Obama: No contact with IL gov

Posted: Tuesday, December 09, 2008 3:31 PM by Carrie Dann

From NBC's Athena Jones
CHICAGO -- President-elect Barack Obama responded solemnly to news that FBI agents arrested Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich this morning on a series of corruption charges and said that he had not been aware of what was going on in the governor's office.

"Obviously, like the rest of the people of Illinois I am saddened and sobered by the news that came out of the US attorney's office today," Obama said today, "but as this is a ongoing investigation involving the governor I don't think it would be appropriate for me to comment on the issue at this time."

The charges against Blagojevich include seeking favors in exchange for appointing a replacement to Obama's Senate seat.

Obama said he had had no contact with Blagojevich's office about the appointment of a replacement for the Senate seat he resigned last month after winning the presidential election.

"I had no contact with the governor or his office and so we were not, I was not aware of what was happening," he said. "And as I said, you know, it's a sad day for Illinois. Beyond that I don't think it's appropriate to comment."

Obama made the comments to a pool of reporters after he and Vice President-elect Joe Biden met with former Vice President Al Gore to talk about climate change.

***UPDATE*** As news reports pointed out today, Obama advisor David Axelrod told a local news station last month that President-elect Obama had recently talked to Gov. Blagojevich about the appointment process. That assertion appeared to conflict with Obama's today. Axelrod just put out this statement by email: "I was mistaken when I told an interviewer last month that the President-elect has spoken directly to Governor Blagojevich about the Senate vacancy. They did not then or at any time discuss the subject."

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Comments

I sincerely believe Obama knew nothing, nothing of what was going on in the governor's office. It will be interesting to me what pundits will try to tie Obama to the governor, even when the attorneys specifically state that Obama was not involved. Any pundit who tries to make a connection between the two is a "muckraker". Any one else who tries to connect the two is a sleezy republican acting like Joe McCarthy of the 50's.

Ron Indiana (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 3:52 PM)

Can't wait to hear Chris Matthews rant and rave about this tonight.

Jay, Rock Island (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 3:52 PM)

"I had no contact with the governor or his office and so we were not, I was not aware of what was happening," he said.

A rare slip by the POTUS-elect. HE was not aware, possibly, but some of those around him certainly were. Rod was asking for an ambassadorship or cabinet position from someone, and who makes those appointments?

Bob Smith, FBI headquarters, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 3:53 PM)

Based on comments made by the IL governor regarding Obama ("F--- him") I don't get the feeling that there's love lost between these two. I think Obama may have known about the governor's propensities, and chose not to be involved in them (for those of you looking to hang this on Obama's neck).

42 Days Until Inauguration Day!
http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 3:53 PM)

This is where all the Woodward & Bernstein wannabe's come out of the woodwork and try a hand at journalism.

Sit back and watch everyone while the commentators jump all over each other for the latest lie and innuendo.

Gotta keep those ratings up you know. They're all in Watergate mode right now, what with the new movie and everything.

Lt. Columbo (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 3:54 PM)

From reports I've read, it looks like watch-dog Rahm Emanuel is the one that tipped off the FBI when this low life contacted him trying to get leverage with the Obama Administration.

Looks Rahm is having none of that. You better be on guard you unethical SOB's, Rahmbo is on watch. It looks like a great pick Mr. Obama.

Lee-- Dallas, TX (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 3:56 PM)

Blago says different. Blagojevich says he was working closely with Obama on who he would like to replace him (Obama). That much is true. What is still in question is if Obama knew Blagojevich was openly selling the seat. At least one person is lying.

Biden/Pelosi 09

Joseph X. (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 3:56 PM)

Obama is pure as the driven snow. Bill and Hillary already checked all this out in the primary along with interviewing Obama's kindergarten teacher. Remember? In fact Ol' Bill told Blagojevich to ask what the definition of is - is.

Elmer, Seattle (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:02 PM)

Deny. Deny. Deny.

Then when you get caught, fire someone, and then lie some more. Repeat for four years.

BHO (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:02 PM)

But Bush is worse! But Bush is worse! But Bush is worse!

And it's his fault too!

