Wash. Times headline baselessly claims "Scandal casts cloud over Obama presidency"
SUMMARY: The headline of a Washington Times article about the implications of the charges against Gov. Rod Blagojevich baselessly asserted: "Scandal casts cloud over Obama presidency." In fact, the article itself noted that "[a]uthorities stressed that Mr. Obama was not involved in the far-flung corruption probe" and that U.S. attorney Patrick Fitzgerald "told reporters, '[t]he complaint makes no allegations about the president-elect whatsoever.' "
The headline of a December 10 Washington Times article about the implications of the charges against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) baselessly asserted: "Scandal casts cloud over Obama presidency." In fact, the article itself noted that "[a]uthorities stressed that Mr. Obama was not involved in the far-flung corruption probe" and that U.S. attorney Patrick Fitzgerald "told reporters, '[t]he complaint makes no allegations about the president-elect whatsoever.' "
Indeed, in addition to stating that the complaint "makes no allegations about [Obama]," during a December 9 press conference announcing the charges against Blagojevich, Fitzgerald cautioned the press to "not cast aspersions on people for being named or being discussed or if you learn they're being interviewed."
From the December 10 Washington Times article:
Scandal casts cloud over Obama presidency
"I'm from Chicago," Barack Obama used to tell voters wondering whether he was tough enough to win the presidency, drawing laughs for referring to rough-and-tumble - and often corrupt - politics in his hometown.
But the arrest of Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich on charges of trying to sell Mr. Obama's vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder is probably not what the president-elect had in mind.
Authorities stressed that Mr. Obama was not involved in the far-flung corruption probe, but a 76-page FBI affidavit mentions a top Obama adviser who will be a senior White House staffer, a prominent labor union that worked for his candidacy, convicted felon and former Obama fundraiser Tony Rezko, and Washington-based consultants.
Within hours, lawmakers from both parties were calling for Mr. Blagojevich's resignation and Republicans were trying to exploit the scandal by demanding that Mr. Obama offer more details about his relationship with the disgraced governor.
"We're at an all-time low in our state," said Rep. Bobby L. Rush, Illinois Democrat.
The Illinois legislature was expected to call for a special election to fill the vacant Senate seat, a move that drew praise from some but which Mr. Rush said would put black candidates at a disadvantage.
Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia, the No. 2 Republican in the House as minority whip, called on Mr. Obama to offer a clear statement right away about the investigation.
"The serious nature of the crimes listed by federal prosecutors raises questions about the interaction with Governor Blagojevich, President-elect Obama and other high-ranking officials who will be working for the future president," he said. "Simply put, I ask President-elect Obama to publicly explain tomorrow exactly what steps he is going to take to ensure that the forthcoming investigation is independent, fair, open and honest. Those planning to work for President-elect Obama should be as forthcoming."
Democrats who had been reveling in their presidential victory were suffering political heartburn Tuesday as the federal corruption charges detailed expletive-laden conversations and Mr. Blagojevich cursing the president-elect.
[...]
Mr. Obama told reporters he had no knowledge of the goings-on in the governor's office, and authorities said the person they identified as Senate Candidate 1, thought to be transition co-chairwoman Valerie Jarrett, had done nothing wrong.
The president-elect said he was "saddened and sobered" by the news but that it was not appropriate for him to comment on an ongoing investigation.
"I had no contact with the governor or his office and so we were not, I was not aware of what was happening," he told reporters in his only public remarks about the matter.
But Obama top adviser David Axelrod last month told Fox News that Mr. Obama had spoken with Mr. Blagojevich. Mr. Axelrod released a statement Tuesday saying he was incorrect, adding that "they did not then or at any time discuss" the Senate vacancy.
[...]
Mr. Fitzgerald told reporters, "The complaint makes no allegations about the president-elect whatsoever," and said the "scheme" Mr. Blagojevich envisioned "did not come to fruition."
This would have merit if it were true, since it is not true it is typical GOP talking points.
What is the typical GOP Talking point? That there is corruption again in Illinois where Obama is from and grew up politically? he comes from that corrupt Chicago machine.
Michael Dukakis said it best in 88 in regard to Reagan and corruption and Iran contra
Michael Dukakis: "Well there's an old Greek saying, 'the fish rots from the head first...'"
