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Blagogate and Obama: A List of Open Questions
Let's see if the mainstream media ever gets around to demanding answers.
First, what about the Service Employees International Union? According to the criminal complaint, a high-ranking SEIU official, later reported to be Tom Balanoff, spoke directly with Blago at least twice about a deal. The idea was simple: a labor-friendly senator for a plum spot at a union organization for Blago. The Obama team’s summary indicates Balanoff did in fact talk to Valerie Jarrett.
The questions abound. Was Balanoff taking action in furtherance of a conspiracy to sell the Senate seat? Although the Obama summary says that Balanoff and Jarrett “discounted” the notion of a cabinet spot for Blago, we don’t know if Balanoff was simultaneously working to get Blago a cushy union job. Moreover, why was the SEIU the go-to labor group to begin with? These queries necessitate some answers.
Second, what’s the story with Valerie Jarrett? She was the president-elect’s preferred Senate candidate, and then not. Did she catch wind of a deal? The summary says no, but the switch from frontrunner to “not interested” was abrupt to say the least. Jarrett needs to make herself available and answer questions from the press.
Third, what did the president-elect mean in his initial comments on Blago-gate that he had no idea “what was happening”? His own summary acknowledges that he had declared he “had no contact with the Governor’s office.” But that’s not really right, is it? His broad denial seemed to suggest that any discussions about the seat were going on beyond his purview, but the summary suggests he was fully engaged in the list-making of the favored candidates. At the very least he was directing Emanuel on what names to relay and listening to the responses. (Or was the president-elect initially speaking loosely and meant only to indicate that he didn’t know “what was happening” in the sense of being ignorant that Blago had in mind a “sale” of the Senate seat?) President-elect Obama should take a break from the beach, make himself available for questioning, and, if he misspoke initially or was being a little too clever, fess up and put it behind him. There is nothing to indicate that the president-elect did anything illegal, but there’s plenty to suggest that he hedged and spun to exaggerate his distance from Blago. It’s not a crime to fudge the facts with the press and public – but it’s a bad habit that should be broken. Fast.
Fourth, who did Blago’s Advisor “B” identified in the criminal complaint talk to, if anyone, in the Obama transition team? It is not clear if Advisor B is any figure identified in the internal review. Advisor B was in the thick of the discussions, according to the criminal complaint, about a potential cabinet post or alternatively a cushy spot with a union organization for Blago. Did that person share the schemes with anyone on the transition team and, if so, did the latter either appeared interested, or alternatively, think to report the bribe-suggesting to the authorities? Or were there other middle-men who chimed in on the Senate seat — individuals whom the Obama team might not have suspected to be directly linked to Blago?
And fifth, what is really on the Blago-Emanuel tapes? The summary is vague at best. More than one list was presented to Blago’s chief of stafff, and it seems Emanuel got out in front of the president-elect in suggesting Jarrett was the preferred candidate. But should Emanuel have been tipped off that Blago was up to something? Was Emanuel checking to make sure the SEIU or other labor groups got the man/gal they wanted? We don’t know. And we lack any specifics from the calls to make a judgment. (It is noteworthy that the self-serving line that all Blago would get was “appreciation” is not in the summary.)
We, of course, don’t know the exact language and tenor of the recorded calls. But U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald does (or will after he finishes questioning all of his witnesses). Eventually all will be known by grand jurors, trial jurors, and the public at large. It behooves the Obama team to get out everything and answer all questions now, before drip by drip we learn that the contacts might be more problematic or numerous than reported. It is not simply a matter of avoiding legal liability, but of living up to their promises of transparency and preserving that rarest of commodities — trust.
The test now is really one for the MSM. Will they resume their role as adversarial inquisitor, and insist at each press conference that all questions on the topic be answered? Or will they accept the Obama team’s word as gospel — something they would surely never do for other administrations? There is plenty of work to be done and angles to pursue. After the holidays we’ll find out if the media has any intention of doing any of that.
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Jennifer Rubin is PJM's Washington, DC, editor. She also blogs at Commentary’s Contentions.
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70 Comments
1. David Thomson:I am compelled to defend Barack Obama and his top people regarding Blago-gate. At the most, someone likely took whatever the Illinois governor said with a huge grain of salt. Was Blago speaking tongue in cheek, or was he seriously trying to “sell” the U.S. senate seat? My guess is that the listener preferred to believe he was joking. There was just enough wiggle room to give Blago a pass. Republicans have every right to demand a full investigation. Nevertheless, we don’t want to willy-nilly take pot shots at the president-elect. Let’s instead go after substantial matters like the blatant fraud committed by Obama’s presidential campaign! Why get so upset with side issues? There’s little doubt in my mind that top officials of the John McCain campaign would have already been indicted if they disabled their website’s credit card address verifying detector.
Dec 23, 2008 - 11:59 pm 2. Lifeofthemind:It was almost amusing watching Margaret Warner and the NewsHour gang declare ex cathedra that they were satisfied and the story was over.
