't make us ask tough questions about our roles as citizens of a law-breaking country.
Granted, Barack's responses to questions about Blago yesterday were pretty enfuriating. Most likely, he did talk to Blago about the open seat. That would be routine, right? Why deny it?
But, as Patrick Fitzgerald clearly stated, nothing in the Blago affair incriminates Barack. In fact, the complaint openly records Blago bitching that Obama wouldn't offer a reward for his choice to be named. And, it appears that the ethics bill that Obama helped push through the IL legislature cause Blago to step up his fundraising before the end of the year.
Yet, major news outlets are giving major spots to speculation on how this could be a drag on Barack. Come on. I agree with the Washington Monthly. Without any actual evidence of Barack being tied to this scandal, reporting speculation that it could dog him is irresponsible.
Granted, Barack's responses to questions about Blago yesterday were pretty enfuriating. Most likely, he did talk to Blago about the open seat. That would be routine, right? Why deny it?
But, as Patrick Fitzgerald clearly stated, nothing in the Blago affair incriminates Barack. In fact, the complaint openly records Blago bitching that Obama wouldn't offer a reward for his choice to be named. And, it appears that the ethics bill that Obama helped push through the IL legislature cause Blago to step up his fundraising before the end of the year.
Yet, major news outlets are giving major spots to speculation on how this could be a drag on Barack. Come on. I agree with the Washington Monthly. Without any actual evidence of Barack being tied to this scandal, reporting speculation that it could dog him is irresponsible.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Lawn Rangers make Inauguration Parade
Our favorite parade act, The Lawn Rangers
are one of the Inauguration Marhers. We received an email that the You Tube video we posted made the article. You can hear our laughter in the background!
are one of the Inauguration Marhers. We received an email that the You Tube video we posted made the article. You can hear our laughter in the background!
Did Rahmbo Drop the Hammer on Blago?
There's some scuttlebutt that Blago's arrest may have moved this quickly because Rahm went to the Feds after Blago tried to shake the Transition Team down. Didn't Blago listen? Mess with Rahmbo and he'll send you home in a box!
Blago may have to be impeached
Sounds like the SOB is refusing to resign (for now).
Update: I think someone mentioned Eric Zorn earlier this week. I've always really liked him (plus he and Mary Schmich perform together over the holidays and are quite a pair). Anyway, his blog about Blago requires readers to only leave one word comments (sweetbabyjeebus was my fave).
Update: Quinn becomes temporary governor if Rod resigns. Also, the state will likely being proceedings to take power from Governor to assign someone to empty Senate seat.
Update: I think someone mentioned Eric Zorn earlier this week. I've always really liked him (plus he and Mary Schmich perform together over the holidays and are quite a pair). Anyway, his blog about Blago requires readers to only leave one word comments (sweetbabyjeebus was my fave).
Update: Quinn becomes temporary governor if Rod resigns. Also, the state will likely being proceedings to take power from Governor to assign someone to empty Senate seat.
Oh Crap
From ABCNews:
Fitzgerald said "there is no allegation in the complaint that the President-elect was aware of it and that is all I can say." His comment did not close the door on the possibility that Obama or someone on his staff may have known of some aspect of the Govenror's demands.
More loveliness from our Gov:
Fitzgerald said "there is no allegation in the complaint that the President-elect was aware of it and that is all I can say." His comment did not close the door on the possibility that Obama or someone on his staff may have known of some aspect of the Govenror's demands.
More loveliness from our Gov:
The FBI affidavit said Blagojevich had been told by an adviser "the President-elect can get ROD BLAGOJEVICH's wife on paid corporate boards in exchange for naming the President-elect's pick to the Senate."
Told by two other advisers he has to "suck it up" for two years, the FBI says it heard Blagojevich complain he has to give this "motherf***er [the President-elect] his Senator. F*** him. For nothing? F*** him."
The Governor is heard saying he will pick another candidate "before I just give f***ing [Senate Candidate l] a f***ing Senate seat and I don't get anything."
JJ Jr?
Marc Ambinder thinks so:
Who might this person be?From the context, it's probably Jesse Jackson. Jr.
"Later on December 4, 2008, ROD BLAGOJEVICH spoke to Fundraiser A. ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated he was "elevating" Senate Candidate 5 on the list of candidates for the open Senate seat. ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated he might be able to cut a deal withSenate Candidate 5 that provided ROD BLAGOJEVICH with something"tangible up front." ROD BLAGOJEVICH noted he was going to meet withSenate Candidate 5 in the next few days."