Keith O., NYC (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:04 PM)

OK i know everybody out there is now thinking that barack is some how involved in this mess, but he is not. the soon to be x governer has had a very bad relationship with the mayor and many lawmakers in springfield, last year when the mass tansit in chicago was going broke the governer worked out a deal to give vets and senior citizens free rides on mass transit but what the governer did next was hold up the additinal finding till it was passed, with out giving additional funding for the free rides, now guess what, the transit agency is going broke because the bill was underfunded due to the free rides,and the governer blamed the mayor of chicago. the governers father in law is a alderman on the north side and everybody know benard stone hates the guy. this governer has from the time he took office has been questioned in many things, but lets remember, the vetting barack went through from hillary to john mccain, don't you thing if there was any thing there they would have found it. no people this whole mess is the governer's mess and only the governers mess. so please lets not go there.

jeff D Evanston IL. (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:06 PM)

Bull! The smoking gun can be seen in Blago's quotes in the indictment. Obama was definately contacted, personally or through his closet advisors. Obama's involved AT LEAST to the extent that he attempted to cover up his contact with Blago and he had knowledge of illegal activity that he did not report.

J. LaRue, Seatttle, WA (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:06 PM)

I sure hope he is telling the truth - the country is in enough of a mess right now without finding out that our President elect is somehow involved in this. We just got rid of some crooks (Cheney, Rove - I won't include Bush because he was just a puppet) America needs someone trustworthy in the office.

Teach - Denver (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:07 PM)

Yes, but did they serve on a board together? Do they have any mutual friends who might have passed a note? Have their wives met? Were they ever in the same city together? Did they breathe the same air?

By the way, even if they HAD talked about Obama's replacement, what does that have to do with the allegations that the governor was soliciting bribes? Guilt by osmosis?

Come on, FR. Let's see some real reporting.

Anna Molly (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:14 PM)

Corruption??? In Illinois??? Who would believe it??!! As a registered Independent, I have to ask what the heck took so long. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this two governors in a row arrested for corrruption? Hmmm, maybe the would-be Obama replacements will be considering a run of Governor if not appointed by.....yeah, so now who does appoint Obama's replacement? What a *&^%$$*_+ mess!

Warrior Fires (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:14 PM)

I'm amazed the Governor said such condemning things on a wiretap. Isn't the first rule of political graft to at least try to keep it quiet? We know power corrupts but it also apparently shrinks the brain cells. Because anything so blatantly idiotic needs an entirely new defense, something like: I'm so bleeping stupid that I bleeping used my own phone to incriminate myself. No one in their right mind is that bleeping stupid. Therefore I cannot be held bleeping accountable.

Obama-Fitzgerald, now there's a ticket!

KNH, HI (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:17 PM)

Didn't Obama meet with Blagojevich just a few days after the election and floated Jesse Jackson Jr as a possible replacement? Hmmmmmmm

R Rounds, Springfield, IL (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:19 PM)

Obama always says he had no idea of what was goin on around him LMAO...Is he that stupid

Gumby (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:21 PM)

I seem to remember that Axelrod said that Blagojevich and Obama worked together and were friends, this was just two weeks ago.

cinda, indianapollis, IN (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:24 PM)

But I thought according to the wire taping, "Blagojevich said he knew that the President-elect wanted Senate Candidate 1 for the open seat but "they're not willing to give me anything except appreciation. [Expletive] them."

How did he know what President-elect Obama wanted if they've never talked? I don't doubt Obama, I believe he is clean in all of this, but they must have had a conversation about who should be appointed to replace him. Or maybe it was through channels.

RAH (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:25 PM)

Blaggo will appoint himself to the vacant Senate seat. He can still do it and he's just crazy enough. hang on!

Burt, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:27 PM)

I dont understand the outrage by the right wing, we should all be glad an investigation has ferretted out
another criminal, now he can be charged, and tried and then sentenced when found guilty. I never heard such and outrage when Ted Stevens (Alaska, 8 min applause) was found guilty. How about Jack Abrmahof,
how about Mark Foley, how about Craig of the famous wide stance. We could go back and forth about the crooks we have elected to office, democratic and republican. I already see where the right wing is putting PE Obama right in the middle of this scandal,
even after the special prosecutor has said no link to
Gov's office. I hope all of the dirt done in the dark comes to the light. I am including the dirt done by our current president and his vice president too. I would be happy to see anyone ( I do mean anyone), found guilty of corruption in the jailhouse for many years to come. I hope to see many more special prosecutors go to work on corruption cases in the near future. No matter who, No matter where. Throw them all in jail.
marty

marty,columbia,s.c. (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:27 PM)

I guess just another case of guilt by association with Obama. Let's see, Gov Rod and Rezko have ties,where does that leave Barack? We will continue to see over the next 4 years the creeps that the President Elect has associated with come out of the woodwork and end up with jail time.

Staying Red in Georgia, thank God (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:27 PM)

I hope they don't try to connect this to Obama.
But I was watching Fox a little while ago and the blameing has already begun..

