The current mayor really is like a pit bull. I wonder what medications he is on? Such a sad state of affairs when such a person can actually be in charge of so much..He would be better suited working in a Starbucks.
6
I wanted to yell "foul" when Mr. Obama appointed Mr. Emmanuel as Chief of Staff. I can only imagine what it must've been like to work under this low-empathy bully, as he's exhibited all the traits connected with that description. Come on, Chicago, wake up & vote this guy out of office. To those readers who think we should get over his personality, I say, you don't build team consensus with a manager who has limited ability to get out of his own thought stream & listen. There's plenty of this autocratic style in the culture, plenty of disenfranchisement of talented people with good ideas because one narcissistic person thinks that s(he) has the best ---and the only--- ideas worth a hearing.
13
Never understood how the voters gave Rahm the mayor's office in the first place. He's as corrupt as they come. And a liar to boot. He is interested in two things, power and money. Not sure which order.
11
HE has another strong interest...Israel.
On 9/11 he left immediately to help the Military....NOT the US military,
the Israeli military.
And somehow no one seems to know that. It should be known. WHO
thinks there would be no interest in the vet's groups and their
supporters. What would be the results if it weren't kept such
a close secret including by the media.
On 9/11 he left immediately to help the Military....NOT the US military,
the Israeli military.
And somehow no one seems to know that. It should be known. WHO
thinks there would be no interest in the vet's groups and their
supporters. What would be the results if it weren't kept such
a close secret including by the media.
2
My daughter teaches grade school in the predominately poor South Side where she must buy supplies since her school lacks resources and qualified administrators. The predominately affluent North Side receives more resources for the public schools there, an imbalance that Emanuel appears to have no interest in redressing. His re-election will assure that this imbalance continues.
7
I lived in Chicago during the Blandic,Burn,Washington,Daily era. Chicago is a tough town that needs a tough man to run it. Rahm is good for Chicago because, in fact, a lot of the people off Chicago are like children. They want it all and do not want to pay for it.
The age of entitlement is quickly comming to an end, not only for Chicago but the whole country, and Rahm knows it.
The age of entitlement is quickly comming to an end, not only for Chicago but the whole country, and Rahm knows it.
2
Why did he hire some of the Daley incompetents if that is the case - and gave them huge raises above market rate? He has continued the borrowing binge.
3
This Is Chicago, It Needs A Pitbull Not A Chihuahua To Handle Its Rough Ways
1
And it needs another crook, in jail, to join the rest of the mayors
and servants of the people.
Some still in jail, aren't they?
and servants of the people.
Some still in jail, aren't they?
3
Rahm is a tyrant who has been enabled by too many cowed by his profane tantrums. Grow up, Mr Mayor, you might make a fine adult someday, leadership and bullying are not the same thing.
12
Chicago is sinking into a morass of debt and corruption. Emanuel has stepped up to meet the problems rather than taking the Greece approach of denial. Get over his personality and address the economics of Chicago rather than fantasize about "nice guys."
4
So giving away billions in future parking revenue and paying a Middle East company every time Chicago has a parade, receiving money already spent is "stepping up?" It really sounds like, even with his negotiation ("free Sunday parking") keeping the city "down."
It was monstrous bad deal for Chicago and he dickered on his watch. For Rahm, I have lost all respect; he sold out.
It was monstrous bad deal for Chicago and he dickered on his watch. For Rahm, I have lost all respect; he sold out.
17
Terrier's cannot be tamed. Rahm can paint a smile on his face and pretend to be the gregarious populist, but he's absurdly transparent. He comes across as someone who has no patience, and is of course, always the smartest man in the room, and everyone should know it.
The sad thing is, despite his intelligence, he is unaware of his own image as he walks through life. We all knew these types in High School, where they were overly praised in their families and find out in public not everyone buys into their inflated ego.
The answer for him is to be actually humbled in some way where he is shown to genuinely care other peoples opinions and lives. Until then, he will always be viewed as to be more interested in chasing squirrels up trees.
The sad thing is, despite his intelligence, he is unaware of his own image as he walks through life. We all knew these types in High School, where they were overly praised in their families and find out in public not everyone buys into their inflated ego.
The answer for him is to be actually humbled in some way where he is shown to genuinely care other peoples opinions and lives. Until then, he will always be viewed as to be more interested in chasing squirrels up trees.
