by John Kass
Will Barack Obama's presidential candidacy serve his state and city by finally drawing national attention to the sleazy and corrupt politics of Illinois and Chicago?
It is all about context. The presumptive Democratic presidential candidate's politics were born in Chicago. Yet he is presented to the nation as not truly being of this place, as if he floats just above the political corruption here, uninfected, untouched by the stain of it or by any sin of commission or omission. It is all so very mystical.
Perhaps viewing Obama as a Chicago political creature would conflict with the established national media narrative of Obama as a reformer. Actually, there's no "perhaps" about it.
"I think I have done a good job in rising politically in this environment without being entangled in some of the traditional problems of Chicago politics," Obama told reporters and editors at a Tribune editorial board meeting several weeks ago.
Yes, an excellent job. Except for his dalliance with his indicted real estate fairy, Tony Rezko, a relationship Obama considers a mistake, the senator has not played the fly to Mayor Richard Daley's spider. Almost, but not quite.
"I know there are those like John Kass who would like me to decry Chicago politics more frequently, and I'll leave that to his editorial commentary," Obama said.
Not the politics, just the corruption, I said then, wishing silently that he had decried it all, that he'd stood up years ago and pointed to the list of sleazy deals, pointed an angry finger at the Duffs, the white, Outfit-connected drinking buddies of Daley who received $100 million in affirmative action contracts through City Hall.
That's an easy political commercial for the Republicans: Mobbed-up white guys party at the old Como Inn with Daley, and they get $100 million in city affirmative action contracts and Daley doesn't know how it happened and Obama endorses the mayor in the name of reform.
Obama had nothing to do with the Duff deal. But he kept mum. He has endorsed Daley, endorsed Daley's hapless stooge Todd Stroger for president of the Cook County Board. These are not the acts of a reformer, but of a guy who, as we say in Chicago, won't make no waves and won't back no losers.
Obama the reformer is backed by Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Daley boys. He is spoken for by Daley's own spokesman, David Axelrod. He was launched into his U.S. Senate by machine power broker and state Senate President Emil Jones (D-ComEd).
Sen. Obama did give his word of honor that if elected president, he would retain corruption-busting U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, no easy vow, given that Daley is threatened by Fitzgerald, and that the corruption case against Rezko is about to be handed to the jury.
As a candidate, Obama will do what he has to do to win. My argument is not with him--but with the national political media pack that refuses to look closely at what Chicago is. They're fixated on what it was, and they think it's clean now.
And they've spent years crafting, then cleaving to their eager and trembling Obama narrative, a tale of great yearning, almost mythic and ardently adolescent, a tale in which Obama is portrayed as a reformer, a dynamic change agent about to do away with the old thuggish politics.
It's as if Axelrod channeled it, wearing a peaked Merlin hat. Obama is a South Sider and does not hail from Camelot or Mt. Olympus or the lush forests of mythical Narnia.
I've joked that reporters feel compelled to hug him, in their copy, as if he were the cuddly faun, the Mr. Tumnus of American politics. But I was only kidding. The real Mr. Tumnus never had Billy Daley or Ted Kennedy carving up Cabinet appointments.
So why the disconnect? Why is Obama allowed to campaign as a reformer, virtually unchallenged by the media, though he's a product of Chicago politics and has never condemned the wholesale political corruption in his home town the way he condemns those darn Washington lobbyists.
For an answer as to when pundits will ever put Illinois corruption in context, I called on Tom Bevan, executive director of the popular political Web site Real Clear Politics (which directs readers to my column on occasion) and a Chicagoan.
"To a large degree, the media has accepted much of the Obama narrative thus far," Bevan told me. "He's risen so quickly, but his history hasn't been bogged down with an association of Chicago politics and I can't tell you why exactly, except perhaps that some may have bought into the established narrative and can't separate themselves from it."
"And I don't know if the country understands just how corrupt the system is in Illinois. People don't see it. They're flying over us, cruising at 30,000 feet," Bevan said.
