That Rezko land deal

Posted: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:39 AM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Lisa Myers and Jim Popkin
NBC News' Investigative Unit took a look at that land deal between Obama and Rezko and why that piece of property now won't sell.

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From Politico.com:

'...Washington libs lead backlash against Bill

By: John F. Harris
Jan 28, 2008 07:06 PM EST...'

'...Kennedy has been supportive of both Clintons in the past. But, according to advisers who have spoken with him, Kennedy was motivated to publicly bless Obama in part because he was offended by what he regarded as Clinton’s divisive and distorted arguments against his wife’s chief rival.

Bill Clinton, in other words, botched a big one — at a moment when Hillary Clinton can afford it least...'

Billary, 'race bait a og-go'

Sierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:50 AM)

OK, Rezko buys the lot for $635K, sells a piece of it to Obama for $105K, then sells it to a second buyer at a $58K profit and now this smaller piece of land is up for sale for $300K more than Rezko originally paid for it? Please tell me how this was a sweetheart deal for Obama? Rezko made money on the deal and this new guy is going to do the same.

Yvonne, Charlotte, NC (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:51 AM)

You people want Hillary, you are going to get what you wish for... keep making the wrong person the bad guy. Why not re open Whitewater? Why not investigate any new affairs? This is what gives the media a bad rap and rightly so - bad tabloid journalism

John Robinson (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:53 AM)

Obama bought his house for 300K under market value in the simultaneous transaction where Rezko's wife bought teh adjacent land. Which sounds like something other 5 hours of work for Rezko's cub scout group

Tony, Newport Beach CA (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:58 AM)

Go home Obama. Your lies are really making me sick. Drop out and take care of Rezko. Yes you can. Oh yeah, take this one sided media with you. If you don't the GOP will make you cry.

Nashville (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:58 AM)

While there was nothing illegal about the land deal Obama himself said it was "bonehead". But the issue here is Obama states that he did not know about Rezko's legal problems before the land deal and before Rezko was named to his US Senate finance committee but since the investigation was publicly known and in the press how could this be?

Eric, Staten Island, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:00 PM)

Let's have an investigative piece on how Bill Clinton is getting paid millions from a public company for seemingly no work (not to mention flown around world in a jet owned by a publicly traded company)? Or how about how Bill Cinton made $20m from Ron Burkle-- with or without an investment? Or what sort of expenses Norman Hsu underwrote in addition to the hundreds of thousands he donated to HRC? Or how about the tens of millions given to the Clinton Library and foundation by convicted felons and foreign despots? Or how about the poverty level dishwashers and cooks strong armed by the Chinese mob into giving HRC hundreds of thousands of dollars?

I guess it's easier to focus when you only have ONE story to write about a candidate.

CG, NYC (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:00 PM)

What an intereresting piece. Thing is, it didn't tell me anything that hasn't already been reported about this situation.

Senator Obama wanted the house. He couldn't afford the lot. His friend, Rezcko, the real estate developer purchased the lot and sold him a small piece of it.

What's the problem again?

P.S. People buy houses for below market value all of the time. It's called negotiating a good deal.

P.S.S. If every deal that every politician did with someone who was later proved to be a crook made the news, that's all we'd ever hear about. Haven't "the Clintons" actually gone so far as to pardon some of the friends who were crooks? Wonder why we never hear about that . . .

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:00 PM)

If only Barack had thought of taking some sweet speaking engagements overseas for big bucks or being a representative for Arab interests, he might have been able to afford the house and the lot with no difficulty at all. Isn't that how Billary managed to finance a multi-million-dollar NY mansion?

Let's have that much more interesting story about the Clinton's quest for a suitable place of residence in NY. This one is much ado about nothing. In fact, that empty lot next to the Obama abode might be a great deal for something that will eventually be a historical monument next door.

Billy, Normal, IL (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:01 PM)

No doubt about it..this is a sweetheart deal. It is clear that that the land was purchased to subsidize obama's purchase next door--easily seen by how the deal was structures--lower the house cost whle increasing the cost of the land paid by rexko thereby passing a cost savings to Obama. But if that wasn't enough--Rezko later sells a portion of the lot next door to Obama--This stinks Obama is a crook and its about time that the biased media starts to be objectective in their reporting. The current price f the lot smaller lot is not relevant. And keep in mind that Rezko was under inditement when this occurred.. Hillary is correct whenever Obama is call on errors or crimes he basically tries to say he made a mistake... I push the wrong button etc he is not fit to be president. he is a crook.

David, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:03 PM)

To "Nashville":

lol

Senator Clinton is the one who has crying issues, remember? Judging by my schedule, we are through with the latest "attack" cycle, and should be moving into the "humanizing" phase momentarily.

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:04 PM)

NBC, Good investigating into Rezko. Much appreciated.

Please investigate The Barrett Redactions.

adam/Brooklyn New York City (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:09 PM)

Earth to Senator Obama haters. The Chicago Press has researched this more than ANY political story in Chicago politics. They have done ALL the work and the one thing that comes out of their research and investigative work is:

Senator Obama did NOTHING wrong.

Get it. So this is a recycled story for the benefit of Bill Clinton and his wife because they were whinning about the non-coverage of this very covered story.

Senator Obama said he made a mistake, he has apologized for this numerous times.

This is the only bullet in the Clinton's chamber, they used it and it didn't hit their target. Now, I'm sure they will start making up stories but the public knows them and won't listen because they are like the boy that cried wolf.

MSNBC, I'm ashamed that you are crying the water for the Clintons. STOP IT! We want a change, the Clintons had their chance. We need to move on in our Country, not go back to the 90's.

Lynn, Millington (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:10 PM)

What's the problem again?

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:00 PM)

It's PROBLEMS as in plural, and if you haven't been keeping up with the HUNDREDS of news articles;

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=dCI&q=rezko+obama&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wn&oi=property_suggestions&resnum=0&ct=property-revision&cd=1

Read them and get back to me in a few hours, as that's how long it will take to read them.

Patrick Fitzgerald to prosecute and Barry is one of the unnamed politicos. Wait until Tony Rezko's Middle East connection is front page news...

ObamaRama (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:12 PM)

Yah, what's wrong. One of your major contributors gives you a sweet deal on a piece of land you wanted but couldn't afford and you just know he is doing it out of the goodness of his heart and doesn't want anything in return. Yah, that sounds like a good story and I'll think I'll stick to it.

BHO (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:13 PM)

How's the Dubai deal wtih the Oil Baron Clinton's going?

Sledge Morris (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:14 PM)

Chicago Tribune's endorsement of Obama included 3 paragraphs that urged Obama to come clean about his transactions with Rezco. The Tribune is owned by the Dailey's but some of their reporters do have a conscience, and there is all kinds of information coming out about Obama's ties with Rezco over the past 20 years. Rezco is also a member of the Nation of Islam and he is from Syria.
Obama's Black "racist" church supports Louis Farrakhon
who is also a member of the Nation of Islam.
How many ties to the Nation of Islam can Obama have before you people, you Americans should start to wonder about this guy? Remember the lives of your families are at stake here if you vote to put him in as president. He will not win even if he should get the nomination. Though I am a Democrat, at least the Republicans will not let him get away with being who he really is, they will tear him apart and just because he is a whining assed black it will not matter to the Republicans. Democrats are beginning to make me sick and so is MSNBC and NBC.

Lynne, LR, AR (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:15 PM)

Leave it to the Obama-maniacs to try to dismiss this one.....Obama has repeatedly said he made a "boneheaded" mistake in continuing to deal with his "friend" AFTER he was indicted.

You'll have TONS of information this spring and summer as Rezko's trial goes forward - as will the Republicans.

Yup, that's great judgment all right! Morons!

Paul, NY, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:18 PM)

I can see why the Press and Clinton's machine keeps peddling this story that is non issue. The question Billary's machine should ask themselves is this; after spending 25 years in public service, is this all you guys can find on Obama?

Frankly, this is nothing compared to all the dirty dealings of the Clintons, Huckabee, Guliani, Edward, Romney, and McCain.

Your opposition research is found wanting...lol..

Bee, NH (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:18 PM)

If the best the Obama-Nation can do is try for, "moral equivalence", as in let's look at something that Clinton did, it's an admission that Barry is just another politico, and that they are all hypocrites...

