Emanuel Heads To Africa As Blagojevich Report Drops

With the Obama transition team set to release an internal report regarding the extent of its interactions with embattled governor Rod Blagojevich, one of the key figures in the mix is heading out of the country.

Incoming White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel left on Tuesday for a "long planned family vacation in Africa," a transition official confirmed to the Huffington Post.

The internal review by the Obama team is expected to clear Emanuel of any impropriety regarding the Blagojevich scandal, and Emanuel's departure suggests he feels comfortable enough to be out of the country (and not doing damage control) on the day the report drops. Obama, meanwhile, is vacationing in Hawaii -- another indication that the president-elect's team is not exactly sweating out the matter.

Already reports have surfaced that Emanuel talked only a handful of times to the Illinois governor and his chief of staff, mostly about who would replace Emanuel in the House of Representatives. Never, these reports suggest, did the two have a conservation that could implicate Obama in the pay-to-play scheme that Blagojevich was allegedly pursuing to choose Obama's Senate replacement.

The Obama transition's internal report is set to be released Tuesday at 4:30 pm.

Emanuel's choice of destination is also noteworthy. Transition officials did not specify where in Africa he went, though another source said the family would be going on a safari. Nevertheless, it's an interesting choice for a holiday vacation. Certainly it is not beyond the realm of reason to see this trip having minor geopolitical ripples given Obama's renowned status on the continent.

Comments

[wembakoy]

Emmanuel you need to for some vacation in Africa and see what is going on there.

For example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kTp5Cjx8TQ

Please see and save those people in God sake.

Thanks.

[kasinca]

Why does the media contiune to go after a non-issue and ignore the issue of Rove threatening his IT guru who crashed in a plane last weekend after being warned of sabotage by Rove and the administration? They gave W a get out of jail free card for eight years but they continue to act as if the US Attorney is lying to them. Give me a freaking break. Maybe they don't have the same economical problems that the rethuglicans created for the rest of us.

[vjoseph]

That's not sexy enough

[Rightone11]

And Blago is? PLEASE...now YOU are being hilarious~

[bipolarbear]

who are the original sources for the "21 conversations"
or the sources for "5 conversations"

How is this a story before the report even comes out?

[realwoman]

Wow Stein, you should get a Pulitzer for this article. This is how journalists should report. With no bias, no opinion, just the facts. Maybe you can go teach a class at Columbia? You should get your own program on TV. You should go write for the NY TImes or Washington Post. Maybe you can become President someday.

[vjoseph]

Micheal Sneed, the reporter who concocted this B s is a well-known Republican shill.

[darleneslee]

Isa pig wearing lipstick.

[leah32]

http://gawker.com/5105531/chicago-columnist-outed-as-blagos-favorite-patsy

http://gawker.com/5112336/chicagos-best-columnist-takes-on-rahm-emanuel

[alienufo]

a gossip columnist in the chicago tribune.

[Rightone11]

No it isn't. It was an editorial columist in the Chicago Tribune who had spoken to Blago and Fitz~

[kevenseven]

balatro writes:

................... If he (Rahm) is in Africa, Fitzgerald won't be able to prosecute him for perjury.

Posted 01:53 PM on 12/23/2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Um. Typically one would need to have given testimony under oath to be prosecuted for perjury.

Do you know something we don't? (Snerk)

[lornejl]

Quite frankly, I'm not sure what this thread is all about, I should leave. Yes, that's what I will do.

[Bitsko]

Once again you have arrived at the essence of another inane story.

[silvercreeklady]

Are they sure he feels comfortable leaving or convenient that he would be unavailable for comment?
So is Obama..isn't that interesting!

[bipolarbear]

And, if they had waited to release the report, would you be more, or less suspicious?

They're taking their previously scheduled vacations. No story.

[indypete]

He's going to Africa to visit Obama's birthplace.

[Rightone11]

WOW, talk about kissing some major Obama a**~

[cloudynites]

Silvercreek, there's someone I'd like for you to meet. ( Rightone11) Maybe you 2 should get a room!

[tanbark]

Well, did he push Valerie Jarrett for the job, and then ask Blago that the decision for her be made quickly? Because, I've read that he did, and it had nothing to do with the "21 conversations" allegation.

And Obama has already stated that he knew nothing about any contact between his staff and Blago/Harris. And that's a little tough to believe, since we now know that Emmanuel talked with Blago at least once, and with Harris, at least five times.

I voted for Obama, and I want him to hit the ground running, the day after he's sworn in. And if this stuff is still going on, then he'll be partially hamstrung by it. If Emmanuel did ANY dickering with Blago or Harris, I want it out now; not a month from now, when it will really hurt.

I'm not impressed by Obama's staff "interpreting" the tapes for us.

