George Stephanopolous, Pathetic.
“Sources tell me that the Obama team’s review of contacts with Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will show that Rahm Emanuel had only one phone conversation with Blagojevich.
The contact, described as a “pro-forma” courtesy call, came as Emanuel was named Chief of Staff for Obama. Most of the discussion concerned Emanuel’s Congressional seat (which had previously been held by Blagojevich), with only a “passing reference” to the Senate vacancy, according to these sources. No deal for the Senate vacancy was discussed.”
I think we can skip the veracity …

I know, I know, I said last week. But as this unfolds, I’ll bet it’s before the end of the year. Lynn Sweet:
“CHICAGO–President-elect Barack Obama’s incoming chief of staff Rahm Emanuel had a deeper involvement in pressing for a U.S. Senate seat appointment than previously reported, the Sun-Times has learned. Emanuel had direct discussions about the seat with Gov. Blagojevich, who is is accused of trying to auction it to the highest bidder.
Emanuel talked with the governor in the days following the Nov. 4 election and pressed early …

Tipsters and news sources are indicating that Rahm Emanuel may step aside from his COS designate position as soon as this week. I see it happening sooner rather than later.
Over the weekend we learned that in spite of Barack Obama’s statement that no one in his staff talked to Blagojevich, Rahm Emanuel had several contacts with the governor’s staff.
Most agree that Obama has not handled this “first scandal” well, and we don’t know just how far the involvement goes. The only way to cut off the questioning …

Tick, tick, tick….
“Rahm Emanuel, President-elect Barack Obama’s pick to be White House chief of staff, had conversations with Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s administration about who would replace Obama in the U.S. Senate, the Chicago Tribune has learned.
The revelation does not suggest Obama’s new gatekeeper was involved in any talk of dealmaking involving the seat. But it does help fill in the gaps surrounding a question that Obama was unable or unwilling to answer this week: Did anyone on his staff have contact with Blagojevich about his choice for the Senate seat?
Blagojevich …