Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s defense in his corruption trial began today. A central part of his lawyers’ argument is expected to be that Blago is a naive man who got bad advice. Blagojevich himself has spent months in the media spotlight projecting an image — deliberately or not — as a smiling oaf. The defense thinks the jury will buy this story. We think it’s ripe for comic moments.
In that spirit, we bring you the first installment of Today’s Moment of Blago:
Quoting a refrain from “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” attorneys for Rod Blagojevich in his corruption trial Sunday filed a 41-page memorandum in support of a motion for acquittal.“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data,” the motion quotes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. “Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.”
(h/t The Chicago News Cooperative)
Judge James Zagel denied the motion.
First day bonus Moment of Blago:
“Show of hands for anyone here planning to testify,” Blagojevich joked with the crowd assembled in the hall outside Judge James Zagel’s courtroom, holding his in the air.
Eric Lach
Eric Lach is a reporter for TPM. From 2010 to 2011, he was a news writer in charge of the website’s front page. He has previously written for The Daily, NewYorker.com, GlobalPost and other publications. He can be reached at ericl(at)talkingpointsmemo.com
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