Our Chicago politics sure must seem sweet from that high altitude as journalists fly by. From up there, our politics must smell pretty, like vanilla beans in a jar, or lavender potpourri: you know, something truly authentic and real.
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Comments
Jeez, John, aren't we the bitter one today?? Just because Obama hasn't kissed up to you the way you want him to?? Or is it because the Rezko trial did not force him out of the race??
Do you really think most of America cares about Chicago politics? Do you really think that McCain is so pure and virginal in all this??
And I thought we White Sox fans were more sane than this.
Posted by: BobHusseininAtlanta | May 10, 2008 9:36 AM
Hillary and Bill made the jump into the oligarchy of American politics --they were not and will not be prosecuted for the way they made 'the big JUMP'
We do not yet KNOW if the Obamas will pass this test.
T'anks fer nuttin' Chicago media.
Posted by: Hillary must stay in race until we KNOW | May 10, 2008 9:51 AM
Thanks for the tip of the iceberg vetting Obama here...Just wish the rest of the media felt compelled to expose some truths on him prior to his getting the nomination..instead of after.....WHO IS OBAMA??
Posted by: kaye c. | May 10, 2008 9:53 AM
.
...........yawn
.
Well, I'm from Chicago, and yeah, it's politics are not squeeky clean, like they are in New York, in Balitimore, LA, etc.
Yeah, we have our occasional political scandal, unlike the rest of the country, where all politicians are totally honest, and all politics is squeeky clean.
Posted by: kevin larmee | May 10, 2008 9:57 AM
While you may like to mention Chicago politics, one most also look at politics in general. McBush has flip flopped on just about every issue there is. In 2000 he called the RR agents of intolerance. Now he actively sought Hagee and Parsleys' endorsements. He voted for against then for Bushs' tax cuts for the rich. I can only imagine this is because his wife, who refuses to let the little people know her worth, is all for more money. As far as corruption, he has his own skeletons in the closet with Keating.
Posted by: bill r. | May 10, 2008 10:10 AM
I hope it ALL comes out in November!
Posted by: Mr. D. | May 10, 2008 10:18 AM
This is bigger than some petty corruption. The public knows all polititians have some dirt on them. At this point Tony Rezko could give Obama a fat bag of cash on national television every day until the election and he still is not as corrupt and sleazy as the Clinton's. He is running against the Clinton's, not Abraham Lincoln, or Jesus. What you old cynical types fail to recognize is what Obama can accomplish just as a symbol for a America. His mere presence in the Oval office would significantly neutralize much of the hate for us around the world.
Posted by: Augustus | May 10, 2008 10:30 AM
The "evil" you moan about in Chicago politics might very well be true. There do seem to be a steady stream of indictments though which just might indicate that the system is working to some extent or other.
Let me challenge you, please. Find some place in these United States that is a squeaky clean as insist is the norm. Show it to me.
Posted by: tom | May 10, 2008 10:33 AM
Mr. Kass is conveniently leaving out the fact that his pal Tom Bevan is a good conservative, so he's not exactly an Obama fan to start with.
Posted by: Tracy | May 10, 2008 10:33 AM
The fact that he came up in politics via Chicago is one of the original reasons I chose to support Barack Obama.
I think it's an attribute.
Go Obama!
Posted by: Susan | May 10, 2008 10:36 AM
It's amazing how an English major can get his own editorial column and point the hypocritical finger without any larger context on politics. Mr. Kass, perhaps you should refer to out current president who came into office as a "uniter, not a divider" for context. Maybe when you go to bed tonight, if you scrunch your eyes up real tight and wish hard enough, and write enough columns, perhaps the mainstream media fairy will make it so...
jeez, get a life and some perspective.
Posted by: Ester | May 10, 2008 10:41 AM
Obama is just one more run-of-the-mill Chicago, Cook County hack. That's really no secret, but the national press would prefer to ignore it... for now. Wait until the general election, when the Republicans (remember them?) are stirring things up. The national press will follow it (they're easily led) and then America will notice the stench.
