Rod R. Blagojevich’s alleged corruption climaxed in connection the governor’s methods of operation in his obligation to fill the Senate seat that Barack Obama vacated when he was elected to the presidency of the United States. In the impeachment hearings held in the Illinois state capital, the full senate was allowed to hear and review transcripts from phone conversations taped by the FBI, which had been investigating Blagojevich for this and other pay-to-play schemes many politicians have become infamous for. These tapes not only exposed Blagojevich as a willing participant in attaining money and other considerations for him and his family, but more sensationalism was brought to this case by the language in which he used to conduct business. The transcripts of these conversations were fillied with so many-expletives, traditional media had to warn its readers and viewers before the edited contents were displayed.
Blagojevich was elected Governor of Illinois in 2002 after ethics scandals and allegations of impropriety plagued the tenure of then Governor George Ryan. Through his six years as governor of the state of Illinois, Blagojevich was also the subject of multiple investigations by multiple law enforcement agencies. In fact, he has been called by some of his opponents the most investigated governor in Illinois history. In what has become one of the more highly publicized collections of stories of this historic election year, Rod Blagojevich has fought some of the most difficult battles of his life. In the process he has become one of the most pivotal characters in the world of politics today. Though he is considered by many to be one of recent history’s worst political leaders from a moral and ethical standpoint, there are those who believe that Blago’s charm is still enough to warrant him the attention it seems he craves and seeks to use to his advantage. In lieu of participating or testifying at his own impeachment hearings, Blagojevich embarked on a media tour to proclaim his innocence directly to the American people, via television and radio shows. This unorthodox approach may have actually worked in his favor, at least for those who tend to take what we hear at face value. As an addendum to this story, there is also a comedic stageplay that is being performed in front of sold out audiences that centers around Blagojevich entitled Rod Blagojevich Superstar! To give an insight into his popularity, it has been reported that the character who plays Blagojevich appears onstage sporting a wig similar to Blago’s now famous ‘do’ causing the audience to swell with laughter before one line has even been delivered. Blagojevich has also been guest hosting a series of radio shows to an audience that seems to still support him or at least be intrigued by him. His audacity to remain in the public eye in spite of his list of accusations has also led him to ink a book deal with Phoenix Books that is expected to shed light on the corruption many politicians have been accused of in their careers as public servants. A statement from Michael Viner, President and CEO explains the excitement at the prospect of hearing the full story, unedited, courtesy of an independent publishing company.
While the Blagojevich story has yet to totally unfold, it is worth mentioning that corruption in Illinois politics is not a new concept. In fact, three other former governors have left the governor’s mansion amid scandal only to be escorted to a correctional facility. There are many people, including critics and pundits alike, that feel that Blagojevich should and will eventually follow his predecessors in obtaining a prisoner number. Although this remains to be seen, the one thing that is the definite truth is that whether you love him or hate him, Mr. Blagojevich has not gone willingly into the night. He has fought with all the means readily available to him to reconcile what is an otherwise dead brand. His political career is indeed over in Illinois, but I think it is safe to say, we have not seen the last of the infamous hair that many will no doubt identify him with for years to come.
Sources cited:
[1] http://www.nationalpost.com/news/world/uselection/story.html?id=1052309 Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich arrested on corruption charges. Sheldon Alberts. December 9, 2008
[2] http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archive/2008/12/09/Blagojevich-busted-cont-d.aspx Blagojevich Busted. Jason Zangerle. December 9, 2008
[3] http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/jan/27/eugene-robinson-what-impeachable-offenses/ What Impeachable Offenses?. Eugene Robinson. January 27, 2009
[4] http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2008/12/09/four-letter-word-abounds-in-ill-govs-indictment/ Blagojevich drops 18 F-bombs in complaint. Michael O’Brien. December 9, 2008
[5] http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/10/us/10blago.html?_r=1&ref=politics Portrait of A Politician: Vengeful and Profane. Susan Saulny. December 10, 2008
[6] http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/38995972.html Ex-Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich tells David Letterman ‘I’ll be vindicated’. Marcus Franklin. February 4, 2009
[7] http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/03/29/blagojevich-is-still-everywhere-%E2%80%93-and-some-can-smile-about-it/ Blagojevich is still everywhere – and some can smile about it. Mark Guarino. March 29, 2009
[8] http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-blagojevich-radio,0,401472.story Blagojevich on the radio again. Associated Press. March 27, 2009
[9] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-viner/why-we-gave-rod-blagojevi_b_171973.html Why We Gave Rod Blagojevich a Book Deal. Michael Viner. March 4, 2009
[10] http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=9876 Politics and Corruption, Together Again. David Boaz. January 6, 2009
