Worm Mulls A Turn?
AP examines the Obama-Blago links, allows it could be a problem. Could the worm be mulling a turn? Nah … AP analysis does a considerable whitewash on their past association/mutual support, neglects to mention the Rezko house thing, raises questions and then tweaks the GOP for doing the same. I guess that we can call that a worm not turned. via Yahoo:
WASHINGTON – President-elect Barack Obama hasn’t even stepped into office and already a scandal — not of his own making — is threatening to dog him.
Obama isn’t accused of anything. But the fact that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a fellow Democrat, has been charged with trying to sell Obama’s now-vacant Senate post gives political opponents an opening to criticize him. A slew of questions remain. The investigation is still under way. And the ultimate impact on Obama is far from certain.
… Obama wouldn’t answer a question on whether he was aware of any conversations between the governor and his top aides, including incoming White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel. “It’s an ongoing investigation,” Obama said. “I think it would be inappropriate for me to … remark on the situation beyond the facts that I know.”
There’s Republican pouncing.
Republicans pounced nonetheless.
“The serious nature of the crimes listed by federal prosecutors raises questions about the interaction with Gov. Blagojevich, President-elect Obama and other high ranking officials who will be working for the future president,” said Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia, the new GOP House whip.
Added Robert M. “Mike” Duncan, chairman of the Republican National Committee, “President-elect Barack Obama’s comments on the matter are insufficient at best.”
I’m pretty sure AP just said the same thing. Sounds a little more like AP’s pouncing.
Obama’s circle of major Illinois political allies and supporters is largely separate from Blagojevich’s, with two major exceptions. Both Obama and Blagojevich got extensive money and support from Chicago businessman Antoin “Tony” Rezko, who is awaiting sentencing after being convicted in June on charges of using clout with Blagojevich’s administration to help launch a $7 million kickback scheme. And Obama is close to Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, who has been the governor’s staunchest legislative ally.
At least one top aide to Obama, Michael Strautmanis, previously worked for Blagojevich. Obama has appointed Strautmanis to serve in a top post in the White House. The Chicago native was legislative director and counsel to Blagojevich when the governor was a member of Congress and then helped Blagojevich win the governorship in 2002. There is no indication that Strautmanis is involved in the case.
More details on the case could be forthcoming.
I have no doubt. Meanwhile, see below for the roundup of of some details the AP analysis missed.
Related, Malkin on the Dem culture of corruption. I wouldn’t say they exactly got a lock on it, but the lifting of this particular rock at this particular point in history promises to reveal some fat nightcrawlers.
Gateway’s got Change You Can Believe In. A change of story, facts.
Hot Air joins in the conservative pouncefest.
Instapundit’s got your Blago-polling fun.
Posted by Jules Crittenden at 10:56 am on Wednesday, December 10, 2008
3 Responses to “Worm Mulls A Turn?”
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December 10th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
The MSM will cover for Obama, no matter what, because to do otherwise is to admit they were gullible fools.
December 10th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
The MSM will only go s far to cover for Obama. When the momentum builds they will turn on him like a pack of wolves. They need to sell soapsuds and beer. What sells better than a good scandal at the top? Remember Clinton? Once the story broke on Drudge they were all after it like stink on doo-doo.
December 11th, 2008 at 10:20 am
“Obama’s circle of major Illinois political allies and supporters is largely separate from Blagojevich’s…”
How about Obama endorsing and campaigning for Blagojevich? Is that circular enough?
Meanwhile, the Emil Jones connection is far, far from minor.