Lobortis interdum nonummy provident aperiam accusantium
This was how we would spend the summer.
On the evening of Nov. 4, 2008, then-Senator Barack Obama became President-Elect Obama.
The following morning, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was doing his post-run stretch while on the phone with an adviser when he said the words that will follow him for the rest of his life:
This is a story about purpose and power, and the search for redemption when you lose both.
He was referring to the Senate seat being vacated by Obama... and it would cost him everything.
Flash-forward to the summer of 2021, the ex-governor is off probation and enjoying life as a free man, having his 14-year prison sentence commuted after 8 years by former President Donald Trump.
A NOTE FROM THE FILMMAKERS
A FAMILIAR WEB OF CHARACTERS
He pauses to lament the process and prosecution that sent him to prison, drawing comparisons to 'Hitler's playbook' and quoting Winston Churchill in the same breath.
We're walking through his house and he stops to show us that exact spot on the floor, recounting the event with a notable level of casualness, as if it had not changed his life forever.
He then shrugs, calls his backyard 'bleeping golden,' before heading out to pick up dog poop.
“
“
Let rock bottom be the starting line in the race to rebuild your life. I believe there are always some men and some women who rise to higher things on stepping stones of their dead selves.
I’m back from the dead.
'Being Blago' is the story of Rod Blagojevich — the rise, the fall, and his current efforts to clear his name and kick back open the door of national relevance, even as it strains his marriage to the woman who was instrumental in getting him out of prison.
He is divisive, foul-mouthed, at times quite funny, and to this day, maintains his innocence, complete with middle fingers in the air.
For better or worse, Rod Blagojevich is a fighter. This is his story.
Stream THE DOCU-SERIES NOW
watch the trailer
Justin Allen & Matt Knutson
Executive Producers & Directors, 'Being Blago'
WHO IS MARK VARGAS?
The mystery man who got Rod out of prison
ROD ON PRISON LIFE
Rod details what prisons can do better especially for those who re-enter society.
PUBLIC vs PRIVATE ROD
Rod contradicts himself in public and on an FBI wiretap.
A PEEK INTO THE DOCU-SERIES
“
“
I’ve been spied on, I’ve been lied on, I’ve been arrested, I’ve been charged, I’ve been vilified, maligned, mocked, impeached, removed disqualified, incarcerated, I’m outta breath.
I’ve been cancelled.
“
“
I told my nephew Alex — he just turned 26 today — I said, 'Alex', you know, I call him for his birthday and I says, 'It’s just too bad you’re not four years older ’cause I could a given you a U.S. Senate seat for your birthday'.... I mean I, I’ve got this thing and it’s f******… golden.
TIMELINE
2008
2009
CHARGED WITH RACKETEERING, EXTORTION
Blagojevich is indicted on 16 counts,
along with close family and associates
EARLY MORNING ARREST
A SWAT team rouses Blagojevich from his home on sweeping charges he conspired to sell a U.S. Senate seat
2009
2011
2011
2012
2015
2020
2020
IMPEACHED
In a historic display of anger and frustration, the Illinois House votes 114-1 to impeach Blagojevich
GUILTY ON 17 OF 20 COUNTS
It took a federal jury 10 days to reach a verdict on several shakedown attempts
SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS
A judge hands Blagojevich the second-longest sentence ever delivered in federal court in Chicago for a public corruption case
REPORTS TO PRISON IN DENVER
After signing autographs and posing for photos, Blagojevich heads
to prison accompanied by two of his attorneys to begin his sentence
APPEAL, RESENTENCED TO 14 YEARS
Daughter Amy, left, cries as her mother, Patti, speaks after the announcement Blagojevich will be locked up for more years
FREED FROM PRISON
After President Donald Trump commutes his 14-year sentence, Blagojevich is released from prison
HOMECOMING ADDRESS
Blagojevich addresses the media and maintains his innocence while blotting a shaving nick on his chin