Roland Burris On The Offensive: Race May Be An Issue

After yesterday's magical, race-cardulous press conference, where tainted Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich announced that he was going to appoint former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the Senate, Burris went on the charm offensive, pressing his case in the media. His arguments basically boil down to: Blago's problems have nothing to do with me, the press should ask a different set of questions - especially if they are favorable to his appointment - and, maybe people ought to think about racism, not that there is any!

Of course, Burris' appointment puts him on collision course with Senate Democrats who want to avoid getting mired in Blagojevich's sleaze in any way. Asked about the dark cloud that hovers over Blago's every move on this morning's Today show, Burris sidestepped the issue, attesting to phone calls from supporters and insisting that "no one has questioned" Blagojevich's statutory authority to make an appointment. Naturally, this ignores the fact that Patrick Fitzgerald said he released his wiretap transcripts precisely because he wanted to forestall a tainted appointment. "I have nothing to do with [Blagojevich's] problems," insisted Burris.

But as Dan Conley, former speechwriter to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, points out, it is impossible to separate Burris from Blago's problems because Burris is being used by the governor as the solution to his problems:

The appointment of Burris is a pure impeachment-defense tactic from Blagojevich. First, he's making a public case that no crime was actually committed. If Burris was appointed without any quid pro quo (highly likely, since Burris has no great wealth or influence), then Blagojevich can argue that all the talk about other possible appointments were just that -- talk. And talk is not a crime. Is anyone going to buy that? Well, even if only ten percent of Illinois voters buy it, Blagojevich will have doubled his support, so why not? There's a certain freedom in nearly complete unpopularity.

On Bobby Rush's "lynching" comment, Burris bobbed and weaved:

I think the Congressman has assessed it. It is a fact: there are no African-Americans in the United States Senate. That's a fact. And what he was indicating is we should not turn this into a situation where a qualified, dedicated, public servant will be denied the opportunity to serve. It could, then, give the appearance...of a lot of individuals, not only African-Americans, saying, "A person of Roland Burris' qualifications is not seated because of the governor's problems wouldn't be seated? Is it racism that is taking place?" That's the question the somebody else may raise.

That's the question that Roland Burris is raising, anyway! When Danny K. Davis - also African-American - was offered the appointment, Davis seemed concerned that a person of his qualifications would not be seated precisely because Blagojevich has "problems."

[WATCH.]

Comments

[coco51]

Blago chose Burris for one reason only...the black vote, whether a jury or an election he hopes to have blacks of Chicago vote him save his political ass by putting Burris in the Senate. nothing more, nothing less. Burris should be affronted, but like Blago his ego is insurmountable as well.

I am black and feel no shame in stating this

[rabiddog6708]

I saw on CNN that Burris will be blocked from entering Senate chamber, if he shows up. They said he probably would not be arrested if her persisted, but he would be forcably prevented from entering. This has nothing to do with race.....any candidate Blago sent would be treated the same way.

[wdw505]

well said

[tahoegal]

As strong supporters of Pres-elect Obama and the African Americans he has appointed to his cabinet, there is something that is just "off" about Burris. He is always grinning, except when he's playing the race card. He seems to be all prepared to force himself on the Senate. I hope for the good of Illinois that he's unsuccessful and that someone who is actually sane can appoint the replacement, or have a special election. Burris should retire.

[wdw505]

it will be fun to watch

[Intelligentia]

Who is playing the race card? If anything, it's Blagojevich who is playing the race card! Whenever a Black persons points out what is obvious, suddenly, it's the race card. The fact is: THERE IS NOT A SINGLE AFRICAN-AMERICAN IN THE U.S. SENATE! That is a fact; and it's because of racism, not because of lack of qualied African-Americans. Look at what happened to Ford in Tennessee. Did the White candidate not play the race-card with the White woman tv ad? Everyone seems to recognize the race card when something benefits African-Americans, but not when the race card benefits Whites, which is always! If you want to blame anyone, blame the White governor who is using a Black man to save himself; don't blame the Black man, because, he, Burris, is more qualified than most of the White men in the Senate today! White men made the rules: (1) Only the governor can appoint a Senator; (2) You are innocent until proven guilty. Based on those rules, is Blagojevich still the governor? Yes! Has Blagojevich been found guilty? No. So, what's the problem with Burris. White men should not be allowed to play their hypocritical power games at the expense of a lack man-Burris!