15
Last year I attended the Chicago Blues Festival and made sure I could watch as the mayor presented a special award to thee founder Delmark, of one of Chicago's legendary record labels. The mayor came out on the stage and virtually sprinted offstage within about 90 seconds. Within that short time, however, he managed to communicate that he was a very busy guy who had no idea who the honoree was, had no idea why anybody would have put this on his schedule, didn't think there were any Chicagoans in the audience who might vote for him, and was probably going to fire the aide who had scheduled this appearance. He didn't actually say all those things with words - that would have been redundant and might have taken 30 seconds longer. Forget about Ronald Reagan. Rahm is the Greatest Communicator - at least when communicating condescension and contempt.
18
One thing Rahm could have done, but didn't do, was point the finger of blame at the former mayor, Richard Daily. This would have been the easy way out and could have given him a good defense.
The schools should have been evaluated for years, and closed a few at a time over the past 10 years or so. Daley kept them open, to keep his popularity. To solve the budget problems Rahm had little choice but to do all the avoided closing at once.
This is one example of where Rahm could have blamed Daley - but he didn't take this action. He should be given credit for this.
The schools should have been evaluated for years, and closed a few at a time over the past 10 years or so. Daley kept them open, to keep his popularity. To solve the budget problems Rahm had little choice but to do all the avoided closing at once.
This is one example of where Rahm could have blamed Daley - but he didn't take this action. He should be given credit for this.
2
Mr. Emmanuel's harsh, abrasive and arrogant mouth will make me vote against him as I did in the regular election.
19
There's a story around about Emanuel sending a dead fish a la the Godfather to someone to celebrate the person's political death. His nick name is "Dead Fish Emanuel".
7
People need to stop electing mean jerks to office. We have had enough of Chris Christie in NJ.
14
I always like the signs that say "If you can read this, thank a teacher". What if you can't read it as many people can't?
Rahm made tough decisions that needed to be made. Why would you want your child to go to a school that is underperforming?
Is Rahm to blame for the high crime rate in certain parts of the city? I think not.
It will really be interesting to see how Chuy deals with the crime rate (which by the way as actually gone down). It will be interesting to see what he does to improve schools.
If one wants positive change having a tough guy is not necessarily an evil.
Be careful citizens of Chicago you may get what you want and then discover you didn't get what you want.
Rahm made tough decisions that needed to be made. Why would you want your child to go to a school that is underperforming?
Is Rahm to blame for the high crime rate in certain parts of the city? I think not.
It will really be interesting to see how Chuy deals with the crime rate (which by the way as actually gone down). It will be interesting to see what he does to improve schools.
If one wants positive change having a tough guy is not necessarily an evil.
Be careful citizens of Chicago you may get what you want and then discover you didn't get what you want.
3
I don't live in Chicago, but, as an inner ring suburbanite, I have a front row seat to another example of the futility of democracy.
Remember George W? The guy everybody wanted to have a beer with, and so voted for? In the immortal words of Doctor Phil, how did that work out for you? If you're one of the dead Americans who got caught up in his little Mesopotamian misadventure, (and there are more of you than died on 9/11) not so much. If you are one of the walking wounded still living with the outcome of an invasion which would last "weeks, possibly months, certainly not years" you might wish to have a redo on that election. And if you are an inhabitant of the planet Earth and wonder why we are having all this crazy weather, think what eight years of pseudo-science in the name of making America safe for the Koch Brothers has cost this little blue ball.
Rahm is no Gore, but the game is the same, "Why settle for the truth when you can have a beer?"
Remember George W? The guy everybody wanted to have a beer with, and so voted for? In the immortal words of Doctor Phil, how did that work out for you? If you're one of the dead Americans who got caught up in his little Mesopotamian misadventure, (and there are more of you than died on 9/11) not so much. If you are one of the walking wounded still living with the outcome of an invasion which would last "weeks, possibly months, certainly not years" you might wish to have a redo on that election. And if you are an inhabitant of the planet Earth and wonder why we are having all this crazy weather, think what eight years of pseudo-science in the name of making America safe for the Koch Brothers has cost this little blue ball.
Rahm is no Gore, but the game is the same, "Why settle for the truth when you can have a beer?"
4
Great just what we need. Another power hungry thinned skin politician. This one with little man syndrome.
11
I found the CNN series on Chicago (I believe that is the title) enlightening and urge your readers to watch it. The documentary profiles Mr. Emmanuel and his battle with the teacher's union, but also his intervention to support schools and programs that are working. He faced the question, with limited funds, on why the city should keep half-full failing schools open? Parents worry, for good reason, about their kids path to school through gang territory, but the community is working hard to make their daily journey safe with patrols and more police presence. The problems are complicated but it appears that Mr. Emmanuel thrives on controversy and challenge. He's got all that and more as Mayor of Chicago!
