As we previewed last week (and skillfully avoided poking fun at, mind you), former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich appeared at Northwestern University on Tuesday to give a speech to students, as well as answer questions about ethics in politics. Yeah, we were confused, too.
Blago opened by telling the Northwestern audience specifically why he agreed to give a lecture on ethics, despite the irresistible irony.
“Many of you must think it’s kind of ironic that I would agree and accept an opportunity to come here and talk to you about ethics in government. For all the courage and testicular virility you think you have, if I did the things they said I did, and I did wrong things like they want you to believe I did, I would be nowhere near this event.”
After his 15 minute opening speech, Blagojevich answered questions on a variety of topics posed by three NU professors: Political science Prof. Donald Gordon, School of Law Prof. Tonja Jacobi and Medill School of Journalism Prof. Donna Leff.
The Daily Northwestern has uploaded video of his complete appearance. There’s also a recap of the night’s proceedings if you don’t feel like watching all nine videos.
During his speech and answer session, the embattled politician repeated his innocence to the Evanston crowd, as he has since his impeachment, but he also turned heads with a new claim. Speaking on corrupt politics, he went as far as to say that Hilary Clinton dropped out of the presidential race in 2008 because she was promised her current position as Secretary of State. “Hillary is qualified. But she is no Henry Kissinger.”
He also commented on he and his wife’s recent stints on various reality TV shows, stating it was a “necessity.” He elicited more laughs than probably was his intention, but, as noted by the Daily Northwestern at least a few students came out with a more open-minded opinion after hearing the former governor’s thoughts.
It should also be noted that Northwestern’s College Democrats did pay Blagojevich for the appearance, but the sum was not disclosed.
Our Take:
First of all, no one should be using the phrase “testicular virility” in public unless they’re appearing on WWE. It’s gross and no one will take you seriously from the moment it leaves your unchecked lips.
Second, I can’t believe he had the stones to suggest Hillary Clinton was offered some sort of deal by Barack Obama or the Democratic Party to drop out of the race. As if she wasn’t “in it to win it” and spending so much of her own money on the campaign. Don’t expect any response from her camp though. Blagojevich is a small, dirty fish in the ocean of politics. She has bigger responsibilities to attract her attention.
All in all, it was another mixed bag from ole Blago. What did you think of his appearance? Did it alter your thinking or can you still not believe a word he says? Let us know!
