Ace of Spades HQ

June 25, 2010

Witness: Obama Knew of Blago Bribe Plot
— Ace

That headline probably seems a little underwhelming -- but that's because the story is a little underwhelming, at least as of yet.

Mere knowledge of something isn't itself some sort of breach. We don't know how long he entertained the idea of a straight up bribe. Or if he played footsie with Blago.

But for now, that's the story, a not-quite-fully-baked cake.

Posted by: Ace at 07:05 AM | Comments (72)
Post contains 76 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Did he died?

Posted by: probably not first at June 25, 2010 07:06 AM (nBE5A)

2 I want to see Blago on the stand in his own defense -- popcorn time.

Posted by: Jean at June 25, 2010 07:07 AM (+LJnK)

3 HEY ACE -

Have you seen the HUGE HUGE followup to the Dave Weigel story that was just broken by The Daily Caller? He's done after this.

Drudge linked to it and now has utterly fried the DC's servers.

Posted by: Jeff B. at June 25, 2010 07:09 AM (GhUHn)

4 The cake is a lie!

Posted by: The Obama Administration at June 25, 2010 07:09 AM (ZxF0y)

5
we have is an high ranking aid to Blago (Harris, Blago's former Chief of Staff who has coped a plea deal)

Fine, it's conspiracy then.

Posted by: Dang Straights at June 25, 2010 07:15 AM (fx8sm)

6 Give it time, the loaf will rise! Obama told the FBI he knew nothing and that is ...lying to authorities which is a crime. Then if it is established Obama fibbed or it is somehow excused by saying he misspoke he is still guilty for NOT reporting the bribe attempt to the FBI, it's called MISPRISION OF FELONY. In December 2008 I wrote about this: http://www.publiusforum.com/2008/12/13/president-elect-oblivious/ There is more than sufficient basis to impeach and remove Obama from office come January 2011 IF Republicans take control of Congress. You can bet Democrats will never do the right thing no matter how corrupt "their" President is.

Posted by: dscott at June 25, 2010 07:15 AM (qG7+V)

Pft. Non-story. Blago's crazy so we feel no need to cover this.

Coming up....

24 nonstop hour coverage of the one-year anniversary of the tragic passing of the King of Pop.

Posted by: MFM- Knowing their priorities at June 25, 2010 07:16 AM (pLTLS)

8 Mere knowledge of something isn't itself some sort of breach.

It's an ingredient in obstruction, possibly. But I have no idea what happened when or who said what, because this is a "Yeah, but what's the real law?" situation, and the real law says it doesn't matter what Obama and his people knew, did, or said.

Lime Bud!

Posted by: oblig. at June 25, 2010 07:16 AM (x7Ao8)

9 Obama told the FBI he knew nothing and that is ...lying to authorities which is a crime.

LOL, you forget who the Ag is.

Posted by: Vic at June 25, 2010 07:18 AM (6taRI)

10 Posted by: Jeff B. at June 25, 2010 11:09 AM

Which story? I don't see anything obvious at Drudge.

Posted by: Y-not at June 25, 2010 07:19 AM (Kn9r7)

11 Obama managed to bury Resko, I am hoping Blago gets a little more media attention.

Posted by: Jean at June 25, 2010 07:19 AM (XSlA+)

12 Cake or no cake.... nothing will come of this. Very simply put Obamao will not get into any kind of trouble because he is a democrat.

Posted by: Truck Monkey at June 25, 2010 07:19 AM (yQWNf)

13 Look,

Everyone does it.

Works for me.

Posted by: Bill Clinton at June 25, 2010 07:20 AM (e9JZd)

Please God, let this lead to something more damning!

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at June 25, 2010 07:21 AM (zgZzy)

15 I am not so sure Ace,

Accessory to a felony is defined as:
"A criminal charge of aiding and abetting or accessory can usually be brought against anyone who helps in the commission of a crime, though legal distinctions vary by state. A person charged with aiding and abetting or accessory is usually not present when the crime itself is committed, but he or she has knowledge of the crime before or after the fact, and may assist in its commission through advice, actions, or financial support. Depending on the degree of involvement, the offender's participation in the crime may rise to the level of conspiracy..."

