Actually, it's a very common crime, and it is a FEDERAL crime if the threat is made via the internet or telephone (interstate). I know first-hand (I was the victim).
As I said, if certain criteria in that threat are met, then it becomes a crime.
Following somebody, or calling somebody on the phone multiple times is a "physical act"? What is your definition of a "physical act"?
Point is that if I sit around my house saying "I should stalk person X" it is not a crime until I actually start stalking them.
That statement is simply not true. In fact, it's completely FALSE. Do you live in an area with no law enforcement, or very lax laws against stalking and "conspiracy"? "No touch, no foul" may work on a basketball court, but threatening somebody with physical harm or being involved in an extortion scenario, is a CRIME in most jurisdictions.
You seem unable to grasp the nuance here...threatening someone is an actual act...sitting around in your basement saying "I could kill person X" is not the same, and is not a crime...unless multiple other criteria are met.
"Simply" conspiracy charges? You are equating the crime of "conspiracy" with shoplifting or tardiness or truancy or being late for dinner. Ridiculous.
What I am stating is that legally a conspiracy has to meet more criteria than simply making a few comments.
In terms of Blago, he is guilty, and his actions met the legal criteria for a conspiracy, which often goes further than simply talking.