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Trump and Blago, Sitting in a Tree?

By Jeralyn, Section Trump Administration
Posted on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 09:43:44 AM EST
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San Antonio was a lot of criticism for Trump. As usual he reacted with a deflections. He said he is considering granting clemency to Rod Blagojevich who has done 7 of his 14 year sentence.

Mr. Trump disclosed his initial plans aboard Air Force One on Wednesday after a day of highly critical news coverage that focused on the reception toward the president as he traveled to the sites of mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton, Ohio, that left 31 dead.

The odd thing is that Blago's sentence was grossly excessive. I hope Trump does commute his sentence. Of course, since Blago is a Democrat, Republicans are pushing him not to commute the sentence.

< El Paso Shootings: Is Trump Welcome? | Nadler: Formal Impeachment Proceedings Have Begun >

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    Trump and Blago, Sitting in a Tree? | 5 comments (5 topical)

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    This has to be (none / 0) (#1)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 10:32:52 AM EST
    Just because he tried to sell Obama's seat.  Right?

    I mean (none / 0) (#2)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 11:38:21 AM EST
    Trump certainly could not care less about any excessive sentence.  Particularly for a democrat.

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    It's not only that. (none / 0) (#4)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 06:01:27 PM EST
    Blagojevich was also convicted on six counts of abuse of power related to his attempt to extort Children's Memorial Hospital of Chicago for campaign cash, by which he withheld the release of an $8 million legislative appropriation until its CEO gave him a $50,000 contribution.

    It takes a real weasel to shake down 501c(3) organizations and of course, screwing over needy kids is something that's near and dear to Der Trümpenführer's heart. No doubt, Blago is his muse.

    But in all seriousness, what really happened here is that Patti Blagojevich, Gov. Goodhair's loudmouthed significant other, has lately been making the rounds on Fox News, claiming that her husband is the victim of Barack Obama's "Deep State." I'll leave it to your imagination to wonder how that's gone over with Sean Hannity's biggest fanboy.

    ;-D

    Parent

    Prior to Blagojevich's (none / 0) (#3)
    by KeysDan on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 12:09:39 PM EST
    sentencing, I felt that a term of about seven years would be appropriate.  However, his 14-year sentence has been upheld even in light of the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit's overturning of four of Blago's convictions (stating that proposals to exchange promises for appointments "is a common exercise in logrolling.").  The US Supreme Court deferred the option to hear appeals, which then went to the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

    US District Judge, James Zagel then ruled that despite the four dropped charges, reports of good behavior, and pleas for leniency, Blago was convicted of serious crimes that had an impact on the people of Illinois.

    If Trump's commutation or pardon was based on customary DOJ procedures, presidential action might be earned or justified, and my position might be different.

    However, it is my present view that this is just Trump's paving the way for injustices to come, such as a pardon/commutation for Manafort.

    Trump's grand advisor, Jared Kushner, is reported to have been a key whisperer in the orange ear, suggesting, as he did in the case of Comey, that Democrats would heap praise upon him for helping poor Blagojevich.

     Apparently, as with Comey, not realizing that Democrats can simultaneously be furious with Comey for his handling of Hillary's email investigation, and the firing of Comey because Trump was criminally obstructing the Russia probe.

    There is much concern for Blago, said no Democratic leaders ever.  Blago, after futile calls for his resignation (e.g. DNC Chair, Howard Dean, President Obama, Illinois officials), was impeached and convicted by a Democratic legislature ( senate: 59 to 0).

    Blago did prevail in appointing Roland Burris to the US senate seat vacated by Barrack Obama.  But, only after Democratic challenges (e.g., Il Senator Dick Durbin) and failed attempts to deny the seating of Burris in the US senate.

    Blago is scheduled to be released from federal prison, May 23, 2024 (85 percent of his 168 month sentence).  He is no longer eligible to hold any Illinois state office, but he could seek a federal office. Maybe he can use his remaining time to fantasize about his next opportunities to grift.

    When Blago was indicted, ... (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Aug 09, 2019 at 06:09:46 PM EST
    ... Illinois Democrats -- including then-Pres. elect Barack Obama -- overwhelmingly called for his immediate resignation, which was echoed by only two IL GOPers, Illinois Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson and U.S. Congressman John Shimkus.

    And as you noted, it was the Democrats in the Illinois State Legislature who moved unanimously to immediately impeach and then remove Blago from the governor's office.

    Jared Kuchner is as ignorant and stupid as his father-in-law, which likely explains the mutual attraction.

    ;-D

    Parent

    Trump and Blago, Sitting in a Tree? | 5 comments (5 topical)

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