-- CBS Evening News, July 30.
Could the same be applied to Obama?
>>What is the typical GOP Talking point? That there is corruption again in Illinois where Obama is from and grew up politically? he comes from that corrupt Chicago machine.
And too bad for feepers like you, Obama had nothing to do with it. Bagojevlich is on tape cursing Obama for not playing along, and Fitzgerald, you know, the guy who has heard all the tapes and knows all the evidence, says Obama is not involved. Facts do have a liberal bias, don't they?
I do not belive for a second Obama was involved in this however he comes from that corrupt machine.
>>I do not belive for a second Obama was involved in this however he comes from that corrupt machine.
That is a completely meaningless statement, designed on the one hand to accomodate the uncomfortable fact that Obama bearts no guilt, but on the other, to implicate him anyway.
Not at all Obama is not targeted. Sorry if you want to deny something Hillary Clinton brought up in the primaries though, that he is from Chicago city of corruption.
>>Not at all Obama is not targeted. Sorry if you want to deny something Hillary Clinton brought up in the primaries though, that he is from Chicago city of corruption.
Try making sense, will you? If you are implying that because Hillary stated something, it is true, that is yet another meaningless, and even sillier statement.
Try having an open mind and get out of the partisan colored glasses.
>>Try having an open mind and get out of the partisan colored glasses.
Try making a least onen post that makes sense.
Got it , that means you are unable to debate so you act like a child. Sorry I do not play with children.
>>Got it , that means you are unable to debate so you act like a child. Sorry I do not play with children.
Really? After having refuted your first point and your logic, you accuse me of wearing partisan glasses, a comment that is just a silly taunt. Oh, and do you know the fallacy of reasoning by anology that you made in your first post?
You really are a moron? do you not read?
>>You really are a moron? do you not read?
This is funny. You accuse me of not being able to debate, but in the process of debating you make meaningless statement and then end with an insult. But the funny part is that down below you say I am too intense and that you yourself have an open mind.
You are just a freeper looking for an argument; that much is clear.
"Senator Obama has some questions to answer about his dealings with one of his biggest contributors, Exelon - apparently he cut some deals behind closed doors to prevent them from full disclosure," Clinton said. "We still don't have answers about Senator Obama and his dealings with Mr. Rezko."
Obama has faced questions about his relationship with Chicago businessman Antoin "Tony" Rezko, who raised money for past Obama political campaigns and played a role in the purchase of the Illinois senator's home. Obama has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with felony fraud charges against Rezko.
Clinton and Obama tangled over Rezko at a televised debate in South Carolina, where she referred to Rezko as a "slum landlord."
http://www.michigandaily.com/content/clinton-attacks-obama-rezko-ties
>>Obama has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with felony fraud charges against Rezko.
What are you trying to show here? "Obama has NOT been accused of any wrongdoings."
I never said Obama did any wrong doing, why do you keep suggesting I am?
>>I never said Obama did any wrong doing, why do you keep suggesting I am?
But earlier you posted:
>>That there is corruption again in Illinois where Obama is from and grew up politically? he comes from that corrupt Chicago machine.
>>could the same be applied to Obama?
Chicago city of corruption.
Hate to break it to you, but there is corruption in just about every major city in this country. Chicago is no better and no worse - it's just on a bigger stage.
Sadly you are right, but when Slimeball Gov Ryan sits in Jail today and now this slime ball is going to jail makes you wonder what what said yesterday about Illinois. It is a sad day for the people of Illinois and Chicago. Sad week.
Is that why he personally got involved in the very ethics bill that Blagojevich vetoed, and got that veto overridden? What was his motivation to do that?
Casey, the attempt to give the impression Obama is involved is the typical GOP Talking point.
It is if I heard a leading Republican say it, I have not as ot f yet.
If anything the blame right now is in the medias hands, they are looking for a story and this will go on for awhile. They love crap like this.
I agree with you in regard to the media and so far it is the typical culprits of Rush, Hannity , and Matthews.
I do not listen to Rush or Hannity but I am sure they are having a field day.
The more concerning thing to me about this affair is what he supposedly did in regard to the Tribune Company and Wrigley Field. That is related to the Editorial Board at the Tribune. Scary to say the least. I like to think of it as Nixonian.
