No one can say this man doesn’t have balls! Governor Rod Blagojevich is spending his time doing a press junket with the New York news media as his impeachment trials gears up. He’s scheduled to appear on Larry King later – bumping former President Carter from today’s line-up. I really wanted to hear what he was going to say about the Obama Administration because I know it will be of some substance. Carter always seemed more like a nice man than a shrewd (or uber-corrupt) politician. 

Instead we get to hear the “spin zone” from a shrewd politician. Need I add the corrupt adjective? I will still give Blago the nod of deference for the way he appointed Senator Burris over the objections of Harry Reid and exposed Reid’s meddling. That was brilliant. Don’t bring a knife to a gun fight, okay?!  

I love how Blago brings up Ah-nold. If California had any money left and additional year on the actor’s term he would be impeached, you can trust that! Since Twitter was all abuzz over his appearance on the View earlier I thought I’d post it. I’m still working on my follow-up #Inaug09 post but have a film class to attend in 15 minutes. Enjoy!

Burris said it best, “I AM the SENATOR!” What took so long? Some cried racism without credibility but the “fact” of assumption that his appointment wasn’t valid had many pondering. Some said it was a matter of paperwork (but since it was being stalled that’s not a fair assessment). Others put their foots in their mouths and had to back down (that would be Harry Reid). Roland Burris is now the Junior Senator representing Illinois. I bet all the people who turned down Blago are kicking themselves somewhere right now. Note to the Madigan family: if you don’t first succeed try and try again!

Governor Rod Blagojevich has appointed former Attorney General Roland Burris to the vacant Senate seat in IL. Mr. Burris has more than 40 years of service and is more than qualified.  If the voters had selected him or Rush for Governor when they ran – instead of Blago – the state wouldn’t be in the mess that it’s in now. Blago wasn’t even close to being as qualified when he ran, but yet again, back room support, money and somewhat questionable strategizing helped him come out on top. Also having two Black people competing in a three person race will always split the vote in favor of that 3rd party. 

During the press conference Congressman Rush broke it down so it can forever be broke! There are no Black Senators currently serving for any state in the US. There’s only been three (3) since Reconstruction. For all the complaining about sexism white women have fared very well in Senate and Gubernatorial elections. When you can be the wife of or the daughter of a white man that has acquired a power base it is easily transfered. As for Black women, IL had Carol Moseley Braun. And that’s it! That’s why it was so important to ask about finding a Black female candidate for the NYS Senate. 2009 is the year to change all of that and move forward!!

Anyway, that was a nice move on Rep. Rush’s part. He has thrown down the gauntlet. That’s how you do it! Harry Reid had expressed some opposition but now what’s he gonna do? It’s called checkmate.

Update: Obama has weighed in on this: “Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy.”

Hmmm, aren’t we all entitled to a functioning gov’t? Blago may be a crook but I bet MANY other politicians would fit that description as well. If Burris is as decent as everyone says then let him have the seat. He has to run in an election in 2010 anyway! Perhaps Obama needs to shut up!