Dec 24, 2008 - 12:22 am 3. huxley:Good list of questions, but …. how in the world does it behoove the Obama team or the MSM to do anything other than say, “Move along, folks. Nothing to see here”?
Even if stuff comes out later, they will just keep saying it’s no big deal, a distraction from the weighty task of governing, and the pro-Obama supporters will check off on that.
“It’s not the crime; it’s the coverup” only applies to political parties with an “R” at the beginning.
Dec 24, 2008 - 12:23 am 4. vivo:Jennifer Rubin:
What a waste of time.
It’s Xmas time, for heavens sake!
Dec 24, 2008 - 3:35 am 5. Vaughn:Always remember, if their lips are moving, they are lying to us. This past week reminds me of O’s trip to see granny, before she died. No doubt that trip revolved around the birth certificate.
Dec 24, 2008 - 4:11 am 6. formwiz:This is an old Chicago tradition. I’m sure Capone had a similar report prepared for Eliot Ness.
What’s interesting is that Obambi, showing off his pecs (implants?) in the Aloha State, finally found a job he could entrust to Joe Biden.
Dec 24, 2008 - 4:33 am 7. Disgusted:The country elected a Chicago pol for President, and guess what, they got a Chicago Pol with all of his baggage (Chicago garbage) !!! To ignore this is to put the very foundation of the Republic at risk.
Dec 24, 2008 - 5:12 am 8. R a Z o R:formwiz,
finally found a job he could entrust to Joe
Biden .
________________________________________________
Hey , you just cann’t make this stuff up .
________________________________________________
It’s like when SNL said Obama is doing his
daughters . What else do you think they do
in Hawaii and Chicago ?
Dec 24, 2008 - 5:20 am 9. RedHeadedTexan:If you believe this BS, you will surely be interested in this nice bridge I have for sale. It’s disgusting to watch the MSM swallow the whitewash whole.
Dec 24, 2008 - 5:20 am 10. UncleVerbal:We’re told Emmanuel didn’t offer consideration for a Jarrett Senate appointment. But, was Emmanuel solicited to make an offer? If bribery was solicited, did Emmanuel have an obligation under the law to report the solicitation?
Dec 24, 2008 - 5:37 am 11. Bilgeman:vivo:
“What a waste of time.
It’s Xmas time, for heavens sake!”
No, chummie, it’s FITZMAS TIME!
Merry Fitzmas!
Dec 24, 2008 - 6:04 am 12. Chuck:Let us hope some intrepid young reporter decides to dig into this morass.
You will see the Obama administration crater before your very eyes.
Dec 24, 2008 - 6:14 am 13. quasar:What’s Tony “the baloney pony” Rezko gonna be singin’ about? We’ll have to wait n see how “boneheaded” BHO’s mistake turns out to be. Let’s see what we have so far: community organizer, million dollar plus mansion, convicted felon, wife’s cushy job, salary mysteriously doubled, drip…drip…drip. Who’s gonna connect the dots? Where’s Woodstein when we need ‘em (for those in Rio Linda, that’ll be Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein).
Dec 24, 2008 - 6:27 am 14. John Galt:T concern is the MSM double standard, but that’s been the main issue most of my adulthood. (I’m 50-something).
The most interesting issue here is ethics on the part of the Obama group. If they listened to Blago’s schemes, they were required to report him to the authorities. (Obama is an officer of the court. I do not know about Emanuel, but I have no doubt they have more lawyers than a hound has ticks). If they failed to do so, they are liable to face ethical charges from the ABA. (as if).
It’s not that big a deal, but no one in the MSM wants to ruin the rush of having the Black Lincoln inagurated, and another attempt at socialism started
They did their job. Now they want the payoff. OH, it’s so cool to be a condescending liberal twit!
Dec 24, 2008 - 6:28 am 15. jerryofva:David:
As an ex-pat Chicagoan I assure you that everybody on the Team Obama who had discussions with the Governor and his staff knew exactly what Blagojevich was getting at. My guess is that they shied away because the President doesn’t negotiate with the Governor like some subservient ward-healer. Besides, Emanuel is probably smart enough to stay away from things that can the prosecutor can nail him with. Blagojevich was so transparent that I could see Emanual thinking that Fitzgerald was setting him up.
No, the real story here is that Obama wasn’t going to pay the bribe but he certainly wasn’t going to run to the Feds with the story. You see, if nothing else, Obama is what is called a stand-up guy.
Dec 24, 2008 - 6:33 am 16. WR Jonas:The MSM are not just going along ,they are willing perpetrators. They are part of the same propaganda organization.
Dec 24, 2008 - 6:43 am 17. reno911:It is time the right attempts to wake up the rest of the nation to this cancer that metastasized a long time ago.
Witness the activities of the press and notice their objectives are fully in accord with the Democratic Party. They are one and the same . They are as surely wedded as the sun and the day.
We need to make Americans aware that their press is not imdependent but wholly in support and completely sympathetic to liberal Democrat politics. And that alliance is destroying us. We are about to become the Obamanation.
