IL Governor Rod Blagojevich Rumored to Resign as Early as Monday

All I can type is, "ABOUT FRIGGIN TIME".

Gov. Blagojevich will decide early next week -- perhaps as early as Monday -- whether he should resign, a source close to the governor told the Chicago Sun-Times.

"He was blindsided by this," the source said. "He needs some time to digest what's going on. He's going to make his position clear shortly."

Blindsided? No, let's call it what it is, he is STUPID. Here is a governor who has been under investigation since 2004 and told everyone not to talk on the phone but got caught talking on the phone.

On Friday, in his first public comments since his arrest, the governor did not rule out the possibility he might resign. As he left the federal courthouse after a visit to the pretrial services office, a reporter asked the governor, "Do you have anything to say to the people of Illinois?"

He replied, "I will at the appropriate time. Absolutely."

"Are you going to resign?" the reporter asked.

"I'll have a lot to say at the appropriate time," Blagojevich answered.

Also Friday, Blagojevich retained the lawyer who defended R&B singer R. Kelly and disgraced media mogul Conrad Black to represent him in his criminal case.

Ed Genson, one of Chicago's top criminal-defense attorneys, said he was assembling a team of lawyers to assist with the case. Genson typically doesn't represent clients who plan to plead guilty.

Yeah, R. Kelly, the alleged child molester. Yep, though he was found innocent, for many he is a child molester. Blago lawyering up with that crew, who got Kelly exonerated.

Good luck, and I hope you find some money to pay the 500K that you owe your previous lawyers.

Home Page

Obama named Shaun Donovan, Secretary Of HUD

HUD Secretary named.

Promising a prominent role for his housing department, President-elect Barack Obama on Saturday named a Harvard-educated architect to lead an agency dealing with the mortgage mess that dragged the country into a recession.

With one in 10 U.S. homeowners delinquent on mortgage payments or in foreclosure, Obama said New York City housing commissioner Shaun Donovan will bring "fresh thinking, unencumbered by old ideology and outdated ideas" at the Housing and Urban Development Department to help resolve the housing and economic crisis.

"We can't keep throwing money at the problem, hoping for a different result," Obama said during his weekend radio address. "We need to approach the old challenge of affordable housing with new energy, new ideas, and a new, efficient style of leadership. We need to understand that the old ways of looking at our cities just won't do."

Donovan, head of the New York's Housing Preservation and Development Department, is former Clinton administration HUD official with a national reputation for curtailing low-income foreclosures, developing affordable housing and managing the nation's largest housing plan.

Home Page

President-Elect Obama's Radio Address (Video and Transcript), December 13, 2008

Transcript

Home Page

White House Denies The Obamas to stay at Blair House before Inauguration

Blair House in yellow

••

The White House has turned down a request from the family of President-elect Barack Obama to move into Blair House in early January so that his daughters can start school on January 5.

The Obamas were told that Blair House, where incoming presidents usually stay in the five days before Inauguration Day, is booked in early January, a spokesperson to the Obama transition said. “We explored the idea so that the girls could start school on schedule,’ the spokesperson said. “But, there were previously scheduled events and guests that couldn’t be displaced.”

It remained unclear who on Bushes guest list outranked the incoming President.

For real, who outranks the President-Elect of the United States of America?

The Obamas love Chicago and would not leave early at all, but situating their daughters in a new school, new school mates and new city is very important.

The Obama Girls are the first little people coming to the White House since John F. Kennedy. The Bush White House need to find a interim place for the next President of the United States to stay!!

A State Department official said he didn’t know of any foreign dignitaries staying at Blair House in early January.

A White House official said that Mr. Bush does not have family or friends from Texas staying at Blair House during the period which the Obamas requested. But Blair House, the official said, has been booked for “receptions and gatherings” by members of the outgoing Bush administration. Those receptions, the official said, “don’t make it suitable for full-time occupancy by the Obamas yet.”

Are you kidding me? They booked The Blair House for outgoing parties? And that is more important that the next President of the United States and his family? Like the WHITE HOUSE, as large as that house is, not suitable enough for these "parties?"

Home Page

Blago Scandal Update: Chief of Staff resigns, Rahm Emmauel & Blago, and Jackson Jr. friends raised money for Blago (Video)

Well, first the other person that the US Attorney's Office went after on their Criminal Complaint, John Harris, Blagojevich's Chief of Staff resigned.

Harris is implicated all through that Criminal Complaint. Expect a deal with the feds and for the snitching to commence.

••

The rumors swirl around Obama's Chief of Staff, Rahm Emauel and his possible contact with Blagojevich or the Blagojevich staff.

President-elect Barack Obama's chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, refused to take questions from reporters this morning about whether he was the Obama "advisor" named in the criminal complaint against Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The complaint states Blagojevich wanted a promise of a high-level appointment or some other reward for Blagojevich in exchange for Blagojevich naming Obama's friend Valerie Jarrett to replace him in the U.S. Senate.

Emanuel was uncharacteristically absent from Obama's news conference this morning. He was spotted two hours later in the lobby of Chicago's City Hall. He was there to listen to his two children performing in a concert with their school, Anshe Emet.

Well, Emanuel got pissy with the press asking questions about if he was the emissary in the US Attorney's Criminal Complaint.



Look, the bottomline is this, Obama have not had direct contact with Blago or his staff, but it is ridiculous that Obama's staff have not.

Why? Blagojevich is the Governor of Illinois, and of course the Obama Team expressed Obama's wishes on who will replace his senate seat. Just like Obama's Team more than likely have contact with Chicago's Mayor Richard Daley and his staff. This is protocal.

What Obama needs to do is release all information of his staff, on all contacts with Blagojevich's office.

Why? If you read through the criminal complaint it is obvious that Blagojevich had the thought that he could get something from the Obama Team, once he found out Obama's Team would not "pay to play" he lavished all the F-BOMBS that he could on Obama. So, to think that some type of contact from the Obama Team to the Blagojevich staff did not happen is crazy, there was contact.

Obama put the information out there, make sure it is clear and concise, so you can move on from this scandal and continue to roll out your cabinet and staff.

••

Not looking good for Jesse Jackson, Jr.

As Gov. Rod Blagojevich was trying to pick Illinois' next U.S. senator, businessmen with ties to both the governor and U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. discussed raising at least $1 million for Blagojevich's campaign as a way to encourage him to pick Jackson for the job, the Tribune has learned.

Blagojevich made an appearance at an Oct. 31 luncheon meeting at the India House restaurant in Schaumburg sponsored by Oak Brook businessman Raghuveer Nayak, a major Blagojevich supporter who also has fundraising and business ties to the Jackson family, according to several attendees and public records.