Sure you don't listen to Rush or Hannity. (as my eyes roll)
That comment is about administrations or organizations, not geographic locations. I'm not sure it works the way you're using it.
"Scandal Casts Cloud Over Obama Presidency"
Yet it's always sunny if there's a Republican moistening the chair in the oval office.
Look to the Republicans to hate Obama even more than they did Clinton--he's dangerous to their agenda.
Reallly? What is your evidence that they hate him more than Clinton?
Perhaps the fact that there is no obama Presidency yet for a cloud to be cast over.
Well if the Republicans start smearing Obama now like they did Clinton I would agree with that statement. I have yet to see GOP Congress officials and Senators smear him.
Start smearing?
They have been
Have you not been paying attention? The smears have already begun.
Barely 24 hours and I'm already tired of this nonsense.
This issue doesn't touch Obama in any way. That much was established within the first few minutes of Fitzgerald's press conference.
Blagojevich hates Obama. Why? Because Obama refused to behave unethically for Blagojevich's benefit!
Why are we even talking about this anymore?
Oh...it's the Washington Times.
-- Obama refused to behave unethically for Blagojevich's benefit -- deez
Since you're positive that Obama knew about the corrupt offers and refused to participate...I'm sure ol' Fitz will eventually let us know that Obama and his staff are to be commended for being part of the whistle blowers that helped expose Blago.
Wes, I am willing to give Obama every benefit at this point considering we really don't know who spilled the beans, and this idiot governor was wacko, so who knows what he said in those tapes has any connection to reality or not.
That being said, I would certainly hope that even if they weren't going to play ball with Blagojevich, that they would absolutely go to the Feds in a heartbeat with what they suspected, or knew.
You can count me in with the crowd that is willing to give Obama the benefit of doubt on this issue.
Yet, his supporters, like mmfa, cannot simply brush this aside on the basis of Obama's denial and Axelrod's retraction, claiming he misspoke.
It's way too early in the process...so in the mean time, we're stuck with baselessly speculating.
>>Yet, his supporters, like mmfa, cannot simply brush this aside on the basis of Obama's denial and Axelrod's retraction, claiming he misspoke.
You're right, which is why we are not brushing it aside just on Obama's denial. We are brushing it aside because Bagjevlich is on tape cursing Obama for not playing along. And Fitzgerald, who, you know, probably has listened to all the tapes, claimes Obama has no involvment. That's why we dismiss it.
You know what Deez, because this is a major issue on Corruption. THis needs to be the headline in all papers. If am sure if this involved a Republican it would be a headline everyday here on MM, and MM would talk about how each major newspaper has it wrong, and find anything that was said that wes even close to not being correct. Much like this is not major subject of today. Instead MM has some carp of comments made in the year 2008, give me a break. MM is even trying to bury the story before it even starts. The Fed have 60 hrs of tape, more will follow.
You have a point Mark, this is an important story, albeit juicy and an early Christmas gift to cable news, but a story that needs exposing and covering nonetheless. And the Obama connection is there, so there will be speculating and pundits everywhere offering up this tidbit and that piece of inside info. Obviously some in the media watchdog world are more concerned with protecting certain political parties from any negative press, and highlighting some dippy talk show host being a boorish and rude clown. Oh well.
>> And the Obama connection is there
Oh really? And you know this how?
You're not serious with that question?
Yes, I absolute am.
The Obama connection is not there. Read the prosecutor's statements. Claiming otherwise is dishonest.
>>The Obama connection is not there. Read the prosecutor's statements. Claiming otherwise is dishonest.
Are you serious? You mean you expect the know-nothings to actually look at the evidence before posting a guilt-by-association piece? Outrageous!
You are so incredibly clueless it's astounding. Where I have laid any guilt by association at Obama's doorstep?
>>You are so incredibly clueless it's astounding. Where I have laid any guilt by association at Obama's doorstep?
Really? I'm clueless? Okay, question mark Tommy. Here's what your posted, though:
>>You have a point Mark, this is an important story, albeit juicy and an early Christmas gift to cable news, but a story that needs exposing and covering nonetheless. And the Obama connection is there
And I explained it, and it had nothing to do with guilt by association at all. If you still don't get it, never mind.
>>If you still don't get it, never mind.