Nicole, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:30 PM)

I can not believe you mister Obama, In all you corrupt associations the same answer comes forth.
Axelrod just two weeks ago on Fox Chicago Sunday said Obama and Blago had relations.

Obama you are tied to this and you are in deep. Please spare us anymore and resign.

If you were truely about transparency and a real man you would come forth with all lies and walk away from this aspiration to be President.

Your agenda is not good for America. Way to many corrupt friends. How about clearing everything and showing your birth certificate to a judge. And explaining why you got a scholarship as a African.

Don't humiliate you children stop this nonsense.

America wake up...do you really believe Obama never knew Blago.. he helped Blago get elected with Emmanuel and Axelrod

next time you go for your drivers liscense say you don't need your birth certificate because the President does have to show it.

inspirational1 (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:32 PM)

Read the Blagojevich indictment. Obama's name is all over it. He's referred to as "President Elect Number 1"

Biden for President (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:33 PM)

President Elect Obama it was very smart for you to make statement distancing yourself from another fallen Illinios Politician. This is a sad day for the State that Honest Abe took so much prde in.

JK, Native of Illinios (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:34 PM)

"I had no contact with the governor or his office."
Correct me if I am wrong but hasn’t Obama been contacting all the Governors to build support for his stimulus thing. At least that is the impression that MSNBC has been giving. Are we to believe that he skipped the Governor of his home state?

John K, Cornelius NC (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:36 PM)

Well sure, but what about this from fox news chicago:

But on November 23, 2008, his senior adviser David Axelrod appeared on Fox News Chicago and said something quite different.

While insisting that the President-elect had not expressed a favorite to replace him, and his inclination was to avoid being a "kingmaker," Axelrod said, "I know he's talked to the governor and there are a whole range of names many of which have surfaced, and I think he has a fondness for a lot of them."

Louis Lipps Cink Chips (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:36 PM)

Even though Obama has not had any contact with the Illinois Governor, I think he should be commenting on this. He should be calling for a fair trial and if the governor is found guilty, he should be asking for the maximum penalty to be enforced.

Enough of this, everyone deserves better.

Brenda, Appleton, WI (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:40 PM)

Well, in 8 years when Obama is leaving office he can pardon Blagojevich. Well, Rod, nice try but that kind of crap doesn't cut it in my Administration.

Blagojevich seems to be acting more like a Republican would these days. But politicians are politicians and the temptation is there for all of them. This one fell to the temptation and should suffer the consequences of doing so.

eagle1776 (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:41 PM)

There will be pesky and mounting questions. Obama is obviously not implicated here, but he won't escape his Illinois/Chicago connections and the mystery surrounding who Blago talked to and when.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:45 PM)

Obama's working to establish arm's length from the corrupt political machine that made him. Now, or course, we can trust him to ride into Washington and change all that. OK, so now all you taxpayers are going to trust this administration to oversee the "emergency" administration of bailouts and a "New Deal" style work program. But without corruption. Yeah - right. Of course, most Dems don't beleive a word of that nonesense anyway - just the typical pragmatic line that a little (or a lot) of corruption is enevidble, but is OK as long as your political agendas are advanced. Same thing on both sides of the isle, but I almost feel sorry for some of the ideallists who really expected "Change that doesn't stink like dirty diapers."

Counter-Cultural (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:52 PM)

He was contacted for a position with the Admin. Obama KNEW WHAT WAS HAPPENING, he chose to be silent, maybe to avoid controversy or who knows why?? FACT IS, he DID NOT DO THE RIGHT THING, he didn't turn him in. And he refuses to comdemn him

HE IS INVOLVED AND GUILTY

Ted K, Hyannis, MA (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 4:57 PM)

The swiftness with which this take-down of a rising voice is happening sure looks indecent to me. Very similar to how Spitzer was taken down, and also Governor Siegelman. Governor Siegelman was thrown into jail right before the election and literally put into solitary!!! He is not guilty of ANYTHING but being in the way of the Republican who wanted to win. Rove was involved- and you know what kind of protection Rove gets from our Just-us (previously known as Justice) system.

Spitzer was entrapped (using the illegal wiretapping being used against ALL American citizens) for having had the balls to tell the truth in an obscure page of the Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/13/AR2008021302783_pf.html

The swiftness of everyone trying to silence and put away this Governor of Illinois is an obstruction of justice and a swiftboating of the man. There is too much theater in all of this! Does that not look ridiculously suspect? Certainly the justice system can do its job without all of this show-boating! They are just trying to get him immediately out of the way! You have to ask WHY?

Pat G, San Diego, CA (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 5:10 PM)

Obama might not have been involved but you would have to be blind to live in this state and not see all the stuff Blago has done to ruin it. At the very least he was an inactive participant in letting him bring this state down.

