CNN

"Hello Chicago" should be Good-bye Chicago! For Pl Obama, Jackson or other statemens from Crook County.

Well, one good thing is that least this idiot knocked Palin out of the news.

I feel sceptical - supposedly Blagojevich was under investigation for three years and KNEW he could be wiretapped. Don't you think it's odd that in the privacy of his office and on his home phone, he referred to the candidates by number and never by name? Here's a conspiracy theory for you. Someone who wants to distract the democrats and the country offers Blagojevich some big amount - a couple of million when he gets out of prison - if he will take the fall on this. No one's name is mentioned so they all are smeared. They might get a Republican in if there is a special election and there is a distraction from the important issues that they created. The conservatives thirst for power seems unlimited and this would fit them.

As far as Obama - if you worked with someone who was embezzling from your company and knew nothing about it, does that make you an embezzler? If your neighbor was committing adultery does that make you an adulterer? We all interact every day with people who aren't on the up and up and probably don't know it.

We need to focus on the real problems and pull together to heal this country. If the Republicans can't deal with somone else making decisions then they should all take a time out in a corner and relax - for about eight years.

Not a single news network is reporting that Rahm reported Blago to the Feds. How is it that you know all about it Mike? Sounds like another internet urban legend. By the way, based on what we KNOW today, no one can say who is or is not involved, except the Feds.

Obama would have to steal candy from a blind child, videotaped on youtube, to convince you all that he is not a lilly-white decendent from God that he is presented to be by the media.

something about this situation is Clinton-esque, and you all know what I mean. Sooner or later a blue dress will surface.,

I'm surprised he knew that the investigation might be looking at him,he says he doesn't know about any corruption.

karma is great,, hope it hits where i hope it does,,, a democrat that voted for mccain... look out all u bots.. u might find out you might have to pay your house payment afterall... lol

Um...If Obama and Rahm were involved don't you think that the Feds would have released the tapes of them and convict them? How many times do the Feds have to say Obama is not involved until the Repubs get it? What is wrong with CNN? Where were you when Bush LIED about the war? Now you are out to ruin an innocent man. Great!

OBAMA,,,,,,,,,,,,,TRANSPARENCY,,,,,,,,AT,,,,,,,,,,,ITS,,,,,,,,,,BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

FOR,,,,,,,,,,,BLIND,,,,,,,,,,,AND,,,,,,,,,,,,STUPID,,,,,,,,,,,SUPPORTERS

YOU!! Regressives are so funny!!

I just hope Jesse Jackson Jr doesn't end up with the senate seat.
I don't trust him at all.

Hillary Clinton tried it and lost.
John McCain tried it and lost.
Now the Media is trying it.

The American people don't care about distractions and Blagojevich scandal, they care about the melting economy and what Obama can do to fix it.
We can easily see the Media try to gin-up a connection between Obama and the Gov's scandal, and it just reminds the American people of when President Bush was building the case for the Iraq war the Media was busy covering Britney Spears, then during the war Media again too busy to ask the real questions, instead they were all dressed up in short skirts and pom-pom cheering on the Bush administration.
The Media needs to stop being distracted by shiney objects and do their job of giving real information and stop manufacturing drama.
The Media is like a child crying "REAL STORIES ARE HARD, BAH, WA, WAAAA".

Guilty people don't offer only "gratitude" and "appreciation" if they're guilty. They would have offered up the money, positions he was seeking. The spinners have nothing to spin here. Why don't you ask your repuke friends why thy don't want to help out the American auto workers? They are the ones who should be sweating.

Wewhare the BLACK! yOU WERE WARNED!!!!!! Everything/ Everybody connected to Barack Obama are Crooks.. They thinik this is there chance to raid the Larder.... And theyre doing it.....

I know all the Obama haters are wishing and hoping he's been involved in this. Too bad you're wrong and your wish won't happen. On the other hand, if the Gov had been a republican, they would all be trying to sweep this under the rug.

Have anyone realize that when Obama was contacted about this pay for play ideal he call the FBI why did the attorney general make it clear that no one in his staff was a target. They can’t talk because the FBI don’t want the GOV> lawyer to build a case.

Well I see the cry baby Rethugs at it again wanting for Obama not to take the oath of office now that Rahm has been cleared.