3
Jean, would anyone in that industry really feel able to make an unflattering picture of the powerful Ari Emanuel's brother? After Rahm closed those half full schools, he opened numerous charter schools. The so called documentary did not cover that, did it?
3
Chicagoland was a puff piece series promoted by Ari Emanuel and his Hollywood lackeys. Come visit and talk to real Chicagoans - and not the Big 10 transplants fresh in from the cornfields - about Rahm's performance as mayor and you'll hear a completely different story.
4
Chicago's ABC affiliate reported that Chuy Garcia was recruited to run after Karen Lewis became ill. While I wish Ms. Lewis the best, there is no way that Garcia is going to be able to stand up to the teachers union. As for Rahm, he needs to mature a bit.
2
To those who oppose Rahm, Karen Lewis' cancer was a godsend, since she's the only public figure in Chicago more disliked---and far more dislikable--than the Mayor. Her stepping aside made it possible for someone like Mr. Garcia, who actually had a chance to defeat Rahm, to run.
As is always the case in Chicago, we need better choices in our candidates.
As is always the case in Chicago, we need better choices in our candidates.
2
The reporting on the Chicago run-off by the New York Times could not be more out of touch with the electorate in Chicago. I'm just one example.
As an parent in the Chicago Public Schools for eight years I am just one of thousands outraged that public schools parents worked tirelessly to improve with the former Mayor have been all but destroyed by the current administration's reckless unfunded mandates and poor charterphilic attitude. All while dropping his kids at private school.
Public Health clinics were sold at a loss to private federally qualified health organizations who fired the long time nurses sometimes weeks before the total vesting of their pensions after decades of caring for the city's neediest. Closing mental health facilities have compromised the safety of every citizen, especially those able to manage their illnesses with decent care. Who benefited? The Mayor's donors.
The list just runs on and on. As a clear eyed Chicago citizen I'm more than ready to fill the pockets of a new Mayor's cronies. The pockets of Emanuel's are pouring, not running, over.
As an parent in the Chicago Public Schools for eight years I am just one of thousands outraged that public schools parents worked tirelessly to improve with the former Mayor have been all but destroyed by the current administration's reckless unfunded mandates and poor charterphilic attitude. All while dropping his kids at private school.
Public Health clinics were sold at a loss to private federally qualified health organizations who fired the long time nurses sometimes weeks before the total vesting of their pensions after decades of caring for the city's neediest. Closing mental health facilities have compromised the safety of every citizen, especially those able to manage their illnesses with decent care. Who benefited? The Mayor's donors.
The list just runs on and on. As a clear eyed Chicago citizen I'm more than ready to fill the pockets of a new Mayor's cronies. The pockets of Emanuel's are pouring, not running, over.
48
If Emanuel looses it will definitely not be because of his - neither I nor most of my co-citizens have had the opportunity to talk to him or deal with his abrasiveness. If he looses it will be because he does not see the city beyond the 20 blocks that constitute the downtown area. The city is run down, beat up and crime infested. People are tired and want to send a message to the mayor! You have to be desparate to vote for some one like Chuy Garcia!
10
The people complaining about Rahm's abrasiveness are some of the same folks used to Richard M. Daley's cunning ability to sweep huge budget problems under the rug, play nicey-nice with unions and dole out political patronage to keep neighborhood politicians and ethnic groups quiet and obedient. For the past couple of years, newspaper and business magazine reports detailed just how brilliant Daley was in hiding the true costs of generous contracts and the negative consequences of political machine that he managed.
The days of reckoning are upon the taxpayers of Chicago. Rahm's abrasive style is what Chicago needs. No more of this kicking the city budgets down the road and using economic tricks to cover up years of hyper-generous Union contracts and heaping the tens of billions needed to fund pensions all onto taxpayers. Chicago is a big city with union leaders and community factions not used to being told they can't have more and the buck stops here...and now. Rahm is a big city mayor who's navigated the maze of previous corruption and counter the reckless spending and contractual tricks that were business as usual for previous mayors.
The days of reckoning are upon the taxpayers of Chicago. Rahm's abrasive style is what Chicago needs. No more of this kicking the city budgets down the road and using economic tricks to cover up years of hyper-generous Union contracts and heaping the tens of billions needed to fund pensions all onto taxpayers. Chicago is a big city with union leaders and community factions not used to being told they can't have more and the buck stops here...and now. Rahm is a big city mayor who's navigated the maze of previous corruption and counter the reckless spending and contractual tricks that were business as usual for previous mayors.
10
So with the former mayor and the present one we had to settle for either a crooked nice guy or an (or two) or
abrasive ugly screamer like Rahm.
Seems like there must be someone or something in between.
