Public Official A

'Public Official A' uncovers the rise and fall of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. How he did whatever it took to reach the top. The trail of destruction left in his wake. And how the complexities, charisma, and tragic flaws of this public official resonate today.

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Episodes

From Pushkin Industries - Deep Cover: Who Was Bob Cooley?

We're sharing a preview of a new podcast from Pushkin Industries. Deep Cover tells true stories of crime and corruption. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jake Halpern reveals dark underworlds most of us know nothing about. The new season, Mob Land, tells the true story of a high-rolling Chicago lawyer who fixed court cases for the mob. He did this for years... until he decided to betray them and work with the FBI. He wears a wire to expose a black market of corruption—where politicians were bou...

Jan 31, 2022•8 min

Commuted

He’d been teasing the idea for months. Then, on Feb. 18, 2020, it happened: President Donald Trump commuted Rod Blagojevich’s 14-year prison sentence.

Feb 19, 2020•4 min

Part 6: I Talk Too Much

The evidence is presented and President Donald Trump becomes ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's last hope. Public Official A , a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Mar 01, 2019•47 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Part 5: Treat Me Nice

With almost everyone believing that he was guilty, Blagojevich fought back on national TV. Public Official A , a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Feb 22, 2019•36 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Part 4: The Tapes

The FBI recorded Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's phone calls for almost six weeks. What they heard shocked them. Public Official A , a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Feb 15, 2019•41 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Part 3: Rod Likes To Run

Who is Rod Blagojevich? He was an incredible retail politician who knew how to work a room. But ultimately, his obsession with climbing the ladder brought him down. Public Official A , a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Feb 08, 2019•40 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Part 2: It's A Family Business

The trouble started soon after Rod Blagojevich became Governor of Illinois. A federal investigation began and a powerful political family tore itself apart. Public Official A , a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Feb 01, 2019•31 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Part 1: Spare The Rod

After Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested, he received a 14-year prison sentence. Under President Donald Trump, there was always a chance Blagojevich would be released early. And in February 2020, it finally happened. Public Official A , a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Jan 18, 2019•34 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Preview: Public Official A

Remember when the governor of Illinois supposedly tried to sell President Obama’s Senate seat? Or, how the same ex-governor got a “You’re fired” from Donald Trump on The Celebrity Apprentice ? New from WBEZ Chicago, Public Official A uncovers the rise and fall of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. How he did whatever it took to reach the top. The trail of destruction left in his wake. And how the complexities, charisma, and tragic flaws of this public official resonate today. The first episod...

Dec 18, 2018•2 min

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