Inherit The Windbag: Drinking The Obama Haterade

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Jul 1, 2010 2:40PM

Yesterday was a day full of bitterness in the Blago trial as the prosecution continued its questioning of former deputy governor Doug Scofield and played several tapes, many featuring Blago expressing his bitterness for President Obama. The day started with a full playing of the infamous "fucking golden" tape and continued with more tapes as Scofield testified there was, "a level of jealousy and anger" from Blago about Obama's election.

• "I mean you got this historic, fucking demi-god. He's a demi-god now. At least for now." [Sun-Times]
• "Look, I'm better off with this guy than McCain." [Sun-Times]
• “I could’ve worked my ass off. That would’ve scared him.” [Tribune]
• “I really believe the worst thing Obama wants is me going [to the Senate]." [Tribune]
• After Scofield suggests appointing Jarrett for nothing: "They all leave town and I'm stuck with gridlock ... impeachment ... and a fucking president who's all talk and no give?" [Sun-Times]
• “So [Jarret's] holding health and human services and I’m holding the U.S. Senate. She’s holding hers with two hands and I got the whole thing wrapped around my arms ... I’m willing to trade.” [Tribune]
• "I mean I'll do Valerie Jarrett . . . but if they feel like they can do this and not fuckin' give me anything under, just some vague assurances or something'. Then I'll fuckin' go Jesse Jr. I mean the arrogance of these fuckin' people." [Sun-Times]

Said Scofield of Blago, "He had an in-out view of the world." He called some of Blago's ideas "absurd." When Blago asked Scofield to reach out to John Wyma to put out feelers to Rahm Emanuel about setting up a foundation in exchange for giving the Senate seat to Jarret, Scofield told Wyma, according to his testimony, "Every now and then we get asked to do something that's ridiculous even by our standards. The governor is really around the bend on the Senate stuff." The problem was that Wyma, a lobbyist and Blago pal, was already cooperating with the FBI.

Under cross-examination, defense attorney Aaron Goldstein pointed out that, based on the tapes, it sounded as if Scofield was encouraging Blago and was never charged; Scofield countered he was placating the then-gov. The defense wrapped up the cross, concluding the day with Scofield facing redirect from federal prosecutors today.

It was a busy day off the witness stand, too, as Judge Zagel said it's likely most of the charges against Blago won't be tossed in light of the SCOTUS ruling on the honest services law, the only charge having doubt cast on it being Blago's attempt to have members of the Trib's editorial board fired in exchange for helping with the sale of the Cubs and Wrigley Field. Zagel will also take up three separate mistrial motions filed by the defense. And here's hoping we see the iTunes release soon of Blago's greatest hits.