Politics | Rod Blagojevich 'Senator Oprah' Sounded Good to Blago Then-gov considered media titan to succeed Obama as senator By Marie Morris Posted Jun 28, 2010 2:30 PM CDT Copied Holding a mini cupcake, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich departs the federal court building in Chicago after the first week of his federal corruption trial, June 10, 2010. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File) As Rod Blagojevich considered possible successors to Barack Obama as US senator from Illinois, he came up with one name "no one can assail": Oprah Winfrey. As the former governor's corruption trial dragged on today in Chicago, prosecutors played a tape from December 2008—after Obama confidant Valerie Jarrett had withdrawn, the Tribune reports, costing Blago what he perceived as leverage with the president-elect—of Blagojevich and an aide tossing around names. "Oprah, by the way, is not far-fetched," Blago said. His chief of staff called the notion "crazy," and the governor shot back, "That's where you're wrong." Also under consideration, even more briefly, was a legal resident of California: Arnold Schwarzenegger. Read These Next Larry Summers speaks out on his emails with Epstein. Document reveals how Diane Ladd died. 'Stand your ground' immunity looks doubtful in this case. Security Council approves Trump's plan for Gaza. Report an error