Did Rod Blagojevich Really Bulldoze Jon Stewart?

The Wire previously asked whether contemporary American culture makes it too easy for disgraced politicians to waltz their way back into our good graces. Rod Blagojevich will make a good test case. Few politicians are in greater need of redemption; fewer still are willing to be as aggressive and audacious in their quest to get it. Charged with offering President Obama's vacated Senate seat to the highest bidder, Blago is setting new standards for gumption. He's written a memoir, made a go of reality TV, and done Elvis karaoke.

Last night the Blago media blitz came to The Daily Show. Even the wily and dexterous Jon Stewart couldn't help letting the blustery Blagojevich vociferously profess his innocence. Whether or not it keeps him out of the slammer, his relentless showboating is garnering more laughs than condemnation. The shtick seems to be working, at least with the media.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Rod Blagojevich
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Healthcare Protests

Here's how Blagojevich is faring with the pundits:

• Blago Owned Stewart, says Eric Zorn at the Chicago Tribune. "When Stewart suggested that perhaps Blagojevich is the hapless, falsely accused Richard Jewell of Illinois, shoulders slumped throughout the state. Look like we'll have to wait until next summer's trial to see this tale of innocence and woe put to a real test."

• He's Become Living Theater, writes Rachel Sklar in an excellent run-down of Chicago commentary at Mediaite. "It passed long ago from news into entertainment. Last night's interview was jovial and genial, partly because it didn't matter what Blago said -- his credibility is nil, we all know that."

• In His Memoir, a Consummate Deflection Artist, writes David Remnick in the New Yorker. "For febrile self-defensiveness and look-over-there deflections and deceptions, Rod Blagojevich's new book, "The Governor: Finally, the Truth Behind the Political Scandal That Continues to Rock the Nation," is surely unsurpassed...[N]o sun can melt Blago's coif, which, despite his many troubles, descends like a silken espresso curtain and then swerves suddenly to the side, revealing a gaze most innocent."

• Planning to Sabotage Democrats in 2010, suggests Andrew Walden at the American Thinker, in another review of the memoir. "Scheduled to begin June 3, 2010, the trial may run into August or even September. This means a steady drip, drip, drip, of revelations timed perfectly with the 2010 Congressional elections."