Blagojevich calls removal from office a 'hijacking'

Rod Blagojevich insists he is not "shamed" or "disgraced" to be the first governor ousted in Illinois' history, but he still refuses to detail his side of the story when it comes to blatant corruption allegedly caught on federal wiretaps.

Calling his ouster a "hijacking," the comments came in his first TV interview on the "Today" show since the state Senate voted 59-0 to unseat him. It is the start of a second national media blitz with scheduled appearances on "Larry King Live" and the "Late Show with David Letterman" later today.

Much like his media tour last week before his removal, Blagojevich came prepared to the interview with one new message.

This time the Chicago Democrat claimed he rejected an offer by Senate Democrats in December to allow him to step aside and still receive his pay and security detail. The former governor, who is allegedly caught on tape selling off state business, maintained to Meredith Vieira, "I wouldn't let them buy me off."

Vieira confronted Blagojevich with his repeated insistence last week that he didn't "intend" to do anything illegal. He said it repeatedly in his impassioned 45 minute last minute plea before senators on Thursday and in several of the more dozen TV shows he has appeared on.

"What does that mean ... you did it or you didn't do it?" Vieira said, referring to federal charges that include allegations he tried to trade a U.S. Senate appointment and a grant to a children's hospital for campaign cash.

Blagojevich, though, insisted he could do both while blasting the impeachment trial as unfair.

"I think it speaks for itself, I didn't intend to commit any criminal act and I'm not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing," Blagojevich said.