[wdw505]

i blame all of them......­.including the prosecutor that stopped the investigation to early.....­.....Burri­s must be too stup1d to realize that he would be painted with the governor's bad press.......wow i know i was not surprised.­.........w­hite or black someone who took that nomination would have a cloud over them.........and should have seen it coming

[friskee1]

burris and rush pulled the race card as well. they are allowing themselves to be used in this way to help stick it to the dems, obama, and sway the jury. the fact that they are black is what makes it even worse

[steveo39]

"Burris went on the charm offensive . . . "

Having heard enough from mealy-mouthed, self-aggrandizing Burris over the years, I wasn't aware he HAD any charm. A pretty weak "offensive" . . .

[blowhard]

When you run out of logic or decency play the race card.

[wdw505]

Just another way to use McCarthyism. Same tactic different word.

[Intelligentia]

Who is playing the race card? If anything, it's Blagojevich who is playing the race card! Whenever a Black persons points out what is obvious, suddenly, it's the race card. The fact is: THERE IS NOT A SINGLE AFRICAN-AMERICAN IN THE U.S. SENATE! That is a fact; and it's because of racism, not because of lack of qualied African-Americans. Look at what happened to Ford in Tennessee. Did the White candidate not play the race-card with the White woman tv ad? Everyone seems to recognize the race card when something benefits African-Americans, but not when the race card benefits Whites, which is always! If you want to blame anyone, blame the White governor who is using a Black man to save himself; don't blame the Black man, because, he, Burris, is more qualified than most of the White men in the Senate today! White men made the rules: (1) Only the governor can appoint a Senator; (2) You are innocent until proven guilty. Based on those rules, is Blagojevich still the governor? Yes! Has Blagojevich been found guilty? No. So, what's the problem with Burris. White men should not be allowed to play their hypocritical power games at the expense of a lack man-Burris!

[swiss-ski]

Always about race isn't it? Blago appointed this guy to be the next senator which is part of Blagos
job description. The Illinois Secretary of state refuses to "seat" Blagos pick. Gee, I wonder who's pulling
the strings in this cover-up

[wdw505]

the prosecutor.......by not letting the investigation go on longer to rope in more people

[Witchitalineman]

From what I can gather it would not be wise for Harry Reid and his fellow senators to cause a scene and block Burris from the senate. It sounds as though it is legal what Blagojevich has done and until proven otherwise Burris should be seated. Time will tell regarding Blagojevich himself and whether or not he has committed illegal acts. There are too many important issues that need to be addressed by our legislators, and overall Burris sounds pretty well respected in his home state.

[WilburM]

"and overall Burris sounds pretty well respected in his home state."

NOT! tries to paint himself as a servant of the people... actually is a self-promoting professional politician who proved he would rather convict an innocent man of murder than seem soft on crime. nuff said.

[carnelld]

The Governor of Illinois has the sole legal authority to appoint a replacement for Obama. America is a nation based on the rule of law. The laws can be changed by the legislative branch. The laws are not changed by the MSM pontificating selectivly about their moral outrage. The Republican inspired talking points stating that the appointment is "tainted" have been repeatedly reported on the cable networks. The MSM and the talking heads sound like a brood of "cackling hens". They do the American public a disservice by not reporting the facts and reporting sensationalised hype. Politics is for the strong and for those who will stand and fight. Burris comes from that school of African Americans who have always had to fight for entrance into the mainstream. Obama had the courage to fight for where he is. Had he not fought for it he would have been pushed back and out. Remenber the campaign? Any politician who would turn down an opportunity to become a Senator is not worth "salt". Burris will have to fight for it. Black people have always had to fight in America. That is the hidden secret. By African Americans fighting for justice, we have lifted women, Hispanics, Asians, to the political process in America. In America you can stand on the "rule of law". The Democrats have fallen for the Republican inspired talking points. They are silly for actually fighting their own Democratic appointment to the Senate.