Must be some way to get good candidates for contenders...
in SUCH a big city ,
abrasive ugly screamer like Rahm.
Seems like there must be someone or something in between.
Must be some way to get good candidates for contenders...
in SUCH a big city ,
2
I am sure it happened exactly as Alderman Waguespack says it did. Why didn't he say something at the time? Because he's sitting with the new mayor of Chicago, that's why. If he complains, do you think he'll get anywhere with the major in the future?
Legend has it that Mr. Emanuel used to hang up on donors who didn't give enough to Clinton's campaigns, yelling at them, "I pity you (for your small contribution)!" This was his way of saying he wanted more.
I don’t doubt for a second that he would treat a mere alderman with even more contempt.
Legend has it that Mr. Emanuel used to hang up on donors who didn't give enough to Clinton's campaigns, yelling at them, "I pity you (for your small contribution)!" This was his way of saying he wanted more.
I don’t doubt for a second that he would treat a mere alderman with even more contempt.
25
Actually, Scott Waguespack is my alderman in the 32nd Ward and, like me, he's no fan of Emanuel. As a matter of fact, Waguespack is supporting Mr. Garcia and has rallied with him at multiple locations in the city. I've early voted and will continue to canvass in my West Lakeview neighborhood. I wish Mr. Garcia the best.
3
I think Rahm's huge paydays from hedge funds he worked for, for ridiculously short stints, disqualifies him from public office. The fact that at least one hedge fund was at the epicenter of securitizing and shorting mortgages is even more disqualifying if not troubling on another level.
28
Chuy Garcia is a nice man but not the calibre person a city of Chicago's stature needs. Yes, Rahm could handle the police better and many politicians around here think they're entitled to serve. But no one talks about the improved schools those kids are now going to, with better resources. No one talks about the schools Rahm has opened either. The competition for Chicago's best schools is fierce and there are not enough seats for all the smart kids. Rahm has worked hard to increase those more selective seats to keep middle class and professional class families in the city after they have school-age kids. This doesn't help the populists, but it keeps the tax base in the city. The Brown Line of the CTA, which goes to Rahm's own neighborhood, has made do with old cars while lines serving the South and West sides have been modernized under his watch. Downtown is booming, yes, but with jobs that create other jobs. Success downtown feeds success in the neighborhoods - think of all the jobs in the city created by each professional.
Ultimately it's a new day for the Midwest and our region needs to become more "business friendly" to attract jobs and investment, and to compete with the South and other regions where it's cheaper and easier to setup a business. Leftist policies may sound nice but if there are no jobs, no money to pay for all the nice stuff the other guy is promising.
Ultimately it's a new day for the Midwest and our region needs to become more "business friendly" to attract jobs and investment, and to compete with the South and other regions where it's cheaper and easier to setup a business. Leftist policies may sound nice but if there are no jobs, no money to pay for all the nice stuff the other guy is promising.
18
Emanuel came into the office of Mayor of Chicago already notorious for being an arrogant, abrasive person--basically, a nasty guy. He proceeded to act mostly in the interests of the 1%, ridicule and demean critics, and to inflict harm on the city's education system in the name of "reform," which is essentially a cloak for privatizing public education and making some cronies rich (as happened in NYC under the prior regime).
Now that the public's vast displeasure with him is manifest, he's affecting a "soft side" in hopes of saving his own political skin. DON'T buy it, Chicago! He'll be just the same--or worse--if given a second term!
Now that the public's vast displeasure with him is manifest, he's affecting a "soft side" in hopes of saving his own political skin. DON'T buy it, Chicago! He'll be just the same--or worse--if given a second term!
34
Ummm...OK, great, agree to a degree. However, what's Garcia's plan to get Chicago out of he financial mess that it's in while still retaining the jobs/employers that remain here? Silence, because Garcia has admitted that he doesn't have a plan. Instead, he'll appoint a "committee of experts". Frankly, we can't afford that type of vacillation. Emanuel has his warts, but people tend to know where he stands and at least he stands as a counterweight o CTU and SEIU.
13
I take your point.
But having lived through 3 terms of Bloomberg, who got reelected with many people thinking along much the same lines, I can also tell you that the arrogance, attacks on schools, and acting in the interests of the few, not the many, will only get worse. I'd myself prefer someone who vacillates to someone clearly driving the bus down the wrong road and disdaining those to suggest otherwise. If the teachers, firefighters, and cops get demonized and demoralized in the process, that's usually even worse for a city.
But having lived through 3 terms of Bloomberg, who got reelected with many people thinking along much the same lines, I can also tell you that the arrogance, attacks on schools, and acting in the interests of the few, not the many, will only get worse. I'd myself prefer someone who vacillates to someone clearly driving the bus down the wrong road and disdaining those to suggest otherwise. If the teachers, firefighters, and cops get demonized and demoralized in the process, that's usually even worse for a city.
14
I am not a resident of Chicago, nor am I qualified to comment on which candidate would make a better mayor there. However, I would love to see the enormous collection of consultants and coaches required to -- even momentarily -- generate a "softer side" for Rahm Emanuel.
12
Mr. Emanuel takes no prisoners, he knows that nice guys finish last.
1
I'd love it if these NYT pieces at least acknowledged the policy-based reasons people oppose Emanuel. It really has nothing to do with his personality. Through his policies and governance of the city, he daily demonstrates his contempt for the average voter. Is it really that big a shock that our response is to not want to vote for him?
21
I agree. Instead of fluff about him showing a phony soft side, how about telling us of all the damage he has done. The citizenry of Chicago has experienced the consequences of his policies and that's why they don't like him.
14
Gillian, I don't live in IL and never liked Rahm, but, Chicago is a mess. Only a hard-nosed administrator can make a dent in all of its problems. The average voters you spoke of are probably being personally hurt by Emanuel's policies--unions, school employees, city government employees, etc.. The unions have a choke hold on the city, schools were mismanaged and failing, crime is rampant, and public sector extremely bloated. Chicago, like many large cities, has been a mess for so long that people have become accustomed to it, have adapted, and are naturally angry that someone is trying to fix it. I wish him luck and hope that he can help Chicago. I doubt that it is possible, but...
People need to realize there are no Republicans or Democrats, not anymore. There are politicians who work for the elite, the connected, and the wealthy, and those who try to work for everyone else. Whatever color tie theyre wearing, or whatever party they say theyre aligned with, no longer matters. Thats just how they dupe you, these days. Rahm is Wall Streets boy, and always has been. Calling himself a Democrat and saying he has liberal ideals is how he tricks people into voting for him. Its how Scott Walker types trick conservatives into voting for them, by lying and saying everything they all want to hear while shilling for his corporate donors. Its how Hillary is gonna dupe everyone into thinking shes a progressive, when shes very clearly, like Rahm, another Wall Street candidate. Its how this whole game is played, and people have GOT to wake up to it.
25
The corrupt city of Chicago along with the rest of Cook County has succeeded in destroying the rest of the state of Illinois. It's a bad day when a member of the Obama administration would be the preferred choice. Unions have destroyed this state with the connivance of Michael Madigan. Why oh why won't his daughter Lisa investigate him?
Garcia, the teachers union candidate would be even worse. A pox on all their houses.
Garcia, the teachers union candidate would be even worse. A pox on all their houses.
5
Amen brother!
Without Chicago as its economic engine, the state of Illinois would be sunk.
9
Well, Anne, somehow or other rural midwestern states like Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska get along just fine. Without Chicago and Cook County, at least the rest of the state wouldn't be governed by corrupt Chicago politicians who don't share our morals and values. And as for George Ryan, yes, Kankakee is part of the Chicago area.
Emanuel may not be the most well-liked mayor of all-time, but he is light years better than his challenger. If there were a more intelligent type, say a DeBlasio-style candidate, even though he's also beholden to the public sector unions, then I do think that Emanuel could go down in defeat. However, there's a very good reason why Garcia is behind double-digits in the recent polling despite Emanuel's unpopularity. It's simply because Garcia is a career second-banana ward-level politician who is a mere puppet of the Chicago Teachers Union and SEIU. He offers no solutions for the real financial straits that Chicago sits in at the moment.
14
In today’s business and political climate I don’t think anyone has the right to be abrasive, crude or a bully. It is not necessary and to me represents antiquated thinking. A real leader does not need to intimidate or down right frighten anyone.
While Rahm Emmanuel may think he has been effective and may be highly qualified I wonder what a real conciliatory gentleman would accomplish.
While Rahm Emmanuel may think he has been effective and may be highly qualified I wonder what a real conciliatory gentleman would accomplish.
22
You're right. I do think Rahm has learned his lesson.
Josh, I agree real leaders hide behind the scenes and do not intimate.
What I find annoying is when someone close is terminated is to listen to the "better place" and "justice will be done" after, not before, the acts.
What I find annoying is when someone close is terminated is to listen to the "better place" and "justice will be done" after, not before, the acts.
He has ridiculed teachers, students and their parents, and now acts surprised that they don't like him. If he didn't have a lot of wealthy donors, he wouldn't have anything. Chicago, you can do better than this.