I get it. Your wrote a snarky post about some in the media watchdog world trying to protect Obama, and in the process used imprecise langauge and are now trying to pretend that you made perfect sense.
Just like the question mark Tommy we all love.
Obama? Connected? To Blagojevich? Said that I?
used imprecise langauge
A Tommy classic. It seems like only yesterday that he produced dozens of posts arguing over the semantics of "create" and "invent". Oh, the memories.
You're right. What was I thinking?
The Obama connection is because it's his Senate seat, and the governor of his state who appoints it, for crying out loud I thought that is fairly obvious.
>>The Obama connection is because it's his Senate seat, and the governor of his state who appoints it, for crying out loud I thought that is fairly obvious.
No, it's not obvious at all, just the rest of the snark in your post.
You don't need that question mark?
>> MM is even trying to bury the story before it even starts. The Fed have 60 hrs of tape, more will follow.
Ha ha ha! Well, Blagojevich is on tape cursing Obama for not going along with his scheme. The main stream media is trying to burry this story is just stupid right wing noise.
Given this is Chicago politics and the apparent depth of the corruption...I'm sure that there are many democrats and republicans...who have had dealings with Blago...experiencing a cold shiver...and it's not from the lack of sunshine.
I remember the last time that ol' Fitz got involved...and Scooter wasn't initially a target either.
The only thing that will, or could possibly, cast a cloud over Obama's presidency, at least now, is lack of complete honesty and disclousure. If anyone on Obama's "team" was in contact with Blagojevich about the appointment and told him to go take a hike, then that is important stuff. I would hope they would have contacted the Feds, maybe they did. It is very early and much is likely to come out. Obama will learn early to be upfront and out front to squelch this distraction. I hope so.
Wow! They are like hunger wolves seeing red meat. Go for the blood boys! There has not been much feeding lately, except for strings of bad news, for the Republicans. This is new journalism: speculate to sensationalize until people get tire or until the printed media goes down the toilet. It will not be long until many of them go belly up, i.e. the Tribune. Keep on shooting yourself in the foot.
So, you are all saying that Obama has no knowledge, or any information about this scandal. I highly political figure in Illinois that has associated with this Governor for over 6 years had no idea that this Gov was a dirt bag? I just am amazed that so many individuals around Obama in the Chi, area are dirty and yet this soon to be President has not even a speck of dirt on him? Well many individuals whom voted for Obama could not even tell you anything about him, or past bills or any other Senate accomplishment, but yet they just accepted this man because he may have looked good, talked well and the press was his lap dog so he must be good guy. You are all blind if you think Obama was not aware of this guy. I also beleive Alexrod does not mis speak, he is a major press head and he knows that Obama was talking with this Gov were talking about this seat. I do not believe that Obama was not involved in the selling of the seat, but I also believe Obama knew that the Gov wanted something in exchage for an appointment.
Mark,
It is quite understandable and very reasonable that the junior Senator of a state has many professional dealings with that state's sitting governor. I would be more surprised if they had none. Just because Blagojevich is an alleged corrupt jerk, does not mean anyone else is, including fellow Illinois politicians.
The last 3 Gov of Illinois have been dirty, and yes they were Republicans as well. My case is simple, I want to know whom all the dirty players are, this is why we can not stand politicans. I as a American am sick and tired of this crap.
I absolutely agree Mark
Mark, you are correct and the issue seems to be the cuture in Illinois at the state level. It is disgusting to say the least.
>>So, you are all saying that Obama has no knowledge, or any information about this scandal.
Yes. Just exactly as Fitzgerald said, just as the tapes show. Sorry, freeper, but just keep up this nonsense and Obama will win by even a greater margin in 2012. The adults are in control now.
Even though Obama's whole political career up to four years ago has been in Chicago and Illinois politics and he was associated very heavily with Rezko, and Axelrod admitted Obama talked to Blago, and Obama has covered up his associations with Ayers and Dorhn, I, like Tommy, will wait till I see the marks in his hands and the cut in his side before believing.
Funny thing is... everytime I'm around Obama, I smell smoke... and some of it ain't cigarettes.
>>Funny thing is... everytime I'm around Obama, I smell smoke... and some of it ain't cigarettes.