Obama, himself, needs to ask Fitz to release all of the Blago/Harris tapes involving contact
with Emmanuel. If Rahm is clean, that will end it, and if he's not, then Obama needs to dump him, now.

[kevenseven]

The "21 conversations" story was "reported" by the paper's gossip columnist, not a political reporter.

It did not happen that way.

[vjoseph]

Believing what a Republican shill manufactured says more about you than Rahm

[jemiltd]

I have come to the conclusion that folks are beginning to interpret transparency as the right to constantly armchair quarterback and continually re-interpret the facts according to their individual bent or beliefs. If people had already made plans to go on vacation to Africa, home to Hawaii or whatever, what exactly does that have to do with us as citizens? Exactly why is that our business? These are the holidays; NOTHING legal is gonna happen for the next six days. There are people paid to figure out what the truth is in this matter -- they are called the attorney general's office and until THEY provide the details all else is speculative opinion. People complained because the Obama people did not make immediate statements, now they complain after statements are made. Who exactly did anyone expect to make the report but his own people? Bigger question is why people are looking for something to be wrong. Tells me that nothing that is done is ever going to satisfy, not really. And is this all just really because Obama took his family home to Hawaii where he grew up and are having a good time as a family? is this all really about some level of jealousy? I mean, come on, the mediarazzi is discussing the swim trunks worn on the beach now? Really?

[Rightone11]

Sounds awfully familiar. Let's see...hm, uh, of Yeah, President Bush! EVERYTIME the man did something, the progressives were ALWAYS the Monday morning quaterbacks. Sometimes it hurts when the SHOE is on the OTHER ONE"S foot, doesn't it?~

[Bibsap]

Jemiltd - you have just said what i have being thinking. Its just stupid!

[darleneslee]

The US attorney is in the middle of an indictment is not interested in pacifying Obama supporters, nor should he be. Life doesn't happen because enquiring minds want to know. I live in Illinois and want Blago to goooooooo, to jail. We have lived with his mess for the past two years. The case for selling the senate seat is already in jeopardy because instead of waiting Fitzpatrick jumped the gun.

[lizziekw]

They're not worried about this, nor should they be.

Doesn't Patrick Fitzgerald have all these conversations recorded? He'd have come after them by now if there was anything on them.

Have a nice time in Africa, Rahmbo.

[kevenseven]

A very solid point. Even if Rahm had had 20 innocuous conversations (unlikely, I grant you) with Blago, it would be insanity to claim to have had any number of conversations different from the fact considering that Fitz very likely knows exactly how many conversations went on.

Even if Fitz comes out and says that Rahm and Blago had no untoward conversations, but they had three, Obama is screvved.

[Rightone11]

Sure Kevin, sure. Take off the foil hat, now~

[Rightone11]

Yea, he MAY be handcuffed upon his return, so HE BETTER have a noce time~

[vjoseph]

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[DoctorJJ]

Kenya probably. Kenya has the most wonderful people you will ever meet. Beautiful women and respectful too. The Kenyan womans idea of a strong woman is : one who works, supports her husband and helps provide, treats her hubby with respect and the in laws and all elders with respect yet is independent. An American womans version of a strong woman is : works hard, doesnt have to respect anyone but herself and can do what she wants.
Rahm is on vacation and so what if he is. I am so tired and the world is and so is America of this Republithugs. Your tactics of smear dont work. Its 2008. Not 1908. The world has changed and it will continue to do so. I just saw pics from Kenya and it has the most beautiful beaches you will find anywhere. And No California and Florida dont have th eworlds best beaches no matter what American media tells you. And they have sky crappers and streets and restaurants and clubs and everything else you find in any American city. And no Lions dont walk around the streets. People have maids and drivers and mercedes benzes for themselves one for the wife and one for their kids. And no they dont ride on cows. They dress in the latest fashions. And no they dont wear skin hides. They have a beautiful respect culture. And no American culture is not the best in the world and people are not envious of us.

[k6007]

So, there!:)

[balatro]

You're probably right. obama has been meddling in kenyan's elections and causing widespread violence. This is way to keep from throwing Rahm under the bus. If he is in Africa, Fitzgerald won't be able to prosecute him for perjury.

[marymansour]

Bitter much? Just curious as to how Obama, who has visited his father's country twice, is 'meddling in kenyan elections'.....Back off the meth.

[krabby]

Wow! That is some crazy sh*t.

[ADinSC]

Fitzgerald said at the onset that Rahm is not guilty of anything. Perhaps you missed that?

[Grunty1]

Once agian, Obama is not Bush.

[robertjames]

Hey, questions of ethics are non-partisan. Don't blame Republicans for negative comments about this guy. True "Liberals" do not tolerate, coverup, or condone questionable political behavior - by any party.

[Ibackobama]

I'm pretty sure they dont have 'sky crappers' And I agree, Mombasa has best beaches ....

[Bitsko]

Dubya pronounced it "sky scapers" the other day!