You know, if we wiretapped Bush, Cheney and every senator in America, I'm sure theirs is as UGLY or maybe uglier than this. God help US!!!

This is not Obama's BATTLE to fight. It's blagoyevich's. It's a good thing Obama is ignoring this dylexia.

Filthy Crook

No one ever thought Obama or Emmanuel ever had anything to do with this to begin with. It's silly.

But the governor hasn't sung yet.

Talk about non-stories. Next will come the Republican talking heads saying that "not enough is known" about the involvement of Obama's staff in something they weren't involved in. This will be followed by right-wing talk radio making some accusations and spreading some innuendo that completely can't be proven, followed by CNN picking up the "story" and repeating the cycle.

The only source that has energetically sought to make Rahm Emanuel a target is the Repub losers and the "we make the news ourselves" media frenzy!

I believe Blagojevich was also told that he was under investigation and that didn't stop him. This case is about Blagojevich, not Obama, not Jessie Jackson, Jr. no matter how hard you haters try to make it so. What you all need to do is stop listening to Hannity, Rush and the other right wing haters.

Politicians belong to the "good 'ole boys" network....all politcians.

If you all think McCain was as pure as the driven snow, google "Keating 5" and see how he was eyeball deep with that shady character.

Jackson did have a lot more to do with this situation than he is willing to admit, maybe his dad had something to do with the bribe, or sale of the senate seat. I think Jesse is more jealous of Obama's success than he will ever admit and he wanted that success for his son as well (and regrets that he himself could not achieve the same success). I believe that he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

Rahm turned them in, plain and simple. That is where his involvement begins and ends. Both he and Obama are way too smart to get involved with the pay to play shemes. Find out all there is to know about Resko, he is shady too. However, just because something stinks doesn't mean it is rotten.

The worst part is not that the lunatic fringe of the GOP (which seems to be becoming less "fringe" and more "majority" every day) is making up theories left and right- the worst part is that these are the same people who have already convinced themselves of Saddam's WMDs, Iraq's involvement in 9/11, and that the Bible is literally true.

Once an idea takes hold in these low-functioning brains, it doesn't leave.

Obama be careful the folks you choose as your inner circle might be the very ones to sabortage your presidency. Always remember you're BLACK'.And dont take it for granted because you are elected america is elated.

Obama hasn't even made it into office and the chickens have come home to roost....Honeymoon???what honeymoon???

I'm sure the she-boon is bout ready to have a category 5 chimp out if she realizes she's not stepping foot in the whitey house due to her sub-animal mate.

TNB

dear obama is root of this problem, he must be guilty, michelle and barack are teamed up with blago

FYI Sara. Blagojevich new he was being watch by the feds didn't seem to stop him.....
LOL

I hope all the candidates and the middlemen that attempted to pay to play get caught for their wrongdoing.

this is a good thing.

Tim......no one cares what you think...seriously

MAN JAN. 20TH CANT COME FAST ENOUGH!

Republicans are actually amazing!

1. They devastate the economy, criticize Obama's economic plan, but do not come up with a plan to clean up their mess.

2. Rahm Emanuel informs the Feds of Gov. Blago's corrupt requests, and the Repuvlicans blame Obama?.

3. It took them only 2 days to approve a total GIVE AWAY of $700 billion for their cronies on Wall Street, and turn down the big 3's $15billion loan request to save over 3 million jobs.

Yet, some people still call themselves Republicans!

The ACORN doesn't fall far from the tree...

Blagojevich you fool! You should've been a republican so your cronies won't impeach you. Say something about your state's constitution being irrelevant and then give me a call.

Emmanuel probably did talk to Blagoavitch. That doesnt bother a real Illinois citizen I think we are missing the point Obama not only wanted to clean up Chicago politics but state wide politics incidentally you not only have" pay as you play" in Illinois but you also have "pay as you work" Springfields is a cess pool every four years and the water never does get Sotened!

They are all part of that Chicago "political machine". Don't act surprised, people.

Keep dreaming Obama conspiracy theorists (Dawn, Josh, Jenny, and the others). Join us as we move toward a nation of working people who have standing in the world, again. We don't have time to wake you up first.

