CNN

Anyone who honors the Constitution and doesn't use it as toilet paper would allow this pick to be seated. Habius Corpus and the states right for equal rep. under the law. If you honor the law then every man has the right to defend themselves in a court of law not the court of public opinion and last I have check no one has been convicted of anything. let alone Burris. Let him serve and rep. the state of Ill. Harry Reed should honor defend and uphold the Constitution as well as Barack Obama as soon as he takes the oath of office.

When does all this corruption stop in AMERICA.American politicians are like bad drug that you can't kick the habit.

Do fish swim?

Do birds fly?

Do bears take a giant crap in the woods?

Blago's a snake.

Blagojevich is playing games trying to deflect attention from his own problems. He's been investigated for FIVE YEARS and Fitzgerald has had so many other witness come forward to give information against Blagojevich that he's had to ask for an extension on the indictment.

Blagojevich is a mess and now he's trying to involve the whole country instead of just his own office. We don't need this disruption now. The senate said they would not seat ANYONE Blagojevich selected. The only one making it about race is Blagojevich, Burris, and Rush.

Can Blagojevich get any more slimy and disgusting? Sadly, I think this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Would someone.., please, explain to me and the country.., how Governor Rod Blagojevich 'became' the Governor of Illinois ? I find it hard to believe that the great people of Illinois would elect this guy. For the great state of Illinois.., please, Governor Rod Blagojevich and your big mouth wife.., 'resign'. Before, your own state senate 'impeach' you in February. What a 'disgrace' to the great state of Illinois. However, your appointment/nominee for Senator of the state of Illinois to the United States Senate is a good one. Roland Burris is a excellent chose.., a reliable, honest and honourable man. Better then you are. Maybe, the great people of Illinois should have a 'special' election in February 2009 to elect a new Senator for the state of Illinois for two (2) years. Let the people.., speak, vote or at least be heard. Mike O'Brien in Montana

Governor Blagojecvich and his ego is using the former Attorney General to deflect the media away from his problems. Mr. Burris is so into himself that he can see that he is being used. Mr. Burris reminds me of Napoleon Bonaparte -

This isn't a game of racial chicken. Gov. Blagojevich would like to trump up anything to put the spotlight on instead of himself. But the fact is this Governor has been arrested. He is out on bail. He will be indicted next week. Other politicians have denounced him. Then Burris decided to make a deal with the devil and together they make their announcement and claim anyone who doesn't embrace them is a racist. Blagojevich is political poison. Burris exchanged a lifetime of hard earned credibility, respect, and integrity by cutting a deal with Blagojevich. It is about corrupt politicians and one who is arrested and out on bail, and the public's rejection. If Burris were smart he would withdraw his acceptance and hope to restore any shred of dignity.

Obama set the example. He ran primarily on race and mentioned it repeatedly in speeches. It worked.

Now someone else from his old political neighborhood is doing it to. Why is this a surprise?

If Governor Blagojevich had in his mind the goal to pick an African American because there isn't any black in the US Senate, he is 100% right. Although the US Senate represents all the US states, it would be appropriate to have women and all the minority groups to be represented as well.
Has Governor Blagojevich played the race card? I am not really sure what do you mean. However, I know that a good political leader has to take some actions that would be supported by his/her people. For this case, he has gotten support of many Americans who believe that he has done the right thing.
It is sad to see that our party leaders who don't oppose any resistance to anything from Republicans and support all their wrong doing are betraying a fellow Democrat leader who has not been convicted.
If our party leaders have been cracking down credit card companies and their CEO's with such magnitude, Americans would be better off, and our economy would have been great.
Frankly, the party needs young leaders like Bob Casey, Jr Claire Conner McCaskill, and others.

Blagojevich has more Crust than the Russian mountain seen from Sarah Pitiful's Back Door during the dead of winter in the Alaskan Tundra! They both need to go away now! They have no shame.

Mr. Burris apparently didn't learn anything from the recent Presidential election. Why on earth he would accept a nomination from someone under such a cloud as Mr. Blagojecvich is beyond me. He makes himself look like a pawn and places his own integrity into question.