29
Mayor Rahm's administration performed poorly based on a group of panelists brought together by WBEZ, the Chicago public radio station. For jobs he received B, C and D letter grades. For education he received B, C and C- letter grades. For Public Safety he received C, F and F letter grades. For Open Government he received C, D and F letter grades. Given that these are all areas that he campaigned on during the last election it is surely cause for concern. His poor performance and arrogance are more concerning to me than his personality.
24
WBEZ, Which I enjoy, has a definite leftward bias.
1
I'm not quite sure how WBEZ's grading of the Mayor on education, safety, open government and jobs makes it "leftist". Can you elaborate?
living in the near north side of chicago (and in a very safe neighborhood), i can say unequivocally that there are two chicagos: the south side and the rest of the city. and they do not mix, at all. the violence that occurs south of the Loop is shocking and it seems like it's about "maintenance" rather than building a better community for those of lower income. it is very depressed and volatile.
we want to like rahm, we try to. he may be able to change his behavior for a short time, but if he wins the run-off election, his personality won't change; he is who he is. as a chicagoan, i am not surprised that this run-off is occurring. chicago is heavily unionized, more so than most cities. he rubbed too many people the wrong way in such a short time.
chicago is in an economic mess and there hasn't been much accomplished to make it better. will my property taxes increase in the near future? probably. it is a battle between the unions and those who pay higher taxes in the city. however, i don't think the city of chicago has seen two polar opposites running in a long time. this run-off is a perfect reflection of a divided city that lacks the cohesiveness to bring it all together.
we want to like rahm, we try to. he may be able to change his behavior for a short time, but if he wins the run-off election, his personality won't change; he is who he is. as a chicagoan, i am not surprised that this run-off is occurring. chicago is heavily unionized, more so than most cities. he rubbed too many people the wrong way in such a short time.
chicago is in an economic mess and there hasn't been much accomplished to make it better. will my property taxes increase in the near future? probably. it is a battle between the unions and those who pay higher taxes in the city. however, i don't think the city of chicago has seen two polar opposites running in a long time. this run-off is a perfect reflection of a divided city that lacks the cohesiveness to bring it all together.
8
how can one possibly be too gruff and hardball for Chicago?!?!
7
Hope Mayor 1% loses, but Chuy Garcia hasn't been a great candidate- too much equivocation and not enough specifics. I disagree with one of those quoted- Emanuel was arrogant before he was elected, it didn't just happen after he won. If he wins again, which seems likely, he'll revert back to his suppressed persona- arrogance, hubris and a disdain for the middle and working classes. Only this time his policies will be even more vindictive.
22
It's not his "gruffness" that voters dislike. It's the fact that he's demonstrated again and again that he doesn't represent the interests of the majority of Chicagoans. Out of town media outlets need to stop perpetuating the elitist myth that Chicago voters are infants that won't take their medicine even though it's good for them. Take a look at his record instead of his press releases and you won't find much to warrant another term.
52
If I resided in Chicago rather than in a suburb I would cast my vote for him in the runoff. I would do this because I believe he is better prepared to govern in perilous economic cirumstances.
In casting my vote for Rahm, I would be hoping that he would approach his second term with a daily dose of humility.
There is an ongoing problem with multi-term, big-city mayors. They become headstrong, forgetting that they are not endowed with imperial authority.
A prime example is Kevin White, multi-term mayor of Boston. As the years passed, with his successive re-elections, a very good and very smart mayor stopped listening and tarnished his well-deserved reputation.
Rahm might also keep in mind that NYC's Mayor Bloomberg -- an imperious leader personified -- spent many millions of his own wealth when he sought his third term. Running against a lackluster opponnent, Mayor Bloomberg was re-elected by a margin of two percent.
That should have chastened Mayor Bloomberg. But it didn't seem to make a dent.
I know that Mayor Emanuel is a devoutly religious man. He would be well advised to offer petitionary prayers in his pursuit of new-found humility.
In casting my vote for Rahm, I would be hoping that he would approach his second term with a daily dose of humility.
There is an ongoing problem with multi-term, big-city mayors. They become headstrong, forgetting that they are not endowed with imperial authority.
A prime example is Kevin White, multi-term mayor of Boston. As the years passed, with his successive re-elections, a very good and very smart mayor stopped listening and tarnished his well-deserved reputation.
Rahm might also keep in mind that NYC's Mayor Bloomberg -- an imperious leader personified -- spent many millions of his own wealth when he sought his third term. Running against a lackluster opponnent, Mayor Bloomberg was re-elected by a margin of two percent.
That should have chastened Mayor Bloomberg. But it didn't seem to make a dent.