“After the holidays we’ll find out if the media has any intention of doing any of that.”
in⋅san⋅i⋅ty [in-san-i-tee] –noun, plural -ties.
Dec 24, 2008 - 7:15 am 18. Mwalimu Daudi:1. the condition of being insane; a derangement of the mind.
2. Law. such unsoundness of mind as affects legal responsibility or capacity.
3. Psychiatry. (formerly) psychosis.
4. extreme folly; senselessness; foolhardiness.
Origin:
1580–90; < L insānitās. See insanity
Why is everyone surprised by the press? This is what a government-run media is supposed to do – take orders from government officials and display loyalty to their boss.
Obama is a stand-up guy all right. Yesterday he and his underlings stood up and ordered his employees in the government-run media to write what his administration has commanded to be the Official Truth, and they meekly complied. This is merely a continuation of the proud tradition of Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and many other peoples’ democratic republics.
However, you can bet that the next Trig Palin conspiracy theory will receive the government-run media’s full and thorough attention. Did not AP just name Tina Fey their Entertainer of the Year? Now that’s serious investigative reporting!
Dec 24, 2008 - 7:28 am 19. misanthropicus:It is highly unusual to see a gigantic camel passing through a needle eye, yet since Obama appeared on the national scene, this has became a daily occurrence – and what’s even more unusual about it, is the fact that nobody notices the fact.
Dec 24, 2008 - 7:31 am 20. Randy:To speak about the daily pass in practices that media has been giving to Obama’s crew has become meaningless at this point in time – it looks like the Obama crew has granted a perpetual, blank indulgence for whatever they do, situation which clearly encourages them to go further and further in transgression.
Expect more -
What is further striking to me is that (on the local level at least) these are the same news organizations that fought vigorously to have a court to open Jack Ryan’s sealed divorce records (Ryan was Obama’s original Senate opponent in 2004) insisting that they were relevant to the election process. Now, they seemed to have lost interest in asking questions or insisting on answers.
Dec 24, 2008 - 7:34 am 21. zeezil:What happened to all that “transparency” that Obama promised all throughout his campaign? I thought he was a “new kind of politician”, at least that’s what he told us during every campaign appearance.
What we have here, up to this point, is Obama investigating Obama (and his staff). He’s in charge of his own investigation.
Dec 24, 2008 - 7:35 am 22. Roy:There are too many unanswered questions and the “report” from BHO’s team does not pass the smell test. It was released at 5pm (not 9am) on the day before Christmas Eve, with BHO and Rahmbo unavailable for questions, plus high-profile attorneys hired to “handle” this situation. Why?
Dec 24, 2008 - 7:40 am 23. Michael:It’s the Jeremiah Wright defense: Obama never heard Blago say anything. The MSM bought it once; they’ll buy it again.
Dec 24, 2008 - 7:41 am 24. David Thomson:“No, the real story here is that Obama wasn’t going to pay the bribe but he certainly wasn’t going to run to the Feds with the story.”
You could very well be right. I am simply urging caution—and allow the facts to come out. Republicans cannot afford to be perceived as nitpicking twits anxious to put someone in jail for going something like 55 1/4 miles per hour in a 55 mile speed zone. Also, what about my own point? Why aren’t more people demanding an investigation into Barack Obama’s credit card irregularities? This is truly a scandal of mind boggling proportions. And yet, I am currently a lonely voice in the wilderness. What’s up with that?
Dec 24, 2008 - 7:48 am 25. Mwalimu Daudi:David:
I think that you have missed the point. If the government-run media allows the Obama Administration to investigate – and exonerate – itself, they certainly won’t investigate the illegal fundraising the Obama campaign did.
And while it’s true that journalists are not on the government payroll (at least, until the media demands and receives a government bailout) they certainly act like paid government spokesmen. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck….
It will take people some time to realize it, but we will be living in a dictatorship as of January 20, 2009. And in a dictatorship the powers that be are protected by the press. In Minnesota we are already watching an election being stolen by the party in power, which is another feature of dictatorships.
Dec 24, 2008 - 8:13 am 26. Insufficiently Sensitive:It was almost amusing watching Margaret Warner and the NewsHour gang declare ex cathedra that they were satisfied and the story was over.
Our fearless and incorruptible MSM. It’s easy to hear Richard Nixon rolling over in his grave, laughing.
Dec 24, 2008 - 8:15 am 27. bill2008:David Thompson wrote: “I am simply urging caution—and allow the facts to come out. Republicans cannot afford to be perceived as nitpicking twits anxious to put someone in jail for going something like 55 1/4 miles per hour in a 55 mile speed zone.”
Your warning is too late David; desperate republicans have already been labeled as nitpickers and unsatisfied that the Republican Dictatorship could not remain in force for another 8 years. The fact is that under a Republican Administration we now have a larger National debt than all of the 42 presidents combined. Change is what we need. The net picking could not stop him on 4 November and it can not stop him now.
