Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Too Funny — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:09:28 GMT

Good Grief. As usual, the democrats sound like a bunch of spoiled children. This is how Obama helped to mess up the state of Illinois. Now he will do worse with the U.S.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Scott, Basking Ridge, NJ — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:34:26 GMT

I think that this whole scandal will make Obama's first ninety days much more difficult. This is our generation's Watergate.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Sunyata — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:38:44 GMT

Jesse White should be the nominee.
He is the best thing to happen to Illinois politics since the great Glen Poshard.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Mollyanna — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:51:50 GMT

Roland Burris. Yeah, right.

And the corruption continues in Illinios.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Tyler, Houston Tx — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:52:54 GMT

Instead of a NO GIRLZE sign on the Senate door, it will say NO BLAKCS.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

J. Dean — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:53:39 GMT

Remember to live fast, die young and leave a good looking corpse.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Grand Plan — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:56:09 GMT

It's going to be so much fun watching the very liberal Senate Democrats, you know, the champions of the minorities, the leaders of the oppressed, the fighters for eqauality, preventing a black man from taking his rightful and legal place in the Senate. You just know that Jesse and Al have booked their trips to Washington DC next week.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Tolly Fange, WV — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:57:17 GMT

>> But before Burris is called to take the oath from Vice President Dick Cheney, there would likely be an objection, followed by a motion to refer the matter to the Senate Rules Committee. <<

Let me guess. The objection will come from Robert "Sheets" Byrd?

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

TKD — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:38:42 GMT

Why would a subsequent appointment by a replacement governor take legal precedence over the existing apointment of Burris by Blagojevich? If the appointment of Burris is valid, and there is every reason to think it is, then there is no vacancy for a replacement governor to act upon. The position has already been filled. Senate leaders should not be able to control who sits in the Senate by implementing bad-faith delays and interferences. All this ludicrous games of delay and obfuscation are unworthy of the Senate, and unworthy of the new atmosphere Obama was supposed to bring to Washington.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Mark Cleveland, Chicago, IL — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:40:52 GMT

I don't understand the reluctance of the Democratic leadership to accept mister Burris: it's a temporary position that will be filled soon enough in the next election and he is a man who has served Illinois well for many years. We are all better served if the seat is filled sooner rather than later given the urgent nature of many of our current problems. There is a threat for the Democrats that if a special election is called a Republican could win because of all the fresh bad press surrounding Governor Blagoiavich. This would certainly pose a problem for the senate Democrats especially with the many critical votes that will accompany Obama's first year in office.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Richard Neffson, Rohnert Park, CA — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:43:30 GMT

If Nixon could appoint Ford to be Vice President and we do know that Nixon was a crook then why not let Burris who is just as honest as Ford take the Senate seat for two years.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Richard Neffson, Rohnert Park, CA — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:44:03 GMT

If Nixon could appoint Ford to be Vice President and we do know that Nixon was a crook then why not let Burris who is just as honest as Ford take the Senate seat for two years.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

eagle1776 — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 01:29:59 GMT

Whether quiet or high drama you can bet the MSM will make it high drama either way. Sensationalism sells.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Hard to get help??? — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 01:33:33 GMT

MSNBC is so LAME on weekends and during holidays... Do you really want to loose your viewers to CNN?

I mean seriously, Lock Up Raw, Caught on Camera???
Why not "National Inquirer Weekend/Holiday Edition".

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Patrick . Kingston,Jamaica — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 01:45:19 GMT

The focus of integrity, or really the lack thereof, should now be squarely on Burris. Everyone knows the failed character of Blagojevich, but for a man to smugly claim respectability ,and proffer his years of public service as his credentials, and then accept an offer[he says]from such a Governor, in such circumstances , is putting him on moral par with Blagojevich.Furthermore, he is attempting to use race as virtually a blackmail chip to hit senate dems with. I put this ploy down to loss of memory due to creeping senility consequent on advancing age. Am I wrong ? or was Obama voted for by tens of millions of whites, even in the south? Very poor show Burris.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Joe Sepeda,Early,Texas — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 02:19:24 GMT

Any decision should be "favorable" to the American people, not Democrats or Republicans. The only thing they will ever agree on is to disagree. Too many over-inflated egos in Washington. History shows egos and cooperation are not a good team for solving problems. President-Elect Obama needs to place a sign on his desk, like Truman did, that says....The Ego stops here.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Joe Sepeda,Early,Texas — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 02:23:25 GMT

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Russell Fox Wells, Me — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 03:42:18 GMT

This is nothing but taking away from all the mess of the economy . seems to me that both parties should share failure....Now the democrats want to show whos in control since they are the majority now and its pay back time and they are atempting to show how strong they are..look at lieberman they didnt do anything ..What a waste of time this is when America is hurting and all they care about who gets in....As far as im concerened there are democrats who got re elected because the republicans were just failures....Well there are democrats who fit in there shoes also, but were stuck with them again for six years...As long as the news makes this top priority then recovery of the economy is second.....Let the guy in. its only two yrs. We got congressman and senators who have been there forever and till are do nothings....Thanks to there followers who wont except them as failures...Must be they have invested intrest and dont want to upset the apple cart...Fed up but cant do anything about it.....