I know that Mayor Emanuel is a devoutly religious man. He would be well advised to offer petitionary prayers in his pursuit of new-found humility.
7
Maybe the paper could star someone who actually lives in the city rather than one of the wealthiest suburbs. If Michael Ebner wants to cast his vote for Rahm, he is welcome to move to the city.
9
Josie...
I'm entitled to my opinion, but not to a ballot.
And I did self-disclose my geography.
I'm entitled to my opinion, but not to a ballot.
And I did self-disclose my geography.
3
Me Ebner has every right to his opinion - Illinois is a fiscal basket case and Chicago's fiscal future is in everyone's best interest.
1
Questions on the performance of Rahm Emanuel are genuine but his commitment to resolve, improve with compassion and accepting the mistakes give him beneficial credit.
2
Are you kidding? A zebra cannot change its stripes . It is ingrained in its DNA and its lineage.
1
Interesting comments about Emmanuel's ties - and concomitant obligations - to wealthy donors. Mrs. Clinton should take heed.
11
Funny. Just Mrs. Clinton? Do you think the other candidates are relying on lemonade stands for their funding?
6
With Mrs. Clinton, she'll try to appeal to (and appease) the populist wing of her party - lest Mrs. Warren gains traction -- while, at the same time, raking in huge sums from Wall St. banker types.
She wants it every way. So the answer to your question is "no." It's more nuanced than that.
She wants it every way. So the answer to your question is "no." It's more nuanced than that.
3
Chicago needs a straight-talking mayor who isn’t afraid of a challenge. Emanuel had the courage to close shockingly low-performing schools and take on the teacher’s union, a group who expect no accountability despite mediocre results. Those who find him abrasive and less than cuddly need to remember they’re voting for a mayor, not the Easter bunny. I hope he continues to push ahead and step on toes - Chicago doesn’t need a weenie mayor.
27
Mr. Emanue is very smart, and we in Chicago could certainly have had a lousier mayor. His heart mostly is in the right place. I will probably vote against him, though, because he seems to me too much in thrall to the very wealthy, which in fact he is as well. Mr. Garcia probably is not as capable as Mr. Emanuel, and he is very likely to lose. But at the moment I intend to vote for him nonetheless.
24
I wonder what the softer side of Mr. Emmanuel looks like?
I've heard - from many credible sources - that the way in which Mr. Emmanuel treats his underlings makes Kathleen Quinn look like Mother Teresa.
These people are so phony. But would do we expect? Remember the student counsel president of your high school?
I've heard - from many credible sources - that the way in which Mr. Emmanuel treats his underlings makes Kathleen Quinn look like Mother Teresa.
These people are so phony. But would do we expect? Remember the student counsel president of your high school?
11
Do you mean Christine Quinn? (Former NYC council speaker.)
3
Yes I do. Thank you. How soon we forget yesterday's news.
I live in the city of Chicago, so that might make me a bit more qualified to comment than some of the out-of-town commenters. The problem with Emanuel, in my view, goes beyond his abrasive style, and is in fact a matter of substance. While I do not doubt he would genuinely like to to improve the city for all of its residents, his concentration on the needs of one-hundred wealthy donors (many of them wishing to secure city contracts--see this story http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-rahm-emanuel-politi... and downtown development leaves the bulk of Chicago neighborhoods high and dry. Certainly the previous mayor was also guilty of questionable deals with long-time cronies, but many of us would like to see a change. No doubt the city's financial problems are complicated, but neither Emanuel nor Garcia have come up with any simple solutions. It's high time we had a mayor who lives (in a political sense) outside the established nexus of wealthy businessmen looking to enrich themselves.
39
I love Chicago. As a New Yorker, Chicago should take heed of the Bloomberg years and the myriad ways the city has been compromised.
1
I cannot believe that the people of a megalopolis like Chicago are going to turn away a mayor who got things done in a very difficult time. I'll take a brash mayor over one who cant get things done anytime. Vote on his accomplishments not his personality. Chicago is a colorful town; it can and should weather a colorful, activist, committed, concerned and most of all successful mayor.
14
Emanuel wants the election to be about his personality. That way he can keep attention away from his record of subsidizing the profits of rich campaign donors while imposing austerity on the south and west sides. An election about Emanuel's personality also allows him to campaign like his buddy, Gov. Rauner: "hire me - I'll bash heads for you." He's really taking credit for his aggression. Then there's the notion that the other guy's not up to the job. Because, unlike Emanuel, Garcia hasn't spent decades promoting financial and corportate interests from various redoubts of the Democratic Party? There's an offensive and toxic undercurrent to Emanuel's campaign.
