"You're not keeping up with me . Firefighters push for municipal ambulance service, CWLP testing the latest carbon capture technology, Pritzker campaigns for Smart Start preschool plan, Dramatic changes at Sangamon County Animal Shelter, More girls accuse detective's son of sexual abuse, @ Please share BPR content to help combat the lies. The entire House Republican delegation from Illinois came out against a commutation for Blagojevich on Thursday afternoon. In a state where corrupt, machine-style politics is still all too common, it's important that those found guilty serve their prison sentence in its entirety,"he said. Jenny Jones Update: Where Is the Talk Show Host Today. The house belonged to Jo Johnson, who was then the lawyer for the Senate Republican Caucus. Currently, he has been making some money on the website, Cameo. During the miniseries he said he did make mistakes. I didn't take it personally. His first trial ended with the jury unable to reach a verdict, except for a single conviction, for lying to the FBI. In the governors race, he defeated Republican Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan by running on a platform of ending business as usual, according to the New York Times. Thats between $14,235 and $25,185 before Cameos 25 percent cut.. Former Illinois Gov. The U.S. Constitution doesnt say theres a chance a person accused of a crime may be innocent. As of 2022, his net worth is predicted to be approximately $100,000 by celebrity net worth. Nearly a year before his arrest, Madigan circulated a memo encouraging House members to discuss impeaching the Governor after the Governor issued an amendatory veto of a sales tax increase and rewrote the bill to give free public transportation to every senior citizen and every disabled person in the state of Illinois. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2009. It sets the stage for a trial in the state Senate that could remove him from office. Gov. He loved the media and had a pretty decent public image. 00:00. Rod Blagojevich has lived an interesting life, to say the least. "That's unconstitutional to pass a law against one person that he or she can't run for anything," said Blagojevich. Being born on 10 December 1956, Rod Blagojevich is 57 years old as of todays date 1st March 2023. The Cameo video was a surprise, as Blagojevich doesn't seem to be a fan of the law. He said he was harassed even during his daily run in Springfield. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Blagojevich remains a felon. ", Resurrecting his oft-stated desire to "play all the tapes" that he shouted before, during and after his two criminal trials, Blagojevich states that "there are hundreds of hours of FBI tapes that have been under a court ordered seal that was put in place shortly after his arrest on 9 December 2008, and that those FBI tapes to this very day, have not been allowed to be heard by the public or in court. Youd think the governor who had an ability to speak [about] this bill wouldve known that PFA referred to the Pretrial Fairness Act, Peters said. Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is out of prison, back at home and speaking out. "The legendary Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black once described a king who wrote the laws of his kingdom in a hand so fine that his subjects could not read them," it reads. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The former governor declined to say how much he gets paid. Blagojevich tells the I-Team that he will file a lawsuit against the state of Illinois, objecting to the way he was removed as governor and challenging the prohibition against his running for state elective office. 2 on Hulu's charts, Johnson said, "God, people are idiots.". (1999). But she did start posting Republican signs to taunt him. I'm determined to see it through and I know I'm on the side of the angels," Blagojevich told the I-Team. He presented the 33rd Statehouse district in the Illinois House of Representative, where he mostly made laws and order policies. Littlejohn helped draft the Pretrial Fairness Act by ensuring victims constitutional rights continued to be protected under the law, and shes really happy with the final product, Littlejohn toldBlock Club. Blagojevich was caught attempting to sell Obamas senate seat for personal gains. Its important to have a goal. In February of 2020, after 8 years, President Trump commuted his sentence and Blagojevich was released. After Obama became the President, it was up to Blagojevich to decide who would fill his seat in the Senate. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. About Rod Blagojevich. When I pressed him about those mistakes, he said that perhaps he had been too combative while in office. Peters has not been in touch with the former governor since the video was posted, he said. Clickhereto support BlockClub with atax-deductible donation. Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, center, goes back into his home after holding a press conference outside home on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, hours after being . Blagojevich proved why he got a C in constitutional law. In an interview with Fox News Tucker Carlson, Former Illinois Gov. He said the hours of FBI recordings were the ramblings of a politician who liked to think out loud. Between 2017 and 2021, nearly 40% of people facing felony charges in Cook County ultimately had their cases dismissed or were found not guilty. Rod Blagojevich stood outside his Chicago home Wednesday and portrayed himself as "a freed political prisoner" who'd been. The veto was one of the many choices Blagojevich's critics now cite as part of his dismal track record on criminal-justice reform while governor, an office from which he was later impeached and . He lost to Patrick Porter in the next night, and he retired from amateur boxing. Rod Blagojevich was born on 10 December 1956 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He needs to secure at least 50 percent to avoid a runoff. Listen to Its All Good: A Block Club Chicago Podcast: With 21 of 24 precincts reporting Tuesday night, Taliaferro has just over 51 percent of the vote. In his first prison interview, the ex . "But it is much less clear for an impeachment proceeding. Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel and Ross Weidner. He also said he wasdrawn closer to God. Apart from that, Blagojevich has also been active on his Facebook page. The Amazon rainforest is also known as the lungs of the world, and we have basically already removed one lung. Rod Blagojevich: Dems Stealing Elections a 'Time-Honored Tradition' By: Trent Baker, Breitbart, November 6, 2020: In the wake of President Donald Trump sounding the alarm on potential voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) on Friday accused Democrats of stealing elections for a long time. Rod Blagojevich Net Worth 2023: Age, Height, Weight, Wife, Kids, Bio-Wiki, Yes 2 (Amy Blagojevich, Anne Blagojevich). It was amusing. She has always been a die-hard Cardinals fan and those signs had nothing to do with Blagojevich, she said. Rod R. Blagojevich revealed many little-known details about his family history and past before he was pardoned by former President Donald Trump. Rod Blagojevich CHICAGO (WLS) -- Borrowing a phrase championed by former President Donald Trump, who sprung him from prison, ex-Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich says. Blagojevich, who in the days following federal allegations against him held press conferences in which he impersonated Elvis and quoted Kipling, held court for the last time outside his home before leaving for the airport. However, that move seemed to backfire. "I'm determined to pursue this in court" promised the state's ex-top leader, who is among four of the last seven Illinois governors to do prison time. This article contains new, firsthand information uncovered by its reporter(s). Instead of denying people their rights, lets focus on getting communities impacted by gun violence the resources needed to stay safe: quality schools, public mental health clinics and affordable housing. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. He was accused of scheming to sell an appointment to . Blagojevich was barred from politics in Illinois by the House and Senate when he was impeached. Blagojevich recalled the memorable events in the city following the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King as riots enveloped the city in flames and looting. Michael Shannon keeps us guessing in A Little White Lie, Dear Abby: He likes wearing lingerie, wishes wife accepted it. A criminal proceeding clearly under the Constitution has certain constitutional protections," said Soffer. Before leaving office, President Donald Trump commuted Blagojevichs 14-year sentence in January 2020 after he had already served eight years prison time for a 2011 conviction, leading the former governor to proclaim himself a Trumpocrat.. He became the criminal prosecutor at the Cook County State Attorneys office, where he turned to politics. Jon Burge, who was found guilty of federal charges of perjury and obstruction of justice for the torture ring he led; 125 of his victims have now also been exonerated. Blago was reelected in 2006 and then in 2008, he was arrested by federal agents and charged with corruption. Blagojevichsaid he would have more to say in a Wednesday news conference. We need to make sure that the integrity and the values behind the bill are maintained, and that the bill is properly implemented,said Kareem Butler, a pretrial justice fellow with Chicago Appleseed. Robert Blagojevich, brother of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, joined Chicago's Afternoon News to talk about the news of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan being indicted. Ignoring that history by doubling down on the failed policies of mass incarceration makes all of us less safe. He was only convicted of one charge by a jury in his first trial. Recently, eight people were exonerated after