Blojo is going down, and taking innocent people with him.

Governor Blojo is getting all the press he can out of this mess he created.... he's broke and he's going to jail and wants to go out in a blaze of glory. LOL

What goes around, comes around.

After all, is there *anyone* who HASN'T played the race card this election cycle? Can't think of anyone, can you? It seems that Illinois is a prime spot for those race card users.

I similarly dare the Democrats (and I'm one of them) to turn down a good candidate like Burris.

but hopefully if there is any relevancy to our system still intact, he will in fact go to jail

I am not so sure about equally deserving Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Ashcroft, Rove, Rice and Gonzalos

I think the gov and his lawyer are doing an amazing job. We don't know what they will accomplish before this is all over. It will be wonderful if someone can flush out the other bad guys.

everyone knows chicago is full of scumbag politicians, but who knew one would have the cajones blago does to throw their bull hypocricy right back in their faces? this is hilarious but not surprising at all

Blago... is playing games Period! Sorry... anyone he appoints will be in question ... black, white, or green... Sad, but True.... there will always be the question of impropriety! This goes without saying.... sad for Burris.

So the best person for the job of Senator of Illinois just happens to be another Black man? Thats' how it appears when we look at who is lobbying for the job (Mr. Burris, Mr. Jackson...).

Illinois should be seating someone who best represents their State. And it is not Illinois' responsibility to bias their selection to meet a racial quota for the US Senate.

Same goes for New York. Just because Hillary Clinton is a woman doesn't mean that her successor must be drawn from the same gender pool (i.e. Caroline Kennedy).

How about moving up to the next level from overt race/gender consciousness to appointments based on credentials and merit alone.

Maybe it would be best left to the voters to decide these key seats. Isn't that the real intention behind democracy anyway?

Chicken? No it is more along the lines of stupidity. Hey Illinois...how does it feel to be right next to the great state of Alaska? We are laughing at you. End it and remove the controversy. You want the rest of America to respect you? Why?

He's sociopathic – what do you think?

Of course it's a game of racial chicken and Burris is likely to be seated. The Secratary of State can't refuse to certify Burris based on the sins of the Guv. Nor can the Senate refuse to seat him based on his qualifications. If they refuse to seat him Caroline Kennedy should not have a chance. BJ js a lot smarter than he looks. He has boxed in the Senate Dems in much the same way Bush 41 did when he nominated Thomas to the Supreme Court,

Gov'nr Bag'O was caught in the act,
For peddling the seat of Barrack,
Now he's acting quite scurilous,
by naming Mr. Burris,
when he knows the senate won't give him a crack.

Oh yes we can!! I want change I tell ya I want change!! You jerks!!

Atta boy Rod keep up the good work!! Nobody likes to play the race card more than the bla.cks who are bit.chin about this appointment!! Love it!!

What troubles me are two prominent african-american men that would let themselves be used as pawns. This is demeaning and shows Blagojevich's does not respect the Black community but see it as another one of his to use for his own gain. The African American community in Chicago should be in an uproar over this where clearly they will be once again marginalized.

Barack has handled this wonderfully and has shown thru his tiredless efforts to have America see itself as America and not undertake race as a measurable merit.

ajr

ANYONE THAT GOV.SCUMBAG APPOINTS & ANYONE

THAT ACCEPTS THE GOV.SCUMBAG APPOINTMENT

SHOULD BE DENIED THE SEAT. BIRDS OF A FEATHER !!!!

BLAGO IS JUST BEING THE SCUM BAG HE ALWAYS HAS BEEN.

BURRIS, IF HE HAD ANY INTEGRITY, SHOULD HAVE SAID NO !!!!

BURRIS BEHAVES AS IF HE WOULD DO ANYTHING TO GET THE

SEAT. PEOPLE LIKE THAT OF ANY COLOR ARE JUST AWFUL.

so sad to play these political games at so much cost to others! – leaving as alwyas doubts and mistrust – not a good start is it?

Uuummmmmmmmmmmmmmm …Maybe !!!