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Mr. Mxyzptlk — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:58:05 GMT

Sorry, Senators, if Burris comes with the signed certificate you need to seat him. Blago is the sitting Governor and it is his right and duty to appoint a senator. There is no hint of scandal as regards the Burris appointment, so until such time as there is he should be able to serve. And to keep him out just puts him at the top of the news cycle at a time when CONGRESS GETTING STUFF DONE for the people should be there.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

TKD — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 08:06:18 GMT

Referring this to a committee for investigation is an acknowledgment that the Senate lacks the power to reject the appointment. If they had the power to reject it, they would simply reject it, and end the matter.

What kind of credibility will the "investigation" have, when Reid and the entire leadership have already denounced and rejected the appointment?

And even if someone else is appointed by a subsequent governor, how would that change the validity of Burris's appointment? If Blagojevich has the power to appoint, and if Burris is eligible, then the appointment is already finalized, and there is no more vacancy to fill. That does not change when a new governor takes office.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

SANDRA — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:28:59 GMT

i live in the chicago for 56 years which is all my life the reason this has become a national story is because president elect OBAMA was the US SENATOR of our state and won the general election it's like every thing that happen the media losing it's damn mind damn they need a reality check people are in trouble no body talking about the people who has lose their jobs their homes are gone cant buy their kids a coat. xmas came and went i for one feel blessed. OBAMA IS READY TO WHAT IT TAKES TO HELP AMERICA GET BACK TO WORK. I THINK AMERICA IS SICK OF THE MEDIA MSM AND THE WANNBEES WANTING THEIR 15 MINS . WE JUST WANT THEM TO TELL THE F.. NEWS AND SHUT THE HELL UP. IF MR BURRIS GET THE JOB SO BE IT I AM TRIED OF THE SILLY SH...LET MOVE ON YO REALLY IMPORTANT ISSUES

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Sandy Moore, Indy — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:08:36 GMT

Alaska goes to Russia. Hawaii goes to Japan or China. "The California Republic" — the West from Utah and Arizona to the Pacific — goes to China. "The Texas Republic" — the South from New Mexico to Florida — goes to Mexico. "Atlantic America" — the Northeast from Tennessee and South Carolina up to Maine — joins the European Union. And "The Central North-American Republic" — the Plains from Ohio to Montana — goes to Canada.

A scary future from the mind of a Russian. Most would say this could never happen. With all the ethnic division there seems to be in America particularly with the hate between Democrats and Republicans is it far fetched?

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

JoEllen Paull, Deerlodge, Mt. — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:26:04 GMT

Why ask the question about seating Burris because he will be the only african american in the senate? I feel like we have passed the time when race was a factor. I campaigned and voted for President elect Obama. Doesn't this direction, taken by all the news networks, perpetuate racism? We the people want the best candidate for the job. It should not be based on race in any way.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Linda Porter, Atlanta, GA — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:45:22 GMT

Burris should be ashamed to have allowed himself to have been used by Blagojevich in such a dastardly way. The Senate should refuse to seat him because he is too consumed with himself (see his monument at the cemetery). Anyway, he can't win in 2010; he ran for Governor twice and lost. The Democrats don't need a fool like him and they shouldn't accept him. Although the MSM keeps injecting, "Burris would be the only African American in the Senate," that is irrelevant. Blagojevich is an arrogant rogue who sought to sell the seat. That fact taints any candidate that he would appoint. We would spend the next two years with the MSM trying to trace any quid pro quo between Burris and Blagojevich. We don't have time for that kind of insanity. We have too many crises looming to waste time with the likes of Balgojevich and Burris. If Burris had enough sense to be the Senator from Illinois, he would not have accepted the appointment from Blagojevich.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Larry Solomon, Union KY — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 19:24:01 GMT

I am not a Governor Blagojevich fan. However, he still is Governor until proven unfit and he has the right to continue to do his job. So, let him do it! The current Illinois rules do not call for a special election, they call for the Governor to appoint. He did, so seat the guy. No court of law has convicted him of anything. All this wrangling is stupid.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Diana Owens, Tacoma, Washington — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 19:24:55 GMT

I am not sure what is going on here. I think the Governor made this selection to cause distraction, and division. I believe Burris should have denied allowing himself to be appointed. It make him look like someone who is looking at the oportunity to be in the headline, get a Senate seat he would not have been selected to, and may not get re-elected in. This is more for drama. Burris and his supportors do not care anything about how this looks to the Presidend-elect, just interested in themselves. They are just like the governor.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

John , Sacramento, Cal — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:38:26 GMT

Since the economic stimulus plan will be presented early on, the Demo's will need as many votes as they can to avoid a filibuster....Would it be legal for the senate to appoint a "temporary" senator to only serve until the actual senator is legally (and acceptably) appointed and approved?

