Animal House and delusions of populism pepper Blago speech
The ex-governor’s closing argument in his impeachment trial will rank as one of the most flamboyant political speeches of the modern era. 
The ex-governor’s closing argument in his impeachment trial will rank as one of the most flamboyant political speeches of the modern era
Did former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich watch the 1978 film, Animal House, before writing the dramatic closing arguments in his impeachment trial?
In the movie, Eric “Otter” Stratton, a member of embattled fraternity Delta Tau Chi, delivers closing arguments in the university’s case to kick Delta House off campus.
“You can’t hold a whole fraternity responsible for the behavior of a few, sick twisted individuals. For if you do, then shouldn’t we blame the whole fraternity system? And if the whole fraternity system is guilty then isn’t that an indictment of our educational institutions in general? … Isn’t this an indictment of our entire American society?”
In Springfield on Thursday, Blagojevich echoed Otter. Arguing against one article of impeachment involving his failed plan to import low-cost prescription drugs from Canada, an impassioned Blagojevich told lawmakers:
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today
Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.