Texas teacher has not commented as yet. She has no job but to criticise Republicans and independents. She has been paid by Obama Campaign. She cannot wait to see Barack in the white house and then Barack may invite here there.

'Racial Chicken?' You people have a name for everything. What's it called when you're riding on the subway, and change seats when a black/white person who appears to be intoxicated sits next to you?

Burris may be an honorable man but is this guy seriously stupid?

He's totally being played by Blagojevich.

Blago is a complete sleaze ball...and how dare he tarnish Obama's great moment in history. He must be arrogant as hell....he should have resigned immediately...what an azz wipe

Of course is playing a game of racial 'chicken'. And we're feeding into it. Why did Mr. Roland Burris accept this appointment? Well, in my opinion, regardless of his qualifications I can only conclude that he's an opportunist and should be ashamed. Give me a break...it is obvious he could not win in an election and therefore sucumbed to the defiant Governor Blagojevich. Mr Burris is now the news and the governor gets a break from the media. WHY MR. BURRIS? WHY?

You know, I've worked in the civil rights struggle for more than 40 years, and I cannot understand what Mr. Burris could possibly be thinking. He must know that the governor is using him for his own purposes and that his appointment is a blatant racially motivated move to keep his own job, but Mr Burris doesn't seem to care. That befuddles me. I have resisted any idea that Mr Burris has been "bought off" by the governor; he is far too important an icon in Illinois politics for that.But why – why – would he try to defend the governor and take control of a seat when EVERYONE (except, of course, the governor) has rejected the appointment by the governor. I cannot believe, of such a presumably honorable man, that he would resort to the courts to claim a seat that NO ONE ELSE (besides himself and the governor) beslive he shoudl have. Where did Mr Harris lose sight of what true democracy is all about? I cry tonight for Mr Burris, for Illinois and for all who believe in justice, which, I fear, is now escaping Mr. Burris.

Yep, sure enough, once again another Democrate plays the race card in a political way to please Obama and the rest of the cronnies which will eventually ruin this great country by their shameless race playing. It is a shame that the Dems keep the race playing alive by the games. Next time around hopefully we will vote then all out.

Why is this man not in jail? Isn't there even a basic law about bad hair.

RIGHT ON! KEVIN. You said a mouth full.

It is obvious Blagojevich is muddying the waters as much as he can to confuse a political bucket of worms. He's decided that being Peck's bad boy in the political arena is his farewell goal. He's going to be unseated one way or the other, and he plans to go out swinging. As far as I'm concerned, his bubble is a way past center, and he needs to get out of the mix altogether, either voluntarily or mandatorily. NOW!!

CNN playing the racial card again!

All i can say is "good luck. "

"The question still unanswered: How did Obama NOT become involved with Blagojevich in the circles of Illinois Corrupt Politics?"

Easy, I looked at the payroll, and I was like, "Ohh, he's clean." LOL!!

Regardless of what the Governor might have done, he has the right to name Obama's replacement. The democrats might as well accept the replacement and start taking care of the nation's business. We do not need another court fight. The appointment is just for two years, and we have more important fights than this one.

Seems Blago wants to go the way of Mike Connell,the computor expert.He may find himself short of the runway like poor Mike did the day before he was to testify how he may have rigged the 2000 and 2004 elections for Carl Rove.

You know what, as a black man I am truely upset at the way Burris let himself get set out and played like that by Blagojevich. He put his head in the noose with his eyes wide open and to me , thats stupidity
in its highest form. I would'nt condone a seat at the dinner table let alone a seat in the senate for that bum.

He absolutely pulled the race card on this one. as an african-american i'm very offended. and the fact that bobby rush actually got up and said he needs to be appointed b/c he's black was troubling, saying not to lynch burris. are you kidding me???

the entire political establishment in Illinois (minus durbin and a few others) needs to be completely overhauled.

Yes...they all played the race card!!!

But the sad part is that Mr. Burris fell for it and now I personally have to question his character and integrety. As a person of color I am very ashamed of Mr. Burris and more so of Mr. Rush. Wrong is wrong and I do not care what color you are. No one should support this mess and Rush should not have played the race card. I hope he does not expect other African Americans to support this because I and others will not support this fiasco. That press conference looked like a Saturday Night Live skit . What a shame!