Two businessmen who attended the meeting and spoke to the Tribune on the condition of anonymity said that Nayak and Blagojevich aide Rajinder Bedi privately told many of the more than two dozen attendees the fundraising effort was aimed at supporting Jackson's bid for the Senate.

Among the attendees was a Blagojevich fundraiser already under scrutiny by federal investigators, Joliet pharmacist Harish Bhatt.

That meeting led to a Blagojevich fundraiser Saturday in Elmhurst, co-sponsored by Nayak and attended by Jesse Jackson Jr.'s brother, Jonathan, as well as Blagojevich, according to several people who were there. Nayak and Jonathan Jackson go back years and the two even went into business together years ago as part of a land purchase on the South Side.

Now we have Jackson Jr.'s brother embroiled in this. This collaborates the notion that Candidate #5, which is Jackson, Jr. possibly did have an emissary on his behalf to "pay for play." Still this does not mean Jackson, Jr. knew about it, but this is surely drawing him closer to attempting to pay for Obama's senate seat.

And IL Attorney General Lisa Madigan asks IL Supreme Court to remove Blagojevich from office, information and docs, here.

Damn, this Blago mess is just scandalous.

Home Page

Bush White House to possibly use TARP Money to aid Automotive Industry

Bush White House is poised to use some of the 700B TARP money to aid the automotive industry.

The White House said Friday that it may tap a 700-billion-dollar Wall Street rescue to spare US automakers from an "immediate collapse" that the US economy "could not withstand."

"Given the current weakened state of the US economy, we will consider other options if necessary -- including use of the TARP program -- to prevent a collapse of troubled automakers," spokeswoman Dana Perino said, referring to the Troubled Asset Relief Program conceived to help financial services firms.

Perino, speaking aboard US President George W. Bush's official Air Force One jet, declined to say when a decision would come but said the White House understood "the urgency of the situation."

The House passed the bill to aid the automotive industry for 14B, but the senate republicans killed the bill citing concessions from UAW.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a White House-backed bill, crafted by Democrats, to give the ailing automakers a 14-billion-dollar injection, but the legislation collapsed in the US Senate.

The measure would have required the manufacturing giants to engage in painful restructuring to ensure their long-term survival and repayment of the government monies or face bankruptcy proceedings.

"Congress spoke last night. They don't have the votes to do anything. They didn't get it over the goal line, and so we have to consider what other options we would take but I don't have a time frame on it," said Perino.

"While the federal government may need to step in to prevent an immediate failure, the auto companies, their labor unions, and all other stakeholders must be prepared to make the meaningful concessions necessary to become viable," she warned.
Bush's Republican Senate allies said the bill failed because of a dispute with US autoworkers unions on the timing of bringing their wages in line with those paid by foreign automakers to non-unionized workers in US states.

How these republicans can do this is beyond belief? These same republicans with democrats and Bush White House gave Wall Street half of the 700B Tarp money and they were supposed to use it to help Main Street. Well, we all know they have been sitting on this money and not easing the credit crunch, not giving out loans. Now the republican senate are taking out their anger on the backs of the middle class worker, by stopping the funding of the bridge loan to the automotive industry. Do they want to regain any power in D.C. again? They won't, not doing this crap. Not continuing to help these big time cronies on Wall Street and let the last of manufacturing in this country die.

I understand there are major problems with the automotive industries, and it starts with lack of vision and innovation, but we are talking about 3 to 5 million people losing their jobs, losing their healthcare, slashing pensions, losing more homes, repossession of cars, etc. We are talking about massive unemployment and not a recession but a depression. We are talking about letting foreign companies be the sole manufacturers of automobiles, HERE in the United States of America.

There must be a hard, viable structure going forward for the automotive industry, with the Car Czar watching with heavy oversight. But, letting this industry just die out, is disastrous on all levels.

And while the congress failed to help the automotive industry, GM will temporarily close 20 plants.

General Motors Corp. said Friday it will temporarily close 20 factories across North America and make sweeping cuts to its vehicle production as it tries to adjust to dramatically weaker automobile demand.

GM said it will cut 250,000 vehicles from its production schedule for the first quarter of 2009, which includes a cut of 60,000 vehicles announced last week. Normal production would be around 750,000 cars and trucks for the quarter, spokesman Tony Sapienza said.

Many plants will be shut down for the whole month of January, he said, and all told, the factories will be closed for 30 percent of the quarter.

"We're adjusting pretty dramatically," spokesman Chris Lee said.

The move affects most of GM's plants in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. During the shutdowns, employees will be temporarily laid off and can apply to receive a portion of their normal pay from the company. They can also apply for state unemployment benefits, Lee said.

And this is what UAW has to say about congress:



and morning joe:



And the Gang of 18. These Republican Senators voted FOR the 700B to Wall Street, but AGAINST a 14B bridge loan to the Automotive Industry.


h/t jedreport

Home Page

IL Attorney General Lisa Madigan Asks Court to Remove Gov Blagojevich (Video)

Court Documents for restraining order against Blagojevich

Home Page

Colin Powell Slams Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin on CNN Fareed Zakaria's GPS (Video)

This is a tidbit. The whole show is on this weekend.





Home Page

Obama Evening Wrap Up. Unemployment News Bad.

Obama nominates Tom Daschle for Secretary of HHS in Chicago

••

Obama pegs Daschle for Sec of Health and Human Services

President-elect Barack Obama today reasserted his pledge to overhaul the nation's healthcare system when he takes office, signaling that despite the economic downturn he would attempt a major reworking of the sector that has eluded presidents since Franklin D. Roosevelt.

"The time is now to solve this problem," Obama said at a Chicago press conference, where he formally announced that former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle would head his healthcare team.

"It's not something that we can sort of put off because we're in an emergency," Obama said. "This is part of the emergency."

Obama said Daschle would be his nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services. News of the nomination leaked late last month. But Obama said today that he also plans for Daschle to head a new White House Office of Health Reform.

Obama provided few details about what his healthcare reform proposal would include. And he declined to outline how his administration would pay for an overhaul that some estimate could cost more than $100 billion a year.

But the president-elect's words today, coupled with his selection of Daschle, were seen by some interest groups as an indication that Obama would not back away from his campaign promises to expand insurance coverage, hold down skyrocketing costs and improve the quality of care. continue

Transcript
••

Very Grim Unemployment Numbers

I don't care how you write it or how you say it, the unemployment numbers are bad and should worry everyone with a job. Seriously, it should.

New claims for jobless benefits surged last week and came in worse than expectations that were already gloomy — and economists say the figures would get even worse without an auto industry bailout.

Initial applications for unemployment benefits rose to a seasonally adjusted 573,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. That was nearly 50,000 more than economists were expecting and up from a revised 515,000 the week before.

The last time so many Americans filed new jobless claims in a single week was in 1982, although the labor force has grown by about half since then.

