Who Killed the Combustion Car?
Wouldn't you know it? Along with all those union-busting Republicans who are intent on killing the American auto industry, Dick Cheney bears responsibility for dooming the bridge loan bill in Congress.
Jesse Jackson Jr's Dad Gets a Lawyer, Too
Jesse Jackson Jr. is not the only one who lawyered up since Blago was arrested on Tuesday. His father did so too.
Withdrawing Jarrett's Candidacy as an F-U to Blagojevich
The WSJ notices something I pointed out Tuesday. There was a two-hour meeting on November 10 at which Blago's team tried to concoct a way to get Obama's team to give something of value in exchange for Valerie Jarrett's appointment to replace Obama as Senator, closely followed by Jarrett's withdrawal from consideration. What the WSJ misses, though, is that there's pretty clear evidence that Obama refused to deal with Blago.
Jesse Jackson Jr. Met Blagojevich in the Latter's Office: Were They Taped?
What do you think the chances are that the meeting between Jesse Jackson Jr. and Rod Blagojevich was taped on Monday?
The First Jesse Jackson Jr-Related Blagojevich Contact Was Before October 31
Fitzgerald's chronology of Blagojevich's discussions relating to Jesse Jackson Jr. are not entirely clear. It appears, at first glance, that those discussions all took place in December, in the last week or so. But that's not right. The first Blago reference Fitz records occurred on October 31, four days before the election.
Blagojevich's SEIU Contact NOT Andy Stern
My NPR station reported earlier today that the SEIU contact that Blagojevich spoke with--referenced in the complaint--was not Andy Stern. NPR said it was Tom Balinoff, President of SEIU Local 1.
A senior advisor to the SEIU has confirmed to me that the contact in the complaint is not Stern, though he could not confirm that it was Balinoff.
The SEIU advisor also told me that SEIU proactively contacted Fitzgerald's office.
I guess all
Weeds, For Mark Ambinder
I'm not so sure that Fitz hasn't asked Obama to be quiet about any discussions about his replacement. Particularly as those discussions relate to Rahm.
Jesse Jackson Jr. Press Conference
Short version: Jackson uses this as a campaign commercial, he makes a narrow denial about the conversations of his supporters with Blago, and he refuses to take questions.
Next Blagojevich Shoe to Drop: the Deputy Governor
Gosh. Deputy Governor gets named a bunch of times in a criminal complaint yesterday. And a Deputy Governor resigns today. You think there's a connection?
Will Having the Name "Jesse Jackson" Associated with Blagojevich...
Will having the name "Jesse Jackson" associated with Blagojevich further inflame those nutters trying to tie Obama to Blago, or will it give them a favorite lefty dynasty to devour and in so doing stave their hunger for a scandal larger than it is? Unfortunately, I'm guessing it's the former...
What Fitzgerald Is Hiding in His Blagojevich Complaint
Often, Pat Fitz says as much by his silence in indictments as he does by what he says directly.
The Wrestling Match over the Auto Bailout
The auto bridge loan is by no means a done deal. Here's why.
Axelrod: Obama Wouldn't Even TALK to that Corrupt Guy
Last month, David Axelrod told reporters that Obama had talked to Blago about his replacement in the Senate.
The transition team just sent out a statement saying that is incorrect.
I was mistaken when I told an interviewer last month that the President-elect has spoken directly to Governor Blagojevich about the Senate vacancy.
Rahm Almost Certainly Didn't Bust Blagojevich
Earlier today Rahm claimed credit for busing Blago (he has now released a statment saying the earlier leak was wrong). The timing on Rahms' involvement always suggested the Senate seat sale came late on the wiretaps. But what WAS Rahm's involvement?
Statement from SEIU Suggests Fitz Talked with SEIU
I take something different from SEIU's statement on their involvement in Blago's corruption. I take it to mean that Fitz has spoken with them, and told them there's nothing there, at least not in what he's seen so far.
Did Tribune Employees Tip Zell about the Wiretaps?
In addition to attempting to put Obama's senate seat on e-bay, Governor Blagojovich has also allegedly been trying to leverage assistance for the sale of the Chicago Cubs for better coverage in the Chicago Tribune.
Sam Zell was apparently trying to stave off putting the Tribune Company in bankruptcy by selling Wrigley Field.
Press Conference of Fitz Blago Liveblog
Liveblog of Fitz' press conference on the Blago indictment.
Hysteria over a $15 Billion Loan, But Not $285 Billion in Takeovers?
The NYT continues its really crappy reporting on the auto bridge. In this installment, David Sanger has a fit over the "nationalization" of the auto industry. Funny, he was okay with the nationalization of a bunch of finance companies.
The (Draft) Auto Bridge Loan Plan
My quick read of what's in the draft plan.
Drowning Duck Begs for Life Preserver
Some thoughts on why Obama's refusing to help Bush get the second half of the bailout money passed.