Feuding Dems hugging it out
Jesse Jackson Jr. spurs embraces among Illinois' top politicians, with one even shared by Blagojevich and Madigan
DENVER -- With a jaw-dropping series of hugs, feuding Illinois Democrats sought to bury hatchets Wednesday in a surreal display of unity-gone-wild.
It culminated in a brief embrace between Gov. Blagojevich and his political nemesis, House Speaker Michael Madigan.
"I just wonder if it's the altitude," Blagojevich said. "We'll find out when we get home."
The hug at the breakfast of the Illinois delegation to the Democratic National Convention was not followed by announcements of progress on legislative roadblocks on issues such as school funding or a capital plan. But Blagojevich said the hug beats the lack of communication that preceded it.
"Whenever you hug a guy, you oughtta be upbeat about it," the governor said.
Blagojevich and Madigan huddled for about 20 minutes at a party Mayor Daley hosted Tuesday, and again Wednesday as they stood on the convention floor nominating Barack Obama.
The group hug started when U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. sought to make peace with fellow South Side congressman Bobby Rush, who is recovering from cancer treatment.
"If there's anything we've ever done or I've ever done to offend you, I'm leaving it at this convention. You're my friend, and I appreciate you," Jackson said, jumping off the dais to give Rush a long hug to cheers from hundreds of delegates.
"All is forgiven," Rush said.
Jackson continued his redemption tour, calling state Sen. Debbie Halvorson over to apologize for the startling attacks he made on her as the Democratic candidate for the congressional seat next to his because he disagreed with her approach on the Peotone airport.
Then, Jackson asked, "Who else out here has been mad at me?"
Daley -- admitting later he felt sorry for Jackson -- surprised Jackson with a hug.
Jackson cried. He tried to speak but had to step away again, wiping his eyes.
Turning to the grudge match that has had the most consequences for Illinois, Jackson said, "I'm not going to be satisfied till I see Rod Blagojevich give Mike Madigan a hug."
The two rose and gave each other the briefest hug of the love fest.
Republicans ridiculed the pageant as "perverse."
"I don't think the guy who's out of work is excited about seeing these guys hug," said House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego).