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Chicago boasts about 250 theaters and a rich dramatic tradition. But today, the biggest show in town can be found not in a theater, but in a courtroom.
The corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his brother and co-defendant, Robert, has developed a devoted following. Curious spectators have come from all over the city and state to observe this course in "Politics and the Justice System 101."
Photo by AP Photo/M. Spencer Green
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich shakes hands with a supporter, Art Hamill, Chicago fireman, upon his arrival at the Federal Court building, Tuesday, July 20, 2010, as his wife Patti, right, enters the building.
"This is history being made," said Scott McCoy, former mayor of Pontiac, Ill. "I couldn't miss it."
By 5 a.m. Tuesday, about 50 would-be spectators had lined up outside the Dirksen Federal building in Chicago’s Loop, trying to score one of the 32 courtroom seats available to the public each day or to catch a glimpse of the man himself.
"Good morning, nice to see you. God bless you," Rod Blagojevich said as he entered court Tuesday morning. It’s his daily mantra on the way into and out of the building, as he shakes every hand he can grab.
Both Blagojevich brothers have pleaded not guilty to taking part in a scheme to sell or trade the Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama when he was elected in 2008.
In addition, Robert Blagojevich, 54, has pleaded not guilty to a wire fraud charge that he was involved in pressuring two businessmen illegally for campaign funds. And Rod Blagojevich, 53, has pleaded not guilty to plotting to launch a racketeering operation in the governor's office.
The opinions of would-be spectators on their former governor’s case are varied.
"This is one exceptional case," said George Calvino, a young African-American man considering law school. "I'm not sure whether Blagojevich will walk or not."
"We totally support him and we think it’s all talk, no action, and a big waste of taxpayer money," said Patty Farley, a middle-aged Chicago woman.
"This guy ran the state into the ground. I think, overall, this will change politics in the state a little bit, wake people up a little bit," said McCoy, the former Pontiac mayor.
Nonetheless, McCoy added, "I'll be happy when this is over…This is an embarrassment for the state."
At least one spectator was there to watch the performance of the prosecutors as much as that of the former governor.
U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, who gained national attention as the federal prosecutor in charge of the investigation into the Valerie Plame Affair, spent about 30 minutes in the overflow courtroom, where reporters and the public can hear the audio of the proceedings.
He was listening to one of his deputies cross-examine Robert Blagojevich and taking notes.
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Chicago and Illinois politics have always been intertwined with corruption and organized crime. The saying "vote early and often" was a mainstay in Chicago politics and helped John Kennedy win a squeeker in 1960. There is no doubt Obama, Rahm Emmanuel and all the other crooks surrounding Obama, were up to their necks in illegal backroom deals with Blago. They have brought that mindset to the Whitehouse and if any of the mainstream media actually did their jobs and did any objective or investigative reporting, the unethical and illegal activities of the Obama administration would be mind boggling. But since the media and the Democrats created the Government/Media Complex we now have, there is no fear of that happening-only Republicans and especially Conservatives are investigated by the lamestream media!!!
Blago man is totally innocent. Rahm and Obama threw him under a bus when it got too hot in the kitchen. He did not ask for anything more than any other politician whether he be Republican or a Democrat. He seems quite confident of his chances of walking home a free man at the end of the day. Maybe he did some of his own recording of phone conversation that probably lead to the White house. Blago is not as dumb as he appears, I really belive he will pull a rabit out of a hat in the end. Who knows, he might get to the white house as a Republican when this is all over.
Franklin, If you really want to hear good reporting listen to the BBC or the Russian version of BBC news or even NPR. Conventional media is way off base, its all bread and circus show. Most people are too lazy to read, they would rather flip the Tv channel and be mesmerized like a monkey. They have managed to remove the thought process from most people and they also convinced them that they own the TRUTH.
I really can't explain it, but there's something likeable about Rod--guilty or not. Give 'um hell, Roddy! But next time, stay out of trouble.
Forest, maybe its because he is too confident and too arrogant?
Rod will likely walk. Fortunately for Illinois, he is no longer governor. Did you catch last week when they demonstrated in court that he only worked about two to eight hours a week when he was governor? He certainly deserved to be impeached, but whether he deserves to go to jail is not so clear.
Still working, what makes you think that our present governor is any better then Blago. I would certinally love to be a fly on his wall to hear him making the same deals as THE BLAGOMAN.
I too think he got thrown in front of the bus,came up smiling though.That is the cute thing about him(nice hair!).I wonder if the truth will come out?Its amazing how photogenic he is.Maybe he could play John Travolta ?Oh !He got run over by a bus he helped design?
ONLY 14 yrs. ???