Being from the state of IL and seeing what the Dems have done to the state here is the ONLY reason I did not vote for Obama. I tned to vote Dem but I could not live with myself if I voted for a Chicago Dem. God help this country if Obama continues the tradition of corruption.

Paula, Chester, IL (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 5:13 PM)

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Republican Party is proud to present....Whitewater 2, Electric Bugaloo.

Let's see how long they hound Obama for this.

Jackson, Seattle (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 5:13 PM)

Blago ran on a promise to clean up the corruption in the Governor's Office. From the time of is election Blago has been a crook, then he got re-elected and became a bigger crook. I was just waiting for the time when he would be caught, and here it is.

There is no love lost between Obama and Blago and the right wing conservatives and others should not try to link the two together. Of course Obama had contact with Blago as he is the Govenor and Obama was in the Illinois Senate, but since Obama ran for President there has been no connection. Leave the blame where it belongs, with Blago and his cronies.

Hazel Garnett, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 5:16 PM)

Since when does ignorance exonerate our elected officials from their basic responsibility to act within the good faith of their constituents? President elect Obama has a civic duty to get involved and help restore faith in the electorial proceess in Illinois government.

Mike, Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 5:19 PM)

This whole thing is exactly why I don't get too smug when a Republican is busted for wrongdoing; sad to say, but there are greedy idiots on both side of the aisle at every level.

Believe me, I'll be just as satisfied to see Blago in the pokie as I am any other scumbag politician who forgets who they are supposed to work for - or who never knew it in the first place. And I hope Obama never pardons him.

KJ, CR, IA (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 5:21 PM)

Let's get something straight. Right, left, Republican and Democrats (and yes Independents):

There is no politician, not one, who has climbed the proverbial political ladder into the position of CongressPerson, Senator, Governor, President, Vice President, and in many cases Mayor or even Council Member who have not had relationships or dealings of differing degrees with people of less than shining reputations. It is almost impossible, if not down right impossible, to climb the political ladder without financing and/or influence of some kind from people who might be considered shady characters.

Name one politician you think has been able to accomplish such a climb without such relationships and dealings and I bet if all were allowed to be uncovered that that person will be found to have had some relationship, financing or influence, with persons lacking in honesty and integrity. Granted, some politicans will have had more contacts, relationships and influence than others, but they all have had such connections to a degree. Otherwise, they would never have been able to climb the political ladder.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 5:21 PM)

I wished people would leave President Elect Obama alone and let him concentrate on more important issues. So what if he talked to the governor, that doesn't make him guilty.

Kathleen Tandy Lafayette, Indiana (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 5:23 PM)

As an Obama surogate. Gov Blago tried to use his power and influence to censure the Chicago Tribune editoral staff. One step toward eliminating the Free Press...

Jagman, Jacksonville FL (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 5:23 PM)

Illinois is a fraternity of corruption. Rezko is the link b/t Blago and _ _ _ _ _...and Blago will do some heavy negotiating to in order not drag you know who in the mess.

David , Naperville IL (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 5:30 PM)

I BELIEVE HUSSEIN OBAMA KNEW ALL ABOUT THIS SCANDAL, BUT CONVENIENTLY DENIES IT. I SAY 'SACK BOTH BLAGO AND HUSSEIN OBAMA!!!!!!

NEAL CORNETT - BARDSTOWN KY 40004 (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 5:35 PM)

Ok, folks, calm down. Everyone who's hyperventilating about Obama -- please don't let the facts get in the way of your opinion.

The NY Times reports that, in announcing the indictments, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, said that the complaint “makes no allegations about the president-elect whatsoever.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/us/politics/10Illinois.html?hp

Marc Weiss. New York, NY (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 5:37 PM)

I'm from Illinois and I even knew better than to vote for either guys. I voted for the other person.

Amanda, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 5:37 PM)

Obama hasnt even taken office yet and yet you people still try to link him to more BS. Why dont you worry about what Bush has done to this country ive never seen it so bad in 70 years. You people need to grow up.

SPIDEY (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 5:40 PM)

I'm sure Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow on MSNBC will be all over this....and somehow find a way to blame John McCain, or Sarah Palin or some other Republican for it.

Joe Brafford (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 5:43 PM)

Read the indictment -- all 76 pages of it -- I did

Blago is a maniac and Obama is no more imvolved in this than Fitzgerald is.

Blago thought he had something to value to sell or trade and got caught when no one bit.

Now how does Illinois get a second Senator?

Paul Wyckoff, NJ (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 5:49 PM)

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