ObamaRama (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:21 PM)

Hillary is kicking butt in Florida. I realize nobody gets the delegates but it's a big deal. Shes still ahead by a large amount in California, Penn, NJ,NY, Conn and many others. There are only 2 or 3 states that Obama MIGHT pick up. Oh the humanity!! All those rightwingers(and Obama cult followers)will be soiling their pants when a Clinton gets back into office!!! HA!

Chris Penn (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:22 PM)

"And keep in mind that Rezko was under inditement when this occurred.."

Hmmmm, weren't "the Clintons" basically "under indictment" for 8 years? And yet somehow, they continued living and working in the White house - go figure. I wonder how many tax payer dollars went into all those investigations. . .

P.S. Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? I didn't know that being under indictment was the same as a guilty verdict. I seem to remember a certain Duke Lacrosse team where the lesson was that there is a reason that we have the trials first . . .

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:22 PM)

Lynne, LR, AR wrote:
"just because he is a whining assed black it will not matter to the Republicans. "

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Boy, that black thing is really bugging you, huh? lol

P.S. Bill and Hillary Clinton are the whiners dear,not Senator Obama. But he is black, I'll give you that! :)

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:26 PM)

The Rezko-Obama deal is a "sweetheart" deal because it cost Obama 75% less than it was actually worth. Obama supporters can not stand there with a straight face and say he was a master negotiator and was able to talk Rezko down.
How hypocritical and pathetic. All this nurturing these Obama supporters need should have come from their dysfunctional families, not a figure-head. Obama is a junior senator, with no experience, who is being set-up for failure. When he makes a mistake he will be given the benefit of the doubt - by his supporters and the media, just like now. We do not need this type of double-standard in the White House. Just because there was a double-standard for Bush, does not mean there should be one for Obama. With Hillary Clinton, she can be held to a higher standard, and will also meet these higher standards. Once the damage that Bush/Cheney have done has been corrected, you can have your "experienced" senator Obama bring the masses together. I say to you Obama supporters - lay off of the anti-depressants, and seek help for your lack of nurturing issues.
Hillary for President! Ready to do the job now!
Have courage, "Obama Central" and post this.

Mike, New York, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:30 PM)

Rezko bought the vacant lot. OMG! Obama paid for the house and the land it sits on. Let's calm down. Obama should have been more careful but what he did was legal. The Clinton supporters who want to suggest this is some type of scandal selctively forget Hillary's foray into trading cattle futures in the late '70s.

Ben (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:31 PM)

If Obama really did something wrong the Tribune would have uncovered it by now and this whole thing is coming to light again after Hillary mentions it in a debate? how convienent. I don't buy any of these lies and it's just an attempt by sore Hillary supporters to bring him down. People in glass houses shouldn't be throwing boulders! How many scandals are the Clinton's involved in? And you want to talk about judgement, Obama's "boneheaded" mistake hasn't killed anyone or cost our country trillions of dollars, but Hillary's vote for the war did. What's worse judgement!

Aaron, Chandler,AZ (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:38 PM)

ObamaRama wrote:

"It's PROBLEMS as in plural, and if you haven't been keeping up with the HUNDREDS of news articles;"

I'm sure there are THOUSANDS of news articles, but none of them say anything new and none of them prove that Senator Obama did anything wrong!

There are ENTIRE WEBSITES devoted to Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Just because something is written doesn't make it true . . . but you knew that, right?

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:39 PM)

"Senator Obama did NOTHING wrong."

Perhaps but in politics the appearance of impropriety can be as damning as the actuality.

I suspect he'll ride this one out but theres little doubt it tarnishes his clean image.

Adam, Sacramento (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:41 PM)

I think that Obama needs to really be investigated. The media seems to fear him beause he is African American. I could care less if he is white or black. Investigate him like they investigated the Clintons. I would start with his "PRESENT" VOTES, continue on with the Rezko deal and his dealings with Pastor White and Farrakhan.

