Remember Rahm Emanuel’s infamous “never let a serious crisis go to waste” line? Well, the former Obama Chief of Staff and Chicago Mayor apparently thinks people have forgotten about it – because he wants to be your next President.
At a glance:
• Rahm Emanuel, former Obama Chief of Staff and Chicago Mayor, is eyeing a 2028 presidential run
• He recently returned from serving as U.S. ambassador to Japan and is increasing his media presence
• Emanuel faced corruption allegations as Chicago Mayor and used private email for official business
• He’s attacking Democrats for focusing on social issues instead of education
• Known for his blunt communication style and centrist policies that may alienate progressive Democrats
Obama’s Crisis Manager Eyes the Oval Office
Rahm Emanuel, the man who infamously declared “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste,” is reportedly setting his sights on a 2028 presidential run. The former Obama White House Chief of Staff and Chicago Mayor recently returned from his post as U.S. Ambassador to Japan and has been ramping up his public profile through media appearances and speeches.
Emanuel hasn’t held elected office since 2019 but is already making waves with his re-entry into domestic politics. His campaign-style messaging focuses heavily on education while criticizing his fellow Democrats for getting sidetracked by social debates instead of focusing on America’s competitive position against China.
“I’ve only been back two months, and I have no idea what I’m doing. I’m not done with public service and I’m hoping public service is not done with me,” Emanuel stated recently, barely concealing his political ambitions.
Emanuel’s Controversial Past Raises Red Flags
Emanuel’s time as Chicago Mayor was plagued with allegations of corruption and machine politics that would likely become campaign liabilities. He faced significant backlash for using private email accounts to conduct official business, raising serious transparency concerns that echo Hillary Clinton’s email scandal.
The former Mayor has also been criticized for his ties to figures linked to organized crime, adding another potential vulnerability to any national campaign. During his Ambassadorship to Japan, Emanuel made headlines for mocking Chinese leadership on social media, a move that might appeal to voters concerned about China but could complicate diplomatic relations.
Democrats Divided on Emanuel’s Potential Run
Emanuel’s potential candidacy is already creating divisions within Democratic circles. His centrist stance puts him at odds with the party’s increasingly influential progressive wing, who would likely oppose his nomination.
“I don’t want to hear another word about the locker room. I don’t want to hear another word about the bathroom. You better start focusing on the classroom,” Emanuel bluntly stated in a recent interview, adding, “In seventh grade, if I had known I could’ve said the word ‘they’ and gotten in the girls’ bathroom, I would’ve done it. We are literally a superpower, we’re facing off against China with 1.4 billion people and two-thirds of our children can’t read eighth grade level.”
So at least he’s not Woke – but still terrible, right?
Former Obama advisor David Axelrod defended Emanuel’s potential candidacy, saying, “Who has more relevant experience? He understands how to win and speaks bluntly in an idiom that most folks understand.” Emanuel’s supporters point to his extensive government experience and direct communication style as potential assets against Republican opponents.
