Here is the basic problem that Obmaa has to deal with: He doesn't know for sure what Rahm Emanuel actually said to Blagojevich and he really doesn't know what Fitz might have on tape.
I'm sure that Emanuel is telling Obama everything he knows but, if you were Obama, would you be absolutely certain that you were hearing the real story. And worse, what if Obama sent Emanuel off to make some kind of a deal that might have been on the up and up. That seems pretty likely to me. Politics is after all about deal making. The problem is that Blagojevich had expectations for that deal that apparently went beyond where Obama/Emanuel were willing to go. Unfortunately for Obama/Emanuel those discussions, unsuccessful as they were from Blagojevich's perspective, may all be on tape. If so, Emanuel is in the unfortunate position of listening to at least the suggestion of a crime by Blago and very likely responding not with a criticism based on the inappropriateness of Blago's request but rather on the "high price" which Obama was not willing to pay. If this is what happened and that tape gets out it would not be a good thing for Obama.
Obama is walking through a minefield. I would expect him to be very careful.
And with his history in Chicago the corruption is systematic. It is impossible he is not involed in it. His only hope is MSM to cover it up for him.
I dont believe that Obama is too worried about what Fitz has on tape. Fitz is in the tank.
Two of the things that Blago wanted was a higher paying job for his wife and a position on the boards of nonprofit organizations. Obama's wife GOT a 300% raise when he became senator and he was appointed to two non-profit boards. This is how payolla works in Chicago and the Obama's are up to their big ears in it.