Simon Vouet, Boca Raton, Florida (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:41 PM)

Rezko - the Chicago press has been working this story for years.
Until Hillary Clinton defended herself with it after a cheap shot by Obama, it was never mentioned by MSNBC.
The more you know about Obama the less likely you are to vote for him.
He has gotten a free ride up to this point but that is about to change. Oh, change? Not the kind that Obama is going to enjoy.
We have not heard the worst about this politician.
Will the Mary Jo Kopeckny family be endorsing Obama? ASK TED! ASK TED!

Fred C Dobbs, Sierra Madre, N.M. (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:42 PM)

Lol, how about Peter Paul, and Norman Hsu

Yiannis, Baltimore (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:45 PM)

NASHVILLE FAN,
I have read your many posts on here and I lay you odds that you are black. Yes the African Americans are whinny assed blacks, at least many of you are.

Barack Obama is about to get his black ass in a real
bind and Chappaquidick Teddy can't get him out of that one either particularly with Patrick Fitzgerald who was appointed by President Bush.
Yeah he's gonna get "CHANGE" alright and I guess when that happens we'll know what he means by "CHANGE" since he has really never been able to explain what kind of change he is referring to.

Lynne, LR,Ar (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:47 PM)

Why hasn't someone told Obama that the 'Yes, we can!" slogan is already taken-by the Bob the Builder preschool show.

Wendy PA (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:49 PM)

Sierra, SF: Not sure what your posting is about, but I find it laughable that Ted K is claiming he and his family are holier than though and have a right to criticize Clinton. They've pulled every dirty trick in the book.

Sean (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:51 PM)

I want to hear about Chappaqiddic again.

I want to hear about how Kennedy got expelled from Harvard for cheating.

Tell me how this scumbag and his lousy judgment is an endorsement for Obama?

BionicWoman, Tucson, AZ (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:56 PM)

The important thing is that Obama paid 300K under the asking price and Rezko paid for the adjacent property FOR the asking price and these transactions occurred ON THE SAME DAY.

Obviously Rezko was trying to inflate Obama's property value.

Rezko was a prominent Bush supporter and fundraiser too.

Obama is NOT FOOLING everyone.

teddi, Norwalk, CT (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:01 PM)

This deal STINKS TO high hell of political influence and kickback!
This should be insvestigated more thouroughly by the news media and by federal law enforcement officials.
I'm also curious to know why Obama just got around to giving the Rezko money back, even though he's known about the federal investigation for numerous months.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:02 PM)

So if there was nothing wrong with the deal and Mr. Rezko, why is Obama returning all of the money that Rezko raised for him?

If it looks like a duck....

Mickey, PA (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:06 PM)

I must have missed something from the Obama haters...

What legislative favor did Obama pass for Rezko again?

Oh, that's right. There AREN'T ANY! Because Barack never did this guy ANY legislative favors. I wish the same could be said for Hillary.

Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. You think people are being unfair to Hillary now? Wait till the Republicans start their "Scandal a Day Till January 20, 2009" campaign against her.

Ron, TX (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:07 PM)

The way you all so called,"race doesn't matter" white Amercian's are reacting to what is happening in the country is shamful.When you vote for Obama its you want change,when we vote for him its he's the black canidate.Why are you voting for the Clinton's? Do you want change? With her Bill experience can she change? Or for you women is it because she cried? You all talk about people in the church that he goes to.Are you all serious? Do you all know anything about black people or do you all just watch BET and TV one?LOL.White America let me help you out a little bit.Our church isn't like yours.We talk about our problems(wich are mostly this small portion of society I am speaking too)and what we need to do as a group to lift ourselves up threw spiritual guidance.Every now and then the Pastor may make a referencr to the Enemy of Justice and the Killer of Equality, so if the shoe fits wear it.We are as different as you, we want the same out of life as you, we love America too.The old scared,yes sir,I'll belive anything you tell me,you could piss in the air and I'll think its raining blacks are gone!!!We want change now.No we wont accept Do what I say or your not ready Democrates. White men between the ages of 18-45 don't want any racist redneck idea's.The country is changing,it is time for the next generation to make important decisions.When you doubt this generations idea's we see how yours got us into this.

DeAngelo Young,Washington,DC (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:09 PM)

lmao - Rezko again? Please. Chicago papers have been all over this for YEARS and have found jack shit to pin on Obama. Give it a rest, will ya Clintonites?