Uuummmmmmmmmmmmmmm ... YES he is !!!

No he's not playing chicken. Blagojevich is the legal governer of Illinois and has the constitutional authority to name a replacement Senator. According to the law, his nomination is correct and appropriate.

If we believe in the rule of the law, we must support the appointee unless it can be shown that he personally is unfit (under the law) to serve Illinois in the US Senate.

I was struck by the article outlining Mr. Burris' continuing efforts to immortalize his personal history on his eventual mausoleum ... having reviewed his "trailblazer" narrative, it seems to me he is just a tad too arrogant to promote the principle of fairness vs. a opportunistic attempt at self-interest.

"What he has done is this: He's chosen a black person and dared the Democratic Senate not to seat him because there would then be no black senators in the Senate whatsoever.

"I'm not saying that the former attorney general isn't a man of integrity and wouldn't otherwise, in his own right, be able to serve competently as a senator.

"But you don't have to be a cynic to understand that race was part of Blagojevich was doing right here," he said."

And also, Burris is no stranger in politics, his history is well documented as an African-American, he's played the game. And not only I think our Gov should be ashamed to not only questioned his decision(because let's face it, he wants props for picking someone pretty good), but also to "judge" him that my boy was an African-American in the Senate and I guess you could say our Gov is "trying" but in my opinion, trying too hard...

And let's face it, Burris is appearing in networks. Our Gov really, really wanted props for picking someone of good stature and of course, replacing my boy...our Gov is not stupid that I can tell you.

why is it that in the entire us senate you have hispanics,whites but not even a single black.... is this fair folks please may be i,m wrong but someone see with me its not right.

He was going to appoint an african american anyway, so yes now he is playing a game of dare. And the Democrats are only doing much ado about nothing, they will not block Burris. All the noise is just a show. Anyways the whole thing has been blown way out of proportion because it's president-elect Obama's vacant seat. Blagojevich did what many other politicians have done, he got caught because he was targeted for investigation.

The governor of his future jail cell is out of his mind! He needs to be stopped, why would he appoint someone to the senate knowing well that that person wouldn't be accepted due to his charges? He did it to spit back at the people trying to send him to jail and to all of the people that want to see him gone! He appointed an african-american because he knows that it would create fighting amongst democrats and minorities, after all who would want to see the only african-american senator get unseated or not seated at all! As a minority myself I think it is distgusting that Prisoner Blago would do this! I really hate to see a good candidate for the senate seat like Burris get tainted because of Blago but I think that under the circumstances Burris should say that he will not accept the appointment and would wait to get elected by the people of Illinois in a vote. THAT is the only way to ensure the senate seat will not be tainted. If Burris and Blago truly care about the people of Illinois and the people they always talk about serving then they should do this service to them!

Is Blagojevich playing a game of racial 'chicken'?

When did CNN hire Mr. Obvious away from The Bob & Tom Show?

Blagojevich is as Burris stated: reprehensible........shameless!
Of course, the man will do anything it takes to keep his governorship intact, but he should immediately resign or be impeached if he is found guilty of misdeeds.
Blagojevich is pushing Obama's buttons just to see how far he can take his disgusting behavior and lack of integrity. The question still unanswered: How did Obama NOT become involved with Blagojevich in the circles of Illinois Corrupt Politics?

I'm confused why this would be a racial issue? Most of the qualified selection are Black ,and just how is "Big Bad Blago", doing anything wrong? Oh, I see ,Obama,and Reid think he's (Blago) pinning one against the other( other being pre-ordained by Obama/Reid) to upset the apple-cart,we'll isn't that what Democray is all about,...

Illinois' Governor is a disgrace to Illinois. Mr. Burris is an honorable man, but is being used as a pawn.

Shame on Blageovich.

Shame on him for wasting the precious tax dollars of Illinois citizens in such hard times. Shame on him for using another person as a pawn. What a pig.

Impeach. Impeach. Impeach. This is a clear example as to why that provision was written into the Illinois Constitiution by our forefathers.