Adding more damage to the already ravaged labor market, Bank of America said it expected to cut as many as 35,000 jobs over the next three years, including some from investment bank Merrill Lynch, which it agreed to buy in September.

More layoffs, Bank of America, laying off 35,000 over the next three years. Just as George W. Bush have tainted or corrupted much in this country, he has not done JACK in controlling this economy. Another check mark on his list for failure.

Trading in this country is in a seven-month low.

The export slump, caused by recessions spreading through U.S. trading partners, spurred a widening in the trade deficit to $57.2 billion in October, a Commerce Department report showed in Washington today. Initial jobless claims rose more than forecast to 573,000 in the week ended Dec. 6, the Labor Department said.

Rising joblessness will deepen the pull-back in spending by consumers, and the worsening trade balance removes what had been a source of support for an economy that’s been in a recession for a year. The Bush administration said the Labor report shows why U.S. senators should approve an emergency loan for automakers, to prevent a bigger hit to jobs from that industry’s collapse.

“We’ve yet to see the deepest monthly loss of jobs for the current recession, and that’s somewhat frightening,” John Lonski, chief economist at Moody’s Capital Markets Group in New York, said in a Bloomberg Television interview. Payrolls may fall a combined 1.1 million in December and January, on top of the 533,000 drop in November, he said.

••

Blago-Gate Continues

There is no doubt the man or IL Governor Blagojevich is clinging onto any power that he can. The pressure is on for him to not only leave office but to runaway as fast as he can. But, anyone who has read the Criminal Complaint, you now have come to terms that this man is delusional and I am being kind.

Illinois need to clean this up and quick. This is an albatross on this state's back and it is quite shameful. But I will go further, this scandal is constantly trying to pull Barack Obama into it, though the US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has said, Obama has nothing to do with this. Man, talk about guilty by association.

All the vultures are out for Obama's Senate Seat, but whoever gets it, must HOLD IT. The Democrats do not want a special election, though the cost is high, the real reason is they are afraid that a Republican will win in this toxic environment. They are right.

Lastly, as I thought, Obama's Team is going over every contact with Blagojevich with a fine tune comb. For anyone to think or believe that Obama's Transition Team did not have any contact with the Governor's Office, think again. There was a liason, there was some kind of communication, just like Obama's Transition Team more than likely have contact with Mayor Daley's Office. There is nothing wrong with this, but just put all the swirling allegations to bed, as Obama indicated he would do today, until then the press will continue to fly around like vultures.

••

and..........

IL First Lady Patti Blagojevich is not your sweet First Lady as Laura Bush

Presidential Inauguration Website

Auto Bailout Stalls in the Senate

Obama confident staff not involved in senate seat deal

Michelle Obama favorability is on the rise

Chasing Michelle Obama's Wardrobe

Obama already picked his tuxedo

And Want a Good Laugh, Listen to the Diatribe of Cenk Uygur on Blago



Home Page

Blagojevich puts the "pimp" back in politckin' (Video)

Yes, let's laugh, by Cenk Uygur.


h/t brave new films

Home Page

Obama Press Conference Announcing Tom Daschle for Sec of Health & Human Services and Answering Questions on IL Governor Blagojevich (Video)

Transcript

Tom Daschle To Also Oversee New White House Office Of Health Reform

Home Page

IL Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Wants IL Supreme Court to oust Blagojevich. And Patti Blagojevich? (Video)

This is a mess. Just a total mess.

The state's chief law enforcement officer is prepared to invoke an obscure Illinois Supreme Court rule under which the state's seven justices could vote to oust a sitting governor deemed unfit for office.

"The attorney general is prepared to take action but believes the Legislature should have a reasonable time to act," Madigan spokeswoman Natalie Bauer said.

Bauer did not specify a timeline for Blagojevich to resign or for the House and Senate to act on impeachment before she would get involved.

The state Constitution doesn't explicitly indicate an officeholder can be ousted by the court or by impeachment if that person faces criminal charges. Instead, the Constitution uses terms such as "failure to qualify" or "disability" in laying out causes to impeach someone.

The Supreme Court rule allowing justices to wade into the issue of gubernatorial fitness is even less defined, saying only that the court has authority to determine "the ability of the governor to serve."

Madigan, House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), a longtime Blagojevich friend and colleague, called Tuesday for his impeachment.

Blago will not leave unless he can leave on HIS TERMS. We already know from the US Attorney's Criminal Complaint, that he constantly talked about money, so one would think he may be in some financial difficulties.

And the Governor's wife? Well, let's just say that Patti Blagojevich is not one who has a warm and fuzzy side like Laura Bush. If you read the US Attorney's Criminal Complaint, this is one hard nosed woman who does not come up smelling like a sweet rose.





Home Page

IL Democrats Scared of Special Election for Obama's Seat (Video)

Home Page

IL Lt. Governor Pat Quinn has not spoken to Blago in over a year (Video)

Home Page

Obama Evening Wrap Up. Blago-Gate Continues.

h/t Today With President-Elect Barack Obama

••

Blago-Gate is Keepin' On

Obama Crew floated an announcement today for Energy Secretary, get to it later, but he and staff was hunkered DOWN due to the Blago-Gate crap.

First off, Blagojevich went to work today!!! Not in Springfield, he does not work in the capital, but was driven from his Ravenswood Manor to his office in Chicago. Hope they got the all the hidden mics removed.

Next, it is sad to report that Blagojevich's Deputy Governor resigns. Since Blago got caught in the "talking shit" act, his Deputy removed himself from Blago's services.

In a brief telephone conversation with The Associated Press on Wednesday, former Deputy Gov. Bob Greenlee said he'd been instructed not to speak and referred questions to an attorney.

Greenlee's resignation comes a day after Blagojevich was arrested on federal corruption charges.

Ummm, he has an attorney? Was he caught talking too? We will soon find out.

Next Senator Harry Reid, Leader of the Senate, on Blago, don't even try to appoint a senator.

A Senate leadership aide sends over the letter, which Reid has asked his fellow Dems to sign. Here's the key part:

Please understand that should you decide to ignore the request of the Senate Democratic Caucus and make an appointment we would be forced to exercise our Constitutional authority under Article I, Section 5, to determine whether such a person should be seated.

We do not prejudge the outcome of the criminal charges against you or question your constitutional right to contest those charges. But for the good of the Senate and our nation, we implore you refrain from making an appointment to the Senate.

Mayor Richard Daley, from Chicago, the Chi-Town biggest cheese of all, says basically, "Blago do the right thing." But knowing that he has been under investigation, himself, he is walking a line.

"He has to figure out what is best for the state of Illinois," Daley said. "He has to make that decision personally ... You can figure out what would be the best for the state because this is gonna be quite a trying experience for him and his family ... These are very serious, serious allegations. These are not light-hearted, windbag conversations."