Yes, but then you're a reactionary republican, so of course you smell smoke. But, as I have stated before in this thread, Bagojevich is on tape cursing Obama for not playing along. Facts to have a liberal bias, don't they?
funny, The fact that they curse their own is a funny fact.
ps. I like the classy Mrs. Blago too.
F the Cubs
F the Cubs
Real classy. Sounds like a St Louis Cardinal Fan.
>>funny, The fact that they curse their own is a funny fact.
As ohers said, Barney is not even trying to make sense. Why don't you just put a smiley face at the end of your post to try to brush away all your stupidity, like you always do?
You really are an idiot.
>>You really are an idiot.
This is funny. I guess name calling in your book is part of a serious debate (which you claim you want to participate in), and part of having an open mind?
It's nice reducing the freepers to temper tantrums.
Have you just completely given up the idea of making sense?
Hey, cut him some slack... he does not read the items before posting.
Funny thing is... everytime I'm around Obama, I smell smoke... and some of it ain't cigarettes.
Have you seen a doctor about this?
I don't know what Barney's doing hanging around Obama, but I'm guessing the smoke is from his wood-burning head trying to make sense of his own thoughts.
I am sure Obama is sneaking around smoking again after the last 2 days.
>>I am sure Obama is sneaking around smoking again after the last 2 days.
Really? What proof do you have of this?
(In case anyone is wondering, Casey actually demanded proof for a similar statement above, in which History Geek said the Repubs hate Obama more than Clinton.)
Just keep it up, Casey. Your freepers don't learn. Obama will win by an even bigger margin in 2012. The adults are running the show now.
I'm guessing the reply will contain the term 'partisan'.
That's a bet I won't take!
I do not have proof , it was a joke. Geez you really are too intense.
By the way I supported the President Elect, why so much anger toward anyone with an open mind?
>>I do not have proof , it was a joke. Geez you really are too intense.
Oh, please! You made the same ludicrous demand above. Does that mean you are too intense? And I couldn't give a hoot about who you supposedly supported. In this thread you are calling Obama guilty by association, despite the clear fact he is not at all guilt. That's not an open mind; that's a mind looking for dirt.
You really are trying to start a fight, Obama is not INVOLVED. How many times have I said that? The media is trying to say this and Hillary Clinton suggested it in April in regard to Chicago Politics. If you disagree with you points fine, but stop acting like I am someone I am not.
>>You really are trying to start a fight, Obama is not INVOLVED. How many times have I said that? The media is trying to say this and Hillary Clinton suggested it in April in regard to Chicago Politics. If you disagree with you points fine, but stop acting like I am someone I am not.
GOOD GRIEF! Your very first post implicates Obama by association. Here it is
>>Michael Dukakis said it best in 88 in regard to Reagan and corruption and Iran contra
>>Michael Dukakis: "Well there's an old Greek saying, 'the fish rots from the head first...'"
-- CBS Evening News, July 30.
>>Could the same be applied to Obama?
Asking a question in how the media is responding to this is not implicating Obama by me. The media is doing this. What is wrong with you?
>>Asking a question in how the media is responding to this is not implicating Obama by me. The media is doing this. What is wrong with you?
Right. Something is wrong with me. You implicate Obama by your own quote (the media didn't bring up the Dukasis quote; you did). When I point that out, you call me an idiiot and a moron. But there is something wrong with me. Okay.
You just called him an "idiot" a few posts up. Stop trolling.
Governor, You playing the MMFA hall monitor is quite the rub. Considering the slurs and pics you hauled out as our dear Governor, before you were banned that is.
I know not of what "Governor" did to hurt you so, nor do I know why this person no longer makes comments on this site, but if calling me this person's name fills a void and sooths your aching heart, please stop cus it's creepy.
Nice Gov, you call me a troll yet you were banned before. Take a hike Gov.
I guess you can't blame Victor, Casey. If I was the Governor in a previous life, I wouldn't own up to it now either. It's just too funny how he uses typical Governor-speak inanity in his denials to insist that's not who he really is.
Just flag my posts, forum cop, and shut up already.
You have an O'Reilly-like ego. If someone here slights you, you try and get them banned. You're a wimp. Do your flaggy best, Copper.
Do you really not know that Caseysprings is Jylons/Sueeld?