The only candidate with whom Blagojevich met within that period was Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Who might this person be?From the context, it's probably Jesse Jackson. Jr.
"Later on December 4, 2008, ROD BLAGOJEVICH spoke to Fundraiser A. ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated he was "elevating" Senate Candidate 5 on the list of candidates for the open Senate seat. ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated he might be able to cut a deal withSenate Candidate 5 that provided ROD BLAGOJEVICH with something"tangible up front." ROD BLAGOJEVICH noted he was going to meet withSenate Candidate 5 in the next few days."
The only candidate with whom Blagojevich met within that period was Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Senate Candidate 5
I SO want to know who this is. From the criminal complaint:
Just last week, on December 4, Blagojevich allegedly told an advisor that he might “get some
(money) up front, maybe” from Senate Candidate 5, if he named Senate Candidate 5 to the Senate seat, to insure that Senate Candidate 5 kept a promise about raising money for Blagojevich if he ran for re-election. In a recorded conversation on October 31, Blagojevich claimed he was approached by an associate of Senate Candidate 5 as follows: “We were approached ‘pay to play.’ That, you know, he’d raise 500 grand. An emissary came. Then the other guy would raise a million, if I made him (Senate Candidate 5) a Senator.
More of the complaint, this is just truly remarkable:
Blagojevich also allegedly spent significant time weighing the option of appointing himself to the open Senate seat and expressed a variety of reasons for doing so, including: frustration at being “stuck” as governor; a belief that he will be able to obtain greater resources if he is indicted as a sitting Senator as opposed to a sitting governor; a desire to remake his image in consideration of a possible run for President in 2016; avoiding impeachment by the Illinois legislature; making corporate contacts that would be of value to him after leaving public 7
office; facilitating his wife’s employment as a lobbyist; and generating speaking fees should he
decide to leave public office.
Just last week, on December 4, Blagojevich allegedly told an advisor that he might “get some
(money) up front, maybe” from Senate Candidate 5, if he named Senate Candidate 5 to the Senate seat, to insure that Senate Candidate 5 kept a promise about raising money for Blagojevich if he ran for re-election. In a recorded conversation on October 31, Blagojevich claimed he was approached by an associate of Senate Candidate 5 as follows: “We were approached ‘pay to play.’ That, you know, he’d raise 500 grand. An emissary came. Then the other guy would raise a million, if I made him (Senate Candidate 5) a Senator.
More of the complaint, this is just truly remarkable:
Blagojevich also allegedly spent significant time weighing the option of appointing himself to the open Senate seat and expressed a variety of reasons for doing so, including: frustration at being “stuck” as governor; a belief that he will be able to obtain greater resources if he is indicted as a sitting Senator as opposed to a sitting governor; a desire to remake his image in consideration of a possible run for President in 2016; avoiding impeachment by the Illinois legislature; making corporate contacts that would be of value to him after leaving public 7
office; facilitating his wife’s employment as a lobbyist; and generating speaking fees should he
decide to leave public office.
Blago arrested by Feds this morning
Chicagoans will not be completely surprised by this however, I am absolutely stunned by the breadth of charges against Rod: trying to sell the Senate seat for a job?? Trying to get Trib editorial board members fired? This guy is going away for a long time. Patrick Fitzgerald doesn't f*** around.
Update 9:35: apparently Blago was also trying to secure favors for his wife (including $150K board appointments) so I wonder if she'll be charged as well. Maybe now we can get Rod'sridiculous free passes for all seniors on the CTA program cancelled. It practically bankrupted the CTA.
Also, I suspect this turn of events may make Durbin's request for a commutation for Ryan extremely unlikely.
Update 9:35: apparently Blago was also trying to secure favors for his wife (including $150K board appointments) so I wonder if she'll be charged as well. Maybe now we can get Rod'sridiculous free passes for all seniors on the CTA program cancelled. It practically bankrupted the CTA.
Also, I suspect this turn of events may make Durbin's request for a commutation for Ryan extremely unlikely.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Santo Hosed Again
Ugh. Poor Ron Santo got hosed AGAIN by the Baseball Hall of Fame Veterans Committee. Only Joe Gordon, who played just 11 seasons, got in. Ridiculous.