Wow, windbag conversations. Only in Chicago.

All 50 Democratic Senators want Blago OUT!!

All fifty members of the Democratic Senate caucus have signed Majority Leader Harry Reid's letter calling on Gov. Rod Blagojevich to step down from his post and refrain from appointing anyone to the vacated Illinois Senate seat, a source confirms.

IL Attorney General Lisa Madigan just wants Blago to go away and denies wanting Obama's Senate Seat

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says she is "candidate No. 2" named in Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's arrest.

She denies having sought Barack Obama's vacant U.S. Senate seat, however.

Madigan, who has called on Blagojevich to resign and for the Illinois attorney general to take over, says: " Nobody in their right mind in the state of Illinois is going to accept a Senate seat from the governor considering the taint of what has gone on."

Listen to Madigan, here.

Then we have the King Cheese of All, President-Elect Barack Obama who released a statement via future Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

President-elect Barack Obama believes that Gov. Rod Blagojevich should resign, his advisers said on Wednesday. "The President-elect agrees with Lt. Gov. Quinn and many others that under the current circumstances it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois," Robert Gibbs, the incoming White House press secretary, said.

The infamous Candidate #5 from the US Attorney Office, Criminal Complaint which reads like a Hollywood Script, has finally been uncovered.

None other than Jesse Jackson, Jr. Jackson, Jr. had a press conference today to vehemently deny any dealings, offers, exchange of monies, or releasing anyone on his behalf in regards to Obama's Senate Seat.



And the biggest S.O.B. of all is attempting to cling to what little power he has left.

His career in shreds, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich clung defiantly to power Wednesday, ignoring a call to step down from President-elect Barack Obama and a warning that Senate Democrats will not let him appoint a new senator from the state.

"Everyone is calling for his head," said Barbara Flynn Currie, a leader in the Illinois Senate and, like the governor, a Democrat.

Calling for his head? That is being nice.

This is what the Governor Rod Blagojevich corruption story has reduced all of this too. The Obama Team is hunkered down, as they should be, probably grilling every single person who even said the word, "Blagojevich", well maybe. Remember we don't know who is who, with the exception of Jackson Jr., on those tapes. We don't know who said what to Blagojevich on those tapes. So, they need to be assured that their ducks are in a very straight row going forward with this scandal swirling around them.

Yep, welcome to politics, Chicago Style.

••

Word Out: Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Steven Chu is pegged for Energy Secretary

Obama will name Steven Chu his choice for Energy secretary, Lisa Jackson for EPA administrator and Carol Browner as energy "czar" reporting to the president.

It is unclear whether the Browner position is cabinet level.

This will not be officially announced this week.

There will be a news conference tomorrow to announce the Health and Human Services secretary -- expected to be Tom Daschle.

*** UPDATE *** Msnbc.com's Alan Boyle wrote last year about how biology might help fill fuel tanks, and the story included some of Chu’s thinking on energy policy.

••

Congressman Mark Kirk (R-IL-10) looks to jump in for Obama seat, IF a special election

Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) said Wednesday he is considering running for Senate if there is a special election to fill President-elect Barack Obama’s seat. The Illinois Republican also did not mince words about some of the potential Senate appointees mentioned in the federal complaint against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D).

Federal investigators arrested Blagojevich on Tuesday morning and accused him of selling Obama’s now-vacant seat to the highest bidder, in addition to other corruption charges. Illinois leaders are now pushing to change state law for a pricey special election to fill the seat instead of a gubernatorial appointment.

In an interview Wednesday morning, Kirk said he was looking at running but thought state legislators’ first priority should be getting Blagojevich out of office.

“I will look at it,” Kirk said. “As far as the people of Illinois, the first job is not to decide how we pick a Senator. The first job is getting rid of the governor.”

Congressman Bobby Rush (D-IL) said on MSNBC today, pretty much how I feel about a special election, "if there is one it will not service the African-American commmunity."

What this means is that special elections are low voting elections. What it means is that you must have money and big organization to get your voters to the polls. It means, as we saw in Georgia, folks are tuned out, not on for special elections.

Finally, what it means is that the GOP will have a very good chance picking this "once safe" Democratic seat up and flipping it Republican.

This scandal is fresh meat for the GOP, no doubt about it. This is about corruption of the worst kind. As long as Blagojevich is sitting up in his Chicago mansion or visiting his Springfield mansion, this story will continue. The Democrats need to get this joke out of the governor seat and off the television. If you think the MSM is bad, live here in Chicago, this story is really bad.

••

and......

Blacks in the White House: Slavery and service

Obama Using Full Name When He Takes Oath of Office

Blago shaking down the Cubs and Wrigley Field

Freak, Senator Larry Craig (R-ID), the one who like to play "footsies" in a Minneapolis Airport Bathroom, Change of Sentence: DENIED

Democrats, Time to Clean House

Obama’s Change.Gov Allows Open Questions Based On Google Moderator

••

Illinois Corruption Continues....



Home Page

Jesse Jackson, Jr. press conference, states he had nothing to do with Blagojevich and his "Pay to Play" scheme for Obama's Senate Seat (Video)

Home Page

Obama to name physicist Steven Chu for Energy Secretary

Source.

Obama will name Steven Chu his choice for Energy Secretary, Lisa Jackson for EPA administrator and Carol Browner as energy "czar" reporting to the President.

It is unclear whether the Browner position is cabinet level.

This will not be officially announced this week.

There will be a news conference tomorrow to announce the Health and Human Services Secretary -- expected to be Tom Daschle.

Home Page

Official: Obama wants Blagojevich Out

Official:

President-elect Barack Obama believes that Gov. Rod Blagojevich should resign, his advisers said on Wednesday. "The President-elect agrees with Lt. Gov. Quinn and many others that under the current circumstances it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois," Robert Gibbs, the incoming White House press secretary, said.

On Tuesday, shortly after news of the criminal corruption complaint against Blagojevich broke, Obama said he was "saddened and sobered" by the news. But he stopped short of demanding the governor's resignation or addressing the questions that arose in the wake of Blagojevich's arrest, including how his successor to the Senate will be picked. The Obama transition team has worked to distance itself from Blagojevich, with whom relations were already strained.

Gibbs said that Obama believes the Illinois general assembly should now take control of the issue of picking a new U.S. Senator for Illinois. The assembly is expected to reconvene next week to debate whether to hold a special election to fill the seat. The assembly should "consider the issue and put in place a process to select a new senator that will have the trust and confidence of the people of Illinois," Gibbs said.

I knew that Obama would come back with a stronger stinging of Blagojevich. It is just sinking in that what this governor did is beyond the political pale. Also, this brings on nagging, lingering questions not only on Obama but on the Democratic Party and the reminder about Illinois politics and its corruption.

