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Amy's impression of Blagojevich

Posted: Sunday, January 25, 2009 10:44 PM by Rina Raphael
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From Amy Robach

I had seen Governor Blagojevich along with the rest of America at fiery press conferences, jogging through the streets of Chicago, but I was extremely intrigued to meet this larger-than-life political figure up close and personal, and Saturday I had that unique opportunity.

The Governor walked into our interview with a big smile and an even bigger personality. Oddly, he seemed to be in an upbeat mood despite his looming impeachment trial. This did not look or sound like a man facing the end of his political career, and yet he acknowledged that even Mother Theresa couldn't convince the Illinois Senate he deserved to keep his job. The Governor's passion stood out more than anything.  He passionately believes he is an advocate of the people and against corrupt politicians.  The irony of that wasn't lost on him either.  Governor Blagojevich is facing serious corruption charges that could land him in prison and yet he tells us he believes he will be vindicated in the end, that the truth will come out in open court, and we will all see that he did nothing wrong.

He makes biblical references to his situation, he compares himself to Jimmy Stewart characters, and sees his struggle similar to past and present world leaders like Gandhi and Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King, Jr.  The Governor was very personable and accommodating, even taking us upstairs to see his now infamous fundraising offices where federal agents taped his conversations for months. It was his first time back since his arrest and he was concerned there may still be bugs in the room.  The Governor also told us... he would be replacing the phones.  WATCH VIDEO

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This man is so egotistical that he insists that he is working for the people of IL.  He says 12 million IL citizens elected him twice.  He had 3 1/2 million votes with 49% of vote.  He continuously slammed anything that was south of I80 as if Chicago was the only place in IL that mattered.  He closed our local state parks, punished legislators that crossed himby taking money or jobs from their districts.  It didn't matter what party they were from.  He has acted as a dictator not a Governor.  He can not be impeached fast enough.

kathy evans, Clinton, IL (Sent Monday, January 26, 2009 9:01 AM)

I have to say that as a citizen of Illinois I did not vote for this man either time!  He is a man with a Napolean complex!!  I get very tired of hearing him say that the people voted him in - yes a "majority" did, but how much of that is south of I-80?  He won the first time because Ryan had messed up so bad, that the majority was ready to move in a different direction (ring familiar?)  However, never once have I truly believed that this man had anyone's interest other than his own at heart.  He has cut budgets, took away programs, closed state parks, etc.  Yet, he has the audacity to charge the citizens of this state for his plane trips to the capital because he refuses to live there.  He wanted things moved to Chicago - no matter what anyone thinks it is not the capital.  He wanted this job, he knew where it was located - move and quit charging the state for travel!  As for the impeachement process, if he doesn't think it is fair - be a part of the solution don't go on a media blitz.  It is pretty bad when his "main" lawyer quits because he wouldn't listen to him.  Seems a lot of people have this complaint about Blago.  He needs to quit throwing tantrums when he doesn't get what he want from the legislature.  He needs to buck up and be the man he should be - not the man he imagines yourself to be! (hero - ha, good leader - ha, ha)  If he truly loved Illinois, he would step aside and not drag our reputation down even further.

Jennifer, Bloomington, IL (Sent Monday, January 26, 2009 9:17 AM)

As a democratic citizen of Illinois I am frankly embarrassed by this Gov. He claims that he is standing up for the people who elected him Gov. He is either in denial, deluded, or simply totally narcissistic.  The citizens of Illinois want a Gov. who does his job well, and effectively, not someone whose ego controls every choice he makes.

Frank Langholf, Dixon, IL (Sent Monday, January 26, 2009 9:56 AM)

There is so much to be proud of in the State of IL, but our Governor is certainly not one of those things.  He has made this State, full of great people, a laughingstock. As a citizen and people's advocate, I worked in Springfield a few years back and the Blagojevich office was a difficult office to work with to answer questions, let alone get any work done on behalf of the people.  I question whether this Governor has the "people of Illinois" at interest by his defiant and delusional stance.

Deirdra Wallace, Des Plaines, IL (Sent Monday, January 26, 2009 11:40 AM)

I think Mayor Daley said it best: "Cuckoo!" Do the right thing, HotRod, and save us taxpayers some money by resigning.

Lolly, McHenry, Illinois (Sent Monday, January 26, 2009 12:01 PM)

One question that has never been mentioned that I can recall, is why was he being wiretapped in the first place?  This is not being discussed.  There must have been some evidence of wrong doing in order to get the warrant for the wiretap.  Why isn't anyone talking about why he was wiretapped? Ok, he can say he was being targeted for his politics, but normally there has to be damning evidence to get one.  He is embarrassing not only his state, but his family and anyone that follows him.  Give it up, resign.  

Cookie Albuquerque, NM (Sent Monday, January 26, 2009 12:44 PM)

I find it quite ironic that Amy's story sounds almost as if she feels sorry for the man - they can have him because noone outside of Chicago wanted him in the 1st place.  It appears that the people from Illinois agree about him.  He is so arrogant - if he really hasn't done anything wrong then he should show up and defend himself.  Not go and be a "tv star".  If he really cared about the people of Illinois, he would resign and save the state the money and embarrassment.  He's worried about himself and his own financial gain.

Kelly Jo, Marion Co, Illinois (Sent Monday, January 26, 2009 7:21 PM)

I live in central Illinois and have long been awaiting the impreachment of Blogo. He may have been elected 2 times but one has to wonder how legitamately? I have viewed and or read transcripts from shows he appeared on Jan 26th. He refuses to answer most questions posed to him but rather spout on about witnesses. The impreachment trial being conducted by the Illinois Senate is not the same as a court of law. The rules have been set and will be abided by. He has a chance to appear but choses not to. He claims this is not a PR stunt but he  hired a PR firm prior to all his appearances. All these appearances have done one thing only - show what a pompous egotistical idiot he is. Hurry up Senate - impeach him and get him out of office.

Sheila Schertz, Washington, IL (Sent Tuesday, January 27, 2009 10:23 AM)



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