Witness Testimony Implies Obama Misled FBI, Says Blagojevich Defense

Rod Blagojevich's lawyers want to know what President Obama told the FBI.

In a motion filed Wednesday, the former governor's lawyers ask the court to order the government to turn over reports from the FBI's interview with the then-president elect in December of 2008.

Mr. Obama has stated publicly that he was confident that "no representatives of mine would have any part of any deals related to this seat." But the motion notes that this week, former Blagojevich chief of staff John Harris suggested that Obama "actually had direct knowledge and communication with emissaries and others regarding the appointment to his senate seat."

"The government has elicited testimony that directly contradicts its previous position," defense attorney Sam Adam writes. "John Harris testified for the government that it was his belief that messages were being communicated directly between President Obama and (labor leader Tom) Balinoff," that Obama wanted his friend Valerie Jarrett appointed by Blagojevich.

The former governor's lawyers say to effectively cross-examine Harris, they need to know exactly what Obama told investigators. Cross examination of Harris is expected to begin next week.

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