Google Yahoo! Myspace YouTube Facebook Live eBay Wikipedia Craigslist Blogger Amazon Go CNN ESPN New York Times Weather About MapQuest Apple Ask Wal-Mart Chase Cnet Bank of America CareerBuilder
Rod Blagojevich apologizes for "blacker than Barack Obama" comment
|
Former [Illinois] Gov. Rod Blagojevich has long thought his best chance of beating the sweeping federal charges against him is to take his case directly to the public, whether it's been through dozens of media interviews, writing a book or just glad-handing the man on the street. But things haven't always gone swimmingly. On Monday, Blagojevich moved swiftly to apologize for saying in an Esquire magazine interview that he is "blacker than Barack Obama."
Even before many had heard about the interview, Blagojevich was standing outside his Northwest Side home pointing out that it was a dumb thing to say.
"What I said was stupid, stupid, stupid," said Blagojevich, using the word 16 times in a few minutes. "I deeply apologize for the way that was said and having said it. Obviously, I am not blacker than President Obama."
(...) In his remarks to Esquire, Blagojevich may have come dangerously close to alienating himself with a group he hopes to have on his side: African-Americans. He has long gone out of his way to portray himself as a staunch ally of the black community, well before naming Roland Burris to Obama's seat.
Just after his arrest in December 2008, he very publicly invited a group of black ministers to pray with him, and even Monday after his apology, he appeared on WVON to apologize again to that station's mostly black listeners.
His criminal-defense team was quick to try to explain what Blagojevich meant in his comments to Esquire. Attorney Sam Adam Jr. said his client was just trying to voice frustration that so many politicians had made unfilled promises to the black community.
"He wishes that he could still be working for them," Adam said. "That's what he was trying to say. It was a stupid metaphor for a real frustration."
"What I said was stupid, stupid, stupid," said Blagojevich, using the word 16 times in a few minutes. "I deeply apologize for the way that was said and having said it. Obviously, I am not blacker than President Obama."
(...) In his remarks to Esquire, Blagojevich may have come dangerously close to alienating himself with a group he hopes to have on his side: African-Americans. He has long gone out of his way to portray himself as a staunch ally of the black community, well before naming Roland Burris to Obama's seat.
Just after his arrest in December 2008, he very publicly invited a group of black ministers to pray with him, and even Monday after his apology, he appeared on WVON to apologize again to that station's mostly black listeners.
His criminal-defense team was quick to try to explain what Blagojevich meant in his comments to Esquire. Attorney Sam Adam Jr. said his client was just trying to voice frustration that so many politicians had made unfilled promises to the black community.
"He wishes that he could still be working for them," Adam said. "That's what he was trying to say. It was a stupid metaphor for a real frustration."
Add your comment
Categories
Newsletter
Get each new article from
New York
Your email:
Latest
Mets edge Pirates in Dickey's 11-strikeout gameNew York Seizes Control of Horse-Racing BoardNew York City to get first major natgas line in 40 yearsNew York Taxi Drivers Unsure They Will See Benefits of a Fare HikeNew York Tops London With A Million Dollar Parking SpaceAmerican Idol: Will Jessica Sanchez's Bad Original Song Cost Her The Title?Egyptians to vote in historic presidential electionNorth Korea says it will 'expand' nuclear program in face of U.S. 'hostility'Iran's Ahmadinejad to visit China to discuss nuclear issueRomney adds to delegate lead with win in Kentucky
Tags
Popular
New York cops bust 45 in 'Supreme Team' drug crackdownNew York Tattoo Convention lands at Roseland Ballroom with up to 200 artistsREVEALED: A look inside Britain's most exclusive apartment block as £65m flat at One Hyde Park goes up for saleSenators take aim at Facebook co-founder, who will skip taxes by renouncing citizenshipNew York City Plans to Offer Buyouts to Idled TeachersBeastie Boys' Adam Yauch Honored by New York Senate$90M midtown penthouse tops mark for priciest New York City apartmentDonna Summer, Disco Queen, Dead at 63Popular Antibiotic May Raise Risk of Sudden DeathCalifornia expects Facebook boost
Comments
New York, NY |
|