Dec 24, 2008 - 8:17 am 28. fidel33134:So, where are the telephone logs, the emails, the IMs? And WTF was up with Jarrett and the Union. Wouldnt it be nice if the press actually asked her some questions? She’s number 1 in line, there are talks about a three way with the union, which arent reported to authorities, and a couple of days later she’s going to be on the white house staff and has no interest? What did Rahm say to blago and his people concerning Rahms vacated congressional seat (which Blago also held at one point)? Very convenient that Rahm’s on vacation in Africa now.
The good news is that the FBI took statement from obama and his crew before they released the report. Will 2009 bring us the revenge of Scooter Libby?
Dec 24, 2008 - 8:28 am 29. Fred:Oh Jennifer – Remind us – wasn’t Libby charged with a national security violation? Something about outting a CIA agent? I keep looking for the charges against Obama – but i can’t find any! And it’s the SAME prosecutor! Maybe HE’s in on it as well…
Dec 24, 2008 - 8:40 am 30. hp:found it convenient that the only “reports”, meh, are coming from within obama’s campaign. that’s to laugh. ha.
and what about the image of obama nose-to-nose with blago, the one that was insinuated to have been taken after 11/04 and whose entire web file was, oh, no, yanked from the (official) illinois.gov website THE day after it was discovered by the internet?
Vaughn, i can’t help but get a sick, sinking feeling for his “granny” each time that topic comes up. donald young’s likewise timely, convenient end of life comes to mind for “no particular reason”. can’t help it.
ps this isn’t the same grandmother who claimed he was born in kenya, right?
pps vivo, just another day on the calendar, sweetie. just another day on the calendar.
Dec 24, 2008 - 8:43 am 31. john galt lives:my ass-the OSCUM fully intended to “take care of” Blago, they just told him to wait until Blago was out of office. Blago just doesnt want to wait. I guess he owes Rezkos “associates” something, and he needs the scratch now.
Dec 24, 2008 - 8:49 am 32. Jay:The president-elect is just that,he is not the sitting president and should be treated as the felon that he more than likely is. No one will ever convince 48% of this country that Obama is anything but a cheap Chicago hood. One look at Mr. Emanuel is enough to make your skin crawl unless you are blind and have no olfactory sense. That being said,they have the right to an attorney and the right to remain silent…blah blah blah.
Dec 24, 2008 - 8:50 am 33. misanthropicus:RE #24/David Thomson: [...] Why aren’t more people demanding an investigation into Barack Obama’s credit card irregularities? This is truly a scandal of mind boggling proportions. And yet, I am currently a lonely voice in the wilderness. What’s up with that? [...]”
David, you’re not alone in asking that question – the problem is that we’re facing an enormous and efficient reality management machine which cannot be defeated by individuals raising legitimate questions.
Dec 24, 2008 - 8:57 am 34. Bob:Fact is that Obama’s fund raising scheme and his abandoning electoral public funding is the gravest misery inflicted upon in this country in the past fifty years – it simply has opened a Pandora’s box of odious consequences, and the next electoral cycle will show the beginning of this.
“Don’t give me one million and promise you won’t tell anyone – give me two millions and tell everyone,” is the saying materialized by Obama example.
Obama, acclaimed by media, has legitimizated the completely, totally open power-for-money process – and the future looks very ugly.
David Thomson is right. This is not worth getting excited about, because we “ain’t seen nothing yet”. Wait’ll HE’S inaugurated. Mwalimu Doudi got it right; state run media in a soon-to-be third world nation. All the pieces are in place.
Expect along about March or so, that Obama will announce a bailout for the newpaper industry…while appointing appropriate media overseers. Next challenge will be to bring the Internet to heel. Then, with the permanent ruling party in place, it’s “Welcome to the world of state controlled information”.
Enjoy your freedoms while you can folks. They won’t last. Look to the Cuban model for our future.
Dec 24, 2008 - 9:09 am 35. Retep:Why is the media constantly lowering the bar for Obama?
Dec 24, 2008 - 9:10 am 36. Fred:Oh wait. I think we know why.
“One look at Mr. Emanuel is enough to make your skin crawl unless you are blind and have no olfactory sense. That being said,they have the right to an attorney and the right to remain silent…blah blah blah.”
I thought that only applies to folks actually charged with a crime – a minor inconvenience for the Hate Obama crowd.
“Why aren’t more people demanding an investigation into Barack Obama’s credit card irregularities? ”
because there’s nothing to investigate (the banks process credit card charges – not the campaign) – or better yet, perhaps – if your side would stick to a single meme – should we investigate the birth certificate? How about the Whitey tape. perhaps we should investigate the natural born citizen clause? How about his religion? is he a AMrxist tday or a felon or a marxist felon? Maybe he killed Vince Foster! Unfortunately, the right wing boobs have thrown so much mud, that legitimate complaints get lost. Jennifer Boobin is doing it here – conflating a traitor like Scooter Libby – convicted and reaffirmed on appeal – yet Obama – charged with nothing – implicated in nothing – cleared by the Prosecutor himself – somehow, he gets mentioned in the same sentence as a convicted felon and traitor…
and you guys wonder why Obama has sky high polling numbers?
because you’ve blown it once again…
Dec 24, 2008 - 9:18 am 37. Jim Lindgren:The Report released Tuesday does not disclose the only two contacts mentioned in the U.S. Attorney’s complaint and affidavit by which Blagojevich directed intermediaries to convey his corrupt bargain to the Obama camp.
