According to the Chicago Sun Times Barack Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel had direct talks with the Governor about appointing Valerie Jarrett to the Senate.
"Emanuel talked with the governor in the days following the Nov. 4 election and pressed early on for the appointment of Valerie Jarrett to the post, sources with knowledge of the conversations told the Sun-Times. There was no indication from sources that Emanuel brokered a deal, however."
"Sources with knowledge of the investigation said Blagojevich told his aides about the calls with Emanuel and sometimes gave them directions afterward. Sources said that early on, Emanuel pushed for the appointment of Jarrett to the governor and his staff and asked that it be done by a certain date."
"After Jarrett took herself out of the running in mid-November, Emanuel submitted a list of suitable names to the governor's camp that didn't include her name."
This accusation was met with a strong denial from the Obama camp. However we should know for sure soon enough, "At least some of the conversations between Emanuel and Blagojevich were likely caught on tape, sources said."
So why did Obama deny that anyone had spoken to the governor about this seat? Anyone with a brain knows that of course there would be some discussion between a Senator and the man who would appoint his replacement. Makes me wonder what is on those tapes.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1337789,CST-NWS-rahm18good.article
Waking Up From Woke
1 day ago
I think Obama should come out to "Lies" by the Thompson Twins on Inauguration Day.
ReplyDeleteLies lies lies yeah.
- AP
aaronproctor.wordpress.com
If I recall correctly, Obama stated that no one in his office tried to "make a deal" with Blagojevich, not that no one from his office had had any contact with the Gov at all. As you noted, its not credible to believe his office wouldn't have offered their suggestions to Blago's office, and I can't find whatever statement you're referencing in which Obama did make such a claim.
ReplyDeleteI can only find Obama saying that he personally had not spoken with Blagojevich. Not that his office hadn't been in contact with the Gov. His words concerning his office were that no one had tried to "make a deal." In other words, that no one in his office was connected with Blago's efforts to sell the seat. And that is a statement that's been pretty well borne out by the facts. We've got Blago on tape saying that all the Obama people were offering was "appreciation" and then cursing them.
There's just no scandal here as far as the incoming administration is concerned. You can bet if there was, Patrick Fitzgerald would pursue it. He's proven himself a pretty clean and efficient prosecutor.