Comments on: Is Blagojevich playing a game of racial 'chicken'?

By: Daniel

Daniel — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:43:26 +0000

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.

By: eddy

eddy — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:25:27 +0000

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

By: Amber

Amber — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:15:28 +0000

Do fish swim?

Do birds fly?

Do bears take a giant crap in the woods?

Blago's a snake.

By: Suzi

Suzi — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 04:47:29 +0000

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.

By: Mike O'Brien

Mike O'Brien — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 04:42:03 +0000

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

By: Nola

Nola — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 04:32:32 +0000

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 -

By: California Gold

California Gold — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 04:27:12 +0000

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.

By: tired of corporate politics

tired of corporate politics — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 04:13:59 +0000

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?

By: Randolph

Randolph — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:58:50 +0000

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.

By: Anne C

Anne C — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:40:23 +0000

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.

By: William

William — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:39:36 +0000

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.

By: jaye

jaye — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:36:51 +0000

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

By: jaye

jaye — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:35:26 +0000

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

By: Funny!

Funny! — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:34:21 +0000

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.

By: its the I don't want to go to jail game

its the I don't want to go to jail game — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:29:08 +0000

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

By: crackerjack

crackerjack — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:18:04 +0000

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.

By: malabar

malabar — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:15:26 +0000

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

By: Texas Teacher

Texas Teacher — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:08:07 +0000

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.

By: Mike in Oahu

Mike in Oahu — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:04:08 +0000

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?

By: David Newport, OR

David Newport, OR — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:52:07 +0000

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?

By: BB

BB — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:46:56 +0000

He's sociopathic – what do you think?

By: 2sense

2sense — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:46:19 +0000

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,

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:45:02 +0000

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.

By: clifford

clifford — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:44:08 +0000

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

By: clifford

clifford — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:42:10 +0000

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!!

By: balute

balute — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:37:07 +0000

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

By: a southern bell

a southern bell — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:30:26 +0000

ANYONE THAT GOV.SCUMBAG APPOINTS & ANYONE

THAT ACCEPTS THE GOV.SCUMBAG APPOINTMENT

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

By: 60 year old blue collar American

60 year old blue collar American — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:25:40 +0000

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.

By: yellow dog democrat

yellow dog democrat — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:24:32 +0000

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?

By: Reality Bites!

Reality Bites! — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:18:58 +0000

Uuummmmmmmmmmmmmmm …Maybe !!!

By: Greg, NH

Greg, NH — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:18:46 +0000

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.

By: Godluvr

Godluvr — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:08:47 +0000

'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?

By: ROC

ROC — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:08:10 +0000

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

He's totally being played by Blagojevich.

By: Ellie May Clampet

Ellie May Clampet — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:04:57 +0000

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

By: Janice

Janice — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:02:23 +0000

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?

By: texasbob

texasbob — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 02:01:57 +0000

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.

By: Rick

Rick — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:57:24 +0000

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.

By: rickymo

rickymo — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:55:09 +0000

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

By: virginia for obama

virginia for obama — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:54:17 +0000

RIGHT ON! KEVIN. You said a mouth full.

By: mary, colorado springs

mary, colorado springs — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:53:33 +0000

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!!

By: Palin Fan

Palin Fan — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:53:05 +0000

CNN playing the racial card again!

By: Patsy Madison, TN

Patsy Madison, TN — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:50:46 +0000

All i can say is "good luck. "

By: Franky

Franky — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:49:14 +0000

"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!!

By: Patsy Madison, TN

Patsy Madison, TN — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:47:04 +0000

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.

By: Apples for sale

Apples for sale — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:44:36 +0000

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.

By: Thurman

Thurman — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:41:51 +0000

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.

By: fedupinchicago

fedupinchicago — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:40:11 +0000

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.

By: A Sad Situation

A Sad Situation — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:39:06 +0000

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!

By: Reality

Reality — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:38:18 +0000

Uuummmmmmmmmmmmmmm ... YES he is !!!

By: TW, oregon

TW, oregon — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:37:01 +0000

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.