The sooner this story is moved from the headlines, the better for Obama and the Democrats.

Home Page

ABC Reports "Candidate #5" in the Blagojevich Fallout is Jesse Jackson, Jr.

Per ABC sources:

Chicago Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., is the anonymous "Senate Candidate No. 5" whose emissaries Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich reportedly offered up to $1 million to name him to the U.S. Senate, federal law enforcement sources tell ABC News.

What this means is that Jackson was willing to pay Illinois Governor Blagojevich up to 1 million dollars for the appointment to Barack Obama's vacant senate seat. This is all alledged.

Jackson has been campaigning HARD for this appointment since the election has ended. Many were dubious that he would be appointed, but now since Blagojevich's criminal complaint is public, there are many players who were in touch with the governor inquiring about being "the one" appointed to Obama's senate seat.

According to the FBI affidavit in the case, Blagojevich "stated he might be able to cut a deal with Senate Candidate 5 that provided ROD BLAGOJEVICH" with something "tangible up front."

Jackson said this morning he was contacted Tuesday by federal prosecutors in Obama whom he said "asked me to come in and share with them my insights and thoughts about the selection process."

More Illinois political corruption fallout will continue.

Home Page

Chuck Todd on the Blagojevich Fallout on morning joe (Video)

Home Page

Democrats, Time to Clean House

I am from Chicago, so this Blago mess is not a stranger to many in this state.

Between the crap in Chicago and downstate Illinois, this state does have a serious problem with "pay to play politics." It is a lifeline for many politicians in this state, period.

For any to think Blagojevich mess won't touch many in congress, like the Democrats in charge, think again.

It will and it should.

••

Illinois have had 3 governors go to prison/jail since 1968 for some sort of corruption and it always involved money. To hear that FBI agent state on television yesterday his take on Illinois politics, "...if it isn't the most corrupt state in the US it is certainly one hell of a competitor." That was a hard blow for many who live in this state.

Rod Blagojevich should never have been re-elected. He was under investigation in 2006; many within his circle have been under investigation or have been in front of a federal judge. If the Illinois GOP had its act together, Blago would have been defeated in 2006.

The Republican Party lost its power in 2006 for the one main thing the MSM did not pick up on, the public's anger at the GOP and its corruption within the party and around the party. This anger still festered into 2008 but was magnified by the incompetence of George W. Bush and many in HIS inner circle. Those many have also been in front of a federal judge or resign their office to run away from one.

There is no doubt in my mind that Blagojevich was tipped off to the feds. This happened by someone higher up in the know on the Democratic Party side, or one of these aides/friends running around with Blago who was privy to what he was up to in the "Obama Seat to the Higher Bidder Gate" and made or brokered a deal with the feds. Whoever snitched, for whatever reason, I bow to you and say, "thank you."

My thank you is to wake up the Democratic Party. We cannot be the party to point the finger and talk about corruption but allow it to fester among our own. We, Democrats also have to take some of the blame for not sending Blagojevich back to his North side home FOR GOOD in 2006. The man should not have been re-elected, period. Now many Illinoisans have to sit through another tarnished image scandal. But we cannot just be angered at the politics in play here; we have to also be angered at ourselves. We voted for this idiot, so we got what we voted for, knowing we smelled the stench of his roses from Chicago to Cairo, Illinois but held our noses and voted for him.

We need to stop this.

This site, Daily Kos, is about finding, promoting and supporting good Democrats but more importantly HONEST ones.

There are two points that stood out with Barack Obama from the time he announced in February of 2007 to run for president, ethics reform and transparency. This must be adhered to by Democrats across the board.

A real test that is coming to Democrats in 2009 has been brewing in congress for some time, his name is Charlie Rangel.

After the outrage and non-carelessness of Blagojevich, the word corruption and honesty is hanging around Rangel's head. The Democrats need to come to terms about what they will do about him. While Obama is now insulating himself more against Blagojevich, the Dems need to do something about Rangel and his mess.

More bad news for Democrats on Tuesday: The U.S. House Ethics Committee is expanding its investigation of Charles Rangel of New York. This is a particularly troubling development given Rangel's power over America's tax policies.

Earlier in the day Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was indicted on corruption charges.

The Rangel affair comes equipped with a defiant congressman who, just the other day, said he doesn't think reporters ought to decide who stays or goes in Congress.

That was a reference to recent reports in The New York Times about Rangel's questionable behavior.

Rangel's right, of course. The media don't decide who can be a member of Congress.

But the Ethics Committee does have almost that much power if it decides a representative has abused the trust of the American people.

Now the committee is looking into several allegations about Rangel, who is the current chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.

While Pelosi is stating there is no reason for Rangel to step down, this is happening:

Tuesday, the House ethics committee said it's now expanding its investigation of Rangel.

If there is nothing there, fine, but if there is and Democrats are just willing to turn their heads because he is "one of our own", we are no better than the Republicans who lost power in 2006 because of similar situations like this and decided to just turn their heads.

Rep. Rangel has been accused of, among other things, not paying taxes on rent from a Dominican Republic beach house, renting several New York apartments at below-market rates, and, most recently, doing favors for a donor to a school named after him.

He has denied any willful wrongdoing, and has asked the Ethics Committee to investigate the first two allegations. The committee announced Tuesday that it was expanding the inquiry to examine the third allegation.

The party has closed ranks around the veteran, and no Democrats have called on Rep. Rangel to step down.

Barack Obama campaigned on ethics reform and transparency. He promised this change in government, now this must start in the Democratic house. We need to start cleaning house now and continue when Obama ascends to the presidency. This Blagojevich mess is nasty, lingering and makes many question Democrats on why we supported this piece of shit knowing he was dirty, because in the end having a "D" by his name did not help the party in any way.

Corruption lingers and festers with people longer than anything else. While folks will be talking about Blagojevich for some time, we need to do what is necessary to perform our own checks and balances within our party. This means walking the ethical walk, that we the Democrats have talked about.

Cross-posted @ Daily Kos

••

Home Page

Keith Olbermann on Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (Video and Transcript)

Vintage Corruption. Nuff said.




with Jonathan Alter

Transcript

Home Page

Obama Evening Wrap Up. Illinois and Corruption.

Obama meets with Al Gore in Chicago, today.

••

Blagojevich and the Fallout

If you have not heard, Governor Rod Blagojevich (D-IL) was arrested by the feds for attempting to sell or auction off Obama's senate seat to the highest bidder. No joke, this is for real.

In terms of Barack Obama or fallout, none, but embarrassment for the Illinois Democratic Party. Also, you must now put Obama's senate seat and the governorship in toss up for 2010. The potential "auctioning off" of Obama's seat is a serious stain and it reeks.

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich embarked on a "corruption crime spree" and tried to benefit from his ability to appoint President-elect Barack Obama's replacement in the U.S. Senate, federal officials said Tuesday.