Posted by: MJ | May 10, 2008 10:41 AM
Thanks for sharing. It's true, we're learning something new about this man every month. He comes on here making blanket statements that I'm all about change. What is this "change" he's referring to? Obviously, he has no real "change."
Why? During debates he says this,
"I agree with what Hillary said."
How's that for a change?
Posted by: Jess | May 10, 2008 10:43 AM
Hmm, I predict a serious case of buyer's remorse in October 2008.
Posted by: colbertocrat | May 10, 2008 12:06 PM
Kass sounds like he thinks Obama was an alderman, not a state senator.
Meanwhile, Clinton and McCain thought the public would fall for their 'gas tax holiday' - what did Kass write about that?
What about the McCain 'land swaps' in the news? Millions of dollars there, but Kass can only see the ten-foot strip of lawn by Obama's house.
Bizarre.
Posted by: Tom J | May 10, 2008 12:06 PM
Another great Kass column
but hopefully not too late.
Hopefully, he will be caught
on something now that he is
numero uno in the fish bowl.
Everytime he opens his mouth, he lies about something!
And there is the matter of 25 years of viewing Rev. Wright's tapes and 20+ years in the pews embracing the America-hating, White-hating, etc. Rev. Wright and miltant Black Liberation Theology and all that it implies.
Keep digging, thankyou, and good luck.
Posted by: c | May 10, 2008 12:07 PM
HERESY!!! How darest thou question the master?!? You're really asking for it, Kass!!!
Posted by: jeff | May 10, 2008 12:08 PM
O'bama s unstained because there are so few real journalist left doing the hard work it takes to connect the dots/follow the money that link O'bama to the best of/worst of the Illinois Combine. But the "swiftboatgroups" won't have any problems or lack of money to make ads showing O'bama and Emil Jones, O'bama and Rezko, O'bama and Daley, Obama and just fill in the blank.
O'bama should begin disavowing these folks now cause Rev. Wright as your preacher-father is nothing compared to having Emil Jones (lets not limit contributions) as your political-papa.
Posted by: MACK | May 10, 2008 12:09 PM
Oh what a surprise, another hit piece from that stalwart, white collar, Republican paper in Chicago. Oh, to endure repeated exposure to the same line from this paper over and over these past 30 plus years has been a treat, indeed.
John, to use the pages of a major U.S. paper to express your own ad hominem is substantially low-brow. Your agenda is pure opinion, bathed in seemingly Right Wing smarminess. If you'd like to evaluate something in Chicago, you'd best start at vetting the media and, in particular, the Tribune. The Trib isn't corruption but it certainly approaches corrosive blather. Please, write an objective expose on all the candidates in the current race instead of singling out one you happen to dislike. You'll find dirt on all of them and then, life goes on.
Posted by: David Charak | May 10, 2008 12:12 PM
I think the reform narrative that Obama is most focused on is the partisan divide. I am not suggesting he won't be a good progressive democrat. I am suggesting how he goes about getting his priorities accomplished will change. And the change will be that he will show respect to his political opponents. He's not perfect. No one is. But at least he is a big step in the correct direction.
Posted by: Steve | May 10, 2008 12:19 PM
The great thing is the voters are not fooled, this just might turn out to be McGovern all over again. Obama is a far left Hydepark Liberal with no new ideas except confiscate the wealth of the haves to give not to the havenots but to the government. The American people have seen who he is really this past few weeks and will not follow the MSM and their love affair w/ Barrack and his American hating wife and friends.
BTW if Mcbush is the best the dems can do McGovern will look like a squeaker compared to the landslide McCain will have over this goof.