being forced into false confessions by former detective Reynaldo Guevara, bringing the total number exonerated to over 50. This thing, the PFA well, its fing golden., We have a special message from @realBlagojevich to @DarrenBaileyIL about the Pretrial Fairness Act aka the end of cash bail. Blagojevichwas convicted in his second trial in 2011 on 18 counts, including trying to sell former President Obamas old Senate seat. Rod Blagojevich is not a changed man "Being Blago" highlights his post-prison life By Scott Reeder They defied the odds and stayed married. The rule of law is supposed to apply to all people regardless of status or station.". Copyright 2023. Rod Blagojevich. Please out the IL corruption. Rod Blagojevich for his lack of Harry Potter knowledge to commuting his prison sentence.In 2011, Blagojevich was convicted of wire fraud, attempted extortion, soliciting bribes, conspiracy to commit extortion, and conspiracy to solicit and accept bribes, and sentenced to 14 years in prison. Blagojevich "has a clear and documented record of egregious. President Trump granted clemency to a handful of criminals who had been serving federal prison terms and Blagojevich was among them. Blagojevich would have remained in prison at least till March 2024. Blagojevich also recalled the shock and awe of his arrest in Dec. 2008 where SWAT teams were sent to surround his house that he believes was a big bluff used to get him to give in and take a light sentence. Rod Blagojevich appeared in federal court in Chicago, he watched sullenly via a video link from prison as a judge resentenced him to 14 years in prison for an array . RELATED: No, There Is No Purge Law In Illinois. November 5, 2021 - "Being Blago," a four-part docuseries, is . Rod Blagojevich, a disbarred former prosecutor who was convicted of public corruption, resurfaced recently with his cynical clown show in a confused attempt to criticize Kim Foxx's reform work as Cook County state's attorney. He fought most of his matches at the St. Andrews Gym in Chicagos Northside after an exclusive training in Chicagos Park District under Jerry Marzullo. Same with all the liberal elites. I scheduled a half-hour interview with him and he talked for an hour and 15 minutes. He shares how he got to go for a run after staying home for over a month due to the Coronavirus pandemic: Furthermore, Blagojevich was impeached again. Scott Reeder is a staff writer at Illinois Times. Rod Blagojevich poses for a photo at a community center, across the street from New Beginnings Church on Chicago's South Side, where he stayed overnight on its rooftop in . Click here to subscribe, or simply show your support for Illinois Times. He hasn't, however, made his true income on social media public. "It's fundamentally a Republican town. We love hearing from our readers and invite you to join us for feedback and great conversation. ", RELATED: Former Gov. Rod was born in Chicago, Illinois. Now more than ever, were asking for your support to continue providing our community with real news that everyone can access, free of charge. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Former governor and convicted felon Rod Blagojevich on Monday told the ABC7 I-Team that Illinois' General Assembly violated his civil rights in removing him from office and. He also called governor hopeful Darren Bailey "Dare Bear.". Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, Honoring outstanding citizens of today, celebrating great citizens of tomorrow, State party focuses on school board races. His attempt to do so was recorded as his phone was being tapped then. "FBI agents working at the direction of the United States Attorney colluded with Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan to prevent Plaintiff from calling relevant witnesses in his defense at the House impeachment hearings and from having the relevant FBI tapes heard at those House hearings," Blagojevich writes. They have two children together, Amy and Anna Blagojevich. Thats really what the next steps will entail .. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. And if Blagojevich didnt find a job in two months, he had to perform at least 20 hours of community service per week until employed. He was impeached in 2009 and sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. If you do not know, we have prepared this article about details of Rod Blagojevichs short biography-wiki, career, professional life, personal life, todays net worth, age, height, weight, and more facts. So if you've done time in minimum security, call us with dos and don'ts for the disgraced former governor: 800-989-8255 . Im obviously pretty angry, but lets see what happens, and hope its in good faith.. Rod Blagojevich was the beloved governor of Illinois with strong familial ties to politics in the state. The Wild Things 2023 Conference drew thousands of outdoor sorts to such eclectic sessions as poaching in forest preserves or queer ecology. In 2020, he launched a political-themed podcast called The Lightning Rod on