Yes. As an African American I was offended by this appointment. It is apparent Roland Burris was selected because he was black. Blagojecvich is now playing racial politics while trying to destroy the Democratic party with his antics.

Now, Att. Gen. Burris is qualified to be a United States Senator, but he should have waited until Gov. Blagojecvich was not in the picture before he accepted. Either way this is truly offensive to the Black community.

If Obama has shown nothing, Blacks can run and be accepted in the United States Senate by being elected. We just need more that will take a chance on running.

"Is Blagojevich playing a game of racial 'chicken'?" Yes.

ONLY GOD KNOWS WHAT THE HELL THIS MAN IS THINKING AND DOING.

Yes, and so is Burris.
There's something just feels hinky about this whole nomination– and the fact that Burris is pushing so hard for a quick confirmation just doesn't feel right. The guy appears way too eager– makes you wonder if he was the one promising Blagohevich something in return for this seat. Personally, if it had been me, I would have turned Blagojevich down just because of the suspicious circumstances surrounding the whole situation.

It isn't about the color of a man's skin, it's about the quality of a man's character...

It is a racial card,cause if th esenate blocks it i t would look racist.He might have played a good card.well see.

I don't understand why Burris would accept the nomination. That motive should be questioned. The nomination should be blocked on the principle that a governor indicted by the federal government should not be allowed to make appointments to the federal government.

Of course he played the race card..he also is playing the "I dare you to go against me" card...Rod is clearly trying to prove that he is NOT CONCERNED about the charges he faces and wanted to further show that he was still in charge..now if Burris isn't seated, the State Senate and the Democrats would be viewed in a negative light...

Burris is just trying to further his own career..he doesn't seem to care that his nomination is tainted....

Rod Blagojevich is a self serving Idiot and would use his own mother to serve his purpose. Black people stand back and think about this.

Hell yes he is playing "racial chicken" and the more I read about his appointee the more I don't like him either.

REASON ENOUGH, NOT TO SEAT BURRIS . . . "BURRIS CAN BE LED BY ANYONE"

Politicians are resident evil.

Clearly he is playing that card. That is the point of his pick.....to make it difficult to say no. Very transparent. Some of these questions are insulting to our intelligence.

Of course he is playing the race card, and so is the appointee and Bobby Rush, by dropping code words such as lynching. As an African-American I find it offensive, these two idiots need to do their Amos n' Andy routine at a comedy club. This is not about race and should not become an issue of race, the seat should be appointed on the basis of merit and not on race or because ou happen to have a famous name (Kennedy).

That is beautiful man...! Do you hear the sound of the "Smack Down" he just laid down! Is there any doubt he is a shrewd politician in the most absolute true sense!! The "N" card has been played masterfully! You cannot check mate him on this move!!! He's my hero!

Here's the deal – lets get rid of him and the other corrupt Gov's... and while were at it, lets get rid of the corrupt "Sinisters"... that would leave about what... 2 Gov's and maybe 3 Sinsiters??

Why is it that liberals are always the only ones who care what color a person is?

He's not bright otherwise this stuff wouldn't be on tape. My guess is he's trying to get himself out of trouble and he's using these wannabees to help him. Despite their protestations, I think Illinois will be represented fine by a PRESIDENT from CHICAGO. Nor Roland Burris, nor anyone else in that state will do a better job insuring IL interests are not forgotten than the only man (a black man) with the veto pen.

I just think its silly how we keep saying "playing the race/sex card" as if race and sex is some tool people keep in their pocket and only take out when it suits their best interests. A black person is treated as a black person, just as a woman is treated as woman, whether they want it to be that way or not...not just when they "play the card." – life just isn't that simple

Blago's gotta go! I understand "innocent until proven guilty", but I also understand something like "administrative leave" until the trial, similar to the way police officers are treated when a trial is pending.

Blago strikes me as a man that is both manipulative and conniving but I do not see what he has to gain from hoping the Senate does not seat Burris.

On the other hand, we know he does nothing without a hope of some kind of payoff I am too dense to see it though.

Typical Democrats

CNN–Enough Already-–The Heck with Blagojevich