It’s funny, even though it’s tragic:
With respect to the Senate seat, Deputy Governor A suggested putting together a list of things that ROD BLAGOJEVICH would accept in exchange for the Senate seat. ROD BLAGOJEVICH responded that the list “can’t be in writing.”
This guy’s a genius. You don’t want to put it in writing. Smart.
Thereafter, ROD BLAGOJEVICH discussed whether he could obtain an ambassadorship in exchange for the Senate seat.
92. On November 4, 2008, ROD BLAGOJEVICH spoke with JOHN HARRIS regarding the potential vacant Senate seat. ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated that the “trick . . . is how do you conduct indirectly . . . a negotiation” for the Senate seat.
Yes, it’s tricky isn’t it? How do you sell a Senate seat? eBay? Too public. It has to be done "indirectly."
Thereafter, ROD BLAGOJEVICH analogized his situation to that of a sports agent shopping a potential free agent to various teams, stating “how much are you offering, [President-elect]? What are you offering, [Senate Candidate 2]? . . . Can always go to. . . [Senate Candidate 3].”
Yes, the key to negotiating is to make the other side think you have alternatives.
Later ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated that he will make a decision on the Senate seat “in good faith . . .
(that’s a relief)
but it is not coming for free. . . .It’s got to be good stuff for the people of Illinois and good for me.”
Isn’t it a comfort that even though it has to be good for him, the people come first?
ROD BLAGOJEVICH states “[President-elect], you want it? Fine. But, its got to be good or I could always take [the Senate seat].”
And it’s always good to have a credible threat. He could always appoint himself. Brilliant. There is much humor sprinkled unintentionally throughout the document.
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