Birth Certificate no later than comment # 30
Elitist no later than comment #40
Arrogant no later than comment #60

You know where I am headed with this and sometimes it gets worse ~ yes, even worse. Cannot wait until January 29th,

looks like rush will need to find something else to whine about now

mike December 12th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

….Ramn did a good job to tip the authorities…
__________________________________

mike, please explain when/how "Ramn" tipped the authorities. Shouldn't be a problem for an "expert" like you????????????

Watch where you step people. obama, Rahm, Axelrod, Resko, Ayers, Dorn, Blago, kaladi,Ward Chamberlin, all deciples of sol Alinski, all with the same ajenda. Redesign the United States, Those people are not happy with the way the Constitution has thinge laid out.
You may not like what they are about to force on to you.

WHY ARE WE LISTENING OR READING ABOUT THIS ISSUE WHEN IT HAS NOT EVEN BEEN LITIGATED IN OUR SO WONDERFUL AND SO PERFECT COURT SYSTEMS.

So???

Emanuel - like Obama - and Obama's "brain," Axelrod ,come from the Chicago cesspool - surprised, anyone?????? If yes, what universe are YOU living in?!

What else do we know about the list he provided Gov. Illinois that contained Obamas picks to replace him as Senator?

Greg...the screaming GOP banshees love to hear their own screaming and will never stop. It is far easier to focus on non-issues than to question themselves at to why they got handed their butts on a silver platter this past election. Since that time, they have done nothing to help their situation.

Sara, you are obviously not post-menopausal, diabetic, or obese. How lucky you are ...and how silly for connecting guilt to sweating.

this isn't an Obama scandal!!!!!!!!!!!! geez people get over it and get used to the idea that he's going to be the next President and a great one too. This is just another bump on the road and not even his bump.

Why does Ralph always have his fingers on his nose? Is he trying to hold it up or something? It must be the stink from his liberal party and boss getting to him. I think the whole group of Chicago thugs stink from top to bottom.

All I have to say is: President Barack Hussein Obama....the next President of the United States....May God Bless and Keep you from all the H A T E R S......

A question for all you Obama haters – If Obama was involved in any of the Chicago illegal political action why didn't Attorney Fitsgerald
have him arrested? Why has and does the attorney Keep stating that President-elect is not involved any of his investigations? When you answers these two questions maybe then you will have enough brain power to arrive at an answer

Well, you wouldn't have guessed that if you were watching CNN's resident blowhard Lou Dobbs trying to make such ludicrous insinuations.

@Tim..

Stop It...Obama will be sworn in!! You people are wishing, hoping and praying you won't have an African-American/White President...

Rezco is old news...Obama would not have made it through the primaries it that was the case....

Practice in the mirror: President Barack Hussein Obama....

I'm LOL at you closed minded people....maybe one day you'll go to the light!!!

I'm so sick of scandals. I was truly hoping Obama would be bringing change to Washington, but this doesn't look good. Sigh.

Time for Obama to go back to chicago

Your facts are all wrong. Please do a better job at researching.
once again your wishful thinking is just WISHFUL.
Nothing will happen to Obama or anyone on his team.

Get rid of the liars and hate preachers _ rush limbaugh, hannity, etc. these people are dangerous and evil – they will meet their maker one day and have to explain their pitiful lives and all the money they took to spread their vile words

Is it normal for the FBI to tell people whether or not they're the target of an investigation? Actually, when you tell someone you're investigating him doesn't that hinder the investigation?

If Jackson and Emanuel are innocent, they sure don't act like it. KJL, you're right....only the guilty sweat.

President Elect Obama should not be sworn in until the Rezko tapes
are released. Both Obama and Jackson are "absolutely sure" none
of their people was dealing with the Gov. Jackson story is falling apart
by the minute–Obama's probably on same path. Release the Rezko
tapes now.

And the media keeps the speculation up....Ramn did a good job to tip the authorities...good for him, good for Obama, good for america!

Defend Emanuel
Defend Jackson
Defend Obama
Defend the UAW

You guys(CNN) are so corrupt it won't be long before

DEFEND CNN....is added to your talking points!!

For the record, we are NOT the Cowboys or Yanks!! Even distractions can't take on us...O.K, maybe a little, LOL!!! Is gonna happen and quite unfortunately, the timing of the corruption was pretty much not good. We know how to play the game and we ain't gonna ruin it like the Yanks or Cowboys...(for some reason, I feel like they're sticking it up my face, LOL!!).