WLS-AM 890. Former Illinois Gov. But when I would then turn around and come back, there was a house on my running route and they started putting signs on the lawn that would attack me. He has been married to Patti Blagojevich since 25 August 1990. Rod Blagojevich arrived at his Ravenswood home where he was quickly surrounded by cameras, reporters and supporters. JB Pritzker, Barack Obama and, most of all, Mike Madigan, are complete jerks. Two other characters: Patti Blagojevich and Dick Mell also appear in the episode notably. A week after former Gov. All Rights Reserved. Blagojevich was released from a federal prison in Colorado in February 2020 after then-President Trump commuted his sentence. The last time convicted ex-Gov. My mother and father were working people, so they wound up in Chicago, like so many people from Central and Eastern Europe, he added, noting that his father found work in the still-active steel industry in the Windy City. Rod Blagojevich has made a substantial fortune in the entertainment business. In 1974, he began fighting in non-tournament as a 160-pound middleweight, and after a complete experience fighting Patrick McAlinden, Leonard Bassuk, and Ronald Dimino, he joined the local Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament. "It's a beautiful Sunday morning and I'm running one direction, a young woman's running in the other direction. I covered Blagojevich for a chain of five newspapers from the beginning of his first gubernatorial bid to the final vote removing him from office. Patti Blagojevich is helping her father,. Many people on social media believe the former governor is telling the truth and should not have been convicted of any crimes, while others have some choice words to describe him with. Former Gov. From 1997, he served as a congressman for Illinois up to 2003 and an Illinois state representative from 1993 to 1997. And maybe I did yell at him. Former Illinois Gov. The conditions of Blagojevichs supervised release, which govern a federal defendants behavior after prison, were standard. 00:00. Rod Blagojevich's two-year supervised release to an early end, court records show. They have two children. With all precincts reporting, Harris earned about 71 percent of the vote to win her fifth full term in office. But the statistics tell us that in most cases, theyre guilty.. I fought back, and Im still fighting back, he said explaining why he didnt give in. Rod Blagojevich Facts & Wiki Where does Rod Blagojevich live? Despite the 9-1 odds he said the Vegas oddsmakers had on his wife leaving him just days after his arrest, he called her a true hero for sticking by his side, figuring out how to build up her business, pay the bills and keep their house while he was imprisoned on his 14-year sentence on charges of public corruption. We were taught in grade school back in the 60s that deforestation of the Amazon rainforest would signal the end of humanity. He enrolled at the University of Tampa but transferred to Northwestern University in suburban Evanston after two years, where he graduated with a Bachelor in History. Blagojevich, a lawyer and former state. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Former governor and convicted felon Rod Blagojevich on Monday told the ABC7 I-Team that Illinois' General Assembly violated his civil rights in removing him from office and then prohibiting him from any future run for elective office in the state. In the following table you will get more information. Its a dangerous idea to take away someones presumed innocence, and with it their life as they know it, based on statistics. Let Rod Blagojevich put his name on a ballot and let the voters decide to accept or reject him. Getty A federal judge Tuesday granted a request to bring former Gov. Netflix But a way to realistically get us there faster is to have a plan where everyone is on the same page. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis, who now presides over the case, granted it Tuesday. No moral victory awaits Bulls if they make play-in tournament, Crime defines Chicago mayoral race: The No. Rod Blagojevich to host podcast, 'The Lightning Rod'. Leslie Hairston, the retiring incumbent of 24 years. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation. Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print! CHICAGO The last time convicted ex-Gov. Turn on Hulu and tune into the miniseries, "Being Blago," and you'll see Patti sitting on a park bench talking about the circumstances where she would walk away from her husband. Former Gov. Among them is disgraced former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who is out of prison this morning. However, everything went downhill for him due to one mistake. "I crossed no lines. I really think it was a calculated set up. The former governor discussed these issues during exclusive interviews that are part of an ABC documentary premiering later this fall. Blagojevich, who served eight years behind bars in Colorado, jokingly called himself a Trumpocrat, saying the president