At a news conference in Chicago on Tuesday, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald called it a sad day for the citizens of Illinois and alleged that the governor tried to "auction off" the Senate seat "to the highest bidder."

He said the alleged behavior "would make (Abe) Lincoln roll over in his grave."

....


Fitzgerald accused Blagojevich of "appalling conduct" and said the governor "has taken us to a truly new low." He alleged that the governor wanted "tangible and up front" cash in return for appointing Obama's successor.

"He wasn't against a corrupt deal, he was against being stiffed in a corrupt deal," Fitzgerald added.

Fitzgerald said "Blagojevich put a 'for sale' sign on the naming of a United States senator."

Lynn Sweet reminded many that the Obama Campaign NEVER had ANYTHING to do with Governor Blagojevich. Period. View it below.



While the criminal complaint is extensive and long, this is just the beginning folks. Just the beginning. Read it all here.

What I am trying to understand is this, "If you are doing scummy shit, why on earth are you talking about it on the phone and out in the open? Knowing that you are under investigation already????" My teenage nephew has more sense than this!! The corruption in Illinois is real. Our previous governor, Ryan, is currently in prison for corruption. 2010 is going to be interesting. Can the Republicans regroup and take Obama's senate seat and the governorship or will the Democrats survive? Expect a lot of promises from both sides about reform and corruption. A show we viewed in 2002.

Lastly, this governor is brazen, careless and classless. The sooner he resigns, the faster we can regroup and clean the stench in Springfield, Illinois up.

Continuous Update.

Obama was not aware, video below:



••

No allegations against Obama in Illinois: official

President-elect Barack Obama was in no way implicated in the federal corruption charges against the governor of his home state of Illinois, a fellow Democrat, the U.S. prosecutor in the case said on Tuesday.

"I should make clear the complaint makes no allegations about the president-elect whatsoever," said U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested on corruption charges on Tuesday, including trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Obama. Obama, who takes office on January 20, left the Senate soon after winning the November 4 presidential election.

Fiztgerald told a news conference that with the arrest of Blagojevich he had wanted to stop a "crime spree."

Obama aides would not immediately comment on the charges against the governor, but said the Obama transition office would be issuing a statement. continue

••

Auto turmoil casts cloud over factory jobs

Ron Maccari, an assembly worker for General Motors for nearly 30 years, has been angry lately over the negative comments he’s heard on TV and read on the Internet about his chosen career.

For weeks, the Big Three U.S. automakers have been on a campaign for a federal bailout, leaving the manufacturing industry as a target of public vitriol.

Lawmakers, economists and business executives have joined in the attack.

Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., called the U.S.-based auto industry a “dinosaur.” An analysis in The Wall Street Journal titled “Just Say No to Detroit” by economist David Yermack suggested: “We would do better to set this money on fire rather than using it to keep these dying firms on life support.” Media mogul Ted Turner, in an interview with NBC's Tom Brokaw, questioned why the country was still trying to “keep alive a smokestack industry of the past.” continue

••

and...................

Blagojevich Shakedown List, no shit

With Arrest, Blagojevich Joins Other Ill. Governors

"Just How Insane Is Rod Blagojevich?"

House Ethics expands Rangel investigation

Illinois Legislature to Consider Special Election

Pressure Grows on Obama Over Pakistan

SEIU: We Did Nothing Wrong In Blago Tale

••

The Governor Blagojevich arrest and stunning criminal complaint by the US Attorney's Office is just unreal. To attempt to sell or auction off Obama's Senate Seat to the highest bidder is truly unethical, immoral, and a Hollywood movie ready to be made. It is stuff like this, that makes many Americans cynical about politics. And this is on both sides of the aisle.

Home Page

Blago Fallout, i.e. the Arrested IL Governor

I agree with everything Nate wrote over at 538.com.

The Republicans in Illinois are disorganized, in fact if they had a strong candidate in 2006, Blago would not have been re-elected.

Anyway, this is worth a serious read.

....

The Republicans are extremely disorganized in Illinois, but both the governor's seat and Obama's senate seat now need to be considered viable pickup opportunities for them in 2010. The Republican with the strongest statewide brand name is former senator Peter Fitzgerald, who retired from the Senate in 2004. With that said, the Democrats have several rising stars of their own, such as Alexi Giannoulias, Jan Schakowsky, Lisa Madigan, and Luis Guiterrez, all of whom have pretty clean reputations.

And then there is the question of what happens with Barack Obama's senate seat in the meantime. I don't see how it can possibly be acceptable for Blagojevich to have any say in naming Obama's successor, but elections law isn't set up to deal with situations as bizarre as these......

And the Blago Shakedown.....for real

Home Page

Obama's Statement on IL Governor Rod Blagojevich with Al Gore (Video)

Home Page

Was it Rahm Emanuel who tipped the feds off about Blagojevich?

Rahm Emanuel took over Blagojevich's seat in 2002 when Blagojevich ran for governor of Illinois. Blagojevich ran on the "reform platform". How many times have we heard that one? Blagojevich replaced Governor George Ryan (R-IL) who is currently in prison for corruption charges. I guess a cot in a 8x6 is awaiting Blago.

Anyway, rumor is Emanuel is the "stoolie" here. Or maybe we can look at it this way, "sweepers", meaning cleaning the Illinois house.

Marcy Wheeler catches local Chicago press reporting that Rahm Emanuel may have tipped off federal investigators that Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) was engaging in corrupt acts. Jack Conaty, a Chicago reporter for the local Fox affiliate, said on-air that Rahm Emanuel might have been responsible for causing federal investigators to act quickly to apprehend Blagojevich this morning:

CONATY: We did receive a tip this morning that perhaps all of this came together so quickly because the Governor may have reached out to Rahm Emanuel, the president-elect’s chief of staff, in attempting to leverage filling the Senate seat. And it may have been Rahm Emanuel who tipped the scale and made this move as quickly as it did.

View the video, here.

Read more, here.

IL Lt. Governor Pat Quinn urges Blagojevich to step down, YES PLEASE DO, like TODAY!!

(UPDATE) Emanuel staff states Rahm did not tip the feds.

Home Page

Senator Dick Durbin Seeks Special Election for Obama Senate Seat w/Video

One of two things should happen. A special election or an appointee to just sit in the seat with conditions to leave in 2010.

A sad day in Illinois and for Democrats.

Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) urges a special election for Obama's senate seat, to produce a credible replacement.

Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois says the state's legislature should order a special election to fill President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat rather than allow Gov. Rod Blagojevich to pick a new senator.

Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday in connection with allegations he sought favors to influence his choice for Obama's replacement.

Durbin told reporters in Washington, "No appointment by this governor, under these circumstances, could produce a credible replacement."

