Shame On Blagojevich And The Rest Of Us

The idea of defamed Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich skipping his impeachment trial and appearing on the tabloid news shows makes me barf. Shame on him. Shame on the television producers. Shame on the American public watching this crap.

The man is a disgrace. Blagojevich tarnishes everything that is good about government. He's in this position for himself and only himself. He says the impeachment is a kangaroo court. Some observers following his bizarre ordeals say he is tainting the jury pool whenever U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald brings his case to trial.

There is no reason to listen to the governor in his ridiculous bid to twist the court of public opinion in his favor. The only court that matters is the federal trial court which he is due. As far as I'm concerned, regardless of that verdict, he's still a jerk.

What is dismaying is that we in the media play right into his hands, breathlessly recording every word he utters no matter how bizarre. On one of the morning shows today, he said he once considered Oprah Winfrey as an appointment to the senate seat vacated by President Obama. Right, B-Rod, she's got plenty of dough to fill your pockets.

And, the reason we follow his every word is because he is great copy. As a story, he is the gift that keeps on giving. The TV people love him for he's good for ratings. The public loves to gossip about his perceived criminal escapades because it makes terrific water cooler conversation at work and wonderful chit-chat at dinner.

Among the shows he scheduled to appear on today was ABC's Good Morning America, The View and Larry King Live. For once in my life, I would love to have Bill O'Reilly conduct an interview with the man.

Meanwhile, back in Springfield, Illinois, where the impeachment began, the trial in the senate is expected to last only several days since Blagojevich said he will not testify. If at least 40 of the state’s 59 senators vote to remove the governor, he would be immediately replaced by Pat Quinn, the lieutenant governor.

Oh, well. What do I care. I'm from California.