Morning Roundup
First of all, happy birthday Gabriel. You've had cake now, my man. There's no turning back.
Somehow I missed this, but apparently certain groups on the right are all in a lather about mythical improprieties about Barack's birth certificate. Salon tells us that despite a thorough debunking, this conspiracy theory won't go away anytime soon. Considering the Trib's financial troubles, I'm sure they're more than happy to run full page ads about it.
Over the weekend, Barack announced plans for a massive public works program. That warms my practically socialist heart.
Barack will be nominating General Eric Shinseki as Secretary of the VA. The bloggers love them some Eric Shinseki.
And, despite being caught up in the D.C. madam scandal, Sen. David Vitters (R-LA) is planning to run for re-election, and likely to win. Yet, Eliot Spitzer is radioactive.
Somehow I missed this, but apparently certain groups on the right are all in a lather about mythical improprieties about Barack's birth certificate. Salon tells us that despite a thorough debunking, this conspiracy theory won't go away anytime soon. Considering the Trib's financial troubles, I'm sure they're more than happy to run full page ads about it.
Over the weekend, Barack announced plans for a massive public works program. That warms my practically socialist heart.
Barack will be nominating General Eric Shinseki as Secretary of the VA. The bloggers love them some Eric Shinseki.
And, despite being caught up in the D.C. madam scandal, Sen. David Vitters (R-LA) is planning to run for re-election, and likely to win. Yet, Eliot Spitzer is radioactive.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Friday Roundup--Baby, it's Cold Outside
Dave--thanks for taking over the last few days. Much of the Sassy family is (are?) having a very bad week. But politics can always make me smile...
Now this I can get behind. The new senator from New York?
This, not so much. The new senator from Florida?
I wasn't sure this story had legs when it first came out a week ago but now... The new senator from Pennsylvania?
Recounts, Missing Ballots, and the closest senate election in history. Still no winner.
Very interesting article by Kissinger on Obama's new national security team. I find it so interesting that Barack is receiving such incredible and unlikely support from the Repugs (Brooks, Rove, Kissinger).
PS I just had a chocolate donut. Oh yes I did.
Now this I can get behind. The new senator from New York?
This, not so much. The new senator from Florida?
I wasn't sure this story had legs when it first came out a week ago but now... The new senator from Pennsylvania?
Recounts, Missing Ballots, and the closest senate election in history. Still no winner.
Very interesting article by Kissinger on Obama's new national security team. I find it so interesting that Barack is receiving such incredible and unlikely support from the Repugs (Brooks, Rove, Kissinger).
PS I just had a chocolate donut. Oh yes I did.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Hatch and Stevens
I don't think that either Dave or Ilsa mentioned this, but, according to Politco, Orrin Hatch is calling for Bush to pardon Ted Stevens:
"Fair"? It's not exactly how I would view such an act. But the Wall Street Journal points out the great irony in this:
Of course, Dick Durbin is thinking of asking Bush to commute George Ryan's prison term, so I guess anything goes in politics.
“He has served this country for over 50 years. I think most anybody would probably say, ‘Yeah, he should be [pardoned].’ I think most anybody would say it’s fair to say that.”
"Fair"? It's not exactly how I would view such an act. But the Wall Street Journal points out the great irony in this:
Part of Stevens’s problem, it seems is that he continues to proclaim his innocence — meaning that he would be asking for a pardon for something he says he didn’t do. “If you pardon someone, you’re assuming he’s guilty,” said Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). “And he maintains his innocence.”
Of course, Dick Durbin is thinking of asking Bush to commute George Ryan's prison term, so I guess anything goes in politics.
Morning Update--Politics as a Distraction
On the whole, it's a somber day. It was a tragic weekend for Sassy writers and readers, with some shocking, sad family news. Yet another reason to be thankful for our little community--we all have good people to lean on. For now, let's just keep Ilsa and her family, as well as reader Jane and her family, in our thoughts and prayers.
Professionally, my industry is headed for a rough day. My organization is reorganizing, but thankfully, my job is safe. I can't say that for all of my colleagues, some of whom I will watch walk out the door today. As bad as it is here, it's worse for my old company.
With all this real, heavy stuff going on, a distraction is in order. So, on to our politico-nerd gossip.
Much to Bridget's chagrin, our favorite self-proclaimed "prankster" is being nominated as Commerce Secretary.