Posted by: RAI | May 10, 2008 12:28 PM
The Presidential field is hardly pure as the driven snow. Sen. Obama has his (for me) uncomfortable political "heritage," but let's not forget names associated with Sen. Clinton like Vince Foster, Dan Lassiter, cattle futures and Sen. McCain, Charles Keating, the finances of the Queen of Beers (not to be confused with the King of Beers), etc. Since I am no fan of Sens. Clinton and McCain, I can only hope Sen. Obama might transcend his political roots. If the choice is between Sens. Clinton and McCain, all of a sudden Ralph Nader looks viable again.
Posted by: Steve Madsen, Portage WI | May 10, 2008 12:36 PM
John,
You make some very good points, and I tend to agree with the assertion that anyone who has come up through the political system here is tainted and co-opted at some level.
However, I would have to say that you have a credibility issue. Aside from the George Ryan saga, you seem to go out of the way to trash Obama, yet you're absolutely silent on the current administration in DC. Face it: we went to war based on outright lies, and the American public has had to suffer through eight years of incompetence, malfeasance, corruption, cronyism, wasteful spending, and watching our Bill of Rights and Constitution go down the toilet (by a President who's described it as "just a godd*** piece of paper", no less). The situation in DC doesn't seem all that different from Chicago, but where is your righteous indignation regarding the Bush administration?
I enjoy reading your column, and I'm glad that you write about political issues that seem to be ignored by the national media - I think it serves a good purpose because people need to know these things. However, if you really want to reach people, you need to get past the partisanship and call a spade a spade. A brief admission that you also "drank the Kool-Aid" doesn't make up for eight years of (dare I say?) willful ignorance about what's been happening to this country. Of course, you are a columnist so you have every right to inject your personal opinion into your writing, but I think that's a waste of your talent, and Trib readers (and the public in general) deserve better than that. Otherwise, you run the risk of coming across as just another biased pundit with an axe to grind, and there are already more than enough of those to go around.
Posted by: Radian | May 10, 2008 12:42 PM
When I was a young man of 18 I argued with my father. When I turned 25 I was surprised how smart he got.
All of you new Hillary and Bill haters, now that you are 25, need to understand you are thinking like 18 year olds when it comes to Barack; and it's all because the vast left wing msm has been feeding you a line of stuff since you were old enough to be duped.
Posted by: whatnow | May 10, 2008 12:45 PM
It should start to get interesting now...It seems the MEDIA is finally ready to get off it's lazy duff and begin to vet Obama...Saint? Messiah??Uniter???..I don't think so. OK>... Media..We are ready for you to do your job now.......
Posted by: kaye c. | May 10, 2008 1:11 PM
I used to have some respect for Mr. Kass, only some!! Now, after reading this attempted hatchet job, I have none. A column based on inferences, innuendoes and dalliances!! Is that last category a misdemeanor or a felony? Cheap shot after cheap shot, what is this guy trying to make a name for himself?? He must be!! He has all this evidence of wrong doing by Senator Obama, why doesn't he take it to the State's Attorney or the U.S. Attorney? Why, because they would tell him to take his Republican nonsense and give it to the Swift-Boaters, they could do a lot more damage to Senator Obama than the law could!! Why, because he didn't break any laws and who knows what he was privy to, Mr. Kass, I don't think so!! This hack thought he could be another Mike Royko, and he fell way short!!! Stick to what you know, Mr. Kass, which from this present piece, looks like you know tiddledy winks, much better!!!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | May 10, 2008 4:44 PM
whatnow is right on!
Any of the 'scandals' people tried bringing up against the Clintons--DID NOT PASS MUSTER AS ANYTHING AT ALL LEGIT.
The Clintons passed into our oligarchy unscathed.
We don't yet KNOW if the Obamas will do so.
Please--if you don't TRUST the mainstream media on issues of WAR--then why trust them when they give Obama a free pass in the primary. They won't give him one in the Fall....
Posted by: Move out while you still know everything--just please don't VOTE like you know it all! | May 10, 2008 4:56 PM
The blase nature of some of the above comments explains a lot, doesn't it?
