Blagojevich says he's misunderstood

NEW YORK, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Embattled former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich went on a national nighttime talk show Tuesday to tell people he is misunderstood.

In an appearance on CBS's "Late Show with David Letterman," the ousted two-term governor said he is innocent of criminal wrongdoing. He was accused by federal authorities last month of trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.

"If the whole story is heard, you'll see a lot of different things and you know, the end result will show a decision and a process that was right for the people of Illinois," Blagojevich said. "That's why I'm certain of being vindicated."

Letterman at one point in the interview asked Blagojevich why he was there.

"Well, you know, I've been wanting to be on your show in the worst way for the longest time," Blagojevich replied.

Letterman said, "Well, you're on in the worst way, believe me."

Last week, the Illinois Senate voted unanimously to oust Blagojevich for abuse of power and forced him from office.

The Christian Science Monitor reported that on the show Letterman asked to explain some of the tape-recorded calls between Blagojevich and others.

"I was afraid you were gonna have some of those other tapes, where I sound like Christian Bale," Blagojevich said, referring to the irascible "Dark Knight" star Christian Bale.