Come on dynasty...

Heard that Rod is cuckoo ... being treated for it for some time?? That explains his irrational and reckless behavior

I think you need to check your facts dude... Here we go, another ticked off Republican stating lies about Obama!

I love raph and he is ennocent!!

No one ever thought Rahm E was ever a "target" anyway...ok, maybe the bitter Republicans did...maybe the Repubs should police Alaska.

Still laughing at the idiots.. maybe ONE of you will someday READ the Illinois Constitution before these articles and news stories are posted. The FACTS are blagojevich has done nothing illegal in the state of Illinois, it is questionable whether the federal government has the jurisdiction over this case at all either. The Illinois Constitution stattes that the Governor shall appoint a replacement for any senator who cannot complete their term. It does NOT stipulate the method the Governor is required to use to pick this successor. Nor does the Constitution prohibit a sitting governor from profitting from a decision made while in office. So, legally, Blagojevich could raffle off the seat to the highest bidder. Politically this is a failure and a really bad idea but leagally it is not wrong. As for a federal case this has to do with the INTERNAL governing of a state and does not fall under federal jurisdiction. As for calling for this man's resignation.. I believe we have a law in OUR Constitution about presumed innocence? I KNOW bush has trampled our Constitution under feet so bad that it is hardly legible but the fact is he is STILL innocent and therefore should not be impeached (what crime if not convicted?) nor removed from office (after all if a low approval rating and the disdain of the constituents and others in government were a criteria bush would have been gone long ago!)
But of course this willnot stop

this week it's Blagojevich the radical republicans are trying to weave into a conspiracy-going nowhere.
last week the citizenship conspiracy-a lawsuit on its way to a paper recycling plant.
what's next?
Rahm Emanuel is a tough guy and had nothing to worry about (in fact, the only thing he was concerned about was not being able to work because of right-wing death threats, which at this level of politics is a very serious threat to make.
like the psychologists say, after the inauguration, for most people who did not vote for the President-Elect there will be closure. i remember when President Bush was elected after he was inaugurated it felt real and he was the president-i didn't agree with a lot that he did or stood for, in other ways he was a standup guy.

The situation in Illinois is far from being "crystal clear" hopefully the truth will eventually come out. As Will Rogers said "America has the best politicians money can buy"

Rahm (Emanual), Blago, Resko, Axelrod and Obama are all joined at the hip.

Rahm, Axelrod and Obama admitted that they ran Blago's campaign. Rahm then took Blago's US House seat,
Resko was Obama's principal financier,
Resko was a chief fundraiser for Blago, and also a 'pay-to play' dealmaker for Blago,
Resko gave Obama a 'discount' on his house,
Resko is a convicted felon, Blago is soon to be,
Rahm had talks with Blago's office about a deal for Obama's seat,

MORE TO COME...

he is soooo guilty..just like jesse jackson jr.... says alot about toe company obama keeps..sounds like maybe obama has it hands in the cookie jar too.... hillary please run, not walk away... we need you hillary, we need you as a future president.. please dont get caught up in the obama scandal...

It's important that the facts are straightenred out before the news creates a story from nothing. I would appreciate it if they said words such as "alleged" more often, then just inferring things from transcripts they don't even fully have yet. I think the coverage so far has been unfair to people such as Mr. Emanuel and the Obama team.

The fate of two Senate seats was thrown in the legal minefield today as Norm Coleman launched his first major lawsuit in the recount battle with Al Franken, and the Illinois Attorney General asked the Supreme Court to remove Blagojevich from power or at least strip him of his appointment powers.

Wow, how convenient. I'm sure Obama is completely guiltless too. Strange how Rahm and Rod have the same vocabulary.

Are they under instruction not to talk about this matter?
Did Emanuel stiff the Governor's request.
It appears at this time Congressman Jackson and his supporters might have to explain that fundraiser last Saturday night with a follow up meeting Monday.
WHY did his dad lawyer up according to the media?

Emanuel looks like he is freaking out–it' like he cann't believe he hasn't been caught yet.

Welcome to the "not a target [yet]" club with Jesse and others no doubt, then sweat awhile to see if Fitz wants to talk to you or until Blago dimes you out.

