The Megyn Kelly Show Rod Blagojevich on Corruption in Politics, Overcoming Adversity, and the State of the Democratic Party | Ep. 274
Mar 4, 2022
Rod Blagojevich, the former Illinois governor infamous for his corruption scandal and the documentary "Being Blago," shares his journey from political power to imprisonment. He discusses the moment of his arrest, the impact of political surveillance, and his identity as a 'Trumpocrat.' Blagojevich reflects on family bonds, personal growth during incarceration, and his thoughts on the future of the Democratic Party. With anecdotes from prison life and insights into Chicago politics, his story reveals resilience and the complexities of ambition.
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Blagojevich's Early Political Career
- Rod Blagojevich, from a working-class background, met his wife Patty through her politically influential father, Richard Mel.
- Mel, a prominent Chicago ward boss, played a key role in launching Blagojevich's political career.
The Landfill Incident
- A turning point in Blagojevich's career was a disagreement with his father-in-law, Richard Mel, over a landfill.
- Mel's subsequent false accusations triggered a federal investigation into Blagojevich.
The Wiretaps
- Federal investigators wiretapped Blagojevich, accumulating hundreds of hours of recordings.
- He claims he wasn't surprised by the wiretaps, but was concerned about some of his recorded remarks.
