Blago: In His Own Words

By Chuck Sudo in News on May 26, 2011 9:30PM

As expected, Rod Blagojevich filibustered like a twisted version of a Frank Capra character, but didn't disappoint when he took the stand today. NBC's Ward Room said a female journalist compared Blago's testimony to being on "a bad first date." Here are some of the highlights. (Sources: NBC's Ward Room, Tribune, Sun-Times Blago Blog, Susan Berger at Blagoblog

His introduction:

"I'm Rod Blagojevich. I used to be your governor, and I'm here to tell the truth."

On following his oath of office:

"I've made a lot of mistakes in my life. I believe deep in my heart that I did follow that oath," Blagojevich said. He says he believed he stood up for average people. "I protected them from some burdens, like higher taxes."

A significant moment in his life:

August 16, 1977 - the day Elvis died.

On his relationship with Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr.:

"I really liked Jesse Jackson Jr. in the very beginning."

On Jackson's contention that Blagojevich tried to get a $25,000 campaign contribution in exchange for appointing Sandi Jackson as director of the Illinois Lottery:

"I don't remember anything remotely like that."

On law school:

"I can't say I came out of law school knowing much about law."

On why he got into politics:

“I thought it was actually good on the romantic side too. I’d have a better shot with Patti."

On asking Ald. Dick Mell for his daughter's hand in marriage:

"I would've found a way around legislature to marry her."

During testimony a juror sneezes. Blagojevich says "God Bless you" without missing a beat and continues his testimony.

On the salty language used in the FBI tapes:

"When I hear myself on those tapes, I sound like an F-ing Jerk and I apologize."

Blagojevich's recalling asking Mell if he could make his own decisions as a state rep:

“He said, ‘I don’t give an F about that.’ ”

On hearing a school in Mayor Emanuel's district didn't receive a grant it was approved for:

"What do you mean, I approved the grant a long time ago, I thought he got the money."