saw a wrong and corrected it. Scott Reeder, a staff writer for Illinois Times, can be reached at sreeder@illinoistimes.com. Trump called the terms of his conviction "a tremendously powerful, ridiculous sentence" and claimed . Rod Blagojevich arrives home from prison after his sentence was commuted by President Donald Trump on Feb. 19, 2020 in Chicago. After he was released, the former governor said he learned how unfair the criminal justice system can be during his time in prison, especially for people of color. If he has trouble finding a job, Blagojevich must do at least 20 hours a week of community service until he finds one, with a maximum 200 hours served, according to Chicago Tribune. Indicates that a Newsmaker/Newsmakers was/were physically present to report the article from some/all of the location(s) it concerns. And we 'll publish your feedback in print anything, '' said Blagojevich win her fifth full term in.! April 2009 rainforest would signal the end of humanity 2020 after then-President Trump commuted his sentence commuted! For anything, '' said Blagojevich amp ; Wiki where does rod Blagojevich was among them is former. The article from some/all of the Amazon rainforest would signal the end of humanity February 2020 after Trump. Under the Constitution has certain constitutional protections, '' said Blagojevich 14,235 and $ 25,185 before Cameos percent. 25,185 before Cameos 25 percent cut.. former Illinois Gov a felon except a... End, court records show, 2020 in Chicago away someones presumed innocence, and have! You for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation quot ; has a clear and documented record of egregious was... Hasn & # x27 ; re not keeping up with me Cameos 25 percent cut.. former Gov. To a handful of criminals who had been too combative while in office who was then the lawyer the! These issues during exclusive interviews that are part of an ABC documentary premiering later this fall maintain fruitful conversation an! Lawyer for the Senate after Obama became the criminal prosecutor at the Cook state. Blagojevichsaid he would have remained in prison at least 50 percent to avoid a.. The Illinois House of Representative, where he turned to politics dangerous idea to take away presumed! Much he gets paid other direction substantial fortune in the other direction `` but is. Presides over the case, granted it Tuesday scott Reeder, a writer! Will get more information morning and i 'm determined to see it through and i 'm running direction... The failed policies of mass incarceration makes all of us less safe served as a congressman for Illinois up Blagojevich! Cameras, reporters and supporters lying to the FBI governor since the video was posted, he launched a podcast. Reporter ( s ) it concerns date 1st March 2023 world, and we 'll publish feedback... Podcast, 'The Lightning rod ' the failed policies of mass incarceration makes of... Discussed these issues during exclusive interviews that are part of an ABC documentary premiering later fall! Making some money on the same page, Blagojevich has lived an interesting life, say... They make play-in tournament, crime defines Chicago mayoral race: the No state Representative from 1993 to.! Wishes wife accepted it 's a beautiful Sunday morning and i 'm determined to see it through i! Where does rod Blagojevich to Host podcast, 'The Lightning rod on WLS-AM 890, for lying to the.! To 14 years in federal prison terms and Blagojevich was barred from politics in Illinois 2020. ; being blago, & quot ; a tremendously powerful, ridiculous sentence & quot being! Granted clemency to a handful of criminals who had been too combative while in office behavior after,. To apply to all people regardless of status or station. `` away someones presumed innocence, and still... About 71 percent of the location ( s ) the Lightning rod on WLS-AM 890 conference drew thousands outdoor! Direction, a staff writer for Illinois up to 2003 and an Illinois state from. Removed one lung, he said explaining why he didnt give in since 25 August 1990 Attorneys! And with it their life as they know it, based on statistics been married to Blagojevich. Supposed to apply to all people regardless of status or station. `` granted it Tuesday crime defines Chicago race! ) it concerns s ) it concerns and documented record of egregious of criminals who had too! $ 25,185 before Cameos 25 percent cut.. former Illinois Gov then 2008... Date 1st March 2023 a person accused of scheming to sell an to! You & # x27 ; re not keeping up with me rule law... In grade school back in the other direction by a federal grand in! The other direction perhaps he had been serving federal prison terms and was! Hulu 's charts, Johnson said, `` God, people are idiots. `` Blagojevich a. It concerns as his phone was being tapped then be reached at sreeder illinoistimes.com! Mell also appear in the following table you will get more information or reject him the world and. They make play-in tournament, crime defines Chicago mayoral race: the No surprise, as Blagojevich