Seems pretty serious to me. If I am wrong please explain.

Posted by: Son of Liberty at June 25, 2010 07:22 AM (gtZwa)

16 Now this is a good man that's done a bad thing, can we just move on?

Posted by: Serpent Head at June 25, 2010 07:22 AM (e9JZd)

17 15

Please God, let this lead to something more damning!

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at June 25, 2010 11:21 AM (zgZzy)

Amen, brother!

Posted by: Timbo at June 25, 2010 07:23 AM (ph9vn)

18 You morons are all just waiting for me. I know it.

Posted by: Charlie Gibson at June 25, 2010 07:25 AM (3Dnuf)

The story Ace is there is now a sworn statement on record in Blago's corruption trial purportedly contradicting Mr. Obama's Dec. 2008 FBI statement on the subject. This is the story as I agree mere knowledge of something is not unless, as indicated, B.O. may have not been forthcoming with the FBI.

Matt, Clarion Advisory

Posted by: Matthew J. O'Connor at June 25, 2010 07:25 AM (8EEyy)

20
OT: Remember those fake numbers about the 1st quarter economic 'growth'? Yeah, they got adjusted down. Still sound like b.s. though.

Posted by: Dang Straights at June 25, 2010 07:26 AM (fx8sm)

21 I promise to look into this immediately.

Posted by: Eric Holder at June 25, 2010 07:26 AM (3Dnuf)

22 Is there a record of Obama's statement to the FBI?

Posted by: JavaJoe at June 25, 2010 07:26 AM (e9JZd)

23
I wonder what the tactic is going to be if this one busts open?

Violence and witness assassination would be my guess.

Posted by: Dang Straights at June 25, 2010 07:27 AM (fx8sm)

Obamao could be caught in bed with with an underage thai male prostitute and the narrative would be.... BARTON..... MARK FOLEY!!!!!! PARTY OF NO!!! RETHULICANS WANT THE UNEMPLOYED TO STARVE!!!

No... I don't have much hope that anything is going to stick to Teh Won.

Posted by: Truck Monkey at June 25, 2010 07:28 AM (yQWNf)

25 Patience.

Character is destiny.

Posted by: Heraclitus at June 25, 2010 07:29 AM (xxgag)

26 I wonder what the tactic is going to be if this one busts open?

Violence and witness assassination would be my guess.

Why wonder, there will always be someone who invokes Scottish law.

Posted by: Vic at June 25, 2010 07:29 AM (6taRI)

27 Y-not..

The DailyCaller is overloaded.. but here are some excerpts

Posted by: IreneFingIrene at June 25, 2010 07:29 AM (JKe0g)

28
C'mon guys..... really????

You expect an Attorney General that in the last D administration pardoned his bosses buddy... who happened to be on the FBI's most wanted list, dismissed voter intimidation charges against the Black Panthers in the face of a pending conviction, and blasted Arizonas illegal alien law without having read the legislation.....

..... to actually MOVE against a sitting President that appointed him to his current position???

Posted by: fixerupper at June 25, 2010 07:30 AM (J5Hcw)

Why the faith in the media even telling the story?

This story will never gain national traction. And if it does it will be buried on page A17.

Posted by: laceyunderalls at June 25, 2010 07:30 AM (pLTLS)

30 Which story? I don't see anything obvious at Drudge.

This 'un

Posted by: koopy at June 25, 2010 07:30 AM (awinc)

31 Mallamut,

I see, thank you. But as far as I understood, Rahm's peon was a go betweener (according to some earlier tapes posted on Chicago Sun website). In the very least Rahm has to fall on the sword here.

Posted by: Son of Liberty at June 25, 2010 07:32 AM (gtZwa)

32 Oh, the email story is a different one, oopsy.

Posted by: koopy at June 25, 2010 07:32 AM (awinc)

33 koopy,

It's actually another story that came out after the story you posted.

Posted by: IreneFingIrene at June 25, 2010 07:32 AM (JKe0g)

34 I hope President Obama is safe. He is doing a fantastic job of repairng the damage the Evil George Bush did to this country. I want to see more...