He urged the Illinois legislature to quickly set up a special election.

Illinois law gives only the governor the power to replace a resigning senator. There is no provision for the governor to pass on that power.

However, if the governor resigns, he would be replaced by the state's lieutenant governor, who could then name a Senate replacement.

Durbin also lamented what he described as a strained relationship with Blagojevich, calling him a "difficult man to communicate with." He said the governor waited 12 days before returning Drubin's phone call last month about the Senate appointment.

The Illinois senator added, however, that he sensed nothing out of the ordinary about the appointment selection process during his conversation with Blagojevich.

Home Page

IL Governor Blagojevich about Obama: "F*** Him"

DAMN!!! From the Criminal Complaint.

ROD BLAGOJEVICH said that the consultants (Advisor B and another consultant are believed to be on the call at that time) are telling him that he has to “suck it up” for two years and do nothing and give this “motherfucker [the President-elect] his senator. Fuck him. For nothing? Fuck him.” ROD BLAGOJEVICH states that he will put [Senate Candidate 4]” in the Senate “before I just give fucking [Senate Candidate 1] a fucking Senate seat and I don’t get anything.”

[...]

Later in the conversation, ROD BLAGOJEVICH said he knows that the President-elect wants Senate Candidate 1 for the Senate seat but “they’re not willingto give me anything except appreciation. Fuck them.”

h/t dnA from Jack and Jill

Full Criminal Complaint

That PHONE will get you every time!!!

More Here

Home Page

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich Arrested by the Feds for Attempting to Sell Obama's Senate Seat, Among Other Things (with Video)

••

I am a Chi-Town girl and never liked this governor, for many reasons. My mother has reminded me that he has done some good things, but overall he has done more harm than good.

Illinois is the state with this highest convictions of governors in the United States, along with them going to jail. This.is.not.pretty.

There is a reason that Obama has kept Blagojevich at bay, it is called "he smells of scandal". The feds have been investigating him for some time now and this governor has approval ratings LOWER THAN BUSH.

The part that many have not come to terms with is this, Blagojevich compromised Obama's Senate Seat for money or personal benefits to not only him but his wife. It is called "Pay to Play Politics". Are you drinking your can of "tainted" yet?

Finally, any senate nomination from Blagojevich is tainted. But to go further, any nomination period is tainted from here on out. The appointed senator will be plagued with a senate seat that was up for sale by the Illinois Governor. A very safe seat for the Democrats have now gone into the toss up category, and if the Republicans have a strong candidate, the Republican could win. That is a fact.

People of Illinois are tired of this, the continual corruption in this state. The governor seat of Illinois is in toss up, as the senate seat for 2010.

Thanks Rod Blagojevich, the biggest ego, stupid, jackass that has held the title of Governor of Illinois.

News that Gov. Rod Blagojevich is facing federal corruption charges is drawing reaction across Illinois ranging from surprise to sadness and even elation.

Authorities allege the Democrat was intercepted on court-authorized wiretaps recently plotting to sell or trade Illinois' vacant U.S. Senate seat for personal benefits for himself and his wife.

Republican State Sen. Christine Radogno of Lamont calls it "a really sad day" for Illinois.

Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn says he hasn't yet formed an opinion on whether Blagojevich should resign.

And in Pontiac, where townspeople are fighting the governor's plan to close the local prison, Mayor Scott McCoy says his first thought after hearing about the arrest was that Christmas came early.

Chicago Alderman Richard Mell is Blagojevich's father-in-law, and he declined to talk about the arrest, saying his main concern now is for his daughter and his grandchildren.

Thank you, US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald for stopping this sorry ass politician, cold in his tracks. He is sorry, it is all on tape, and it is stunning.

Full Criminal Complaint, here.

Obama Would Not Play

Read more, here.

And Blago on Obama? F#&$ him!!!

VIDEOS of ALLEGATIONS











Home Page

Saturday Night Live (SNL) on President Elect Obama, "I Keep it Cool" (Video)

Get used to this.

Home Page

What Michelle Obama should wear? For that NIGHT.

Below is a sketch by Issac Mizrahi, for Michelle and the girls.

Now this is what every woman would DIE FOR.



Below is Karl Lagerfel for Chanel. I LOVE IT!!!



The simplicity of the Micheal Kors dress. Chic.



This sketch is chic and hot by Tuleh.



View the other sketches, here.

Home Page

Saudi Arabia's Oil Kings confident U.S.A. will continue to need THEM, from 60 Minutes (Video)

This is really an eye catching, reality check for every American driving a car. Their attitude and smugness is beyond, belief. Total h/t to jedreport for enlightening us all.



Transcript

Home Page

Tribune Company, New York Times all in financial trouble

Well, the reality of the internet has hit the newspapers.

It really was only a matter of time. In fact, the only time I really craved a newspaper was after Obama won the presidency. All the newspapers here in Chicago, was flying off the racks. I had to end up ordering the Tribune and Sun-Times on line because I could not find a paper anywhere.

Tribune Co. _ owner of the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun and other dailies _ filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Monday, the first major newspaper publisher to take such a step since the Internet plunged the industry into a desperate struggle for survival.

The media conglomerate was smothered by a drop-off in advertising and a crushing $13 billion in debt from the company's takeover a year ago by Chicago real estate mogul Sam Zell.

Chapter 11 would buy the Tribune Co. time to put its finances in order. Analysts said the company will almost certainly have to sell off some of its major holdings _ and that could prove extremely difficult because of the bad economy and the poor outlook for newspapers.

"When you look at the near term, prospects for the company and the industry are certainly not very bright," said Dave Novosel, an analyst with the Gimme Credit research firm.

New York Times had been rumored for months to have financial difficulties, well it was put it out there today.

The New York Times Company plans to borrow up to $225 million against its mid-Manhattan headquarters building, to ease a potential cash flow squeeze as the company grapples with tighter credit and shrinking profits.

The company has retained Cushman & Wakefield, the real estate firm, to act as its agent to secure financing, either in the form of a mortgage or a sale-leaseback arrangement, said James M. Follo, the Times Company’s chief financial officer.

The Times Company owns 58 percent of the 52-story, 1.5 million-square-foot tower on Eighth Avenue, which was designed by the architect Renzo Piano, and completed last year. The developer Forest City Ratner owns the rest of the building. The Times Company’s portion of the building is not currently mortgaged, and some investors have complained that the company has too much of its capital tied up in that real estate.

The company has two revolving lines of credit, each with a ceiling of $400 million, roughly the amount outstanding on the two combined. One of those lines is set to expire in May, and finding a replacement would be difficult given the economic climate and the company’s worsening finances. Analysts have said for months that selling or borrowing against assets would be the company’s best option for averting a cash flow problem next year.