Corruption exists in Chicago because we tolerate it.
Posted by: Huh | May 10, 2008 6:09 PM
Hillary and Obama are an even match. Two of a kind, really. The only problem with this cage match is that one will survive.
Posted by: Mark | May 10, 2008 6:23 PM
John,
Well said..I share the same sentiments at www.chicagoagainstobama.com
For all of the Obama suporters, at some point you need to pay attention to the facts, and separate yourselves from the fairytale....I know chanting YES WE CAN makes you feel good...well guess what, you STILL CAN, regardless of who the president is.
Posted by: Ray | May 10, 2008 6:38 PM
This guy's been on your radar even before he ever ran for elected office. If you can't add to Wright - Rezko and what's come out about Obama already, either you haven't been doing your job or there's no more dirt to dish. In that case, stick to his elitist leftwing hypocrisy - that's bad enough.
Posted by: NYC, NY | May 10, 2008 6:50 PM
G*d Damn Amerikkkka. O'bamma '08
Posted by: red | May 10, 2008 7:30 PM
Barack,
Thanks for that endorsement in 2006 when I beat Peraica. Now I can raise taxes, make everyone miserable, and give more jobs to my friends. I admire your judgment and can't wait for you to bring some of my style politics to Washington!
Love,
Todd "Barack Told All of Youse Lemmings to Vote For Me Even Though Your Dog Might Be More Qualified to Be Cook Co. Board President" Stroger
Posted by: Todd Stroger | May 10, 2008 7:59 PM
The question for me is not Obama's corruption. It is: what does he owe his Crook County friends. What does he owe Wright? What does he owe Rezko, What does he owe Ayers, etc.
If he gets elected we will find out.
Posted by: M. Simon | May 10, 2008 8:02 PM
John,
All very good questions concerning the national media, you could also ask some local media the same questions. I just keep wondering, in light of our local politics and how things work around here, who sent Barack Obama?
Posted by: EL Rider | May 10, 2008 8:33 PM
More GOP smears! Obama isn't afraid of his extensive links to Rezko, crooked Chicago politicians, former terrorists, and all the others! I consider those good things: he knows what corruption is, making it easier for him to avoid getting enmeshed in it in the future.
Also, Obama isn't worried about marching for illegal activity at an event organized by those linked to the Mexican government and Mexican political parties. Obama realizes that supporting foreign governments meddling in our internal affairs is worth it, because he now knows what it's like to be a useful idiot for corrupt governments and he might be able to avoid that in the future. Or something.
Give hope a chance!
Posted by: NoMoreBlatherDotCom | May 10, 2008 10:13 PM
I am amazed to read that the Left doesn't care about corruption. Rather, they think that it is their due. Once their guys get elected, lies are required, theft is acceptable, murder an unfortunate necessity. Soon perversion will be a standard perk of high office. Oh, that's right, in the Clinton Administration it was!
So that is why Obama decided to run!
Posted by: Don Meaker | May 10, 2008 11:24 PM
Senator Obama is the only reasonable choice for President of the United States! He is the only candidate that did not. I repeat, did not, vote for the use of force in Iraq!! Unlike Senator " questionable conduct " McCain, who will have us in Iraq for the next generation. He will mess with our Social Security and he will sell America to the highest lobbyist's bid!! That is what we can look forward to, if Senator " questionable conduct " McCain is elected!!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | May 10, 2008 11:27 PM
I love how the Obamabots use the lines of "all politicians are dirty, so?" or "what about this guy?" etc., etc.
Kass has proven over the years to go after Republicans AND Democrats.
But the reaction from the Obamabots only proves my contention that scandal by Democrats is OK, standard operating procedure. Scandal by Republicans means throw them in jail!
Hypocrits: Obamabots and Democrats in general.
