May 2, 2011 # In opening statements, prosecutors portray Blagojevich as the man who tried to “shake down” the incoming president of the United States. “The guy he is talking about certainly isn't me,” Blagojevich tells a mob of reporters at the end of the day.

May 4, 2011 # Prosecutors quickly get to the heart of their case, using former Blagojevich chief of staff John Harris to narrate a series of recorded calls featuring Blagojevich “war-gaming” what the Obama administration might do if he selected a Senate replacement it favors. After taking six weeks to present their wide-ranging case in the first trial, prosecutors wrap up their tighter presentation in less than half the time.

May 25, 2011 # The defense opens its case with the most notable witness of the trial—brand-new Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The former White House chief of staff testifies in terse fashion for about three minutes, providing no significant details about what role he played in any attempt to broker the Senate seat.

May 26, 2011 # Rod Blagojevich finally makes good on his long-awaited promise to take the stand in his own defense. He testifies that he was engaged in political horse-trading to benefit the state, not himself, and explains his most infamous quotes on the secret government recordings. After five days of gentle questioning by his attorneys, Blagojevich prosecutors do what they've been waiting for, tearing at each of the former governor's statements in an attempt to portray him as a habitual liar.