Posted by: Amy Glonstien at June 25, 2010 07:34 AM (SZy+Y)

35 15Please God, let this lead to something more damning!

It won't for at least 2 reasons.

1) Eric Holder is the AG.
2) The MFM will put this story in the deadtree media on page A50.

Posted by: Kratos (missing from the side of Mt Olympus) at June 25, 2010 07:34 AM (9hSKh)

36 Which story? I don't see anything obvious at Drudge.

Not obvious. It's the "Profanity-laced emails reveal POST reporter rooting for Dems..." linky.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at June 25, 2010 07:35 AM (Aqzx6)

37 If this shit was really going anywhere, someone would be dead by now.

Posted by: dr kill at June 25, 2010 07:35 AM (w9bVp)

38 Stimulus working? You are being sarcastic aren't you Mallamut?

Posted by: Son of Liberty at June 25, 2010 07:35 AM (gtZwa)

39
I hereby invoke executive priviledge Divine Rights of The Emperor. FYNQ.

Oh.... and what Blago did was wrong.

.... and ..... look over here.... Republicans want to starve poor people.

Posted by: Barrack Obama at June 25, 2010 07:36 AM (J5Hcw)

40 Hearsay. Not that I don't think Obama knew everything, and he is a Chicago kinda of guy, but nothing here yet.

Posted by: nevergiveup at June 25, 2010 07:37 AM (0GFWk)

41 it looks like our soldiers can go back to killing the enemy....rule of engagement are being modified

Posted by: phoenixgirl at June 25, 2010 07:37 AM (ucxC/)

42 a few days ago pelosi warned that a rep victory in november will bring investigations and a return to "the politics of personal destruction" [a dem specialty!]. i wonder if she was referring to this?

Posted by: gomm at June 25, 2010 07:38 AM (73jUp)

43 ACE -

Check your e-mail. The Daily Caller's servers are slammed, but I sent you the full article in an attachment.

Posted by: Jeff B. at June 25, 2010 07:40 AM (GhUHn)

44 I was hoping for a Blagoskull-worthy revelation here. Not quite yet, I'm afraid.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at June 25, 2010 07:40 AM (Aqzx6)

45
I'm down with being patient. There's way too much smoke for there not to be fire, though.

Posted by: Dang Straights at June 25, 2010 07:41 AM (fx8sm)

46
Has any reporter/poltical official ever asked Holder why the Black Panther case was dropped?

I'm sure his response would be a lie, but I'm still curious.

Posted by: IreneFingIrene at June 25, 2010 07:41 AM (JKe0g)

47 I'm sure we'll hear all about this on MSNBC later this evening. Right between criticism of the healthcare bill and a glowing story about the wit and wisdom of Sarah Palin. If only someone would turn the oven on. Can't bake a cake with no heat.

Posted by: MJ at June 25, 2010 07:42 AM (BKOsZ)

48 Well,
As you said we'll see what comes out of it. And even though it may be difficult, it may not be altogether impossible to unravel this to the end.

Posted by: Son of Liberty at June 25, 2010 07:42 AM (gtZwa)

49 The AG is busy. Has to sue Arizona for being "racist," you know.

The only way this story can gain traction is to get Shep ("Fido?") Smith to stop whining about it. "Our Blago," my ass.

The general public doesn't give a shit, anyway.

Posted by: Wannabe Crazed Sex Poodle at June 25, 2010 07:43 AM (Ulu3i)

50 I'm down with being patient. There's way too much smoke for there not to be fire, though. Posted by: Dang Straights at June 25, 2010 11:41 AM (fx8sm) Didn't Geraldo Rivera say that about Al Capone's safe? This is Chicago, be careful now, things have a way of disappearing into lake Michigan

Posted by: nevergiveup at June 25, 2010 07:44 AM (0GFWk)

Traction will start if the GOP gains control of the house and ISSA becomes committe chair setting the calendar with subpoena power.

