Blagojevich, Madigan Hug At Democratic Convention Love Fest

In a display of unity thought as likely as hell freezing over, Gov. Rod Blagojevich and House Speaker Michael Madigan hugged Wednesday during the Illinois delegation breakfast at the Democratic National Convention.

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. prompted the unlikely embrace by urging Democrats to put aside personal differences in the name of party unity:

An emotional U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. called on warring Democrats to unite Wednesday at their national convention and said he wouldn't be satisfied unless Gov. Rod Blagojevich and House Speaker Michael Madigan hugged.

On a makeshift stage at the hotel where the Illinois delegation is staying, Madigan got up and walked toward Blagojevich and the two hugged.

The moment came after Jackson teared up when he hugged Mayor Richard Daley, saying he had tried to get to know the mayor for 14 years. Just two years ago Jackson was incessantly criticizing Daley as he explored and then backed away from a potential challenge in the 2007 mayor's race.

Jackson began the love fest by hugging fellow South Side congressman Bobby Rush, the Sun-Times' Abdon Pallasch and Dave McKinney write:

Recuperating from cancer, Rush had felt slighted by the younger Jackson.

"All is forgiven," Rush said after the hug.

Jackson then addressed Sun-Times columnist Michael Sneed, reports Progress Illinois' Josh Kalven, before burying the hatchet with Democratic congressional candidate and Peotone airport adversary Debbie Halvorson and sharing a teary hug with Mayor Daley.

Watch video of the entire event from Progress Illinois below (Madigan-Blagojevich hug is about five minutes in).

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Tensions between Madigan and Blagojevich actually started to thaw Tuesday, Crain's reports:

They were all smiles and yucking it up Tuesday afternoon during a long private chat after the governor arrived fashionably late at an Illinois reception hosted by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley.
[...]
The speaker's 22-year-old son, Andrew, may have played the role of intermediary or at least a neutral topic of discussion as the governor asked about his new career in real estate with Mesirow Financial Corp.

But the surprise embrace may not have much practical effect.

Following the rousing speech by Jackson, Madigan declined to comment.

Senate President Emil Jones Jr. seemed skeptical.

"It all remains to be seen, you know," said the Blagojevich ally. "So I don't know whether it is genuine or not."

Comments

[acsturt]

Why can't we take this at face value? There is no state Democratic party more divided than Illinois. Rep. Jackson is taking the message of this convention and trying to use that message to start reconciliation within his state party. He is obviously inspired by what he has seen in Denver this week.

It may or may not work , but good for him for trying.

[1manisland]

Jesse Jr. may very well be sincere in his words or actions. Blago and Madigan ? N O W A Y ! ! ! That is a charade.

[Eric8869]

Yes we can buy Daley and Jesse Jr making peace but Blago and Madigan. Please.

[eva belle]

Ok...as if..

[47th]

This is sickening!

[1manisland]

Look at all the love !! HA ha ha ha ha !! Yeah Right ! Daggers puleeeze !!!!!

[filo]

Sic 'em Joe !!