Perhaps they occurred; perhaps they didn’t. Obama’s Report never says.
The Report discloses that Valerie Jarrett was informed of Blagojevich’s interest in a cabinet position, but is silent on whether she was informed of his desire for a lucrative job with a charity. Further, the Report is silent about whether Obama himself knew of Blagojevich’s interest in a cabinet or charitable job.
Obama’s Report does not purport to be a complete list of all the contacts between his staff and emissaries for Blagojevich, only of direct contacts between the two staffs, plus two specifically disclosed indirect contacts.
It mentions the contacts made by people who had not (at the time of the conversations) been directed to shake down Obama, but fails to mention the two contacts (if they occurred) by people who had (according to the Government’s affidavit) been recently directed to contact Obama staffers to discuss simultaneously the Senate seat and Blagojevich’s desire for a job.
It will be up to the press to find out from Obama whether the two corrupt contacts alleged in the affidavit to have been ordered by Blagojevich ever occurred and whether Obama learned before December that Blagojevich was seeking a job.
Dec 24, 2008 - 9:19 am 38. MikeD:Civil war is coming. It is just a matter of time and degree of disgust. Obama and his cohorts are filthy. So are the majority of the Dems. And the press keeps looking for the mistletoe attached to his belt. Deny the possibility of popular insurrection or lament it if you must but it is coming. And I suspect it will be a real blood bath.
Dec 24, 2008 - 9:30 am 39. Amadeus 48:I think everyone is still off the main issue–namely the insider “we don’t want nobody that nobody sent” political culture that thrives in Chicago. Before this is over, some people of high repute who are close to the President-elect are going to end up at best truly embarassed and at worst truly in trouble. The real point about Blagogate is the collateral damage it caused to Tony Rezko–US Atty Fitzgerald no longer needs him to go after Blago.
Dec 24, 2008 - 9:32 am 40. Cecil:Did anyone notice that Rezko’s sentencing, which had been scheduled for January, has now been indefinitely postponed? This means he is now singing like a canary to the Feds. They don’t need him for Blago, so now he is talking about other people. Anyone around here knows that if you wanted to get a real estate deal approved in this city, you needed to have a minority-owned partner–such as The Habitat Company–in your bid. Who are the principals of The Habitat Company? Well, Allison Davis is the founder, who was a name partner at the law firm that Obama worked at after law school, and–wait for it–Valerie Jarrett has been the CEO of The Habitat Company for the last several years. Tony Rezko knows all about how those deals were done because he did several of them. Why do you need The Habitat Company to do a housing deal in this city? Who tells you? What changes hands? What do you have to do to get approved? The story is there, and it is of a piece with the “what am I bid?” mores of our governor.
Nobody in the press is chasing this story, but there are some prominent people in this town that had better get their stories straight and had better tell the truth when they are interviewed by the FBI–because as Scooter Libby knows, Fitz believes it is a Federal crime to throw sand in the umpire’s eyes.
To be clear, I don’t think that the President-elect was more than an interested spectator in all of this, but some people very close to him–and who have always been out of reach– are going to feel the heat.
No, the MSM will not investigate after the Christmas holiday. They will prove once again, to be equal opportunists in their attempts to white-wash both White-trash and Black-trash, as well as that in between.
Dec 24, 2008 - 9:33 am 41. jerryofva:Fred, you said:
“because there’s nothing to investigate (the banks process credit card charges – not the campaign) – ”
Well Fred, the Banks’ only responsibility is to verify the financial instrument is valid and has the cash to pay the bill. It is not their job to determine whether the donation comes from a foreigner, a real person, or someone using a credit card to break campaign finance laws. It is the campaign’s job to follow the statute. Since it has been demonstrated that many illegal donations were made to the Obama campaign and that the campaign webmaster disabled the validation software aren’t you the least bit interested in finding out if a crime was committed? It might have been a conspiracy to steal money from the Obama campaign.
Dec 24, 2008 - 9:44 am 42. Fred:“Since it has been demonstrated that many illegal donations were made to the Obama campaign and that the campaign webmaster disabled the validation software aren’t you the least bit interested in finding out if a crime was committed? ”
All I saw demonstrated was that some folks frauduently donated money to Obama’s campaign using fake names. Obama’s campaign phony contributions were returned or rejected.
Dec 24, 2008 - 9:52 am 43. Casull454:The Obama transition team may have done nothing wrong, but they certainly have not done anything right either.
I’ll be watching to see if the Obama team and the SEIU reported the Governor’s overtures to the authorities.
