A duel of wits and wills: Blagojevich likely to take the stand at corruption trial this week
By APSunday, July 18, 2010
Ex-Gov. Blagojevich likely to testify this week
CHICAGO — After promising for a year and a half to take the witness stand, Rod Blagojevich is likely to testify in his own defense at his federal corruption trial this week.
It’s likely to be duel of wits and wills with federal prosecutors.
The ousted Illinois governor will be under oath, unlike in his multitude of TV interviews. And the grilling he gets from government attorneys about charges that he sought to sell or trade President Barack Obama’s former Senate seat will be tougher than anything he faced on a talk show.
Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Taking the stand, possibly as early as Tuesday, is a high-risk move many lawyers warn could backfire. They say that to win over jurors, Blagojevich must abandon his cocky style.
