The Governor

Accused of trying to sell Barack Obama's vacated senate seat, impeached as governor of Illinois, and abused as a national joke, Blagojevich recounts his political life in this desperate, unsuccessful bid for redemption. While steadfastly maintaining his belief that he's the victim of a vicious conspiracy (headed by members of his own Democratic party), Blagojevich focuses on his humble roots and the good works he has done for the citizens of Illinois. Surprisingly candid about the shady inner workings of local Chicago politics, Blagojevich holds himself aloof from the fray of corruption and glad-handing, faking an almost willful naivety; his absolute refusal to admit wrongdoing rings particularly hollow in combination with his canny insider observations. Blagojevich tries to paper over his disingenuity with incessant repetition and grandiose comparisons to figures like Roosevelt and Shakespeare (a memorable leftover from his earlier cable-news charm offense). Rather than provide any answers, Blogojevich stokes the fires of suspicion, inspiring another, more specific round of questions.