Kudos to Jennifer Rubin for having the energy to put all this together during the holidays.
Dec 24, 2008 - 9:59 am 44. David:It’s better if Obama is completely innocent, that way you jerks can continue your constant spewing of bile and nutty conspiracy theories.
Jerks.
Dec 24, 2008 - 10:11 am 45. Chris:David T.,
“Also, what about my own point? Why aren’t more people demanding an investigation into Barack Obama’s credit card irregularities? This is truly a scandal of mind boggling proportions. And yet, I am currently a lonely voice in the wilderness. What’s up with that?”
You are not alone on that but the simple fact of the matter is that it’s up to the FEC whether or not to investigate. Guess who held up FEC appointments until Obama was coronated. That would be Harry Reid. That investigfation will never take place. What we have with Blago is an investigation underway. Serious ethical transgressions have taken place, at the least, on the part of O’s staff. What’s wrong with following the unraveling threads?
Fred,
“Oh Jennifer – Remind us – wasn’t Libby charged with a national security violation? Something about outting a CIA agent?”
Since you asked, the answer is no, he wasn’t charged with outing anyone. He was charged and convicted of having a different memory of events than Tim Russert. That’s a far cry from a NatSec violation. Nice try however. If you are truly interested in the person who “outed” the non-covert Plame, start by googling Richard Armitage.
Dec 24, 2008 - 10:17 am 46. 2cents:Many of you seem to have selective memories. All this talk about corruption and the media only reporting what they’re told to sounds eerily familiar to a time after we were attacked and the administration falsified intelligence reports which the msm spread as truth to justify an illegal war that we’re still waging. Hmmm…let’s see, which of these scenarios is more offensive to the dignity of our Republic? Blago has clearly done a despicable thing, but Obama and his team had nothing to do with. Get over it and keep fishing.
Dec 24, 2008 - 10:47 am 47. 24AheadDotCom:A list like this is worthless since the MSM will never ask BHO any real questions.
If this site wants to actually do something, encourage people to ask questions like those on video at BHO’s public appearances. He won’t be having townhall meetings, but he will be making the occasional public appearance.
Dec 24, 2008 - 10:51 am 48. geoffgo:#29 Fred
At least make an attempt to be factual. Libby was not charged with a national security violation, nor with “outing” Valarie Plame. He was convicted of perjury: lying to a federal prosecutor who knew exactly who actually outed Val, well before he started grilling the WH staff. In the middle of a war. And, the responsible party was never charged with outing Val, because she wasn’t outable, having been retired to desk duty looooong ago.
My issue with this process is I seriously question the timing of Fitzma’s indictment, and his motives, and his “showboating.” Clearly, if he’d waited a few more weeks, there would have been a lot more teeth to the charges, and a lot more questions to be asked of a lot more incoming-adminstration staffers…perhaps a Democrat-appointment for Senator that the Democrats would have to reject, based on then public knowledge. Plus, they would have had Blogo cold.
Victoria Tsensing (former Fed prosecutor) maintains that the case as presented isn’t very strong; ie, nothing had yet transpired, so it’s all about proving there was a conspiracy – much harder to do. His own Statehouse is having difficulty getting rid of him on the sealed and yet-to-be-proven declarations in the indictment. It’s all hearsay at this point, and it has certainly tainted the jury pool, if it ever gets to trial; given Fitzma’s public declarations AND those of the FBI SAC. Sure gave all those peripherally-involved, a chance to run for cover and get their stories straighter, no?
OTOH, if Fitz had waited and things had followed the political habits typical of Chicago (and probably elsewhere like filling vacated NY state Senate seats), then the potential damage to the O team could have reached epic proportions (read immediate impeachable levels).
Fitzgerald isn’t required to explain his rationale/timing of this indictment to anyone. The grand jury transcripts are sealed.
Yes, he’s a junkyard dog type of prosecutor, but what’s his real agenda? The public will never get to hear the tapes or read the transcripts of his team discussing the issues.
Dec 24, 2008 - 11:01 am 49. alanmarv:Wait, what type of shoes was Obama wearing when he met Rahm Emmanuel? Was he wearing a tie? Did he say to Emmanuel, “Tell the Governor who we are interested in” or did he say “Advice the Governor who we are interested in” for the Senate.
YOu people have nothing to write about! But as long as you can say the words “Obama” in the same sentence as “scandal”, you will just keep doing this. You know, “Obama questioned by the Prosecutor about the Blago scandal”. Like there is something sinister here. DO YOU HAVE ANY EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT OBAMA OR HIS STAFF DID ANYTHING WRONG HERE? Not that you need to know more, not “well, what if he said this to the Governor”. ANYTHING? Until you do write something you know something about, like the weather outside now.
Dec 24, 2008 - 11:04 am 50. zanne:Happy Holidays alanmarv. I hope OBAMA sends you the rainbows and unicorns he promised you. Which will keep you occupied and you won’t need to comment on sites you find so disgusting.