Standard & Poor’s recently lowered its credit rating on the Times Company below investment grade, and Moody’s Investors Service has said it was considering a similar move. Times Company stock, which has lost more than half its value this year, closed on Friday at $7.64, down 30 cents.

Other stuff, here.

Home Page

Obama Evening Wrap Up. Times are going to be tough.

The Obamas on dueling covers for Essence Magazine

••

First, I am patting myself on the back for coming back!

Next, the economy will become worse before it gets better. Those holding onto their jobs are doing so with the "what is next" syndrome. Those looking for a job, it is hard as hell. Those on the unemployment take are hoping for many extensions. Those with money are not spending so easily, as before. And the banks are still not lending to ease the credit crunch out on Main Street.

The economic recession will get significantly worse before it starts to improve, President-elect Barack Obama said, seeking in an interview broadcast Sunday to tamp down expectations as he prepares to assume the presidency in 44 days.



“If you look at the unemployment numbers ... the fragility of the financial system and the fact that it’s an international system,” the recession “is a big problem, and it’s going to get worse,” Obama told NBC News’ Tom Brokaw on Saturday. The interview aired Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

Many Americans, moi included, were not happy to bail out Wall Street. Call it what you may, these are greedy "you know whats" that got free money. Yes, free money. Congress only gave Paulson (that is Hank Paulson the weakest Treasury Secretary evah) half of the TARP money that was requested and Paulson did spread it around to the flailing banks, only to have these institutions to sit on the money. This now makes Dodd, Frank from congress to not dish out the other half. Can we ask congress WTF is on their minds to give out money on this caliber and not ask for strenuous oversight? Can I type merry-go-round? Oh, Bush Administration is not too happy about this, either.

Barack Obama's transition team is resisting Bush administration overtures to coordinate more on the financial-sector rescue, convinced that neither the lame-duck President George W. Bush nor the president-elect has the clout to win a smooth congressional release of more bailout funds.

With the first $350 billion of the bailout money nearly allocated, transition aides are pressing Treasury officials to convene a bipartisan meeting on Capitol Hill this week. Obama aides say the Treasury needs to sound out congressional leaders and rank-and-file lawmakers on what information they need to release the second, $350 billion tranche from the government's Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP.

While the bickering continues on the 350B TARP money, the auto industry is tanking and I mean it is going downhill so fast, my car cannot keep up!! The stench of the industry still is in the air for many Americans. We remember, or I was reminded by my mother, that the auto industry had gotten a bailout before in the late 70s or early 80s. This is when gas was not available anywhere and the cars or "gas guzzlers" were not worth the price tag at the dealership. I am sorry, but those issues with the auto industry are the same issues we are facing today. The sad part about it is that the automotive industry has been moving like turtles to fix it. This means that one of these giants will probably close their doors permanently. The industry will not get the 25B it is asking, but 15B with strict restructuring. The government could own a piece of the automotive industry, if this goes through, as we own a piece of these banks.



Sure this is not good for many auto workers, but again, what industry is next for a bailout? The American Public has not gotten any help or bailout from congress and this current administration is probably not likely to do anything with the door opening wider for Bush and Co. to leave. By the way, Obama agrees with congress asking for restructuring of the auto industry before any "checks" are disbursed. And the American Public is not for an auto industry bailout.

Lastly, these unemployment numbers should worry many out here. As long as folks are losing jobs, this means no health insurance, unable to pay bills, foreclosures will continue, car repossession is spiking, many restaurants are closing since many don't have that "extra" money, and retailers are in the toilet. In fact a shock was told to me that Bally's Fitness is in bankruptcy. What does this mean? That even a monthly fitness bill is too costly for many in this country. That is deep, not a shock, but deep in reality.

As many Americans are trying to hold on, the last thing folks want to hear is "Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas This Year". Yeah, it would be all that if many had a JOB.

Next bailout, retail giants? Are we going down that dark road? I hope not.

••

Obama Weekly Address, December 6, 2008



••

The Supreme Court says "NO" to Obama Citizenship Case

This was a bogus case. Straight up. Read about it, here.



••

and....................

General Eric Shinseki, Veterans Affairs Secretary Designate

Michelle Obama's Effortless Style

Caroline Kennedy for Clinton's Senate Seat

Obama wants broadband part of stimulus package

Obama ordering new tuxedo in 15 years

Obama meeting Gore, with Biden in Chicago tomorrow

Hillary and Condi having dinner

Jesse Jackson, Jr. still stumping for Obama's senate seat

Congressman William "Hiding 100K in the Freezer" Jefferson (D-LA) was finally defeated, first Vietnamese going to congress, yes a Republican

Who is dressing Michelle for inauguration night?

The Obama Brand

••

So, now it is uncertain future for Democrats? The continual drivel of the MSM.



Home Page

Gore meeting with Obama and Biden Tomorrow

Main topic: Climate Change and energy issues.

Read it, here.

Home Page

Bogus Obama Citizenship Claim Tossed by Supreme Court

This is as ridiculous as it gets.

The Supreme Court just now denied Donforio v. Wells, the challenge to Obama's eligibility to be president according to the Art. II requirement that the president be a "natural-born citizen."

The case had been filed in New Jersey. The lower courts had rejected the case on the grounds that Donofrio did not have standing to sue, and Leo Donofrio appealed to Justice Souter, circuit justice for the 3rd circuit, which includes New Jersey. Souter rejected the petition, but, and Donofrio then appealed to Justice Clarence Thomas. In an unusual move, Thomas agreed to put the petition on the Court's regular calendar to consider granting certiorari (that the Court would agree to hear the case).

Observers were expecting the Court to deny the emergency stay at their Friday conference, but they did not, putting off any action until today. As usual, there was no explanation for the delay.

Unfortunately, there are other claims that have been filed stating Obama is not an American citizen. Guess if you are born in Hawaii in 1961, two years after Hawaii became the 50th State of the Union, it still is not quite enough.

Whatever.

Home Page

General Eric Shinseki formally announced for Veterans Affairs Secretary (Video)

Interview with Shinseki

Home Page

Obama names General Eric Shinseki for Veterans Affairs Secretary (Video)

MSNBC

Announcement will be formal tomorrow in Chicago.

Home Page

An Update.

I will commence posting regularly, starting tomorrow.

Some family issues have kept me from blogging.

This Week With Barack Obama will be posted, December 14, 2008.

Sorry for the interruption, but this is a Barack Obama portal and all the information that you need can be obtained from the right or left.

Thanks for understanding.

ice.

Home Page

Barack Obama on Meet the Press, December 7, 2008 (Video)

Transcript

I think David Gregory as the replacement moderator for Meet the Press is a terrible decision. Just watch his low rated show, "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue", on MSNBC and it speaks for itself. He does not have the poker face of Tim Russert and it has shown through his reporting.

Meet the Press, Good Luck.

Home Page