CQ Politics' Web Picks

Washington Post: Obama Worked to Distance Self From Blagojevich Early On

Long before federal prosecutors charged Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich with bribery this week, Obama had worked to distance himself from his home-state governor. The two men have not talked for more than a year, colleagues said, save for a requisite handshake at a funeral or public event. Blagojevich rarely campaigned for Obama and never stumped with him. The governor arrived late at the Democratic convention and skipped Obama's victory-night celebration at Chicago's Grant Park.

Chicago Tribune: Blagojevich Fundraiser Held by Jackson Allies Saturday

As Gov. Rod Blagojevich was trying to pick Illinois' next U.S. senator, businessmen with ties to both the governor and U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. discussed raising at least $1 million for Blagojevich's campaign as a way to encourage him to pick Jackson for the job.

The Daily Beast: In Defense of Chicago Politics

Dan Rostenkowski, the son of a ward boss who became a legendary congressman, on why Gov. Blagojevich shouldn't tar a whole city.

It's time to play Name That Goon! Rod Blagojevich vs. Tony Soprano. Hands on buzzers: One's a trash-talking thug trying to stay one step ahead of the law. The other was played by James Gandolfini. Can you identify the speaker of the ten quotes below?

New York Times: G.O.P. Sounds Theme of Democrats - Ethics

Congressional Republicans learned the hard way in 2006 that ethics transgressions and outright corruption could be molded into a potent campaign message. Now they are trying to turn the tables on Democrats who pressed a good-government theme in their successful drive to recapture Congress.

Wall Street Journal: Rangel Hits Obama Closer to Home

While most attention is fixed on the Blagojevich scandal , Obama's more vexing problem could turn out to be that other, quieter scandal dogging Democrats. That's the one involving Rep. Charles Rangel, head of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Slate: Why Obama Should Keep Smoking

Let me offer a somewhat hyperbolic hypothetical. It's the winter of 2009, and a crisis has erupted between the United States and the former Soviet Union. Do you want Barack Obama, the guy who has his finger on our nuclear trigger, notorious nicotine addict, to be dying for a smoke? All irritable, his nerves and famously smooth temper on edge? No outlet for his intolerable frustration but ... a butt. But no butts to be found.

Foreign Policy: How to Kick Pirate Booty

Armed only with grenade launchers and automatic weapons, Somali pirates are giving the modern shipping industry a run for its money. Why the difficulty eliminating the scourge? The general who whipped U.S. forces in a famous war game tells FP how to crack down on Somali pirates. Ahoy!

Salon: Obama's Biggest Foreign Policy Challenge

The president-elect wants to work with the Pakistani government to "stamp out" terror. It's not nearly that simple.