Now that it is clear that no one from Obama`s team had anything to do with this lunatic; the screaming banshees from the G.O.P. will have to find another target of opportunity.

PDX Gal: "Blagojevich would have been in better company as a Republican."

Yeah, cuz those Republicans are just sooo corrupt. Let's see, the score card for 2008 is Elliot Spitzer, Kwame Kilpatrick, Bill Jefferson, and now Rod Blagojevich for the DemocRATS and... Ted Stevens for the Republicans. You guys won this year, see ya in 2009! Can't wait till this is all aired out, you guys are probably gonna win again next year too.

He dodged the bullet this time! He will do something stupid and then he will be investigated.

Why is this even news? Not every single person who has ever come into contact with Blagojevich is in on this. It's not like he introduces himself to people like "Hey, my name is Rod. I'm a crook, give me some cash."

Most criminals people don't share with the world that they break the law.

I am definitely sure that Governor Blagojevich did what he did intentionally. He knew that he was under investigation and decided to commit another corruption, I believe the reason was to cloud president elect Obama victory due to the tension between the two and for not giving a spot in the convention.

With his nonchalant attitude, you can tell he did it purposely.

To those of you asking why he would be concerned: Rahm was a close advisor to Blagojevich in gubernatorial races.

PDX Gal

ohh... stop.... my side hurts... too funny... ROFLMAO... oh that's good... rich... really... ohhh... wonderful

I'm just waiting on who turns over for a deal and brings the whole bunch down... will it be Rezko (no governor in his corner anymore)... Blago (facing 30 years)... Harris (facing same).... somebody will... and a lot of chicago machine people aren't sleeping so good. Kinda makes you wonder about the half million dollar payoff Rezko gave to Barry doesn't it?

This is just gonna get better...

Is this an investigation or a witch hunt?? Will Campbell Brown also be notified she is not a target of the investigation? She has gone so overboard on this I would not be suprised!

Of course he's not. Rahm might have a temper sometimes, but he's clean when it comes to things like these.

"Confused man can't dislodge index finger from nose".....

Not yet, Rahm , , , but the plot thickens . . .

Oh no... didn't you all here? One democrat is corrupt.

So apparently every other person in the party is taking bribes, selling babies for fertilizer and responsible for the auto industry taking a dive.

Don't you listen to Rush? You betcha!

I smell something fishy...oh !!! that was in the last letter that he sent to someone.

Are you reading this Rush? How about you Sean ...Oh I forgot, you'll probable not get this one on the conservative talking point news wire.

stay the course! this is only the beginning of the crap that will be thrown at the Obama administration to bring them down. there are a lot of unhappy repugs out there that are looking for revenge!

Was he worried? Was there a reason to be worried?

He probably sent a dead fish to someone. lol

Duh. He's probably the one who told Blago Thanks but No Thanks with his middle finger.

Yay!!! I love you Rahm-bo

Blagojevich would have been in better company as a Republican. He could have been cheered and defended by his own instead of facing impeachment by the hands of his own party.

Next time- Blagojevich: Side with the party that cares nothing about policing itself!!!

We have to clean up the home of President elect!!

How can he be coming home to a governor he doesn't get along with or whose approval ratings are all time low. How could he?

Raph is a clean man !

Why would he be concerned?

Phew!

THANK GOD. IT'S GOOD TO HEAR.

No surprise. Only Appreciation.

Why would he care? Only the guilty sweat.

Did he think he might be?

Yet...

Pretty amazing, an intransigent, bloated union says no deal, and it becomes the Republicans who are to blame. How much did UAW give to ACORN in the last election? Unions ruined the steel business, the airline business, the garment manufacturing business with their bloated ways and now the the auto industry which they actually killed years ago, is a moldering corpse. Yet those wonderful Democrats in Congress that the unions bought and paid for now want to make it even easier for them to ruin more companies with the ridiculous card check bill.

Of course Rahm is not a target of the probe into Illinois Gov.... is this news?

This is good news, now the media needs to step back and the Feds do what they need to do.

The media have no ideal, how much harm they can cause.

Don't tell Campbell Brown. That butt-ugly loud-mouth drama queen can get several days of hype out of anything that connects Obama to anybody.