63
Rahm wears the Chicago label loudly, but he's a suburban guy, born and raised. Street cred: zero, public school ethic: privatize. If city government were as easy as the leveraged buyouts he know so well, problem solved.
48
Since Dailey left there has been nothing but school closings and gun violence. Rahm hasn't done a thing about it. I like Chuy!
28
The schools he closed were under-performing with teachers more concerned about tenure than providing an education. Those schools NEEDED to be closed.
12
I have known a lot of teachers and I never knew one who didn't put kids first. That is why your local science teacher is working for far less than if they were simply testing water at a treatment plant. Did you ever wonder why the underperforming schools are all in the same type of low income neighborhoods across the country? Mr. Emanuel, had his chance and now it is time for him to exit gracefully.
9
The question is policy, has Mayor Emanuel been helpful in building well-being in Chicago. Simple as that? Is this a Mayor who has build strength in Chicago ordinary residents?
4
As an "ordinary resident" of the South Side of Chicago, my answer to each of your questions is a definite "NO." Now, if I lived in the downtown area or on the North Side, my answer would probably be "Yes." Simple as that.
4
I hope the people of Chicago take this opportunity to get rid of Rahm Emanuel. I hope they know that this so called ‘softer side’ will only last until after the votes are counted.
70
My thoughts exactly!
6
My gosh, people can be so sensitive. It's not like he goes out in the neighborhoods, knocks on every door, and hurls a eyebrow-searing barrage of invective at every Joe Voter who answers. The question is, does he get done what you, the voter, wants and is consistent with your interests. For most citizens of Chicago, the answer is an unqualified yes; he has FAR more intellectual firepower for the job then does Garcia. For fans, his style would be lauded as "assertive." If you're on the competing side, however, (say teachers union) it would be deemed "abrasive."
17
I think it's hard for you to understand, and perhaps have a very educated opinion about, both Garcia's intellect/record (both substantial) and the average, tax-paying Chicagoan's opinion on Emanuel (negative)-- seeing as you're watching this unfold from North Carolina. The Emanuel regime has been devastating to most Chicagoans, since we're a city of working middle class people. Emanuel's policies have benefited a wealthy few. I do understand why you'd be confused, but come visit sometime.
28
The ironic part is that were he (or anyone) to come visit, he would be immersed in none of the average, tax-paying Chicagoan neighborhoods and, instead, likely see solely the parts of Chicago that you feel Rahm has unfairly focused on.
I think neither Rahm nor Chuy is a wrong answer.
I think neither Rahm nor Chuy is a wrong answer.
No, he doesn't get what, I the voter, want done. And how someone in NC is qualified to judge this, is beyond me.
5
Raul Emanuel is a driven man who seems to have done a good job for Chicago but whose aggressive personality (which helped him achieve those good things) rubs voters wrong. We in DC had a similar high-achieving mayor, Adrian Fenty. We voted him out after one term five years ago, and now his successor (our ex-mayor) may be facing federal indictment. I wish the voters would make politics not a "popularity contest," but a test of competence. Would I want to invite Mr. Emanuel to dinner? Probably not. But would I trust him with the city in which I live? Probably yes. I hope for his success at the polls.
22
If you think Rahm is an effective mayor, then you have not paid close attention to Chicago. I live here and he is hated for many valid reasons, only one of which is his personality. He is hated for dividing a divided city even more. He is hated for closing 53 schools and sending kids across gang lines (putting them at great risk) while reaping non of the proposed financial benefits of the closings. He is hated for focusing all attention on lakeshore communities. He has had his 4 years to fix things and has not done that. I would rather take a chance on unknown Chuy than on Rahm.
31
You can't fix 20 or more years of bad management in four years.
I'm now retired and don't live in Chicago anymore but even over 50 years ago, my mother wouldn't send me to public schools.
I'm now retired and don't live in Chicago anymore but even over 50 years ago, my mother wouldn't send me to public schools.
4
Who needs the abrasiveness or as described, the gruffness? No matter how brilliant. There are others who are just as brilliant. And who don't curse, don't upbraid people publicly and have a more mature sensibility.
57
I think it comes from this idea that he thinks somehow he is indispensable.
As Chares De Gualle said, "The graveyards are full of indispensable men."
As Chares De Gualle said, "The graveyards are full of indispensable men."
38
WHO was chares de gualle? mon dieu!
2
Yes, it's nice to see arrogant people fall.
19
Have they been told that on 9/11 he rushed to help the military,
not the US military, the Israeli military. It seems to be kept
a secret. Never hear a word about in in the media.
But when the story is told, there is considerable interest, and
some surprised and negative results. Meaning, therefore that
it's not something known and regarded as unimportant.