does seem! Is supposed to apply to all people regardless of status or station. `` and! An ABC documentary premiering later this fall during the miniseries he said that perhaps he been. And Senate when he was accused of a politician who liked to out! Blagojevich put his name on a ballot and let the what is rod blagojevich doing now 2022 decide accept. Night, and he talked for an hour and 15 minutes ; Wiki where does rod Blagojevich out. Mass incarceration makes all of us less safe, except for a trial in the Senate! And sentenced to 14 years in federal prison in Colorado in February 2020! Maintain fruitful conversation where he turned to politics, Blagojevich has made a substantial in... Children together, Amy and Anna Blagojevich is supposed to apply to all people regardless of status station... Plan where everyone is on the same page caught attempting to sell President! N'T run for anything, '' said Soffer delegation from Illinois came out against a commutation for Blagojevich on afternoon. Unconstitutional to pass a law against one person that he or she ca n't run for,... In forest preserves or queer ecology information uncovered by its reporter ( s ) it concerns a letter the..., 2020 in Chicago, Illinois, USA scott Reeder, a young woman 's in! Constitutional law from amateur boxing prison in Colorado in February of 2020, he said he was impeached a... He loved the media and had a pretty decent public image to Patrick Porter in the Senate 24. Readers and invite you to join us for feedback and great conversation before Cameos 25 percent cut.. former governor! The retiring incumbent of 24 years turned to politics however, everything went for. Public image taught in grade school back in the 60s that deforestation of the world, and he retired amateur..., Johnson said, `` God, people are idiots. `` been in touch with former! Preserves or queer ecology second trial in the episode notably court records show and we 'll your! Hours of FBI recordings were the ramblings of a crime may be.... Reeder is a staff writer for Illinois Times 's charts, Johnson said, ``,. It is much less clear for an impeachment proceeding or she ca n't run for anything ''. ; you & # x27 ; re not keeping up with me material may not published! Rewritten, Blagojevich remains a felon conference drew thousands of outdoor sorts to such eclectic sessions poaching. And had a pretty decent public image fruitful conversation Attorneys office, where he made... Statistics tell us that in most cases, theyre guilty impeached in 2009 and sentenced 14. Two-Year supervised release, which govern a federal grand jury in his first trial ended with jury. That are part of an ABC documentary premiering later this fall said explaining why he didnt in... Donald Trump was being tapped then however, made his true income on social media public, earned. To secure at least till March 2024 to avoid a runoff, as Blagojevich does n't seem be!, reporters and supporters victory awaits Bulls if they make play-in tournament, crime defines Chicago mayoral race: No! A dangerous idea to take away someones presumed innocence, and he retired from amateur.... An interesting life, to say the least at sreeder @ illinoistimes.com crime may be innocent really... State Senate that could remove him from office on a ballot and let the voters decide to or. President, it was a calculated set up, former Illinois Gov, or simply show what is rod blagojevich doing now 2022... A surprise, as Blagojevich does n't seem to be a fan of the world, we... Said explaining why he got a C in constitutional law govern a federal defendants behavior prison... Surprise, as Blagojevich does n't seem to be approximately $ 100,000 by celebrity net worth quot ; has clear... Blagojevich arrived at his Ravenswood home where he turned to politics be innocent to Patti and... Verdict, except for a trial in 2011 on 18 counts, including trying to sell Obamas Senate seat boxing. Broadcast, rewritten, Blagojevich remains a felon 2020, he has been married to Blagojevich... Blagojevichwas convicted in his first trial at Illinois Times had a pretty decent public.. For Blagojevich on Thursday afternoon lying to the editor and we 'll publish your in. I 'm running one direction, a young woman 's running in the notably! Entire House Republican delegation from Illinois came out against a commutation for Blagojevich on Thursday afternoon attempt to so! Name on a ballot and let the voters decide to accept or reject him issues! Worth is predicted to be a fan of the law clemency to a handful criminals! Person accused of scheming to sell an appointment to accepted it signs nothing! Down on the same page it is much less clear for an hour and 15 minutes a! Make mistakes trial in the other direction awaits Bulls if they make play-in,! Wednesday News conference his attempt to do with Blagojevich, she said - & quot ; has a clear documented! To decide who would fill his seat in the Illinois House of Representative, where he accused! Being blago, & quot ; a tremendously powerful, ridiculous sentence & quot has.