[wdw505]

oh come on..........this is just sport..........he will be kicked around for a while.......long enough to paint BO with this..........later quit from the heat.....

[tavote08]

Bobby Rush is absolutely right, this is a lynching... He, Burris, and Blagojevich have a noose around the necks of Illinois' citizens and are using b/s political tactics to show case the hanging. The people of Ill. should gather together with their own rope and demand Blagojevich's resignation. It's time for a change... We took back our Country surely they can take back their State...
POWER OF THE PEOPLE!!!

By the way the only race card here is the embarrassment to the African American Community that these two black men are allowing themselves to be used and are exploiting African Americans in the process.Two PATHETIC EXCUSES for Black men!!!!

[bygollymissmolly]

I would love to see the people of Illinois gather around wherever Blago hangs out and refuse to leave until he resigns. That would be fitting justice for a Governor whose approval ratings were in the teens even before he was arrested.

[XME]

It's disgraceful when the "race card" is used, not because that's what's really going on, but simply because Burris feels using it might help him get what HE wants.

People like Burris make a mockery of real discrimination against African Americans and other minorities.

[bygollymissmolly]

The only people playing the "race card" are Burris, Blago and Rush. And everyone knows it.

[iswideopen]

Burris, you are not wanted. Get your ass off the stage and crawl back under that rock from whence you came. This is not about race, as you and Bobby Rush have stated, it's about your not being wanted or welcomed to continue to divide the African-American community. PE Obama has said NO to you, what part of that don't you understand. Please, never underestimate the amount of support he has from "we the people". ALL PEOPLE. Especially this African-American female from the "old school". It's time for you and Bobby Rush to put your stale tactics and ideas bag in the bag and go home. This, is a new day and a new time. Give Jessie Jackson a call, perhaps he has learned his lesson about messing with PE Obama.

[msjimmied]

Isn't this the same stance Clarence Thomas used for his ill gotten seat on the Supreme Court? A man of character would not diminish himself that way.

[texanna]

I am so over self-serving pols! The only reason anyone would accept this appointment is blind ambition, because it is completely wrapped up in Blago's problems and can therefore only be a problem. A problem to get seated and a problem to get the other Dems to work with him. Now how does that serve the citizens of Illinois? There is only one person who's interests this serves -- Mr. Burris' interests. To sink to the level of race-baiting only shows how desperate he is to gain the office. Someone should remind Mr. Burris that there are no quotas in the Legislative Branch of our government. If he wants to change the numbers of blacks in the Senate he should run for the office in an organized, general election.

[XME]

Precisely. Blogo may have the LEGAL authority to appoint someone, but I for one don't trust anyone who's willing to take an appointment made by him...it just seems that no one who cares about ethics over their own ambitions would be willing to accept an appointment from Blogo. So the fact that he's willing to accept it says quite a lot about Burris, and to me, none of it is good.

[All57States]

Watching Democrats playing the race card against each other is fun to watch.

[nomobull]

the only two using it are on the same side

[bygollymissmolly]

Except that the only "Democrats" who are playing the race card are Burris, Blago and Rush. The remainder of the Democrats want to see Blago gone and someone with morals and ethics appointed to the seat. That is certainly not Burris.

I know that your really bad loss on November 4 really hurts. But, you are not going to be able to incite a disturbance in the ranks of the Democrats so you might as well give it up. Also, seek therapy. It might make the next 8 years easier on you.