Bad news out of Georgia, as the repulsive Saxby Chambliss maintained his seat. Desperately, the Repugs are claiming this run-off win in an election that should have been a landslide on Nov. 4 as a momentum changer.
The U.S. attorneys scandal is actually regaining momentum as the prosecutor assigned to the case has been very active. In what is hopefully an omen, Alberto Gonzales's old chief of staff has taken a leave of absence from his law firm.
Meanwhile, W. continues to do damage. His latest move was to deny collective bargaining rights to 8,600 federal law enforcement officials. The Washington Monthly concludes that now that he no longer has to worry about being re-elected, W.'s showing his true colors with all of these awful regs and EOs.
He's also busy trying to save his "legacy." In an interview with Charles Gibson, he sort of admitted that Iraq was a mistake, but he's pinning the blame on an "intelligence failure." No mention of the fact that the intelligence that failed was the stuff he commissioned because he didn't like the official CIA and State Dept. intelligence. The Bushies have also initiated a "Bush legacy project" to try to save his name. Luckily, it's being led by Rove and Karen Hughes, who's last efforts at image-saving--ours in the Arab world--failed miserably.
Thankfully, we only have a month and a half until Barack's inauguration.
Professionally, my industry is headed for a rough day. My organization is reorganizing, but thankfully, my job is safe. I can't say that for all of my colleagues, some of whom I will watch walk out the door today. As bad as it is here, it's worse for my old company.
With all this real, heavy stuff going on, a distraction is in order. So, on to our politico-nerd gossip.
Much to Bridget's chagrin, our favorite self-proclaimed "prankster" is being nominated as Commerce Secretary.
Bad news out of Georgia, as the repulsive Saxby Chambliss maintained his seat. Desperately, the Repugs are claiming this run-off win in an election that should have been a landslide on Nov. 4 as a momentum changer.
The U.S. attorneys scandal is actually regaining momentum as the prosecutor assigned to the case has been very active. In what is hopefully an omen, Alberto Gonzales's old chief of staff has taken a leave of absence from his law firm.
Meanwhile, W. continues to do damage. His latest move was to deny collective bargaining rights to 8,600 federal law enforcement officials. The Washington Monthly concludes that now that he no longer has to worry about being re-elected, W.'s showing his true colors with all of these awful regs and EOs.
He's also busy trying to save his "legacy." In an interview with Charles Gibson, he sort of admitted that Iraq was a mistake, but he's pinning the blame on an "intelligence failure." No mention of the fact that the intelligence that failed was the stuff he commissioned because he didn't like the official CIA and State Dept. intelligence. The Bushies have also initiated a "Bush legacy project" to try to save his name. Luckily, it's being led by Rove and Karen Hughes, who's last efforts at image-saving--ours in the Arab world--failed miserably.
Thankfully, we only have a month and a half until Barack's inauguration.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Mid-afternoon Update
David Gregory to moderate Meet the Press. This makes me happy. Also, Brokaw will interview Obama this weekend.
Auto industry CEOs agree to cut their annual salaries to $1 a year, but only if they get bailed out. Which doesn't make sense to me, they're laying off workers like crazy --why not take the cut now?
New open senate seat for 2010. The news just gets better and better.
A very compelling case against the Holder nomination from Richard Cohen (who I don't usually care for).
"But the pardon cannot be excepted. It suggests that Holder, whatever his other qualifications, could not say no to power."
And, oh yeah, HRC is the new secretary of State. An interesting historical perspective on the position. Also, here's a very good piece on how Obama and Clinton line up on foreign policy (hint: a lot)
Today is the Senate runoff in Georgia. Think good thoughts!
Auto industry CEOs agree to cut their annual salaries to $1 a year, but only if they get bailed out. Which doesn't make sense to me, they're laying off workers like crazy --why not take the cut now?
New open senate seat for 2010. The news just gets better and better.
A very compelling case against the Holder nomination from Richard Cohen (who I don't usually care for).
"But the pardon cannot be excepted. It suggests that Holder, whatever his other qualifications, could not say no to power."
And, oh yeah, HRC is the new secretary of State. An interesting historical perspective on the position. Also, here's a very good piece on how Obama and Clinton line up on foreign policy (hint: a lot)
Today is the Senate runoff in Georgia. Think good thoughts!
Monday, December 1, 2008
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