Nice more smears and allegations from Brabantino/mefirst. Your actions of changing subjects and smearing me are going to result in threads being flagged and people being banned. Instead of discussing subjects and issues you always seem to throw in the personal attack.
I'm just pointing out to Tommy that if he wants to worry about things like alternate identities, that he's obligated to turn that attention to you as well. Nobody forces you to play your game, and if you're going to do that you should at least be competent enough not to mix up your screen names.
My challenge from the Isikoff/Blagojevich thread stands. Put up or shut up.
J I would start ignoring, it hurts the psychos the most.
Nice Gov, you call me a troll yet you were banned before. Take a hike Gov.
I'm not "Gov" or "Governor". And telling me I've been banned and calling me some other name is pretty funny coming from you. Who was it someone called you last week or so? Sue Eld or something?
Crap!
Ha ha. You would have won, in an idirect way. Casey no claims he supports Obama and has an open mind. See, I'm the partisan, not him!
I, like Tommy, will wait till I see the marks in his hands and the cut in his side before believing.
So let me get this straight - you're advocating the crucifixtion of the president-elect? Or
...or you won't believe anything Obama says UNTIL he's crucified?
Why did Obama personally intervene in Illinois state politics in order to get Blagojevich's veto on an ethics bill overturned, if Obama had any interest in any shady dealings? He wasn't working on a state level. The matter did not involve him. He had no obligation to address it in any way, he could have easily stood by and watched the veto stand.
I'm curious how you make that jibe with the idea that Obama has some involvement with anything untoward here.
How's this for a headline?:
Washington Times Opines In Front Page Headline
Caged Canaries Later Poop On Punditry Passed Off As News
Blago gave the right wing mouthpieces a big Christmas gift all decorated with a nice red bow. Only problem is that this toy will wear out quickly. Fitzgerald is a scrupulous individual and if he found dirt on Obama in all this we would have heard about it yesterday.
Of course, the WT, Limbaugh, Hannity, et al won't let that get in the way of their play time!
Of course, the WT, Limbaugh, Hannity, et al won't let that get in the way of their play time!
Exactly it is what they thrive for.
Everyone...
Keep this to yourself.... but don't let Hannity or any of the other rightwing blowhards that not only are Blagojevich and Obama politicians from Illinois...
But.....ahem.... um...... ah..... well...... Hillary Clinton is from Park Ridge, IL
If the rightwing got reminded of this information.... there's no telling what they might do!
Mums the word....... ok. ;)
Hillary Clinton is from Park Ridge, IL
We get your message already! You have posted this exact phrase three times already in the last 24 hours. So proud you are of your little "dig".
I do not listen to Rush or Hannity but I am sure they are having a field day....casey
================================================================
Yeah, Flush, Insanity and his bathroom stall buddy Mark Levin are wetting themselves over this. If they paid one iota of attention to the facts, they would know this is going to end badly for them, just like all their other manufacured smears.
But, as their hero Saint Ronnie once said, "Facts are stupid things ... "
SGDave, I'll only disagree with you that this will "end badly" for Rush & Sean and the rest of the GOP press corps. It'll end just fine. They only have to run with every smear of non-repubs they can get their hands on.
If it turns out to be a big swing-&-a-miss (like 99% of their crap), they blame the liberal media for not exposing the truth, or just drop it, move on to the next lie, and their sheep don't even notice.
The other 1% might stick to the wall, and they can point out that they were right, and even the liberal media has admitted it.
There's no losing when you have the idiot target audience they do.
I am sure Mark Levin must feel like he is in heaven. Oh what nasty people they are.
Funny that you should bring up "Saint Ronnie"; do the people who want to smear all Illinois politicians want to admit that he was born, raised, and educated there?
I guess we should also start smearing Abraham Lincoln.
Abe Lincoln,the lawyer from Illinois who used the U.S. military to kill traditional-values Americans? That Abe Lincoln?
Don't you just love the right wing? LOL If Lincoln were around today they would throw him under the bus.
One of Lincoln's advisors said, "Abe, lose the beard. Makes you look like a hippie and an outside agitator." Another trusted advisor said, "Yeah, Abe. Them things just smack of bleedin' heart liberals." "Another thing, Abe. Go easy on that there emancipatin' stuff, too. Heck, things'll work themselves out eventually." "Oh, one more thing. Don't go to the theater too much. Looks elitist."