Dec 24, 2008 - 11:40 am 51. Rubicon:The litany of questions for Obama, his staff members, the Democrat machine in Chicago, the national Democrats, and yes, even the complicit & fawning media allies who have allowed such despicable activities to occur with almost no mention, are so numerous and would require such investigating, that Obama would spend his entire term answering them.
Dec 24, 2008 - 12:02 pm 52. bill2008:But lets all be realistic. The “media” will NOT ask most of these questions. In fact, the media will ask questions that will permit & even enable those hiding the truth, to distort, deflect, and dissemble the truth & facts on this subject or any of the other too numerous to mention scandals that have been obscured by the media.
Its no longer journalism folks. It has now become “propagandism.” If you are Democrat, a European, an academic, a wealthy, or any other form of a socialist or representative or supporter of the Democrat party…. have no fear. The nations so-called “journalists” will do all they can to provide cover for you & viciously vilify anyone conservative, Republican, Christian, in their cause to promote the installation of socialism in America. Hitler’s people did the same snow job on Germans when the National Socialists told the German people they would make the government do for them once in power. Too bad the German people did not realize what they had to give up to have that government, “do for them.” Then again, it may also be too bad for America that many do not realize what they will have to give up for the Democrats to “do for them.” (Barack apparently is expected to pay the mortgage & put gas in the tank of all of us, according to one woman. Now how pathetic is that!?!)
No folks, just like Barack did his own investigation of the Blago scandal & told reporters there was no news here, just move on, our media in America will ask soft ball questions & drop the subject. No news here folks, just move on!
“alanmarv:
Wait, what type of shoes was Obama wearing when he met Rahm Emmanuel? Was he wearing a tie? Did he say to Emmanuel, “Tell the Governor who we are interested in” or did he say “Advice the Governor who we are interested in” for the Senate.”
Geez Alan, you do an excellent desperate republican impression. These questions of your are right on target to prove Obama is guilty of NOTHING! This whole thread is absolutely amazing. I would have never dreamed there were people out there that could be so hipocritical in light of the horendous damage the current administration has managed to perpetrate in the past 8 years. I guess they are afraid to go after something that really has some substance and are more comfortable nit picking something that has nothing to do with fixing the REAL problems of America.
Dec 24, 2008 - 12:22 pm 53. Ann:Waitin’ for my free stuff. Anybody have a copy of the schedule?
What I am NOT waiting for is any “journalist” to ask pointed questions of the anointed one. Get a life, Jennifer. Ain’t gonna happen.
If you want to be a journalist (as opposed to a “journalist”, get a couple of your friends together and go start digging. The story is worth the effort, but waiting for someone in the media to do it sure isn’t worth the time.
Dec 24, 2008 - 12:25 pm 54. bill2008:Ann, doesn’t it amaze you how the right can be so selfish as to care more about looking for nit picking dirty laundry, rather than supporting the president elect, and helping him to come up with solutins to unravel and repair the multitude of problems that the past eight years has bestowed on America? Is this an example of how conservatives are supposed to act when things don’t go their way? Do we treat our Country and its ellectorate like sore losers at a football game? It is sad to read these postings by people who call themselves patriots and citizens.
Dec 24, 2008 - 2:00 pm 55. Lauren:Everyone in the MSM needs to be taking their queues from Ms. Rubin. She is spot on in this post as she is every other time. I’m so glad I found her this political season!
Dec 24, 2008 - 2:09 pm 56. Diogenes:Would someone please, please, PLEASE tell me why the press is so in the pocket of Mr. Obama and the Democrats? Dems can do no wrong, Republicans can do no right. Haven’t they seen what happens to the “free” press in Socialistic/Communistic countries? I guess they think it will be different for them. Right.
Dec 24, 2008 - 2:20 pm 57. LesG:#48 Geoffgo
“My issue with this process is I seriously question the timing of Fitzma’s indictment, and his motives, and his “showboating.” Clearly, if he’d waited a few more weeks, there would have been a lot more teeth to the charges, and a lot more questions to be asked of a lot more incoming-adminstration staffers…perhaps a Democrat-appointment for Senator that the Democrats would have to reject, based on then public knowledge. Plus, they would have had Blogo cold.”
I suspect Fitzgerald’s office has a mole. That’s why this whole thing went public so soon. Someone ought to look into the leaks that went to BHO’s goons.
Dec 24, 2008 - 2:21 pm 58. Self-hating Boomer:This is bloody brilliant. If Cheney were only as smart as The One, he would have commissioned an internal investigation into the Plame affair, found everything hunky-dorey, and the press would have declared the matter closed. Right?
Dec 24, 2008 - 3:22 pm 59. Bayo:What’s so brilliant about all of this is how the press wants to keep it alive. Theres nothing there, so get over it. The sad thing is they would never will. Bush/Cheney was in there faces for years, committing all sorts of corruption and what did the media do, hid the media is cowardly!!! Now they want to show there boldness with Obama, but guess what they haven’t and won’t win, he is too smart to play there games….