Posted by: John D | May 11, 2008 12:11 AM
Hey, " Todd Stroger ", you should follow the boys in our White House's lead, they will show you how it is really done. They and their cronies have fleeced this nation of 100s of MILLIONS OF DOLLARS and they are laughing all the way to our Bank!!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | May 11, 2008 2:52 AM
What makes this all important is that the trusted inner-circle of the candidate tend to become the trusted inner-circle of the president. When there is a national crisis, who will President Obama call? Who is on his speed dial? Who has his ear? Who are the people who are going to be guiding him as he shapes national policy and makes decisions? Who will help him fill his cabinet? Wright? Ayers? Rezko? Michelle?
Posted by: jms | May 11, 2008 8:12 AM
Just once, I'd like an Obamaphile to explain how "just his mere presence" in the WH will "neutralize" hatred of this country around the world. To which countries would that apply? North Korea? China? Mexico? Saudi Arabia? Russia?
Compared to this country, as it is, most of the rest of them are gulags. I can only assume they mean France's opinion.
Posted by: Roland LaBamba | May 11, 2008 7:00 PM
It's too bad that more journalists like yourself won't expose the "true" Obama. Kudos to you.
Posted by: Brenda | May 11, 2008 8:54 PM
By not vetting Fauxbama now, he will be the recipient of an October Surprise. It may not be necessary as he has already alienated most whites and those who love their country.
Posted by: Tom | May 11, 2008 10:00 PM
I prsently reside in Bridgeport.... To say Hussein is Daley's "boy" - well.... quite humorous - I don't recall a single Hussein placard in Bridgeport
Posted by: Daniel | May 12, 2008 9:51 AM
Hey John. I see telling the unvarnished truth won't buy you a lot of love in Chicago. I can't find an email address for you - would you drop me a line?
Posted by: Mister Snitch | May 12, 2008 12:25 PM
John,
You couln't get it any closer. People are just not thinking on this. I saw you last night on O'reilly. I am not a O'reilly fan or watcher but I just happen to come across it late last night doing some channel surfing and I could not agree more. Chicago and the United Sates need to get this story and we need to get this out on a real commentary show. Can you imagine what would happen in Chicago. Major Daily, President Stroger and President Obama. The unholy trinity.
Thanks,
Posted by: JC | May 13, 2008 10:36 AM
You are one of the few who is basicly not owned by someone else. Maybe you would take the time to tell the world how anyone in office in this state are owned by someone and owe somebody... Just who owns Obama and what is he expected to do in return? This out to scare ALL AMERICANS it is a shame that the people who own the newspapers and the media on television are so far liberal that they want to have even more power and Obama lays down he showed this in Chicago Politics. Are you going to lay down or will you help get the truth out?
Posted by: Valrie Sommerville | May 22, 2008 8:13 PM
Molly Ivins used to say "You have to dance with them what brung ya." It's true of O'Bama, but also of Hillary Clinton and John McCain, with their ties to major corporations who will be seeking favors. Take your pick, guys.
And I don't even want to go into Bush, Cheney and Halliburton, Ltd.
I'd love to see campaign finance reform take hold...we need to keep demanding it. Money will always speak the loudest unless the system changes.
By the way, if you didn't support campaign finance reform, you have no right to whine about the candidates' ties to people with clout and money. It's the only way a candidate can win in this country. If you were a candidate, you'd be forced to do it, too.
Posted by: bluesky | May 30, 2008 4:50 PM
Just ONE.. I would like just ONE liberal voting for Obama to at least admit they have to vote the way i ALWAYS vote, with my nose pinched shut.
Obama is no different than any other politician as arguably is McCain.
They stink.
All of them. And we keep voting for them and letting them tax us more and take more freedom away. Both parties.
You Libs are worse though. I admit George bush is a scoundrel but you rarely admit the his predecessor was as well. And you keep giving MORE power to men like Bush to run EVERYTHING.
Lets start a Vegan Politics Party. No Pork. No Bull.
Posted by: Kent J | August 6, 2008 5:13 PM