[wondersnevercease]

They have several sky crappers in Kenya- take it from a Kenyan.

[Bitsko]

Wouldn't be surprised if Mr. 0bama visits Africa sometime next year.

[mitsie]

MSNBC wants Emmanuel or Obama to be somehow involved no matter what Fitzgerald or the report say. They are truly disgusting. Where was the media during the years Bush was getting away with violating our Constitution and the law? My concern is a recent poll that a majority of Americans don't think Obama broke the law but some ethics violation. Thanks MSNBC for showing all the pictures of Obama and Bloga together whenever they discuss this issue. I suppose in some dumb America's minds, who do not bother to actually listen to the news and not just look at the pictures, they think Obama has done something wrong.

[Skye]

MSNBC wants Emmanuel or Obama to be somehow involved no matter what Fitzgerald or the report say. They are truly disgusting. Where was the media during the years Bush was getting away with violating our Constitution and the law? My concern is a recent poll that a majority of Americans don't think Obama broke the law but some ethics violation. Thanks MSNBC for showing all the pictures of Obama and Bloga together whenever they discuss this issue. I suppose in some dumb America's minds, who do not bother to actually listen to the news and not just look at the pictures, they think Obama has done something wrong.

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Exactly.

[AnnfromCA]

I'd say you're outta step.

The public polls show that they don't buy the media stories at all right now.

[AnnfromCA]

MSNBC was completely the Obama channel. The public has tuned them out. If anything, this is nothing more than picking a sure-fire topic to pretend to be objective.

Let's see, we start off with Blago screaming that Obama won't pay to play. That's fairly safe to say that the report will be favorable to Obama. No?

It's all media posturing. Heck, the NY TIMES publishes a letter that's phony. They report an "aide" said Palin said this or that, and the "aide" isn't even real.

The reality? There is no media credibility.

Rahm can safely enjoy his family safari without any media backlash, in large part, due to the partisanship of MSNBC.

Nobody is even watching.

[Grunty1]

Unfortunately, it isn't only MSNBC

[vjoseph]

Yeah, I was getting annoyed by Jonathan Capeheart this afternoon, especially at his comments of the internal investigation being suspect

[Rightone11]

Both Obama AND Emanueal are INVOLVED~ Let's wait till after the Holidays~I am sure it will all come out then~

In the meantime, I am having a VERY Merry Christmas and a Great New Year~too bad the progressives have THIS over their heads, ruing their holidays. Most are such rabid defenders of Obama, I am SURE this is effecting them negatively~

[minty68]

Nope, not worried at all. Merry Christmas!

[Morhek]

Has it occured to you that all this "shoe-on-other-boot" just makes you seem like a fear-monger? Because it does. He hasn't even stepped into the White House yet, and you're already trying to tear him apart out of some misguided bitterness that your way is no longer what people want.

Change happens. Sometimes its not the change you want, sometimes it is. The very least you could do is SEE what he can do, for god's sake.

[lovable]

TO 67yrolfe that was a great post. i wish a pundit would surprise us on one of the chat shows and say that. the only person who is on now who might is mike barnicle. of morning joe show. he came close last night on the chris mathews show when he said cheney has been very arrogant on these interviews and barnicle took it personal. i am wondering where is campbell brown and her outrage. on this meaningless story. looks like craig crawford and jeff toobin have been forced off the chat show because they keep saying that the only people bringing up these meaningless stories are the media not the american people !!!!!!!!!!! just like the created clinton drama that does not exist .

TO ALL WHO POST HERE HAVE A GREAT XMAS !!!!!!!!!!!!

[mocha59]

u 2!!!!!

[marymansour]

Have yourself the same ******* felices fiestas.

[robertjames]

There you go - completely innocent of any wrongdoing. Nothing to see here, so move along people..........

[JoeTheBlogger]

agree.. the only ones who are not satisfied are repug and media dirt diggers. They will never be satisfied with anything except for blood. it is a sad day for america that some in the media have become bottom feeders.

[gino618]

They've been taught well by the left-wing over the past 8 years on how to dig dirt and bottom feed........ if you're gonna learn, learn from the best.

[Grunty1]

[repug and media dirt diggers]

One and the same. Those "dirt diggers" completely ignored Bushco's scandal-a-day.

[roshni]

Happy Holidays Rahm!
Have a great vacation!

[tgh86]

Uh oh, he's on the run.

[cdsister]

lol

[HarryParatestis]

and you thought the Bush team had the "undisclosed location" market cornered.

[ConcernedAmerican]

So now Africa and Hawaii are "undisclosed locations"?

Hate to disclose it to you.....but they're in Hawaii and Africa.

[vjoseph]

Yeah, ok

[MoneyamI]

Ha ha...ALL Chicago politicians go to Africa http://www.revver.com/video/1391607 now you know why!