Michael D. Hafer, Fort Wayne, Indiana (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:10 PM)

FINALLY! a reporter from NBC actually doing their job and looking into this shady deal. obama's all talk and it's only a matter of time before Americans figure it out.

boynLA, LA, CA (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:11 PM)

Cattle Futures Obama, look into getting yourself some Cattle Futures!!

DCortez, Houston, Texas (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:15 PM)

J. Merle Stanley - The media HAS been investigating this for YEARS. Chicago papers are notoriously tenacious and they've dug into this like an Alabama tick and Obama still comes out clean. NO evidence of legislative favors. NO evidence of illegalities in the land deal. NO evidence of kickbacks.

Obama-haters, point me to one piece of evidence for your tin-foil-hat wearing conspiracy and I'll look at it. Evidence would include: Legislative favors, illegal kickbacks or anything illegal whatsoever. "Hunches" don't count. "Madrassamuslimatheistplottodestroyamerica!" viral e-mails don't count.

Michael D. Hafer, Fort Wayne, Indiana (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:16 PM)

Hey Hillary, about those cattle futures. Mooooo!!!

Farmer Joe (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:21 PM)

Yet another "boneheaded" mistake by Senator Obama - like when he pushed the No button but meant to push the Yes button in those IL legislature votes?

There is always an excuse ("my staff did not inform me") but no accountibility.

Oh well Barack - fear not, MSNBC still loves you!

Can't wait for the FL results tonight - prepare yourself Sierra!

msnbc4Obama!, IL (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:21 PM)

Us cows vote, and we vote for Hillary!

Bosey Cow, Farmer Joe's Farm (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:22 PM)

I swear....They must not teach comprehension skills in school's anymore? Either that or you people are desperate to finf something on this man?! Hebought a Million dollar house for $300,000.00 under ASKING price(that is called negotiation), He then purchased 1/6th of avacant lot next adjacent to his property. Rezko's wife purchased the lot for just over $600,000, and sold Sen. Obama(ONCE AGAIN) 1/6th of the vacant lot for just over $100,000. Please explain how any of that is shady?? He bought the house with money from his book deal, bought the house in his own name and filed all documents that were necessary for the transaction.....OMG he must be dirty!! Read people... stop listening to sound bites and read!!!

Charles, Pittsburgh,PA (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:25 PM)

Oh, after that piece of video I so hoped there would be more thinking going on. I know, what have I been smoking, right? This Rezko thing, right down to the mention of "Tony" ever time they say his name is just another attempt to connect Obama with anything negative that they (the Clinton's) can. What I find so amazing is how obvious this is to everyone yet it makes no difference. If anyone is to bring up 1/100th of the dirt on HRC, well it's the shameful media support of Obama or it's the radical this or radical that. BS. Yo, America, it ALL happened. It's still happening. Hillary Clinton has asked for an extension from the FEC in order not to have that commission discover--and GOD FORBID, talk about--that mysterious 10 million in her campaign accounts. Where did it come from Hillary? Those of us who don't need Ritalin already know. The rest might want to do a little reading in the interest of fairness. Google Clinton Presidential Library. Thanks!

Bobbie, Terre Haute, Indiana (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:44 PM)

Frankly, can any of the Clinton supporters point to any other thing apart from Rezko? To show you how clean Obama is, he was not indicted neither was his character called into question. He has admitted his mistake publicly and called it "Bone Headed Mistake". After 25 years in public service, his character was not an object of investigation

What else can you guys dig up aside from his Kindergarten essay?

As far as Hillary Clinton is concern, Norman Tsu, Billary connection with Abu Dhabi, Peter Paul fraudulent hit job, and Chinese connection, has not been fully investigated. What about Bill Clinton post president affairs – I mean his sexual escapades? Has that been fully investigated? If I were you guys, I’d rather shot up than yapping like a little dog. What about Hillary Clinton connection to Black Water? Did you guys look at that?

FYI: The secret service has the documents that detail Bill Clinton post president movement. I am pretty sure the Secretary of Homeland Security will pass it to the republican nominee when the time comes.

Bee, NH (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:46 PM)

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