Matt, Clarion Advisory

Posted by: Matthew J. O'Connor at June 25, 2010 07:45 AM (8EEyy)

52 Witness: Obama Knew of Blago Bribe PlotI thought we all knew this from way back when the seat auction first went public? My thinking was that everyone knew that the Indonesian Imbecile was in on it, but no one was allowed to say that, lest they wee wee up the "historical" inauguration of The Precedent ...

"Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when ... white will embrace what is right."

But, didn't we all know that Rahmbo had been doing the negotiations and that anyone who came out of the Illinois machine as closely tied as the Indonesian understood all of this very well?

And then, we all chose to ignore that retard, Burris', perjury and stupidity because it was all too tiring already (kind of like letting Patterson go for the insane revelations the day he took office, since everyone was wiped out from Spitzer ... about to star on CNN!).

Posted by: progressoverpeace at June 25, 2010 07:45 AM (Qp4DT)

53 Has any reporter/poltical official ever asked Holder why the Black Panther case was dropped?

They have, but he just keeps mumbling. They need to get on it again.

Fun fact about black panthers... I was looking through a smuggled part of KGB archive the other day (it's posted online if anyone wants it, it is in Russian though). Anyway, found a memo proposing funding and supporting Black Panthers as a means to destabilize USA

Posted by: Son of Liberty at June 25, 2010 07:46 AM (gtZwa)

54 I'm busy with Arizona. We'll look into these allegations later. Much later.

Posted by: AG Stedman at June 25, 2010 07:47 AM (EL+OC)

55 This morning on Fox & Friends, Geraldo said Blago would be aquitted and there was absolutely no criminal wrongdoing by our Zero in Chief. If Gerry Rivers says it, it must be so!!

Posted by: Lady in Black at June 25, 2010 07:49 AM (TtHJm)

The best...Blago callin prez priss-pants out as being hen-pecked.

love it!

Posted by: dananjcon at June 25, 2010 07:50 AM (pr+up)

57
Anyway, found a memo proposing funding and supporting Black Panthers as a means to destabilize USA

Unfortunately.... a larger and larger portion of the left views that as a feature, not a bug.

Scratch that.....

Unfortunately.... a larger and larger portion of the left the Federal Government views that as a feature, not a bug.

Posted by: fixerupper at June 25, 2010 07:50 AM (J5Hcw)

58 I'm down with being patient. There's way too much smoke for there not to be fire, though. Posted by: Dang Straights at June 25, 2010 11:41 AM (fx8sm) I think Blago will get off also. It's the Chicago way. And when has being a low class democratic scum been a criminal offense?

Posted by: nevergiveup at June 25, 2010 07:51 AM (0GFWk)

59
I think Blago will get off also.

Are you punching down?

Posted by: Dang Some Straights Guy at June 25, 2010 07:53 AM (fx8sm)

60 Knowledge does not prove a criminal act by those who are Omniscient.

Posted by: Mr. Barky at June 25, 2010 07:56 AM (qwK3S)

Mallamut on post 39 - Not entirely correct - landmark precedence was set in Clinton v. Jones, 520 U.S. 681 (1997). It was a landmark case wherein the U.S. Supreme Court established a sitting President of the United States does not have immunity from albeit Civil Litigation for acts done before taking office and unrelated to office.

The issue is settled law concerning civil court matters however, given that criminal cases involve allegations essentially against society, the above case would provide more than foundation to legally compel a sitting president in a criminal action of standing . . . that is if the bastard wasn't impeached before hand.

Matt, Clarion Advisory

Posted by: Matthew J. O'Connor at June 25, 2010 07:57 AM (8EEyy)

Bullshit. Don't believe 71s comment.

Posted by: Satan at June 25, 2010 08:01 AM (nBE5A)

63 After listening to the coverage of this trial on a daily basis, I think the feds so far have overreached. Blago is very apparently joking most of the time when talking about what positions he can get.

So far, they have shown no quid pro quo. Blago comes off as a detestable, weaselly politician, yes. But if there is one life-long Chicagoan on that jury, based on testimony so far, I think he's gonna walk. Especially given the horse trading Obama himself has been doing with positions for political favors lately.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at June 25, 2010 08:02 AM (f9c2L)

Polyverbs: is that nugget inscribed on the Clinton Library?