Dec 24, 2008 - 4:01 pm 60. merry:Blago is a red herring. Spotlight hot rod so the other thugs can safari in Africa to kill the kenyan birth certificate and take an obscenely expensive hawaiian vacation to buy a really good fake birth certificate from the friendly hawaii dept. of vital statistics.
Under two weeks until Congress meets in joint session to count or NOT COUNT the electoral college votes state by state. Rumor has it there are a few good representatives/senators who will challenge the vote for any unqualified candidate. Better have the troops on high alert January 6 at one p.m.
Dec 25, 2008 - 10:50 am 61. misanthropicus:Lani’s line (based upon some bitter experience) was: “… tell it early, tell it completely, tell it…”?
In the Hope-we-can-believe-in case, this wise PR adage has changed to: “Tell it late, tell it at the end of the news cycle, tell it by e-mail, don’t leave any open channel for follow-ups, do it with your crew scattered in Auckland New Zealand, Kandahar, Afghanistan, Ushuhaia, Argentina and Magnitogorsk, Russia, no contact available, and do it right before before Christmas while spreading your dead grandmother’s ashes in the Ocean – this is not a moment for trivial questions, folks.
My Adobe photoshop, a pretty sophisticated program otherwise, can’t deal with this kind of transparency.
Dec 25, 2008 - 1:03 pm 62. myth buster:Help! Clueless in transparency matters in Calif.
We do need change in this country, but not the change Obama promises. He only promises change for the worse. We need a real reformer: Huckabee, Palin, and/or Jindal (take them in order and we can have all three).
Dec 25, 2008 - 7:26 pm 63. Helen:alanmarv: Are you BLIND or just BRAIN DEAD? The life of Obama is RED from beginning ’til now. His grandparents, mother, father, step-father, cousin in Kenya, mentors in Hawaii & Chicago were & are still COMMIES!! Has he ever held an actual job?? It looks like his whole life has been bought & paid for by REDS & MUSLIM terrorist supporters, charitable funds & taxpayer dollars. His books, or at least the first one, was ghost written by the unrepentent terrorist, Bill Ayers.
Dec 26, 2008 - 1:19 am 64. quasar:It was declared by all involved that Axelrod “mispoke” when he said that BHO has been in contact with Blago. To mispeak implies that the speaker meant to say something else. Was it ever determined what the speaker meant to say?
Dec 26, 2008 - 6:09 am 65. CHKlaver:Fitzgerald is renewing his interest in the Rezko/Obama house deal. Seems Rezko’s lawyer has been receiving the property tax bills and paying them. So there is definitely more on the horizon.
The thing is that there are so many inconsistencies and LACK OF TRANSPARENCY on so many issues in regards to Obama — Rezko housing deal, Blagogate, Ayers admitting on TV that he is a close personal friend of the Obamas, Michelle’s connections and associations, lack of a vault birth certificate, lack of access to any published records regarding Obama’s college and law school attendance, ghost writer of Obama’s book, nearly a 1/2 billion of unaccounted for credit card campaign donations, huge numbers of fraudulent charges by Obama’s campaign, LA Times refusal to release a tape they admitted to having in their article, political campaigning for Odinga who wants to impose Sharia law in Kenya, meeting with Hamas and the use of Al Qasa terrorist guards when visiting Israel, etc. — that one gets dizzy just listing them.
Face it Fred, Obama is so opaque that you Obama supporters are now choking on the cloud of his lack of ethics. At least, this Liberal finally woke up to the politician who is above politics.
Dec 26, 2008 - 3:27 pm 66. CHKlaver:Merry #60, somewhat agree. Rev. Warren IS the red herring though.
Dec 26, 2008 - 3:31 pm 67. Steven Lee:Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Ms. Rubin. I replied to your e-mail but it bounced back. Would you send me another message? You can send me a message via our Contact Page: http://thenewrepublicans.net/?page_id=59
Thanks.
Dec 26, 2008 - 7:23 pm 68. kevin c:#63 hel-likely both-ALLEN MERV is just another SOROS-paid SHILL, merely invading chat rooms to spread his HATE AMERICA PROPAGANDA. Any bets SOROS doesnt have someone in FITZS office leaking info to COMMIE GEORGE?
Dec 27, 2008 - 7:52 am 69. tanarg:The following is short and sweet. I wrote it and sent it to my senators and my representative, as well as every Republican senator. Please feel free to adapt it to your own preferences.
Dear (Name of Senator or Representative):
As of today, December 27, 2008, no legal authority in the United States has publicly stated that Barack Obama meets the constitutional requirement of being a natural born citizen.
Many Americans will not accept that a man will be inaugurated as president who has not been shown to meet the constitutional requirements for that office.
I expect you, as a defender of truth and decency, to take action on January 8, 2009 to establish once and for all whether Barack Obama is legally qualified to be president.
Sincerely,
Dec 27, 2008 - 5:23 pm 70. Tony:And to all, remember the words of the immortal Dem Slick Willie: “Obama’s a Chicago Thug”.
Dec 29, 2008 - 7:35 am