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

jesuino leduino rosa — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 21:58:02 GMT

Forget it is not going to materialize.The senate is goin to show all its power and just wait for a
governor .

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Paula, Beaumont, Texas — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 22:12:18 GMT

As much as we think Blogo stinks, we have due process under rule of law in this country. When did a trial by press stand as grounds for nullifying an elected governor's appointment? Burris should be seated and represent Illinois, unless he is found personally unqualified. In two years, the state can have an election. All this hurry-up, hurry-up is not respectful to our laws supporting innocence until proven guilty under due process.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

john mangal bronx, new york. use my first name only please — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 23:24:51 GMT

hypocrisy to the fullest.No indictment only allegations. incompetent federal prosecuter arresting without sorting out his evidence for indictment and then seeking more time. no indictment and he governors is still in office. If he is so guilty why is he stil governor. the federal prosecutor should be arrested for gross incompetence. Again rush to judgment like the iraq war. politicians playing their games and claiming to represent the people.Those opposing the appointment of burress have absolutely no case.It baffles me how so called interlectuals act so dumb with their incompetence. i hold no brief for the governor,but the old ways and nastiness of those in washington will again show under the guise of ethics.the secretary of state should be fired for neglect of duty instead of hiding behind excuses and legal mumbo jumbo. make it simple and stop making simple decisions of right and wrong and the constituition complicated. its not stop the hypocrisy

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

S.T. Foster — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 23:39:43 GMT

I like option #3 as a method to handle the
Burris Senate appointment. It allows everyone
to get what the want (in a way)and opens
a hole in the box the IL govenor thinks he put
in place. I agree Burris meets all the
requirements for the job.
But his appointment is tainted.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Spinout — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 12:21:21 GMT

Yawn ... give me something interesting to comment on.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Jim, Los Angeles — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:22:14 GMT

Am I the only one who thinks this stinks to high heaven?

You have a Secretary of State refusing to do his job, a Senate complicit in obstructing the rule of law and these clowns act like this is all "just routine."

Like it or not, Blago is innocent until proven guilty. It is beginning to look like the prosecutor jumped the gun here and no crime was committed in the most outlandish claim of selling a Senate seat.

The Senate should either find a legitimate reason why this gentleman is not qualified (for example a payment to Blgo) or shut up.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Ric in Chicago — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:32:54 GMT

It just seems like Gov.Blago is saying, "If I can't play, I'm going to mess up the works for everyone by making this appoinyment." It's rediculous!

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

MaryanneAZ — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:47:26 GMT

I think the last sentence of the article says it all "Then, the state's Lt. Gov. could make an appointment more favorable to Democrats." As a Democrat, I do not favor corruption from my Party any more than I did the other Party. Burris is legally appointed by the sitting and legal Governor of Illinois and should be seated. There are hugely more important issues than this Senate seat of two years duration. We cannot be hypocrites about someone's innocence (Stevens) until proven guilty, and then use a different standard for the Governor of Illinois. BTW, for all of his problems, Blago is a flippin' genius by making this appointment and specifically making an AA appointee. Genius to have tied up the Senate, painted everyone in a corner including IL Senate and Lt. Gov., and undermining the incoming Obama administration for whom he has no love at all. He may be crazy, but he's a political genius on this move.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Robert F. Oberle — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:40:40 GMT

Oh how I wish the great Mike Royko was still alive!
How he would have enjoyed commenting on this "only in Chicago" circus!

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

eagle1776 — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:16:31 GMT

Where there is a will there is a way.

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

Robert F. Oberle, Chantilly, VA — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:17:52 GMT

Oh, how the great Mike Royko would have enjoyed this little episode. Mike knew and understood the marvelous
complexity of "Chicago" politics, and could have explained it to us all so that we could laugh and applaud!

Settling Burris: Strategy or high drama?

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:48:39 GMT

It amazes me the level of flip-flopping on this issue on this board. Two weeks ago everyone was saying "DON'T SEAT ANYONE BLAGO APPOINTS!" and cheering for his impeachment, not to mention his head. Now all of a sudden, we're supposed to ignore this and seat a person in a position that he would not otherwise have gotten on his own. And why? Because he's BLACK?! And now all of a sudden (thanks largely to MSM sensationalism) this is a RACIAL issue?! People, I'm dissapointed. This is PRECISELY the kind of racial politicking that we're supposed to be moving beyond, and the reason I initially supported Hillary in the primary (just because I'm black doesn't mean I have to vote that way). The IL SoS is black and is refusing to sign onto this. Obama has called for this man not to be seated. I don't see why this is a RACIAL issue simply because some who are still looking for the "Whites Only" signs (I'm talking to you, Bobby Rush) choose to play old school racial politics for their own gains.

I'm not saying that Burris isn't qualified. But that he would take this appointment begs the question of what exactly happened between him and Blago, especially since Burris was calling for his impeachment along with the rest of the Illinois legislature (including Rush). Bottom line is that there are questions regarding this appointment that should not be simply ignored because some choose to interject race into the equation.

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