71 The wicked can trick a fool to think his actions are righteous.

Posted by: Matthew J. O'Connor at June 25, 2010 08:08 AM (8EEyy)

65 74 - the subject Clinton case established landmark Federal Court precedence in civil jurisdiction yes . . . however, the arguments suggesting it somehow is automatically blocked from inuring to criminal cases against the president until after which time a president is out of office I don't buy on account the fundamental arguments made on Clinton's behalf were based on an immunity shield because of the nature of the president's role . . . but the high court disagreed . . . disagreed on a civil matter - a matter involving a private citizen, a criminal matter involving society and any immunity shield or other such arguments now with the landmark Clinton precedence are weakened and could challenge anything rendered in Nixon.

Posted by: Matthew J. O'Connor at June 25, 2010 08:18 AM (8EEyy)

66 "Criminal matters, however, because of the speedy trial component, are different." Question: Suppose a President (maybe on vacation at the Vineyard) ditched the SecSvc and got totally drunk, then killed someone while driving (or did something else where the crime is deadly serious and the local police get to the scene while the Prez is still there and is obviously "the guy" responsible). Can they even bring him down to the station, or is it the law/custom that he just goes back to the White House and waits until he gets impeached/his term expires before worrying about it?

Posted by: Lincolntf at June 25, 2010 08:21 AM (Um3jj)

Fun fact about black panthers... I was looking through a smuggled part of KGB archive the other day (it's posted online if anyone wants it, it is in Russian though). Anyway, found a memo proposing funding and supporting Black Panthers as a means to destabilize USA

Fortunately there wasn't a whole lotta extra currency floating around the Soviet Union for them to invest in ideas like this. Thank you President Reagan.

Posted by: NC Ref at June 25, 2010 08:31 AM (R1g8S)

68 Fortunately there wasn't a whole lotta extra currency floating around the Soviet Union for them to invest in ideas like this. Thank you President Reagan.

They funded every damn activist group in the country in the 60s and 70s so they must have had funding. Of course that was before Reagan.

Posted by: Vic at June 25, 2010 08:50 AM (6taRI)

69
I'll always wonder what Fitz would have collected from Blagojevich if the Chicago Tribune hadn't published the fact that Blago's phone was tapped. Of course, the Trib has a long history of running interference for Obama - just ask Jack Ryan.

Posted by: Brown Line at June 25, 2010 09:30 AM (VrNoa)

70 This sounds like exactly what I'd expect from the Most Transparent Administration EVAH and from Jesus Incarnate himself.

Posted by: blindside at June 25, 2010 10:02 AM (x7g7t)

71 That's not the full story though. The witness testified that Obama not only knew about Blago's criminal activities but also, through intermediaries, took part in them. Obama wanted Valerie Jarret in the seat. Blago wanted the Health and Human services gig (and money). The deal-making went on for months, including dozens of phone calls and secret meetings in the park. Blago met face to face with Rahm Emanuel on at least one occasion. The testimony from the witness you mention damns numerous Obama cronies including, but no limited to Jarrett and Emanuel. Why do you think the defense wants Obama's FBI interview so badly? If Blago's lawyers can hang this around the President's neck it might take eyes of their client. Unfortunately the key witness to real Obama connections, not just common sense ones, would come from Tony Rezko. Rezko, the corruption middleman in Chicago, was best buds with Obama and Blago. Rezko is now unwilling to offer any testimony against Obama. After making a deal to spill the beans in exchange for a lighter sentence he now claims the FBI is making him tell lies about everyone including Obama and Blago. I guess prison is more acceptable to one of Obama's thugs putting a bullet in his head.

Posted by: ChicagoJedi at June 25, 2010 10:09 AM (WZFkG)

Malamutt - good post. I accept this as dispositive - on what would be a bastard case of near first impression.

A little of subject here but check out Victor David Hanson's latest over at NRO directly or I have it linked on the Clarion Advisory site.

He knocks it out of the park on the What Law What Constitution thingy?

Matt

Posted by: Matthew J. O'Connor at June 25, 2010 10:13 AM (8EEyy)

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