The Rod Blagojevich Trial Begins

Chicago isn't all that's Windy

The embattled former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (D-IL) will begin the trial that could end up depositing him in jail, just as one did to his predecessor George Ryan (R-IL). The trial began its opening statements on Tuesday June 8th and saw both sides present its own case. The defense team's approach seems to be trying to say that Blagojevich, though naive, is as honest as the day is long. The prosecution paints a very different picture, one of a man who was broke and whose campaign funds had dried up to the point that is seemed his political career was over. Who's right and who's wrong is yet to be seen, but no matter what the repercussions of this trial will be felt around the nation.

Here We Go...

The jury has been picked, which much ado, and both sides have given their opening statements. Yet one point that the defense has made has stuck with me. There point was that if Rod Blagojevich was so greedy and so dispossessed to be corrupt and to accept illegal cash flows, then why is he broke? I mean Ryan was wealthy and we all know that Bernie Maddock was richer than most, corruption usually equals temporary wealth, yet it seems the Blagojevich's were always middle class at beast and broke at worst. Something just doesn't sit right with me.

But the trial will have national repercussions. With appearances by White House Chief of Staff Rahm Immanuel as well as Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett, and the fact that the trial itself revolves around the current President's former senate seat will undoubtedly attract national attention. Either way, this trial makes for interesting writing and will probably capture a ton of media hype. Any and all updates about this trial will be posted accordingly.

Later,
Cody


(Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images)